The Missoula Children’s Theatre Camp

Lila definitely has the "performance art bug." Whether she's singing, acting, or dancing, she is naturally drawn to the stage. When Lila's grandma was looking for birthday gift ideas for our little rising star, I came across a flyer for the Missoula Children's Theatre Camp. It was the perfect gift-- an experience that Lila would truly enjoy and remember. 

Soon Lila was signed up and ready to go. About a week before camp, we received the details. The kids, ranging from Kindergarten through 12th grade, would be cast on Monday and by Friday evening they would be prepared to showcase a full theatrical performance. Having been in a few plays in high school and now working for a college with a conservatory of theater arts, I know a little bit about what goes into a production. I couldn't wrap my mind around the idea that in just one week (actually 5 days) they would be performance ready.

But Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT) has this all down to a science. Although this was the first time that it was on my radar, this was actually the MCT's 25th season at our local theater. They travel around to communities throughout the country, with everything they need to put on a full-scale children's production. They teach and inspire kids nationwide by exposing them (even if it's just for a week) to the joys of musical theater. In such a short amount of time, the children form a bond, jelling into an ensemble, and together take on the challenge of learning lines, songs, and dance routines to be performed by the week's end. And they have a blast! After the first day, Lila was waking up early, eager to go and have fun with her new friends and teachers. She absolutely loved it.

Lila's group put on a production of The Little Mermaid (a different story line than Disney's The Little Mermaid). Lila was cast in the role of a "sea pony." All the behind the scenes preparation was kept under wraps, so family and friends filed into the theater Friday night not knowing what to expect. What we got was an entertaining, adorable performance. Sure, with just a week preparation, there were some fumbled lines and missteps, but nothing is better than witnessing the confidence, creativity, and pride in these young performers shining on stage.

The Sea Ponies in The Little Mermaid

Lila the Sea Pony- so proud of her great performance!

At the end, there were lots of hugs and smiles and promises to see each other the same week next summer. Lila's experience with the Missoula Children's Theatre not only created a lasting memory, but perhaps an annual tradition. -Tara

Our star, post-production, being showered with flowers and gifts. 

Top 10: Fun (almost free) things to do on staycation (Part 2)

Last summer, I wrote about this same topic—Top 10 (low cost) things to do on staycation. Well, I just recently had another glorious two weeks off with Lila. We, once again, had no fancy vacation plans, but we had the absolute best time together. Here are some highlights and suggestions for easy, fun and (practically) free things to do on staycation!

10) Outdoor public art. On our first day of staycation, we had absolutely nothing planned (exactly the way I like it). It was beautiful day, so we decided to just go for a stroll. On our walk, we made it our mission to take a pic on each and every painted bench, which is this summer's public art display in our city. We had a blast being silly and taking selfies! You can likely find outdoor public art exhibits own your town's or city's website such as "Art in the Parks" in NYC.

9) Art classes at Michaels Crafts. This summer, Michaels Crafts is hosting a series of children's art classes, Passport to Imagination, that correspond with museum exhibits across the US– including The Field Museum, the Georgia Aquarium, the Denver Art Museum and the Fashion Institute of Technology. Kids can participate in arts and craft sessions every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Michaels stores for just $2! Lila took a class each week (one with Clara and one with Elisa) while the moms had some much-needed "mommy time" over coffee/tea.

8) Beach time. No vacation (or staycation) would be complete without a day at the beach. We spent plenty of time relaxing with the summer essentials- sun, sand, and water. We are fortunate that Grandma has a condo at the beach.

7) Backyard fun. We had some HOT days this June. Phew! The type that drain you if you just try to walk for a few minutes. We don't have our own pool and our local Y was packed with summer campers (which means no family swim hours- Boo!), so what is there to do to stay cool??? The sprinkler! Yes!!!! Guaranteed to make any little one squeal with excitement, the sprinkler is easy, instant fun. And I have no shame running around in my bathing suit and acting a fool in my own backyard when it means lots of mommy-daughter giggles.

