Family Fun This Weekend

The weather is pretty dreary this Friday - perfect for a family movie night. Blankets, tea or hot chocolate, some popcorn...sounds like just the thing to me! Thankfully, it should be sunny and a bit warmer this weekend. What a great opportunity to pick some apples and pumpkins, and welcome the fall.


Game Night at ArtsROC
Friday, September 28 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

ArtsROC School of Art, Music, & Language, 3462 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford, NY

Enjoy pizza, movies, Wii, Xbox, Minecraft, and all the LEGOs you can imagine. Cost is $25; register online.

Family Zumba Party
Friday, September 28 at 6:30 p.m.
YMCA Southeast, 111 East Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY
Bring the whole family for Zumba, a cardio dance class with a multicultural beat. No experience necessary. Enjoy refreshments, raffles, and fun for adults and kids of all ages. Proceeds benefit families in our community through the YMCA Invest in Youth Campaign. The cost is $10 for individuals and $15 for a family up to 6 people. 

Smithsonian Museum Day
Saturday, September 29 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, NY
Museums across the country are opening their doors to Smithsonian Pass Holders, including the Genesee Country Village & Museum. To download your free ticket (max. two per download), click here to complete the form on the Smithsonian site.

Edgerton Model Railroad Room Open House
Saturday, September 29 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Edgerton Community Center, 41 Backus Street, Rochester, NY
The historic, 60-year-old model railroad layout features Rochester in all four seasons. The exhibit is only open to the public on the last Saturday of each month, so be sure to stop by.

Wildlife Defenders
Saturday, September 29 - Sunday, September 30; Farm is open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Wildlife Defenders from 12 - 3 p.m.
Stokoe Farms, 656 South Road, Scottsville, NY
Learn about porcupines, kookaburra, and even see a rare silver fox. General admission is $9; Wildlife Defenders included with admission. Be sure to check out the Pumpkin Patch & Harvest Fest, too (open Saturdays and Sundays through October 28).

Hilton Apple Fest
Saturday, September 29 - Sunday, September 30 from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Located in Hilton, NY between Heinz Street, Grove Street, Henry Street, and West Avenue (Route 18)
Enjoy live music and entertainment, food, crafters, and tons of apples. Check the event schedule and get ready for some fun. And apples. Parking is available at Hilton High School, Firemen's Field, West Ave. School, and Hilton Elementary School.

Pumpkin Hollow
Saturday, September 29 - Sunday, October 28; Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m./Sat-Sun: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Gro-Moore Farms, 2811 East Henrietta Road, Henrietta, NY
A wide variety of games, crafts and other activities. Daily activities for up-to-3rd-graders are free; some weekend activities have an extra fee (pay for individual activities or pay One Price Ticket for $10 per person). Mazes, slides, haunted house, fun house, pumpkins, apples, homemade candy and caramel apples, pies, fry cakes, cider, apples, and more await!

Fall Harvest Celebration
Saturday, September 29 - Sunday, September 30 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (weekends through October 28)
Brown's Berry Patch, 14264 Roosevelt Highway, Waterport, NY
Pick your own apples, pumpkins, and raspberries. Face painting, pony rides, hayrides, dinosaur corn maze, lots of pumpkin and apple treats made at Brown's, Barnyard Adventure, Barnyard Express, pedal cars, rope maze, giant slide, playground, and more. Fees apply for activities; please check web site for details.

You Pick Apples, Raspberries, and More
Saturday, September 29 - Sunday, September 30 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
G and S Orchards, 825 Atlantic Avenue (Route 286), Walworth, NY
From now through the end of October, enjoy an afternoon of family fun while picking apples, berries, pumpkins, and more.

Pumpkin Harvest Festival Weekends
Saturday, September 29 - Sunday, September 30  from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (weekends thru October 31)
Long Acre Farms, 1342 Eddy Road, Macedon, NY
Celebrate autumn with the Maize Maze, Back 40, hayrides, and cow train rides. Check out nursery rhymes made entirely of pumpkins and gourds, fun picture cut-outs, and a funny graveyard. Admission is $10.50/ages 5+ and $6.50/ ages 2-4.

