Welcome ROCmommas, ROCpoppas, and Friends!

Have fun with your kids - that's what it's all about. If you're looking for fun places to go in Rochester, NY (ROC), awesome
crafts to make, and yummy treats to bake with your kids - as well as some ideas for Date Nights - then you've come to the
right place. Welcome to ROCmomma. Happy reading, and please share your comments. Thank you!

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Easter Games for Kids

Here in Rochester - and most of the northeast - we will not be having an outdoor egg hunt on Easter. The snow is melting, but the ground is soggier than your socks after some puddle jumping.

In preparation for our indoor festivities, my five-year-old helped me put together some fun, kid-tested, and kid-approved Easter games. We hope you find them helpful in planning your Easter festivities.

1. Egg Hunt
Players go on a scavenger hunt to find eggs, eggs, and more eggs!

Materials needed:

  • plastic eggs
  • small age-appropriate prizes or treats to place in the eggs (optional)
  • baskets or containers for each player

To keep the hunt fair for all ages, one egg-hunt method is to hide different color eggs for each player. When the hunt begins, players must only find their own color eggs and put them in their basket; they leave the other color eggs alone.

Another method is a group egg hunt. Hide clues in the eggs - instead of or in addition to the treats, with the final clue leading them to their Easter baskets. Be sure to have one clue ready to direct them to the first egg.

Or, you could go the more traditional route of hiding a ton of eggs and letting the kids go crazy.

2. Egg Tac Toe 
Toss plastic eggs and try to get them into 3 cups in a row

Materials needed:

  • 1 empty box
  • 9 plastic cups
  • glue gun, glue dots, or craft glue
  • green construction paper
  • scissors

Use glue to adhere cups into the empty box.
Cut slits into green paper to make grass; glue onto outer sides of box, overlapping pieces of paper as necessary.
Player tosses plastic eggs and tries to get them into three cups in a row. Depending on ages of children playing, you can limit the number of eggs they toss. For younger kids, let them keep going until they get it...and everyone is a winner.
3. Bocce Eggs
Roll plastic eggs and try to get your egg closest to the center target.

Materials needed:

  • painter's tape
  • plastic eggs (a different color per player)
Use painter's tape to create your target on the floor. Each player gets 3 plastic eggs of the same color (a different color for each player). Players take turns rolling one egg at a time, trying to get closest to the center. The egg closest to the center wins. Variation: Assign each area of the target a different number of points; add up each player's points to determine the winner.


4. Egg Race
Players use a straw to blow their plastic egg from the starting line to the finish line.

Materials needed:

  • plastic straw for each player
  • plastic egg for each player
  • painter's tape
Use painter's tape to mark the starting and finish lines. Give each player a straw and a plastic egg. Say, "Ready, set, go," to start the race. Players use their straw to blow their egg across the finish line.

5. Egg-on-a-Spoon Race
Players try to be the first one to cross the finish line, without letting their egg fall off the spoon.

Materials needed:

  • painter's tape
  • spoon for each player
  • plastic egg for each player
Mark a start and finish line on the floor with painter's tape, or use the same set up as the Egg Race, above. Each player puts a plastic egg on his or her spoon and then stands on the starting line. Say, "Ready, set, go," to start the race. Players walk to the finish line; if an egg falls off the spoon, the player picks up the egg and goes back to the starting line to try again.

6. Bunny Hop Relay
Players hop to a basket with an egg under their chin, and drop the egg in to fill the basket.

Materials needed:
  • 2 baskets per team
  • plastic eggs
  • bunny ears (optional)
Divide players into two teams (for younger kids or a small group, you may want to just play together on one team...more of a team-building game rather than a competitive game). Place a basket full of plastic eggs near the players; place an empty basket on the other side of the room. Say, "Ready, set, go," to begin the game. Players take turns placing an egg under their chin, hopping with it to the empty basket, and dropping the egg into the basket. That player hops back, and the next player goes. In a competitive version, the game ends when one team fills their basket. In a team-building version, the game is over when all the eggs are in the second basket.


7. Easter Moves
Players show off their moves, and shake out their sillies by picking two cards and following the instructions.

Materials needed:
  • 2 baskets
  • 2 colors of construction paper, 2 sheets each
  • scissors
  • marker
  • Easter-themed stickers
Cut each sheet of paper into roughly 2.5" x 2.5" squares. On one color, write a number from one through six on each square. There will be multiple copies of the same number. On the other color, use the Easter-themed stickers to put an image on each square; we used bunnies, chicks, eggs, and flowers. Fold the squares and place them in a basket, keeping the colors separate. 