6) Play dates. The summer is the perfect time to get together with friends we don't see as often as we would like. Although we tried to stay unscheduled for the most part, we definitely wanted to get some long overdue play dates on the calendar. We are blessed to have great friends (old and new) and it was nice to spend some time catching up.

5) Free summer movies. I mentioned this in my previous post, but it is worth a slot on the top 10 list again this year. The summer kids movie series at Bowtie Cinemas is a staple in our staycation plans. You can catch a free movie at 10am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the summer.

4) Taco Tuesdays. We joke that Lila's favorite food is Mexican because that's what I was eating when I went into early labor. It seems she wanted to get out and join the party with some chips and salsa. Ha! Lila has coined "Taco Tuesdays" in our home to ensure that her favorite meal makes it on the menu each week, especially on staycation. Whether we are walking to our neighborhood taco joint or making tacos at home, Lila's Taco Tuesday is a hit. Check out Lila's delicious guacamole recipe. 

3) A day at the zoo. One of our best days on our staycation was going to the zoo with Annabelle and Elisa. It was so much fun to ride the monorail, carousel and a camel and to see all of the amazing animals and exhibits.  Our favorite was the butterfly garden.

2) Summer festivals. The summer season is full of many free (or low cost) festivals, fairs, carnivals, and outdoor concerts. We enjoyed an arts festival in one of our neighboring cities with friends where we saw live dance and music performances, had a picnic lunch, and toured one of the art museums. Just check your local newspaper or city/town's website and you are sure to find something fun.

1) A weekend sort of away. We ended our two week break with the absolute highlight of our trip-- the lake house! Annabelle invited us, and other friends, to spend the weekend together at a gorgeous lake home. It was only an hour away, but it was just far enough to feel like a special vacation outside of our city norm. We simply relaxed-- ordered in, cooked out, made s'mores, chilled at the beach, enjoyed the water view, and experienced a breathtaking fireworks show on the dock. It was an amazing finale to our lovely time together.

It was difficult to go back to our routine and Lila and I are already looking forward to our next non-vacation/do-nothing/stay-home/chill-out/quality-time-off together.

Top 10: Fun (low cost) things to do on staycation

This summer we had no family vacation plans, but I did have two fabulous weeks off with Lila. After a busy semester and summer session, I was definitely in need of a break and some real quality time with my girl. I was thrilled not to have a plan or a schedule. Every day we would wake up, get ready, and hit the road. I decided we would act like we were on vacation and enjoy all the little things there are to do near home. We had a great time! Here is our top 10 list of easy and fun things to do on staycation:

10) Have a picnic in the park. Lila and I share a love for picnics. It is a wonderful way to lounge and enjoy the weather on a beautiful day. The fun starts with preparing the lunch, which I let Lila take the lead on (after all, she is an aspiring chef). We usually pack PB&J, fruit, and other snacks, grab a blanket and head to our favorite park (or even just stay in the backyard).

9) Visit a mall in another city. We live down the street from our mall, so we tend to go there often. We have our regular routine-- we'll usually get a truffle from Godiva, sample various teas at Teavana, test out cool gadgets at Brookstone, flip through a few books at Barnes & Noble, and Lila runs around the kids' play area for a bit. We did this, as usual, during our staycation, but we also took a trip to another mall further away. It was kind of exciting to check out different stores and a new play area. This one even had kiddie rides!

8) Make s'mores. Whether you make them over a fire or pop 'em in the microwave, s'mores are just pure, messy fun. We sometimes like to treat ourselves to the s'mores at Cosi. Roast the marshmallows over a tabletop fire pit, assemble them with all the fixin's, and enjoy!