"Pumpkintown" & Pick-Your-Own Apples
Saturday, September 29 - Sunday, September 30 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (weekends thru October 28)
Lagoner Farms, 6985 Lake Avenue, Williamson, NY
Pick your own apples and pumpkins, enjoy wagon rides, ride the Cider Barrel Express, explore the Mini Maze, Ring the Corn Cob, Knock the Apple Off the Tree, Bowl Over the Cider Jugs, play Farmer's Fastball, and more. Activities are 1-2 tickets each (tickets are $1 each) or pay one price: $10 each or $35 for a family of 4. Lunch menu is available.

Trolley Rides

Sunday, September 30 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East River Road, West Henrietta, NY

Purchase your tickets, then explore the train cars, antique cars, fire truck, and the model trains in the museum. At your departure time, board the trolley and enjoy the 1-mile ride to the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. Explore the second museum before boarding for a ride back to the Museum of Transportation.

Enjoy the foliage, the pumpkins, and, of course, some apples this weekend! In addition to the fall festivities listed above, Wickham Farms has a hayride and train ride [below], and Powers Farm Market has a haunted hayride and Halloween teepees among other fun fall activities. They both have pumpkins, and are both ROCmomma- (& ROCkiddos-) approved. As always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

The other day I overheard a woman in the locker room at the Y telling another woman how Rochester has one day of autumn between summer and winter. This is not the first time I've heard that in the five years I've lived here, and I'm sure it won't be the last. Now, I know the fall seems to fly by, but I think it lasts a bit longer than twenty-four hours. However, I think it's funny that every organization seems to cram all of their events into the eight or nine weekends in September and October. So, here we are with a plethora of fall festivals, plus some LEGOs and trains. Get outside and get ready for some Fall Fun!

Story Time & More

Friday, September 21, 2012

1. The Apple Shed, 3391 Fairville Maple Ridge Road, Newark, NY - story time at 10:30 a.m. in the corn tent followed by related games and crafts; storytime participants will receive a coupon for a cider slushie or $1 off kids' meals.
2. Lift Bridge Book Shop, 45 Main Street, Brockport, NY - story time at 10:30 a.m. for toddlers ages 1-4, with songs and games
3. Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY - come for the story at 11 a.m., stay for the farm animal fun!

4. Wickham Farms, 1821 Fairport Nine Mile Line Road, Penfield, NY - story time (at 11 a.m.), sandbox, farm animals, and playground are free; jumping pillow, batting cages, and mini golf fees apply. 

Barktober Fest
Saturday, September 22 from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY
Support Lollypop Farm by joining the 5-mile race ($20 registration), 1.5 mile nature walk ($30 registration), or the Pet Festival (free!). The Pet Festival includes a Kids Zone with pet-related crafts and activities. Highlights also include a Costume Contest for dogs, vendor booths, dog competitions and demonstrations, food, and music.

Trees for Troops
Saturday, September 22 at 8 a.m.
Stokoe Farms, 656 South Road, Scottsville, NY
Funds raised through the 5K run and 2 mile walk will provide real Christmas trees to active duty military personnel at home and abroad. There is also a 1 mile scavenger hunt for kids. All registered runners and walkers will receive one free entrance to Stokoe Farms Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Fest.

LEGO Block Party
Saturday, September 22 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Pittsford Community Library, 24 State Street, Pittsford, NY
They supply the LEGO and DUPLO blocks, you supply the imagination. For all ages; no registration required.

Pumpkin Hollow
Saturday, September 22 - Sunday, October 28; Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m./Sat-Sun: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Gro-Moore Farms, 2811 East Henrietta Road, Henrietta, NY
A wide variety of games, crafts and other activities. Daily activities for up-to-3rd-graders are free; some weekend activities have an extra fee (pay for individual activities or pay One Price Ticket for $10 per person). Mazes, slides, haunted house, fun house, pumpkins, apples, homemade candy and caramel apples, pies, fry cakes, cider, apples, and more await!