Each player selects one card from each basket and follows the instructions. In our game, the stickers represent the following:
  • Bunny sticker = hop
  • Chick sticker = flap your wings and say, "Tweet!"
  • Egg sticker = roll on the floor (or a somersault)
  • Flower = do a crazy shake
For example, if a player picks a number "2" card and a "Bunny" card, he or she must hop like a bunny two times. Continue until all of the cards have been used.

8. Bunny
This game is similar to Cootie, except players are building an Easter bunny instead of a bug.

Materials needed:

  • white card stock (6-7 sheets)
  • construction paper: pink, black, and assorted colors for the bows
  • scissors
  • pencil
  • black marker
  • 1 glue stick per player
  • 1 white paper plate per player
  • 1 die
  • markers or crayons for each player
Use the card stock, construction paper, pencil, marker, and scissors to make features for the Bunnies: eyes, noses, cheeks, mouths with tongues/teeth, ears, and bows. This was my free-hand guide:

To play, each player will need a paper plate and a glue stick. Everyone takes turns rolling the die and selecting a feature for their bunny based on the number rolled:
  1. Eyes
  2. Nose
  3. Cheeks
  4. Mouth
  5. Ears
  6. Bow
As each feature is acquired, the player glues that piece onto their plate to create a Bunny face. Continue playing until everyone completes his or her Bunny. Provide crayons or markers at the end to add whiskers or other details.

9. Easter BINGO
Use jelly beans as Bingo markers and try to get five in a row.

Materials needed:
  • Easter-themed Bingo cards and calling cards (free download)
  • jelly beans for each player
Each player gets a Bingo card and some jelly beans; everyone places a jelly bean on Free Space. Use the calling cards to call out an object and players place a jelly bean on the matching square on their own card. First player to get five in a row wins (and all players get to eat their Bingo markers at the end). 



10. Pin the Nose on the Easter Bunny
Just like Pin the Tail on the Donkey!

Materials needed:
  • Easter Bunny face (hand-made or purchased decoration)
  • pink construction paper
  • scissors
  • masking tape
  • blindfold
Use the pink paper and scissors to cut enough noses for each player; place a roll of masking tape on the back of each nose. Hang the Easter Bunny face low enough that the players can reach easily. Players take turns getting blindfolded (optional for younger players), spun around, and then trying to place the nose on the Bunny - as close to the real nose as possible.

Whether you have a winner for each game, or make everyone a winner for participating, we hope these games provide tons of entertainment and laughs at your Easter celebration. As always, thanks for reading.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Family Fun This Weekend

Once again, here is your guide to fun for this weekend. But first, a look at the bizarre things to celebrate over the next few days:

Did you know that today, Friday, March 22, is National Goof Off Day? Be sure to relax and do something fun!

Grab your favorite tortillas and salsa (or kettle chips and onion dip) because Saturday, March 23 is National Chip and Dip Day.

Make a yummy snack mix on Sunday, March 24 for National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day. Throw in some dried fruit, mini pretzels, and of course some chocolate-covered raisins.


ONGOING
  
Race: Are We So Different?
Daily through Sunday, April 28, 2013
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
Explore the stories of race from biological, cultural, and historical points of view. This new exhibit features hands-on activities, 3-D animation, and more. Included with regular museum admission.

LEGO Travel Adventure
Daily through May 12, 2013
National Museum of Play at The Strong, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
Hands-on LEGO and DUPLO building stations, racing ramps, tons of LEGO displays by LEGO Master Builders, and even a spot to take a photo of your own creation and email it to yourself or friends and family. Included with regular museum admission. Check out the ROCmomma review here.
FRIDAY

Game Night
Friday, March 22 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (repeats on Fridays through June 14, 2013)
ArtsROC, 3462 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford, NY
Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy movies, Wii, Xbox, Minecraft, tons of LEGOs, and a pizza party for $25 at ArtsROC. Call (585) 218-9125 or email info@artsroc.net for more information. Or click here to register.

Free Family Night: Family Kickball
Friday, March 22 from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
YMCA- Southeast, 111 East Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY
The Adventure Center is open until 9 p.m. (remember your socks!), enjoy pizza in the Lobby at 5:45 p.m until it runs out ($1/slice), join in a Family Kickball Game at 6:15 p.m., and swim in the pool until 9 p.m. Free and open to the community.

SATURDAY

Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast 
Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
YMCA Camp Arrowhead, 20 Arrowhead Road, Pittsford, NY
Enjoy a yummy pancake breakfast, meet the Easter bunny, play games, make arts & crafts, and more. There will be two separate egg hunts - one for ages 5 and under, and one for ages 6 - 12. Register online or at the Southeast YMCA (111 E. Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY) up until March 22nd; $7.50 per person or $32 per family (up to six people). Registration at the event is $12 per person or $45 per family (up to six people). Children under age two are free and should be included in the family count. This event is open to the community; you do not have to be a member of the YMCA.