7) Paint your own pottery. We spent one afternoon with a friend at a local ceramics/pottery studio. You could pick out a piece of pottery ranging from $5-$50, choose your colors, and paint to your little heart's desire. Both adults and children can have fun and be creative. When you're finished, they will fire and glaze it for you to preserve your unique piece of art. Lila made a pretty trinket bowl for her dresser.

6) Thrill ride at your local amusement park. The merry-go-round, the "whip," kiddie coaster, giant slide, cotton candy, funnel cake, ice cream... need I say more?!

5) Check out a free (or low cost) movie. In the summer, Bowtie Cinemas offers free kids' movies on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. They also offer $6 movies all day on Tuesdays. Regal Cinemas offers $1 kids' movies also on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and $5 Tuesdays all day.

4) Surprise dad on his lunch break. My poor husband had to work all during our staycation. Boo! One day Lila pointed out that "daddy's missing all the fun." So, to brighten his day, we popped in to take him out to lunch. Lila was a star at her daddy's office and got lots of attention (and a lollipop). It was great to sneak in some QT during his workday.

3) Keep cool at the pool. We were invited by friends to hang out at one of the public pools in their area. We had a blast in the lazy river and splash playground and enjoyed a picnic lunch.

2) Browse your local farmer's market. This is a weekly ritual for me and Lila (and sometimes dad). Lila, being a miniature foodie, is like a kid in a candy store at the farmer's market. She always gets her gourmet olives and mushrooms (which barely make it home). We stroll through the market to sample delicious fruit and veggies and we always come home with a bag of goodies. YUM!

1) Be a beach bum. As mentioned in a previous post, Lila is a total beach baby. We are so fortunate to live near the water (and that Grandma has a place on the beach). I feel like the water and sun have healing, rejuvenating powers that allow me to return from "staycation" totally relaxed and refreshed.

-Tara

Top 10 Car Ride Hits

For the past month or so, Lila and I have included Daddy in on our daily commute. In an effort to be a little greener and frankly to save money on gas, we've been car pooling together to work and summer camp. Some mornings it's crazy and hectic, but overall it has been nice to have a few extra moments as a family.

However...

I must admit I do miss our "girl time" which consists of popping Dunkin Donuts munchkins while blasting and belting out our favorite songs. We don't get to do this in the car with Daddy... It's a girl thing.

An eclectic mix, here are our Top 10 (Lila Approved) Car Ride Hits:

#10) Brown-Eyed Girl, Van Morrison
This song warms my heart because it is one of my own cherished "riding in the car with mom" songs. Well, I've become my mom and tune into the easy listening station on the morning commute. (Hey, I need to hear the news, traffic, and weather.) Just like me, Lila loves this song because she is a "brown eyed girl."

#9) Hey There Deliah, Plain White T's
Here's another one that Lila believes was written just for her. It was hot while I was pregnant, so Lila's been hearing it since she was in the womb. It was played so much that year Lila was almost named "Deliah." Although this song has sparked the "one hit wonder" curse for the group, it is a sweet song and has affectionately become one of Lila's favorite lullabies.

#8) In the Garden, Monkey Monkey Music
If you're not a mom or dad of a toddler or preschooler, you probably have no idea who and what I am talking about. But, believe me, on the birthday party scene Monkey Monkey is hot! Cute and catchy, several Monkey Monkey songs could be included on this play list, but "In the Garden" is one we often put on repeat.



Lila at the Fresh Beat Band Meet and Greet. OMG!

#7) Just Like A Rock Star, Fresh Beat Band Again, only parents will know what I'm talking about... the Fresh Beat Band is huge! Kids loooovvvee them and parents will find themselves singing Fresh Beat songs to themselves when their kids aren't even around. Sure, they're bubblegum pop, but undeniably their songs are contagious. Hate if you want-- They are currently on tour and selling out venues!

