Do you have a little engineer or Thomas lover?

 My 4 year-old is still stuck on trains and it is a real treat to find a train table to play on when we're out and about.  So far we've found one at Schuler's Bookstore on 28th St. 

There is also one in Breton Village Mall at Pooh's Corner, and another one at Baker Bookhouse on East Paris Ave by 28th Street.

Where else have you come across train tables?  Post your find in the comments and let's see how many we can come up with.

Winter can make you feel trapped, especially if you don't like to be cold.  But the East Grand Rapids Library's Dance Party this morning was a great way to burn some energy and get moving.

Designed for kids under 6, the library provided a room with lots of floor space, a small disco ball, shakers, glow sticks, scarves, bells, and other items to help the kids get into the groove.  Parents and kids (some dressed as princesses) came and went during the two-hour time block, stopping to play with the doll house and other toys housed at the EGR library.

The next dance party is scheduled for Monday Feb 23 at 10am until noon.  It's free and fun.  That's hard to beat!

Yesterday I took my son to one of the GR Symphony Lollipops concerts.  What makes this series great is that the Grand Rapids Ballet dances to the music, making it come alive for the 3-6 year olds in the audience.  Costumes are worn by all the dancers and are fabulous. 

I was apprehensive about the story line for my 4-year old son, who had heard that the grandmother got eaten by the wolf and then the wood-cutter would cut him open.  The GR symphony avoided scaring the little ones by modifying the storyline and adding humor.  The result was marvelous! 

Also, Edye Evans Hyde narrated the story as the dancers and musicians performed.  Her voice enhanced the performance.  What an enjoyable experience for all, and only at the cost of $5 per ticket!

The next Lollipops concert is in March and will tell the story of Dr. Suess's Green Eggs and Ham.  on March 21 at Sunshine Church.

I've been the social coordinator for my MOPS group for the last 2 years and it has finally morphed into something bigger. Moms outside of my MOPS group have asked my for my lists of things to do and where to go...so here it is!

I hope that you will share your events and information with me so that I can post it here as well!

My immediate plans for this blog are to post some of the places I find myself regularly, along with photos and critiques.

Some topics I'll develop are:
-story times around town
-events for kids
-businesses that cater to kids
-best birthday parties
-classes and sports for kids
-preschools in Grand Rapids
-websites for Grand Rapids parents
-mom groups in Grand Rapids
-parks
-religious events
-where I look for my information
-shopping with kids
-shopping for kids on a budget
-eating out with kids
-road trip! (day trips)
-Girls Night Out
-freebies

May the fun begin!.