Easter Party
Saturday, March 23 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Created by Us Ceramic Studio, 3 Railroad Street, Fairport, NY
Join the Easter Party for an Easter Egg Hunt, pottery painting, and cookie decorating. Open to ages 5 and up for $20 per child. Younger children welcome with an adult. Reservations required: (585) 223-8210.

5th Annual HUGE Easter Egg Hunt Benefit
Saturday, March 23 at 11:00 a.m.
Bloomfield Elementary School, 45 Maple Avenue, Bloomfield, NY
Three indoor Easter Egg Hunts for ages 0-3, 4-8, and 9 & up, with over 4000 eggs and 3 prize baskets per age group. All participants win a prize bag filled with goodies. Take pictures with the Easter Bunny,  play in the bounce house, or stop by the bake sale, carnival games, crafts, and face painting.  Admission is a $3 donation per child; donations benefit the Patrick Parrish Memorial Scholarship Fun in memory of a local student.

Meet LEGO Easter Bunny
Saturday, March 23 from 12 - 3 p.m.
ArtsROC School of Art, Music, & Language, 3462 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford, NY
Bring your 5-cent recyclables to ArtsROC to help support Catherine's Peace Team with your donation. You'll have a chance to get your picture taken with LEGO Easter Bunny, take home a free LEGO chocolate, and help build a LEGO Easter scene. 

Open Gym & Extreme Sports Practice Night
Saturday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m. (repeats Saturdays through May 25)
Sports Academy of Victor, 6385 Route 96, Victor, NY
Have fun with mats, sports equipment, tumble track, foam pit, turf field, batting cages, spring floor, and inflatables. Instructors are available to help. For ages 6 and up; cost is $10.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY 

Saturday, March 23 - Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Various Locations Throughout New York State (use the zip code search to find a location near you)
Enjoy a pancake breakfast, or just find out how maple syrup gets from a tree to your table, at one of the many Maple Weekend celebrations in New York. Several locations also have activities for kids, such as  Genesee Country Village & Museum. Check out ROCmomma's review of Maple Weekend 2012 here.

Saturday, March 23 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 24 from 1 - 5 p.m.
National Museum of Play at The Strong, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
Meet Martha the Talking Dog, and enjoy story time featuring Martha books. Don't forget your camera! Included with regular museum admission.

SUNDAY

Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Castle Creek Farm, 3760 Rush Mendon Road, Mendon, NY
Sunday, March 24 from 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Easter Egg Hunt from 12 - 12:30 p.m. is held in the indoor ring and outdoor facilities (rain or shine). Get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny, go on a pony ride, make arts and crafts, enjoy face painting, and check out the farm and petting zoo. Homemade baked goods and snacks will be available.  Admission is $8 per child, or $5 per child for families with 2 or more children.

Salseros
Sunday, March 24 from 12 - 3 p.m.
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
Experience Hispanic culture through dance with the University of Rochester's Spanish and Latino American Student Association. Included with general admission.

Family Movie Day: Wreck-It Ralph
Sunday, March 24 from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Rochester Public Library (Central Library), 115 South Avenue, Rochester, NY
Families are invited to come to the Children's Center of the Central Library to watch Wreck-It Ralph (rated PG). This program is free, so bring the whole family. No registration required.

Have a great weekend! As always, thanks for reading.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Blackberry Chocolate Cheesecake

That's right. Blackberry. Chocolate. Cheesecake. Yep; I went there.

Recently, we were headed to my mother-in-law's for her birthday. I volunteered to bring a cake, but I was in the mood for something other than your basic layer cake with frosting. Don't get me wrong; I could eat frosting by the spoonful. But a few weeks before, I had made these amazing six-layered cheesecake cupcakes and couldn't wait to try something similar.
Rainbow layers of cheesecake-goodness. Mmmmm...
I knew the birthday girl likes cheesecake and chocolate, and that her favorite color is purple. It seemed obvious to have a chocolate crust, a layer of chocolate cheesecake, and a layer of purple cheesecake. To add a little kick, blackberry preserves seemed like the right choice.

