Tickets for this year’s Night at Your Museum event go on sale to the general public December 1 at $20 each. (Museum Member ticket sales began November 3.)  Call 616/456-3977 or go online to grmuseum.org.   

Night At Your Museum, a “FUNraising” event to support exhibits and programs at the Grand Rapids Public Museum is set for 6-9 pm Sunday, December 27th at the Museum’s 272 Pearl Street location.  Based upon the similarly named 2006 movie and 2009 sequel, this event has become one of the most popular offerings at the downtown institution. 

 

Some 1,000 guests will receive a souvenir flashlight and honorary security guard badge upon admittance to the dimly-lit Museum that evening.  Following a dinner buffet they become part of the drama that unfolds as characters from the exhibits come to life on all three floors of the Museum.  Medieval knights will duel with swords, Native Americans will perform ceremonial dances in full regalia, Cleopatra will arrive via procession, soldiers will reenact Civil War skirmishes, and rumor has it, Leonardo da Vinci and Mona Lisa just might make an appearance this year.  The Wurlitzer Theater Organ will perform excerpts and outbursts in the Meijer Theater, and the Spillman Carousel will whirl to life throughout the evening.  Guests can catch one of four scheduled planetarium shows and get inside the mind of a genius in the Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion exhibit. The event has sold out the past three years so those interested are encouraged to act quickly.

I stumbled upon Kathy and her to-die-for Cake Drops at a Women's Night Out at Busy Bees Trading Company.  Good thing we were in public, or I may have taken more than my fair share of samples!

Kathy has this remarkable way of turning ordinary cake into extraordinary delicacies that look almost too good to eat.

She describes them like this:

Delicious Goodness Cake Drops are delicious and moist bites of cake in a candy coating with a rich and flavorful center. They are pretty, sophisticated and festive, with the ease of a pick-up food for entertaining. People love the fact that they are bite-sized and are easy to eat.  Cake Drops are perfect when given as holiday gifts or just to say thank you to that special someone!
 
Each Cake and Cake Drop is a handmade and beautifully decorated one-of-a-kind creation!  Let Delicious Goodness Cakes be a part of your holiday party or special event by creating a unique cake or Cake Drops designed just for you!

Magical Meijer Gardens
by Jenna Scott

After a hasty dinner of beanies and weenies, we told our kids to “grab your cameras and get into the car - we’re headed for a surprise destination”. The suspense as we drove was overwhelming and there was a lot of squealing and guessing from the back of the van as my husband and I smugly sipped peppermint mochas and flipped the radio to one of the two stations already playing Christmas music.

As we drove up to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, we were not disappointed. The fact that it is pitch black before 6pm was actually a good thing on this night because the lighted trees and sculptures seemed even brighter against the inky backdrop. Santa greeted us at the door and made us promise to get a picture with him on our way out, which we did. We made our way in and were immediately ensconced in a gala of garland.

We found, lining the hallways, trees and displays representing different countries and decorated accordingly. Plaques explain how each culture uniquely celebrates the holidays. We felt like we gave our kids a dollop of culture as we looked at, read about, and discussed how different countries decorate and celebrate for the holidays.

Our family’s favorite nook was the Victorian garden—which has been transformed into a choo choo Utopia . There are train tracks up high, down low, bodies of water, bridges, replicas of buildings in Grand Rapids, and plenty of cars tooting around the tracks. Every child and parent in the area was mesmerized by the trains.


Because it was tree-lighting night, we were treated to strolling carolers and hand bell choirs around every corner. We ended our evening making crafts together as a family, snapping a picture of each child in front of their “favorite” tree, and snagging one last photo with Santa in his sleigh on our way out the door.

We could have easily spent another hour wandering, discovering, and taking in the culture and allure of the festive decorations.  But, alas, it was a school night.  We will definitely go back to take in a little more tinsel. I think the 108 photos my son took with his kiddie digital camera aren’t quite enough to do the displays justice.

Wyoming, MI, November 16, 2009 – Children 3 to 14 years old are invited to participate in The Great Candy Cane Hunt on Saturday, December 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The candy cane hunt will take place at Pinery Park followed by lunch with Santa at the Wyoming Senior Center. The cost for children to participate in the Candy Cane Hunt is $5 or $3.50 if a resident of Wyoming. Additional family members are invited to attend the event and have lunch for only $2. 

Pre-registration is required, so be sure to call 616-530-3164 and sign up today.

      The event will begin at Pinery Park where Santa will lead children on a scavenger hunt for the many hidden candy canes throughout the park. Once the children have finished filling their pockets with candy canes, Santa will escort them and their families to the Wyoming Senior Center for lunch. Families are invited to stay and complete a holiday craft, work on a coloring book, play board games, and give Santa their holiday wish list.

      For more information please contact the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at 616-530-3164 or parks_info@wyomingmi.gov  The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is committed to creating community through people, parks and programs to service the citizens of Wyoming and the greater metropolitan area.