#6) Empire State of Mind, Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
Lila's been jamming to this song since she was in diapers, partly because she thought it was her mama on the hook. Whenever the video was on she would point at the TV screen and say "Mama!" Yes, I wear a skin tight leather and perform with Jay-Z in my spare time. (I wish!) Alicia Keys is gorgeous, so I certianly don't mind my own daughter thinking she's me. Thanks, Lila! xoxo

#5) Pon De Replay, Riahanna
This is one of those feel-good club jams that Lila likes to bop her head to in the back seat. She gets a little tongue-tied trying to sing along, but it's all good. (Be sure to get the clean version on Kidz Bop 9).

#4) I Like to Move It, Erick Morillo
Wanna get the party started? Play this song and any group of young children will instantly start moving and grooving like the Peanuts gang. Seriously, this song hypnotizes children. Madagascar has made it a party (and car ride) favorite.

#3) Beautiful Girls,  Kidz Bop 13 (Original, Sean Kingston)
Lila loves this song. The original isn't completely appropriate for kids, but the kid-friendly version tweaks the line "they'll have you suicidal" to "in denial" (phew, much better).

#2) Hot & Cold, Katy Perry
Lila became addicted to this song after Katy Perry's appearance on Sesame Street with Elmo. She sings it constantly. Mom-of-the-year that I am, I added the original song to Lila's play list. Little did I know that one of the lines was "You PMS like a b***h, I should know." No joke when they say kids' brains are sponges. Unfortunately, Lila sings this song word-for-word. Yes, b***h and all. I haven't decided if I should draw attention to the word yet or not. Totally my fault.

#1) Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Cyndi Lauper
YES! Love this song! And I love that Lila loves it. This has become our car ride anthem. Totally 80s, but totally timeless. This is the #1 girl song of all time.

"Oh Daddy dear you know you're still #1, but girls just wanna have fun. Oh, girls just wanna have fun!"

-Tara

Summer Recipe: Chilly Dilly Cucumbers

I have been a member of the Roxbury farm CSA  for the past few years. Being part of the CSA forces me to branch out of my broccoli-green bean- brussels sprout veggie rotation and try new foods like sorrel or tatsoi. I admit it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do with a few of the vegetables that no one in my house particularly loves... Would any of you like a bag of turnips and radishes that has been sitting in my fridge since early June?

Cucumbers are one vegetable that I have no problem finding a use for. I stockpile them for one of my very favorite summer recipes: Chilly Dilly Cucumber Salad. Clara often asks for seconds and thirds of this salad- the tart but sweet flavor is a real winner in our house. The recipe below is modified from the Roxbury farm website.

Chilly Dilly Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 or 3 peeled  cucumbers (I peel some of the skin, but I leave some skin on to provide contrasting green lines for color. My favorite way to prep the cucumbers is to make the slices ultra thin using a grater )
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar or cider vinegar (I sometimes use white wine vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 1 tablespoon dried dill weed
• 1/2 cup or more chopped scallion tops or about 1/4 cup of very thinly sliced onion (I use red or white onion- beware using red onion could give your whole salad a pinkish/purplish tint)
• 1/2 cup sour cream or 1/2 cup greek yogurt (I usually use greek yogurt, and if you are not eating dairy, this dish can be made without any sour cream or yogurt- it will just have a more vinegary taste)
• Fresh ground black pepper

Directions:

Dissolve the salt and sugar in vinegar in a medium sized mixing bowl.  Add the vinegar, dill, onion, sour cream or yogurt and pepper.  Mix together.  Toss the cukes in the dressing and refrigerate for at least an hour or two.  This salad does taste better with age.  It may become slightly watery in which case just needs a quick mixing.  You may want to add a crank of salt just before serving.

I remember when I tried to prepare this cucumber salad for the first time when I was in my teens visiting my grandparents. The recipe I was using at the time called for salting the cucumbers and then rinsing the salt off after before combining the cucumber with the other ingredients. I have never been one to follow a recipe too closely, and so I'm sad to admit in this case, I totally missed the part about rinsing off the salt. This cucumber salad was basically inedible because of the level of salt present, but my grandpa said he didn't notice anything wrong with it, and he ate all of it anyway-- true devotion on his part.