First, wrap your springform pan in aluminum foil, to protect it later in the water bath. Next is the  chocolate graham cracker crust which gets pressed into the bottom and sides of the pan. Then the blackberry preserves get heated in the microwave until liquified and easily spreadable on top of the crust. Stick the pan in the fridge at this point while preparing the remaining layers.
Next comes the creamy cheesecake filling.
Then the fun part! Divide the layers and start adding the mix-ins. I kept one white layer for the top, to cover up the surprises beneath. Two layers were dyed purple with food coloring, and the last layer was mixed with 2 ounces of melted chocolate.
Time to layer: spread the filling carefully, one layer at a time. Try to get all the way to the edges.
Keep layering. Then place the pan into a water bath and into the oven for 50 minutes.
After the 50 minutes are up, turn off the oven and open the door for one minute to cool a bit. Then close the door again and leave the cheesecake alone for one hour. Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes, then refrigerate (loosely covered) for at least four hours. Run a thin knife around the edges to loosen the cake, unmold, and transfer to a serving plate.
Slice cheesecake with a thin non-serrated knife; wipe clean after each cut. If you have difficulty cutting, dip the knife in hot water before each cut. (Ugh! I can't believe this came out so blurry!)
Enjoy the deliciousness. Yum!

Blackberry Chocolate Cheesecake
Serves 12


Hands-on Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 50 minutes
Cooling/Chilling Time: 5 hours


30 chocolate graham cracker squares
1/2 c. unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into chunks
12 oz. seedless blackberry preserves
3 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese* (24 oz. total), softened
3 eggs
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. sour cream**
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Remove cream cheese packages from refrigerator and keep at room temperature to soften while preparing everything else. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by wrapping the bottom with aluminum foil. Have a roasting pan ready for the water bath; set aside.

2. In a food processor, pulse graham crackers until they are crumbs.
KIDS CAN HELP: Carefully put graham crackers into the food processor (keep it unplugged while the blade is exposed). Once closed, kids can push the button to turn on/off the food processor.

3. Melt butter in the microwave: 30 seconds, stir, 15 seconds, stir. Continue in 15-second intervals until melted. Pour into food processor with graham cracker crumbs; pulse until crumbs are moistened.
KIDS CAN HELP: Carefully pour the butter into the food processor, and push the pulse button once the food processor is closed.

4. Pour crumbs into prepared pan and use the smooth bottom of a glass to press down into the base and about one inch up the sides.
KIDS CAN HELP: Pour crumbs into pan.

5. Heat preserves in the microwave: 30 seconds, stir, 15 seconds, stir. Continue in 15-second intervals until liquified and spreadable. Pour into crust and carefully spread around to edges. Refrigerate while preparing cheesecake filling.

6. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese on low for 2 minutes, until free of lumps. Add eggs, one at a time, and continue to beat on low until combined.
KIDS CAN HELP: Dump cream cheese into bowl; pour eggs into bowl (TIP: For less mess, crack an egg into a cup and let the kids use the cup to pour the egg into the bowl.)

7. Add sugar, sour cream, and vanilla. Continue to beat 1-2 minutes until well combined but not over-beaten, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary.
KIDS CAN HELP: Add ingredients to the bowl.

8. Meanwhile, using a tea kettle or pot, start boiling water for the water bath.

9. Pour 3/4 of the cheesecake filling into a separate bowl, reserving 1/4 of the filling in original bowl [BOWL #1]. To the 3/4 of the filling, add 2 drops each of red and blue food coloring; mix until blended evenly.
KIDS CAN HELP: Stir the mixture until the color is even.

10. Pour 2/3 of the purple filling into another bowl, reserving 1/3 of the light purple [BOWL #2]. To the 2/3 of the filling, add 3 more drops each of red and blue; mix until evenly blended.
KIDS CAN HELP: Stir the mixture until the color is even.

11. Pour 1/2 of the dark purple into a separate bowl, reserving 1/2 as dark purple [BOWL #3]; the other 1/2 will become chocolate-dark purple filling [BOWL #4]. In a separate microwave-safe container melt chocolate chips in the microwave: 30 seconds, stir, 15 seconds, stir. Continue in 15-second intervals until melted. Temper the chocolate by adding a few spoonfuls of dark purple cheesecake filling from Bowl #4 into the chocolate. Stir and then pour this mixture into Bowl #4; stir to mix evenly.
KIDS CAN HELP: Measure chocolate chips into microwave-safe container. Kids can also stir the chocolate-cheesecake mixture until fully combined.

12. Remove pan from refrigerator; carefully spread contents of Bowl #4 (chocolate-dark purple) evenly over the blackberry layer, spreading to the edges. Next, carefully spread contents of Bowl #3 (dark purple) evenly over the chocolate layer, spreading to the edges. Then carefully spread contents of Bowl #2 (light purple) evenly over the dark purple layer, spreading to the edges. Lastly, carefully spread contents of Bowl #1 (white) evenly over the light purple, spreading to the edges.

13. Place filled springform pan inside a larger baking pan or roasting pan. Carefully pour boiling water into baking pan until halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan. Bake 50 minutes. Do not over bake; the cheesecake will still jiggle but will firm when chilled.
KIDS CAN HELP: Set the timer.