Fall Harvest Celebration
Saturday, September 22 - Sunday, September 23 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (weekends through October 28)
Brown's Berry Patch, 14264 Roosevelt Highway, Waterport, NY
Pick your own apples, pumpkins, and raspberries. Face painting, pony rides, hayrides, dinosaur corn maze, lots of pumpkin and apple treats made at Brown's, Barnyard Adventure, Barnyard Express, pedal cars, rope maze, giant slide, playground, and more. Fees apply for activities; please check web site for details.

Exhibit Opening: Dora & Diego - Let's Explore
Saturday, September 22 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, September 23 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
National Museum of Play at Strong, 1Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
Explore, learn, and play in this new exhibit featuring Dora, Diego, Boots, and more. During opening weekend, meet Dora and pose for pictures. Included with general admission.

You Pick Apples, Raspberries, and More
Saturday, September 22 - Sunday, September 23 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
G and S Orchards, 825 Atlantic Avenue (Route 286), Walworth, NY
From now through the end of October, enjoy an afternoon of family fun while picking apples, berries, pumpkins, and more.

Pumpkin Harvest Festival Weekends
Saturday, September 22 - Sunday, September 23  from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (weekends thru October 31)
Long Acre Farms, 1342 Eddy Road, Macedon, NY
Celebrate autumn with the Maize Maze, Back 40, hayrides, and cow train rides. Check out nursery rhymes made entirely of pumpkins and gourds, fun picture cut-outs, and a funny graveyard. Admission is $10.50/ages 5+ and $6.50/ ages 2-4.

"Pumpkintown" & Pick-Your-Own Apples
Saturday, September 22 - Sunday, September 23 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (weekends thru October 28)
Lagoner Farms, 6985 Lake Avenue, Williamson, NY
Pick your own apples and pumpkins, enjoy wagon rides, ride the Cider Barrel Express, explore the Mini Maze, Ring the Corn Cob, Knock the Apple Off the Tree, Bowl Over the Cider Jugs, play Farmer's Fastball, and more. Activities are 1-2 tickets each (tickets are $1 each) or pay one price: $10 each or $35 for a family of 4. Lunch menu is available.

Trolley Rides

Sunday, September 23 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East River Road, West Henrietta, NY

Purchase your tickets, then explore the train cars, antique cars, fire truck, and the model trains in the museum. At your departure time, board the trolley and enjoy the 1-mile ride to the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. Explore the second museum before boarding for a ride back to the Museum of Transportation.

Enjoy your weekend, and lots of luck to all walkers and runners participating in the Rochester Marathon, Barktober Fest, Trees for Troops, and any other events. As always, thanks for reading.

Putt Putt, Go-Karts, and Arcade Fun at The Clubhouse

The first time my five-year-old played mini golf was three years ago. He immediately loved the game and kept his focus and enthusiasm through all 18 holes. He carried his own club the entire time with confidence and pride. Sure, he would hit the ball once, then pick it up and carry it to the hole each time - but, hey, he was two.

Now, both of my boys (five- and two-years-old) are big fans of mini golf. We frequent Wickham Farms for their Two for Tuesday special. We enjoy All You Can Play Thursdays at Adventure Landing. During our little vacation in Niagara Falls this summer, the highlight was dinosaur mini golf. Our kids just love playing. So it's no doubt they literally jump up and down when we tell them we're going to The Clubhouse.

The Clubhouse Fun Center is located at 70 Jay Scutti Boulevard in Rochester, NY. There are two 18-hole mini golf courses, a Go-Kart track, and an indoor arcade. It is open year-round, but the golf and Go-Karts are closed during inclement weather. 

Surprise, surprise: we always start with a round of golf. If you've never been to The Clubhouse, you'll walk through the arcade and out the back doors; there is an outdoor counter on the right where you can pay for your game. Then, choose your course. The one to the left (as you're walking out the door) is a bit more decorated - with a castle, giraffe, waterfall, and more - but is a bit more challenging for the wee ones. The course that begins right across from the outdoor counter is easier for younger kids, but it still has obstacles on each hole to keep things interesting.