Another relative liked to make this recipe with a little extra sugar and a lot of sour cream. The good news is you can vary the ingredients mostly any way you wish and come out with a yummy dish.

-Ellyn

The perfect day at the beach

With the first signs of summer, I instantly crave the beach. The sun on my skin, the sand between my toes, the relaxing rhythm of the waves… the beach is one of the simple joys of living in Connecticut. Born and raised near the shore, although I am a city girl, the water is an intrinsic part of me. Naturally, Lila is a true beach baby too. It is in our blood. 

Sure, we only have a few warm months to enjoy the sun and sand, but that’s what makes it even more special. Each summer, we take pleasure in many “staycations” at Grandma’s condo on the beach. What’s even better is sharing these days with friends.

On our most recent beach excursion, Lila proclaimed "this is the best day ever!" It is memories like these that I hope she will remember for years.

If you are heading to the beach,

here are a few tips to have the "best day ever!"



   The girls loved making "sand and lobster 
cupcakes" with the *Melissa & Doug Cupcake Set

What to pack:

• waterproof sunscreen
• sunglasses
• sun hats
• flip flops or water shoes
• beach towels
• large comfy towels and/or blankets
• beach umbrella
• wipes and paper towels
• snacks
• a cooler with drinks & ice
• beach toys*
• extra plastic bags for garbage and wet towels

What not to bring? Your cell phone. Mine overheated and my mom’s got wet. Remember, the whole point of the beach is being logged off and disconnected while enjoying nature. So, if possible, take a break and leave the cell phone at home.

(Mom and daughter moments at the beach)

After the beach:

The first thing we all want to do when returning from the beach is get rid of the sand that seems to accumulate everywhere. My mom and her bf John scored a genius find at the Christmas Tree Shop which made the rinsing off part even more fun than the beach—water shooters! Most moms dislike the violent feel associated with water guns, but water shooters are a fun alternative. We put out a large tub of water that the kids used to fill their shooters. Then they let loose soaking each other. The result? Clean kids and giggles galore! Your kids will have a blast, however, a note of caution, they will turn on you. The moms were left totally defenseless and completely soaked!

After everyone was clean and in fresh clothes, the girls were each given a container of bubbles. Bubbles never seem to get old. They entertained themselves blowing and chasing bubbles until lunch was ready.



The beauty of summer food is that it could be so simple but so delicious.



Our Summer Lunch Menu: 

• Lila’s guacamole and chips
• John's homemade bread
• corn on the cob
• pasta salad
• garden salad (with veggies from our local Robert Treat Farm)
• salmon and chicken kabobs on the grill
• Clara and Ellyn’s strawberry shortcake
• chocolate mousse cake
• popsicles

An added bonus from a day at the beach is going home with a content and utterly exhausted child. All part of the plan {insert sinister laugh here}. With full bellies and the calming sea air, the girls were completely wiped out!



The end to a perfect day!

Being Brave

Photo: Disney/Pixar

Over the weekend, Lila and I decided to escape the heat and hit up a cool, air-conditioned matinee. (This is something my mom and I used to do when I was little.) We got together with our neighbors and headed to see Disney/Pixar’s latest release—Brave.

Lila is always down for a movie but, at first, she was a little skeptical of Brave. You see, Lila is not the “princess-type.” According to Lila “princesses are boring.” To our delight, Brave is not your average princess movie. (Phew!) The princess, Merida, is much like Lila—with her wild, untamed curls, she is athletic, independent, daring, adventurous, and well… brave! She is strong-willed and stubborn. The whole time I felt like I was getting a glimpse of Lila as a teen and what our relationship might be like. Her mom is quite reserved and wants Merida to abide by the rules and expectations of a princess. As close as they are, naturally, the two experience conflict which (without giving away too much of the story line) leads to disaster… that is until they are able to put pride aside, compromise, and mend their mother-daughter bond.