14. Turn off oven and leave door open for one minute to cool slightly. Close over door and let cheesecake rest for one hour.

15. Remove cheesecake from oven and from water bath. Let cool 30 minutes on wire rack. Loosely cover and refrigerate at least four hours.

16. Run a thin knife around edges to loosen from sides; unmold and transfer to a serving plate. Slice cheesecake with a thin non-serrated knife, wiping after each cut. If it is difficult to slice, dip knife into hot water and wipe dry before each slice. Enjoy!

* TIP: I used 1 package of fat free cream cheese and 2 packages of reduced fat cream cheese.
** TIP: I used reduced fat sour cream. Using all fat-free dairy products will affect the texture of the cheesecake filling; I recommend reduced fat instead.


This is such a delicious dessert, I hope you have a reason to celebrate soon! Be sure to Post a Comment if you make Blackberry Chocolate Cheesecake and let us know how you like it. As always, thanks for reading.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Product Review: Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil

I don't know about you, but I'm tired of this never-ending winter. We were promised an early Spring (that groundhog...such a tease!), yet we are still getting more of the white stuff in upstate New York. The combination of ridiculously cold air outside plus the dry heat inside is wreaking havoc on my skin and hair. So I was thrilled when I received an email from Bzz Agent about trying Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil.

I packed my new bottle of Miracle Dry Oil in my gym bag and kept my hopes high.

On Your Skin

The best part of a workout is the shower afterward, and the best part of my shower was using Miracle Dry Oil afterward. It dries almost instantly, and has a slight citrus smell - it's faint, not overpowering. It left my skin so soft, and absolutely no trace of oil on my clothes. My only complaint is that the bottle is too smooth; it would be easier to grip in the shower if there were grooves on the sides.

Do you have "Mom Hands?" Miracle Dry Oil also works wonders on hands. After a day filled with washing hands, doing dishes, washing hands before preparing every snack or meal, washing hands after every potty-training effort, bath time, washing hands, washing hands, and washing hands, my knuckles are red and my skin is chafed and cracked.

At night I have been spritzing Miracle Dry Oil on my Mom Hands and waking up to normal hands. Yay. It also works well as a cuticle oil. If we ever do get to see the green grass and blue skies again, there will be sandals. But while we're still stuck inside, take the opportunity to give yourself an in-home manicure and pedicure with some of the oil, in preparation for the nice weather.

On Your Face

You can even use it on your face. After a few days in Lake Placid (ten degrees!), I had dry patches on my forehead and cheeks. So, I tried the Miracle Dry Oil. On your face, a little goes a long way. I just spritzed some into my palm and dabbed a little oil on the dry patches. In a few days, my skin was smooth again.

On Your Hair

Miracle Dry Oil is also supposed to work on dry hair. This is my one other complaint: I have not been able to figure out how to use it without making my hair look dirty and oily. However, I did find that it works well as a conditioning treatment. If I spray my hair at night and wash it in the morning, it is softer and shinier than normal.

If you have dry skin or Mom Hands, then Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil is worth a shot. It's around $5.99 at most grocery stores and mass retailers.


Be sure to Post a Comment and let me know how you like Miracle Dry Oil. As always, thanks for reading.


Disclaimer: I received a bottle of Miracle Dry Oil for free from Bzz Agent. However, I did not receive compensation for this post, and the opinions expressed here are my own.

Monday, March 18, 2013

Easter Egg Hunts in the Rochester Area

This Easter season, there are plenty of egg hunts, and even a bunny hunt, for the kids to enjoy. We have participated in the egg hunt at Camp Arrowhead for the past few years, so I can highly recommend that one. (details for other events are at the bottom of this page)

SATURDAY, MARCH 23
The Annual Camp Arrowhead Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast will take place on Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at YMCA Camp Arrowhead, 20 Arrowhead Road, Pittsford, NY.

The yummy pancake breakfast buffet is held in one of the camp shelters. Grab a table, load up your plate, and dig in! After breakfast, kids can enjoy crafts and games. If the weather cooperates, the playground and giant sandbox provide lots of entertainment. Older kids (8+) can even climb the alpine tower.
There are two separate hunts: one for ages 5 and under, and one for ages 6-12. The hunts take place in the fairy tale forest, with adorable little play houses.
I like the candy house the best.
Kids have a blast filling their bag (provided) with eggs.
If you are lucky enough to find the golden egg, you can win a free week of camp! No such luck for us, but we don't mind.
After the hunt, kids turn in their eggs for a goodie bag filled with door prizes.
Above, my little one is pulling off an Easter bunny mask, which was in his goodie bag.

Friday, March 15, 2013

Family Fun This Weekend

After a brief winter dry spell, the Rochester area is once again brimming with fun activities for the family. Here is your guide to fun for this weekend.