After 18 holes, what could be better than a race around a track in a Go-Kart?! There are single Go-Karts for kids and adults over 58" tall, rookie Go-Karts for riders who are 48"-57" tall, and double Go-Karts that allow younger kids (at least two years old) to ride while a licensed driver controls the car. I'll admit, the first time I drove a Go-Kart was this past summer with my two-year-old by my side. I was ridiculously nervous until I watched ten-year-old kids driving around the track and I realized: if they could do it, so could I. Know what? It's actually fun.

Our last stop is inside to play some arcade games. The kids love when tickets come out of the machines; it might be more exciting for them than actually playing the games. They also love the Ticket Eater - standing at the machine and sliding a ticket into the opening as it gobbles up the string of them, waiting for me to hand over the next one, then finally pushing the big button at the end to get a white square of paper showcasing their accomplishments of the day. Fifty-nine tickets. Enough to trade in for a rubber bouncy ball and a Tootsie Roll. Awesome. Thankfully, they're still young enough that just about any prize will bring giant grins. For those who do not require immediate gratification, you can save your receipts and turn in a bunch for a larger prize (the receipts do not expire).

The Clubhouse is stroller-friendly, and there is a diaper changing table in the women's restroom. The Treehouse Cafe offers pizza, snacks, and beverages. Be sure to visit their web site to check pricing and to print coupons before you visit for tokens, Go-Kart rides, and mini golf games. Or, Like them on Facebook for access to more coupons. They also offer monthly (September = 10 free tokens) and weekly specials:

• Monday - play a game of mini golf at regular price and second game is free (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
• Tuesday - 60 tokens for $10
• Wednesday - large pizza, pitcher of soda, and 75 tokens for $25
• Thursday - 3 Go-Kart rides, 3 Mini Golf games, and 30 tokens for $30
• Friday - spin the prize wheel (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
• Saturday & Sunday - unlimited Go-Kart rides and mini golf games, and 10 tokens for $12 per person (10 a.m. - 12 p.m.; April 15 - October 15 only)

The next time you're looking to treat your kids to something fun and active, check out The Clubhouse. Be sure to Post A Comment and tell us about your experience. As always, thank you for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

September and October are absolutely my favorite two months out of the year. The weather is perfectly comfortable. The in-season apples and squash are delicious. And the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes are addictive (make mine decaf, soy, please). I love picking apples and pumpkins, going on hayrides, and decorating for Halloween; that has all been part of my fall routine, even B.C. Before Children.

Living in the Rochester area has been outstanding in perpetuating my love of the fall. There are so many festivals and pumpkin patches with tons of activities for kids that you could probably visit a different one each fall weekend without repeating any. Now, if the weekend weather would only cooperate, I could make that possibility a reality. Keep your fingers crossed for some sunshine; Friday and Saturday are looking wishy-washy, but Sunday holds some promise. Whew.

Story Time & More

Friday, September 14, 2012

1. The Apple Shed, 3391 Fairville Maple Ridge Road, Newark, NY - story time at 10:30 a.m. in the corn tent followed by related games and crafts; storytime participants will receive a coupon for a cider slushie or $1 off kids' meals.
2. Lift Bridge Book Shop, 45 Main Street, Brockport, NY - story time at 10:30 a.m. for toddlers ages 1-4, with songs and games
3. Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY - come for the story at 11 a.m., stay for the farm animal fun!

4. Wickham Farms, 1821 Fairport Nine Mile Line Road, Penfield, NY - story time (at 11 a.m.), sandbox, farm animals, and playground are free; jumping pillow, batting cages, and mini golf fees apply. 

WXXI Open House
Saturday, September 15 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
WXXI, 280 State Street, Rochester, NY
Join WXXI for fun, free activities including a visit from the Cat in the Hat, Elmo, Arthur, and Curious George. There will be live music, courtyard performances, and lots of interactive activities. Admission is free, and free parking is available across the street in Kodak's lot.