I know, some of you don't want to think about Christmas yet, but hear me out.  If you want your kids to make gifts for family and friends, it is good to get a huge head-start.  You never know what is going to happen, and I've learned that you can't rush a child when it comes to making things.

Some ideas for your kids to make can be found on mamapedia. Ideas include eyeglass holders, a handprint Christmas wreath, and mosaic flower pots.

Over at Amazing Moms you will find craft ideas broken down by age.

Another option you have is to head to your local Michaels Store and watch a free demo or participate in their Make-It Take gift event in December.

What will your kids be making this season?  Share the idea and the age/gender of your child.  Thanks!

I just came across something I thought was worth mentioning.  Kentwood Ice Arena has a class that teaches kids how to ice skate.  It is on Sunday evenings and runs $79-$99 for a 8 week session.  Click here for more details.  You can also find a similar program at Griff's Ice House.

Could make a future hockey player a great Christmas present!

Another Great GiveAway!  I have the opportunity to give away (5) Family Packs of 4 tickets each to the Friday night performance!

This original ballet, based on Clement C. Moore's familiar poem and set to familiar Christmas music, has become a holiday tradition in Grand Rapids. Mischievous mice, dancing stockings, and Santa with his sleigh and prancing reindeer combine to create a magical holiday treat.

The performance (perfect for families...one hour long...) includes an opportunity to visit with Santa and the cast on stage after the show, so don't forget your camera! 

It's easy to enter to win these tickets!  Just leave a comment on the blog telling who in your family would like to see 'Twas the most and why.  Good luck, and winners will be chosen by random drawing On November 23.

What a treat!  Enter this contest and win a pack of (4) tickets to Meijer Gardens, a very magical place to be at the Holidays, with more than 40 captivating international trees and displays, strolling carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides and more surprises than can fit under the tree. The Gardens Holiday Express train exhibit, a holiday favorite designed by railway garden designer Paul Busse, winds its way through three separate indoor gardens.

Their exhibit, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World runs from November 18 - January 10.  Some of the highlights include:

• Tree Lighting Ceremony
  November 17, 6-8 PM
• Carriage Rides at Meijer Gardens
  December 1, 8, 15, 22, 26, 28, 29, 305:30–8:30 PMAs part of the Meijer Gardens’ “Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World” exhibition, a scenic carriage ride will take you around the luminescent sculpture park. The member price is $50 per carriage, up to four adults. The Non-member price is $80 per carriage, up to 4 adults. Reservations required, call 616-975-3151
• Sing-A-Long Trolley Rides at Meijer Gardens
  December 1, 8, 15, 22, 26, 28, 29, 305:30–8:30 PMAs part of the Meijer Gardens’ “Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World” exhibition, the Sing-A-Long Trolley Rides will have all ages enjoying classic holiday songs. No reservations required. Adults $8, Children $5
• Holiday Activities on Tuesday Evenings at Meijer Gardens
  November 17, 24, December 1, 8, 15, 22
  6-8 PM
  Meijer Gardens is open late on Tuesday evenings! During our “Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around The World” exhibition, holiday activities will occur from 6-8 PM including: performances by The Original Dickens Carolers, Santa visits, art activities for families. Visit the new Vietnamese exhibit, and create a family New Year’s scroll for your home using traditional red paper and gold writing to express your family’s wishes for the new year. Then try your hand at creating Hoa Mai (apricot) and Hoa Dao (peach) branches with tissue paper blossoms, symbols of new beginnings.
• Roof Top Reindeer at Meijer Gardens
  November 21, 28, December 5, 12, 19
  1–4 PM
  As part of the Meijer Gardens’ “Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World” exhibition, live Reindeer will be visiting our English Perennial Garden for pictures, petting and fun!

To enter to win, leave a comment on the blog describing your favorite family holiday tradition. 

The lucky winner will be chosen by random drawing on Monday, November 23.  Good luck!  And Happy memories this holiday season!

There's a season approaching that lends itself to song and festivities.  Maybe you're looking to change up your holiday repertoire, or maybe you like to consider yourself up on all the new things.  Well, I'd like to invite you to take a listen to the upbeat ...and a Happy New Year by Danny Adlerman, Kevin Kammeraad, and Yosi.

I've listened to the CD a few times in the car with my kids, and they can't get enough of the "A Pickle For My Christmas Tree (Twelve Days of Christmas)" with all the reference to stinky socks and pickles, amongst other things. 
Click here for a taste of what you'll find on this CD.

I think this CD is best suited for kids 5 and over.  You probably also want to know that two of the singers/songwriters are Jewish, so there are a fair number of references to Hanukkah and Menorahs, but you will also find Christmas references, The Grinch who Stole Christmas and more.  It could be a great way to expose your kids to different traditions & beliefs.

The CD retails for $15.95 and can be found at Barnes and Noble or at the links here.  Happy Singing!