First, "beware the Ides of March," on Friday, March 15. A fortune teller gave this warning to Julius Caesar, but he was not cautious enough. Caesar was stabbed by Marcus Brutus on the Ides of March - March 15 - in 44 B.C. So maybe this story isn't one for the kiddos, but you can go on a Shakespeare-related tangent and watch "Gnomeo & Juliet" together for a Family Movie Night instead. Yes, it's a stretch.

Saturday, March 16 is Everything You Do Is Right Day. You get the picture - it's going to be a perfect day because everything you do is right. Need some reassurance? Then just listen to a pep talk from Kid President; you'll soon be on the right track.

Of course, Sunday, March 17 is Saint Patrick's Day. Bake Irish Soda Bread, make St. Patty's Day crafts, and cook something with Guiness for dinner (I think I'm going to try The Beeroness' Mushroom, Stout, & Goat Cheese Pot Pie or Oh My Veggies' Vegetarian Irish Stew, or maybe both).


ONGOING
  
Race: Are We So Different?
Daily through Sunday, April 28, 2013
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
Explore the stories of race from biological, cultural, and historical points of view. This new exhibit features hands-on activities, 3-D animation, and more. Included with regular museum admission.

LEGO Travel Adventure
Daily through May 12, 2013
National Museum of Play at The Strong, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
Hands-on LEGO and DUPLO building stations, racing ramps, tons of LEGO displays by LEGO Master Builders, and even a spot to take a photo of your own creation and email it to yourself or friends and family. Included with regular museum admission. Check out the ROCmomma review here.
FRIDAY
Kango St. Patrick's Day Party
Friday, March 15 from 4 - 8:00 p.m.
Kango Play Center, 1565 Jefferson Road, #180, Rochester, NY
Enjoy a Leprechaun Hunt, St. Patrick's Day projects, win gold coins, roller skate, play in the bounce house and climbing structure, and more. The Kango St. Patrick's Day Party is $1 in addition to regular admission ($10 total); there is never a charge for adults. Be sure to wear socks.

Game Night
Friday, March 15 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (repeats on Fridays through June 14, 2013)
ArtsROC, 3462 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford, NY
Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy movies, Wii, Xbox, Minecraft, tons of LEGOs, and a pizza party for $25 at ArtsROC. Call (585) 218-9125 or email info@artsroc.net for more information. Or click here to register.

Free Family Night
Friday, March 15 from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
YMCA- Southeast, 111 East Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY
The Adventure Center is open until 9 p.m. (remember your socks!), enjoy pizza in the Lobby at 5:45 p.m until it runs out ($1/slice), play in the Gym from 6-8 p.m. and enjoy an Ice Cream Social, and swim in the pool until 9 p.m. Free and open to the community. If you are interested in enrolling your child in nursery school at the Y, the Nursery School Staff will be available at the Ice Cream Social to share about the program.

SATURDAY

Critter Challenge
Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY
Try some fun activities that will provide a better understanding of what some species do in order to survive. Find out how your senses compare to an animal's at stations located throughout the zoo's buildings. Included with zoo admission.

Cool Kids! at GCC presents: The Magic Guy
Saturday, March 16 at 10 a.m.
Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia, NY
Don't miss The Magic Guy, Chris Wilkinson, and his unique blend of slapstick fun, silliness, aduience interaction, and magic. Open to all ages; admission is free.

Rochester's St. Patrick's Day Parade and Celtic Family Faire
Saturday, March 16: Parade at 12:30 p.m.; Faire from 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Main Street, Rochester, NY
The parade runs down East Avenue, beginning at Alexander Street, and continues down Main Street, ending at Plymouth Avenue. Check out the parade web site for parking information and other details, and be sure to check out ROCmomma's parade review with tips for attending with kids.
The Celtic Family Faire is held on the second floor of the Radisson Hotel at 120 East Main Street, Rochester. Enjoy Celtic music and dance, games, storytelling, and more.


Family Features: Bolt
Saturday, March 16 from 2 - 4:00 p.m.
Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY
Enjoy a free fun family flick! Doors open at 1:30 p.m. and a brief humane education lesson will begin at 2 p.m. to kick off the movie. ("Bolt" is rated PG) No registration necessary. Admission is free, however donation to help homeless animals are greatly appreciated. Some food and beverages will be available for purchase.