Greentopia Ecofest
Saturday, September 15 from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 16 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
High Falls District, Rochester, NY
There will be a farmer's market, green vendors, an alternative fuel vehicle show, fashion show, wine & beer tasting, organic food, music, and a FREE kids' zone. In the Kids' Zone: make your own arts and crafts, enjoy family yoga, explore minerals and fossils, build a small wind turbine, see animals from the Seneca Park Zoo, read green picture books, win a prize for completing a scavenger hunt, and dance to some kid-friendly music. There will be a diaper changing area, breastfeeding tent. Admission is free.

Fall Harvest Celebration
Saturday, September 15 - Sunday, September 16 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (weekends through October 28)
Brown's Berry Patch, 14264 Roosevelt Highway, Waterport, NY
Pick your own apples, pumpkins, and raspberries. Face painting, pony rides, hayrides, dinosaur corn maze, lots of pumpkin and apple treats made at Brown's, Barnyard Adventure, Barnyard Express, pedal cars, rope maze, giant slide, playground, and more. Fees apply for activities; please check web site for details.

Trains Weekend
Saturday, September 15 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, September 16 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
National Museum of Play at Strong, 1Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
Model train displays, train crafts, and more included with general admission. All aboard!

You Pick Apples, Raspberries, and More
Saturday, September 15 - Sunday, September 16 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
G and S Orchards, 825 Atlantic Avenue (Route 286), Walworth, NY
From now through the end of October, enjoy an afternoon of family fun while picking apples, berries, pumpkins, and more.

Pumpkin Harvest Festival Weekends
Saturday, September 15 - Sunday, September 16  from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (weekends thru October 31)
Long Acre Farms, 1342 Eddy Road, Macedon, NY
Celebrate autumn with the Maize Maze, Back 40, hayrides, and cow train rides. Check out nursery rhymes made entirely of pumpkins and gourds, fun picture cut-outs, and a funny graveyard. Admission is $10.50/ages 5+ and $6.50/ ages 2-4.

"Pumpkintown" & Pick-Your-Own Apples
Saturday, September 15 - Sunday, September 16 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (weekends thru October 28)
Lagoner Farms, 6985 Lake Avenue, Williamson, NY
Pick your own apples and pumpkins, enjoy wagon rides, ride the Cider Barrel Express, explore the Mini Maze, Ring the Corn Cob, Knock the Apple Off the Tree, Bowl Over the Cider Jugs, play Farmer's Fastball, and more. Activities are 1-2 tickets each (tickets are $1 each) or pay one price: $10 each or $35 for a family of 4. Lunch menu is available.

Trolley Rides

Sunday, September 16 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East River Road, West Henrietta, NY

Purchase your tickets, then explore the train cars, antique cars, fire truck, and the model trains in the museum. At your departure time, board the trolley and enjoy the 1-mile ride to the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. Explore the second museum before boarding for a ride back to the Museum of Transportation.

I hope the weather cooperates and that you find some fun things to do with your family this weekend. Enjoy! As always, thanks for reading.

Weepeats: Save on Clothes and Toys for Kids

Many Rochester-area parents and grandparents have known about it for a while. Others will experience it for the first time. Some are sellers, some are buyers, others are both. But one thing is for certain: the bargains at Weepeats are unbeatable.

Weepeats is a bi-annual consignment sale held at the Henrietta Fair & Expo Center, 2965 East Henrietta Road, Henrietta, NY. The spring sale features spring and summer clothing and gear while the fall sale features fall and winter items. Shoppers will find clothing for preemies to preteens (up to size 16 Girls and size 20 Boys), books, CDs, DVDs, toys, exersaucers, strollers, swings, high chairs, and more.

Build up your child's back-to-school wardrobe, get a head start on some Christmas or Hanukkah toys, or pick up baby gear to fill your little one's nursery...THIS WEEKEND.