As a mom and a daughter myself, I thought the film did a great job of exploring the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. While right now, to Lila, mommy is the best and mommy knows everything, I know there may possibly come a time when I won’t know anything and the LAST thing Lila will want to do is go to the movies with her MOM. (O.M.G!) Perhaps if I take heed to the messages in the film and insights derived from my own teenage years I could re-write our own fate? I just don’t know… all I know is mother and daughter relationships are complicated. For now, I will just enjoy these moments when Lila snuggles on my lap and buries her face in my shoulder during the scary parts.

FYI… there ARE scary parts in Brave. The movie is pretty dark and there is a giant, demon bear. So, beware! But, if you and your little one are “brave” enough, Lila and I do recommend this film. Let us know what you think.

-Tara

Bahama Mamas

First thing out of Lila's mouth (to her bff, Elisa) when we arrived in the Bahamas: "I need a drink in a coconut..." My thoughts exactly, Lila girl!

Once we stepped on the beach, we were greeted by plenty of local vendors offering "cocktails in a coco!" Perfect. Coconut drink in hand, Lila's vacation had officially begun.

Now that we are back home, we can still enjoy a taste of the Bahamas with our very own Bahama Mama recipe:

For Bahama Babes
1 ounce orange juice
1 ounce pineapple juice
1 ounce coconut milk
1/2 ounce grenadine
1 cup of crushed ice
Serve in a coconut shell with a straw

For Bahama Mamas
Same as above but add a 'lil rum and enjoy like you're on island time!

 

-Tara

Life is good...

So just returned from a short vacation to the Bahamas with our good friends the Malones.  Might have slightly set the bar high with pristine, turquoise blue waters being Elisa's first beach experience (and I still have a love/hate relationship with sand...my toes love the feeling but it's totally gross because it gets EVERYWHERE) but I guess I shouldn't be complaining since that will mean more Caribbean vacations for me right?  I could get used to the view... ;-)  

Here's a pic that totally sums it all up...This has really got to be the GOOD life...

"Life's a beach, mon." ;-)

-Annabelle

The sweet and the sour of the lemonade business

Sunday morning, Lila's lemonade stand opened for business. The young entrepreneur was still watching her morning cartoons and finishing her breakfast when her first eager customers (Grandma and John) arrived at 8:45am (15 minutes before the official grand opening.) Lila came running out reciting her sales pitch: "Lemonade! Le-mo-nade!!!"

The first couple dollars came with pure excitement! And so began our small business venture... Here are some things that we learned:

The Sweet:

• Having a lemonade stand means you get to sample your own products-- ice cold mint lemonade, giant sugar cookies, and yummy cupcakes. After all, you have to test for quality control.
• Lemonade stands seem to evoke instant happiness. We received lots of smiles just from the mere sight of our stand.
• Some people will give you money just for being cute and not even take any lemonade or treats.  Or some big spenders will pay double or triple the price for lemonade. (Hmmm, perhaps we were under priced?)
• You get to meet other children in your neighborhood and set up future play dates.
• If you have left over products, your Nana will buy the rest and even let you have some of what you just sold to her. ("Nana, can I have some of your lemonade and cookies?")
• When you own your own business you could make your own hours such as deciding to shut down early for nap time.
• The sweetest thing of all??? An extra $14.50 in your piggy bank! 

The Sour:

• Cupcakes with chocolate frosting will melt in the sun. 
• Sometimes it gets boring when no one comes by for a while.
• You might get a tummy ache from too much product sampling.
• Some grouchy people will actually walk by and ignore a little kid even when asked nicely "Would you like to try some lemonade?" (How rude!) 
• Owning your own business is hard work!! As your business expands, employees (or even partners) may be needed... (But, actually, that could be fun!)