Open Gym & Extreme Sports Practice Night
Saturday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. (repeats Saturdays through May 25)
Sports Academy of Victor, 6385 Route 96, Victor, NY
Have fun with mats, sports equipment, tumble track, foam pit, turf field, batting cages, spring floor, and inflatables. Instructors are available to help. For ages 6 and up; cost is $10.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY 

Saturday, March 16 - Sunday, March 17 and Saturday, March 23 - Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Various Locations Throughout New York State (use the zip code search to find a location near you)
Enjoy a pancake breakfast, or just find out how maple syrup gets from a tree to your table, at one of the many Maple Weekend celebrations in New York. Several locations also have activities for kids, such as  Genesee Country Village & Museum. Check out ROCmomma's review of Maple Weekend 2012 here.


Saturday, March 16 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 17 from 1 - 5 p.m.
National Museum of Play at The Strong, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
Meet Mouse from Laura Numeroff's If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Don't forget your camera! Included with regular museum admission.

SUNDAY


Free Youth Admission Day
Sunday, March 17 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY
Receive one free youth admission with the purchase of one adult admission at the Seneca Park Zoo.


Family Fun Craft Day
Sunday, March 17 from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Rochester Public Library (Central Library), 115 South Avenue, Rochester, NY
Families are invited to come to the Children's Center of the Central Library to create a shamrock wreath for St. Patrick's Day. This program is free, so bring the whole family.

Have a great weekend! As always, thanks for reading.

May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. 
May your heart be as light as a song. 
May each day bring you bright, happy hours. 
That stay with you all the year long.


Wednesday, March 13, 2013

St. Patrick's Day Parade

The Rochester St. Patrick's Day Parade is happening this Saturday, March 16 at 12:30 p.m. If you have never been to the parade, clear your schedule.

The parade runs along East Avenue, starting at Alexander Street, and continues on to Main Street until Plymouth Avenue. Check out the map for parking information and shuttle bus stops. Traffic is usually blocked along the parade route at 11:30 a.m.

First priority: Parade Gear. This is definitely a day to go all out. Wear as much green as possible, add some festive green hats, beads, sunglasses, you name it.
Second priority: Food and entertainment. If you plan to attend the parade with kids and want to have room for chairs or a blanket, you'll want to arrive early (10:30/11 a.m. is not a bad idea). And if you plan to arrive early, you'll want to be prepared with snacks and distractions for the kids.
Last year we brought cars, trains, Play Doh, coloring books, crayons, stickers, and bubbles. Of course, we had our iPhones as a Plan B for distraction.
The kids loved seeing the fire trucks, all the cars, and especially the groups of Irish dancers. But there are tons of participants in the parade; last year we stayed until about 1:30 and had not seen even half of the line up. Be prepared.  

One last thing: Sunscreen. Even though it's not summer yet, sunburns are still possible, especially for the kiddos.

And if the parade isn't your cup of tea, there is also a Celtic Family Faire at the Rochester Riverside Hotel, 120 East Main Street. It will run from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 16. This indoor family festival features Celtic music and dance, games, storytelling, and more. For information, call 234-5167.

Have a blast celebrating St. Patrick's Day this weekend. As always, thanks for reading.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Maple Weekend Festivities in New York State

Do you like maple syrup? Real maple syrup? Then you may want to check out a Maple Weekend. Over the next two weekends - March 16-17 and 23-24 - the New York State Maple Producers Association invites families to learn about maple syrup production and to taste real maple syrup. Find out how maple syrup goes from tree to table, and taste some maple sweetness along the way.

More than 110 maple producers across New York State will host open houses for visitors of all ages. Search your zip code to find a sugarhouse near you.

Last year, we visited the Genesee Country Village & Museum for their Maple Sugar Festival. We started with a self-guided walk to the nature center's sugar bush. Along the way, we saw demonstrations of sap-managing and syrup-making techniques from the good ol' days through today. Maple-leaf markers on the trees helped us stay on track, and the kids had fun spotting those leaves to lead us through.
We even had a chance to drill into a tree stump and push in the tap.
Then we continued our walk through the woods to the maple sugar camp. Village volunteers were on hand in period costumes demonstrating the process of making maple syrup as well as maple sugar candy.

The kids had fun making a maple leaf craft - and warming up - in the nature center building.
Once we had our fill of the nature center and maple walk, we headed toward the Toll House and into the village. Many of the homesteads and buildings were open for us to explore and to watch demonstrations. 

We also had the opportunity to complete a scavenger hunt. There were yarn dolls hidden throughout the village; we had to record the color of the doll we found at each of the locations. The scavenger hunt itself was fun for the kids. However, they were promised a prize for turning in their completed cards. The prize was a single Tootsie Roll. Yep: one. My recommendation is to enjoy the scavenger hunt; don't even let the kids know about the prize.