Admission is $3 per adult (age 18+) on Friday, September 14 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; $1 per adult on Saturday, September 15 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; and FREE for the Half-Off Sale on Sunday, September 16 from 9 a.m. - noon. While kids can enter for free, it is probably best to shop without them. It can be overwhelming for them (and you!), and then lines can be a bit long.

Rest assured that you will find high-quality, like-new items. There is a whole behind-the-scenes process that goes into action to ensure this guarantee before you even think about browsing the racks. This year, I decided to register as a consignor and have gotten a crash course in that process.

It all started when I brought seven storage totes of clothes up from the basement, along with a dozen garbage bags full of toys. Next came the sorting. Sorting was a nearly impossible mix of nostalgia and scrutiny. Yes, I was sentimental as I remembered my chunky eleven-pound newborn looking truly adorable in his blue "Chicks Dig Me" onesie, visiting a lake near our house for the first time. But then I noticed the faded yellow spit-up stain on the left shoulder, and into the "donate" pile it went.

Sure, I probably could have tried to sell that stained onesie - it was such a small stain - but I doubt it would have gotten past the inspectors. All of the clothing and shoes are checked over by an inspector before they are allowed on the selling floor. No rips, stains, or missing buttons allowed. As for the toys, all parts must be present and in good working order; all electronic toys must have new batteries installed; and all consignors are responsible to check recall lists before bringing items to Weepeats.

As I mentioned, it truly is a process. I sorted, searched the play room for missing pieces, matched outfit components, scrubbed toys, washed and pressed clothes, priced and tagged it all, sorted by category and age group, and then finally packed the car. I am a procrastinator, and if my husband had not helped on the last night, I might not have gotten any sleep. Thank you, ROCpoppa!

The funniest thing about this whole project was the reactions from my boys when I was sorting through baby toys. My boys are five- and two-and-a-half-years-old, and they both went crazy for infant toys. My Kindergartener raced around the house pushing an activity walker - intended for 9 month old babies - and my pre-schooler rekindled his love for the Bumbo seat. Ah, memories:

I managed to sneak the activity walker into the car, but the Bumbo has a recall. So I'll hold onto that until I receive my repair kit and then sell it at the spring sale. By the way, if you have not heard about the most recent Bumbo recall, the seats MUST be used on the floor at all times, and must have a safety belt installed, which is available by requesting a repair kit.

I'll be dropping off my items tonight, and here is a view from inside my van. We had to fold and stow the third-row seats to make enough room.

 This is what the trunk looks like. Wish me luck!

Get ahead of Black Friday and start holiday shopping this weekend! Maybe I'll see you there. As always, thanks for reading.

Stamping With Vegetables

Once you use up all the celery stalks and have just the core left, or when you buy too much okra for your jambalaya, rest assured that your kids can use the remains. As stamps!

We like Crayola Kids' Paint because it washes easily out of clothes if you follow the package instructions and use hot water. You'll also need to cut the okra and the celery core to prepare them for your kids.

Next, make a color palette. Ask your child(ren) to choose colors and pour a little onto a paper plate. Have your child(ren) dip the veggies into the paint, then stamp them onto a piece of paper.

The celery makes roses, and the okra makes cute accent flowers. Use a single celery stalk to make leaves for the flowers.

This could be done on kraft paper rolls for gift wrap, or to decorate plain gift bags or gift boxes. A regular piece of paper with the flower stamps could be framed and given as a gift. So many possibilities!

Full disclosure: my boys did not enjoy this as much as I did. My five-year-old declared the flowers to be "for girls" so he refused to use them. My two-year-old is a "me too" kid, so he did not want to stamp flowers either. He gave it a try, and was quickly done. So perhaps this is a better activity for young girls and less stubborn boys. Oh well; we tried.

I hope you have fun stamping with vegetables! As always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

The first week of school is coming to an end; it's time to celebrate! Give your kids a break from the books and get out to a farm to pick some apples or pumpkins - there are plenty of places where you can pick your own. Or teach your kids about the Irish culture at the Irish Festival. Or enjoy a look at the past with a trolley ride. As usual, there are lots of family-friendly options for fun, fun, fun in the Rochester area.