During our village exploration, we stopped at the Romulus Female Seminary building where the tinsmith had set up shop. The kids could complete a craft there for $1 each (not included with admission). We were given a tin ornament, a template for a maple-leaf design, a hammer, and a nail. We placed the template on the ornament, and used the hammer and nail to punch the design. Parental assistance is pretty much required on this one. Watch those fingers!
Samples were available at a few stops in the village - a chocolate here, some maple-based cough syrup there. The one place my ROCpoppa and I were really hoping would be offering samples was the Hop House (below).
We learned all about maple beer, but sadly, we were not able to taste it. Below is part of the machinery used in the brewing process. Such a tease.
If you are looking for some maple-related fun, I recommend the Genesee Country Village & Museum for their Maple Sugar Festival. Admission is $8.50 per adult, $6.50 per child (4-16), and free for children 3 and under. They also offer a pancake breakfast during the festival for an additional $8 per adult, $6 per child (4-16), and free for children 3 and under. We passed on the breakfast during our visit since my children are extremely picky eaters, and decided to eat before we left home.

What else should you know before you go? Genesee Country Village & Museum is located at 1410 Flint Hill Road in Mumford, NY. Parking is free. The village is stroller-friendly, however the nature center trails are not. The nature center building has restrooms, and there are restrooms throughout the village. I would recommend bringing your own snacks since the dining options in the village were closed. 

No matter where you are in the New York State area, be sure to check out a Maple Weekend near you. As always, thanks for reading.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Leprechaun On The Shelf

Leprechaun on the Shelf? Now, why didn't I think of that?!?
A few days ago, my kids and I put up our St. Patrick's Day decorations. One of the boxes contained this prosperous poppet. As I was hanging it up, my five-year-old looked concerned and asked, "How are you touching him?" Confused, I asked what he meant. He wanted to know if the leprechaun would lose his magic. Then my three-year-old chimed in and asked, "Does he move at night?"

They were thinking of the Elf on the Shelf.

Little geniuses! If only I had some forethought on this. Instead I have remorse over my missed opportunity. On December 26, I recall wishing we could use Elf on the Shelf all year long. For the 25 days prior, discipline was so easy. It really came down to five little words: Do you know who's watching?

My boys are usually well behaved. But let's face it, combine a sleep-deprived ROCmomma with energetic kids, keep them in the house all day because it's ten degrees (Fahrenheit) outside, and even the most angelic child can grate on your last nerve every once in a while. Yet somehow that creepy little red-suited guy with the goofy grin can silently enforce good behavior in a nanosecond. He really is magical. Even if he does steal your pretzels.
So let's prolong the magic.

  • In January, we could be visited by the Snowman on the Shelf
  • In February, we could have Cupid on the Shelf, or Presidents on the Shelf (available in Washington, Lincoln, etc.) for non-Valentiners.  
  • Leprechaun on the Shelf could check up on us in March. Or the secular Lion on the Shelf ("March comes in like a lion; goes out like a lamb").
  • Easter Bunny on the Shelf in April, or the second half of March as the case may be. Alternately, we could have Umbrella on the Shelf ("April showers bring May flowers") - a plush umbrella with a cute face.
  • In May, we could have Flower on the Shelf. Remember those dancing flower pots? Those could make a comeback.
  • Celebrate Flag Day in June with Flag on the Shelf (with cute facial features, of course).
  • Uncle Sam on the Shelf wants YOU to be good in July.
  • In August, welcome the Lobster on the Shelf. (Yeah, this one is a stretch. August...vacation...beach...ocean...lobster. That's how I got there.)
  • September's watchdog could be Johnny Appleseed on the Shelf (his birthday is September 26th).
  • October could bring us Jack-o-Lantern on the Shelf, or the patriotic Columbus on the Shelf.
  • We could have a Turkey on the Shelf in November.
  • Of course, December brings our trusty ol' Elf on the Shelf. Or maybe extend January's Snowman on the Shelf? Hmmm. Need to work on this one.
The Character on the Shelf is Fun.
Kids love waking up in the morning and finding where their watchful friend has chosen to perch for the day.

The Character on the Shelf is Educational.
These icons could be learning tools used to help teach children about U.S. history, the four seasons, and the calendar in general. 

The Character on the Shelf is Motivational.
Simply pick an incentive for the end of that month - a family outing, a special meal, or a coveted prize. Then let your kids know they can earn that reward at the end of the month if they are on their best behavior. Remind them that the Character on the Shelf will be watching at all times. (Evil laugh optional).

Now, if anyone works in the merchandising industry, let me know. We can partner on this: picture books, plush characters, DVDs, and more. The possibilities are endless; we'll just change "On The Shelf" to avoid copyright infringement. Also, please Post a Comment if you have any better ideas for a month. We'll reward the best ideas with a percentage of the profits.

As always, thanks for reading. And in this case, for laughing along.


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