Story Time & Animal Friends

Friday, September 7 at 11 a.m.

1. Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY - come for the story, stay for the farm animal fun!

2. Wickham Farms, 1821 Fairport Nine Mile Line Road, Penfield, NY - story time, sandbox, farm animals, and playground are free; jumping pillow, batting cages, and mini golf fees apply.

Kids' Weekend
Friday, September 7 - Sunday, September 9
The Apple Shed, 3391 Fairville Maple Ridge Road, Newark, NY
Friday at 10:30 a.m.: Stop by the corn tent for stories and related games and crafts. Stay for lunch; storytime participants will receive a coupon for a cider slushie or $1 off kids' meals. Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Free activities include balloon creatures, face painting, crafts, games in the picnic tent. Paid activities include hayrides ($1/child; $2/adult). Sunday from 1-4 p.m.: Free actives include a family-friendly concert with music, storytelling, and juggling; crafts; face painting; and games. Paid activities include hayrides ($1/child; $2/adult).

Rochester Irish Festival
Friday, Sept. 7 (3-11 p.m.), Saturday, Sept. 8 (noon-11 p.m.) & Sunday, Sept. 9 (12-6 p.m.)
Camp Eastman, Lake Shore Boulevard, Irondequoit, NY
Enjoy Irish crafts, dancers, traditional Irish food and music to keep Ireland's spirit and culture alive in Rochester. Be sure to check the schedule before attending. Don't miss the children's activities including free crafts, family photos, tattoos, scavenger hunt, kiss the Blarney Stone, learn to Irish dance, and more. Adult tickets are $10 for one day or $20 for the weekend.

You Pick Apples, Raspberries, and More
Saturday, September 8 - Sunday, September 9 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
G and S Orchards, 825 Atlantic Avenue (Route 286), Walworth, NY
From now through the end of October, enjoy an afternoon of family fun while picking apples, berries, pumpkins, and more.

Pumpkin Harvest Festival Weekends
Saturday, September 8 - October 31 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Long Acre Farms, 1342 Eddy Road, Macedon, NY
Celebrate autumn with the Maize Maze, Back 40, hayrides, and cow train rides. Check out nursery rhymes made entirely of pumpkins and gourds, fun picture cut-outs, and a funny graveyard. Admission is $10.50/ages 5+ and $6.50/ ages 2-4.

"Pumpkintown" & Pick-Your-Own Apples
Saturday, September 8 - Sunday, October 28 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Lagoner Farms, 6985 Lake Avenue, Williamson, NY
Pick your own apples and pumpkins, enjoy wagon rides, ride the Cider Barrel Express, explore the Mini Maze, Ring the Corn Cob, Knock the Apple Off the Tree, Bowl Over the Cider Jugs, play Farmer's Fastball, and more. Activities are 1-2 tickets each (tickets are $1 each) or pay one price: $10 each or $35 for a family of 4. Lunch menu is available.

Trolley Rides

Sunday, September 9 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East River Road, West Henrietta, NY

Purchase your tickets, then explore the train cars, antique cars, fire truck, and the model trains in the museum. At your departure time, board the trolley and enjoy the 1-mile ride to the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. Explore the second museum before boarding for a ride back to the Museum of Transportation.


Have fun welcoming the fall, and enjoy the weekend! As always, thanks for reading.

It Wasn't A Rock...It Was A ROC Monster!

A couple of weeks ago, we went searching for rocks at Mendon Ponds Park. I had seen a really fun idea for Rock Monsters on Pinterest, and thought it would be a fun project for the boys. We collected rocks of different shapes and sizes until we each filled a big cup.

When we got home, I gave the boys a plastic bin filled with water and they washed the dirt off of their rocks, then laid them out to dry. Once they were dry, we painted them. I like to use Crayola Kids Paint because it washes out of clothing if you follow the instructions on the box and use hot water. Obviously, a plastic tablecloth is a good idea for protecting your table.

Once the paint was dry on the rocks, I gave the boys a container of google eyes in different shapes and colors. They selected the eyes and where they should go, while I used the glue gun to adhere them. I set up the glue gun at a separate table for safety purposes.

Then I used a Sharpie marker to add mouths and in some cases teeth and eyebrows, too.

Of course there needed to be a great Rock Monster Battle. One of the rocks is the Bad Guy, and he's trying to capture the two little Rock Monsters. So all of the Good Guys are trying to fight the Bad Guy and protect the little ones. Awww.

"Me Too" formed his own Rock Monster battle. Basically he just kept lining them up, making incredible sound effects, and turning them over one by one. Awesome.

We keep our ROC Monsters in a basket in the sunroom so the boys can play with them in there, or bring them outside to play. This simple activity took up a whole day, plus it has given them something to play with on a regular basis...a very successful boredom-buster, indeed.

I hope this inspires you to make some ROC Monsters of your own! As always, thanks for reading.

Build a Free LEGO Set

Some boys are really into Super Heroes. Some love construction vehicles, trains, and cars. Right now my boys are devoted to Legos, especially my five-year-old. He has a sticker chart for keeping dry pants, getting dressed by himself, being a good listener, et cetera. When he reaches 50 stickers, he gets a prize. Lately, he waits until he has 100 stickers so he can get a prize from the Lego Store (since those cost more than the usual prizes we buy).

While picking up one of those prizes, I received the Lego Store calendar for August and learned about their free monthly LEGO Mini Model Build. On the first Tuesday of every month, starting at 5 p.m., the first 250 kids get to build a Lego creation in the store, and take it home. For free. August featured a shark, so we decided to check it out.

We arrived at Eastview Mall at 4:30 p.m., and used Entrance 4 - between Sears and JCPenney - and proceeded straight into the Main Court. The line was already out to Eddie Bauer. Yikes!

I stayed in line and handed the kids my iPhone so they could sit on the side and watch Looney Tunes on YouTube. Around 4:45, one of the LEGO Store employees came out with cards and handed one to each child in line. The card is your "ticket" to the Mini Build, and when they run out of cards, they will be out of free sets for the event. There is a picture of the completed project on one side of the card, and a list of all the necessary pieces on the reverse side. Here are my boys with their cards.

At 5 p.m., the LEGO Store employees direct groups of card-holders into the store to build their free creations. There are three tables that hold six builders each; once the table is finished, they exit and a new group is brought in. Each group takes about ten minutes in the store, so this means more waiting. We finally got in the store and to a table around 6 p.m.

The next ten minutes flew by, and I wasn't able to get any photos while the kids were building. Each table has an instructor and six plastic bins with the pieces needed for that project. The kids show their cards and the instructor marks each one (so it cannot be used again), and the kids get to keep their card. Then the instructor will show everyone how to make the project.

The instructor will tell them which pieces to take out and how to assemble them, step by step, until everyone completes the project. I helped both of my kids the whole time, and finally got a second to document their sharks at the very end.

When we left, the line was still all the way out to the mall entrance doors. It was almost 6:30 and those people probably still had another hour and a half before they got into the store. The store employees still had cards available, so they were not going to run out of shark sets, but it was definitely a question of time.

The next Mini Model Build set is an owl and is happening tomorrow, Tuesday, September 4th at 5 p.m. This is completely free; no purchase necessary. The owl set cannot be purchased and is available to children ages 6-14* who attend the event. *NOTE: There were plenty of kids under 6 - including my boys - who attended and built the shark without a problem. There just needs to be a parent or an adult helper with them.

I'm still not sure if we'll be attending to build the owl, since it's the first day of Kindergarten for my older son. But if you plan on going, here my recommendations:

• be sure everyone uses the potty before heading to the mall
• arrive by 4:30 (or slightly earlier) 
• bring snacks (no drinks; you don't want to have to leave your spot in line to use the potty)
• bring simple activities - crayons & coloring books, hand-held games, playing cards, etc.

Happy building! And as always, thanks for reading.