Curry in a Hurry

Curry dishes are comfort food in our house. Before kids, when going out to eat was a regular occurrence, my ROCpoppa and I would often find ourselves at an Indian restaurant. These days, we make our own instead.

This particular curry is ready in the time it makes to simmer the rice. Quick and easy!

Picky eaters? No problem. Keep some of the chick peas out of the mix. On a segmented plate, scoop some cooked basmati rice, some chick peas, and then defrost some of the frozen green peas to add on the side along with some of the diced carrots (raw or cooked). Maybe some applesauce or a clementine, and dinner is served for the picky ones.

Love your slow cooker? Just follow the variation at the bottom.

You can adjust the heat of this recipe with the cayenne pepper. I usually add less than 1/8 teaspoon. Others would probably like a 1/4 teaspoon or more in there. Go for it, just not in my kitchen please.

Curry in a Hurry

Serves 6*

1 c. uncooked basmati rice
1 3/4 c. vegetable broth or water
1 tsp. cumin seeds
1 tsp. mustard seeds
1 tsp. curry powder
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. garam masala (found in the spice section)
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/8 - 1/4+ tsp. cayenne pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp. canola oil
1 medium onion** or 2 large leeks, chopped
2 stalks celery**, diced
4 large carrots**, diced
4 oz. diced green chilies
28 oz. diced tomatoes
2 c. frozen potatoes O'Brien or hash brown potatoes
1 c. frozen green peas
15 oz. chick peas, drained and rinsed
1/4 c. cilantro, minced (optional)
lemon wedges (optional)

1. In small pot, combine rice and broth. Bring to a boil; stir once. Cover and reduce heat; simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand (covered) 5-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork when done.
KIDS CAN HELP: Have kids measure rice and broth into a pot on the counter (NOT on the stove).

2. Meanwhile, in a large pot, heat cumin and mustard seeds over medium heat until they are fragrant and begin to pop, about 3 minutes. Add curry powder, turmeric, garam masala, ginger, and cayenne; heat 1 minute more.
KIDS CAN HELP: Kids can measure the cumin and mustard seeds into the pot on the counter (NOT on the stove). Then they can measure the remaining spices and scoop into a prep bowl or measuring cup for the Head Chef.

3. Add oil, onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
KIDS CAN HELP: If using frozen mirepoix in place of fresh veggies, kids can measure out 2 1/2 cups of the mixture.

4. Add chilies, tomatoes, potatoes, peas, and chick peas; raise heat to medium-high. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
KIDS CAN HELP: Have kids help you bring items from the pantry and freezer to the counter. Kids can also measure out the green peas and the frozen potatoes.

5. To serve, scoop some basmati rice onto individual dishes. Ladle the curried vegetables over the rice. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a lemon wedge for squeezing on top. Enjoy!

There are approximately 288 calories per serving.

*TIP: If you are cooking for fewer than six, make the full amount anyway. Leftovers make a great lunch, or they can be frozen for future meals.

**TIP: For a speedier meal, check the frozen food section for a mirepoix blend (diced carrots, celery, and onions) to use instead of the fresh veggies. You'll want about 2 1/2 cups for this recipe.

CROCK POT/SLOW COOKER VARIATION: 
1. Omit the oil and combine all other ingredients from cumin seeds through frozen potatoes in stoneware of your slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.

2. Thirty (30) minutes before cooking time is up, add green peas and chick peas to the slow cooker. Stir and cover; cook for remaining 30 minutes.

3. Cook the rice following step #1, above. Serve, per step #5 above.


I hope you enjoy this simple, delicious dinner as much as we do. Bon appetit!  As always, thanks for reading.

Get Ready for February Break

ROCmomma will be MIA for February Break, but never fear! Here are over 90 ideas to keep you prepared and sane - and keep the kids busy - over the next week home from school.


Indoor Fun for Kids

48 Simple Ways to Beat Boredom This Winter


Power's Out/ Rainy Day/ Snowy Day Ideas - 19 super-fun, super-easy ideas

Beat the Rainy Day Blahs - 6 more ideas

Time for a Scavenger Hunt - check out the tips for an indoor scavenger hunt

Craft Ideas

Toilet-Paper Tube Snowman Craft

Winter Crafts for Kids

Make a Sun Catcher! 

Stamping with Vegetables


Ongoing Exhibits 


Race: Are We So Different?
Daily through Sunday, April 28 during regular museum hours
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.

Everyday is a Holiday

Saturday, February 16 is National Almond Day - make your own Almond Butter and spread it on sandwiches with sliced bananas and strawberries. Yum!

Sunday, February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day - get some inspiration here

Monday, February 18 is National Battery Day - send kids on a mission to find five toys that use batteries and bring them into one room; turn everything on and race toys that move on their own.

Tuesday, February 19 is Chocolate Mint Day - get the kids in the kitchen and make some Chocolate Mint Brownies

Wednesday, February 20 is  Love Your Pet Day - what a great reason to visit Lollypop Farm or the Seneca Park Zoo

Thursday, February 21 is National Sticky Bun Day - bake a few batches, box them up, and help the kids deliver them to your neighbors.

Friday, February 22 is International World Thinking Day - this day started within the Girl Scouts, and it is a great excuse to visit the library and find out more about a foreign country. Ask each child to choose one country then find a book at the library. You could even tailor the dinner menu round the country or countries you researched.

Saturday, February 23 is National Banana Bread Day and Play Tennis Day - bake some Banana Bread, then work off the calories with a game of tennis. Can't get outside? Try balloon tennis, using paper plates as racquets.

Sunday, February 24 is National Tortilla Chip Day - Nachos, anyone?


I hope these ideas help during Winter Break. Stay warm, stay sane, and stay smiling. Have a great week, everyone! As always, thanks for reading.

Twice-Baked Potatoes with Hidden Veggies

The other day, I made a big pot of minestrone for dinner and I was looking for something to go with it. We had some potatoes in the pantry, lots of leftover veggies in the fridge, plus some cheese leftover from a party. My brain immediately landed on twice-baked potatoes.

I don't know about you, but I think the best part about wedding food is when twice-baked potatoes are one of the sides. And besides weddings or banquets, how often does anyone really eat twice-baked potatoes? I plan on changing that and showing you just how easy they are to make. Even the kids can help! Plus, these potatoes are good for you. Yes, they are GOOD FOR YOU.

White potatoes have a bad reputation, thanks in part to the widespread availability of greasy french fries. On its own, a large white potato has zero grams of fat, zero grams of cholesterol, six grams of protein, six grams of dietary fiber, is a great source of vitamin C and potassium, plus it provides some iron, folate, vitamin B6, and niacin, as well as other vitamins and minerals. Go potatoes!

Thanks to The Sneaky Chef by Missy Chase Lapine, I am a big believer in hiding veggies whenever possible. Yes, I make a habit of regularly offering fresh fruits and veggies to my kids as well. But sometimes, you just have to make it a covert mission for their own good.

I've also added fat-free, protein-packed Greek yogurt instead of butter or sour cream. Plus the cheese used in these big boats of awesomeness is low-fat. All the calcium and protein you love about cheese...with less guilt. Yay.

So, good-for-you mashed potatoes...cheesy goodness...hidden veggies...all baked into a delicious package. YUM!

TWICE-BAKED POTATOES WITH HIDDEN VEGGIES

Serves 4-6

3 large potatoes, cleaned
1/2 c. leftover or frozen vegetables, thawed and pureed (cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, squash, sweet potatoes, and/or onions all work well)
1/2 c. Greek yogurt, plain and fat-free
1 1/2 c. low-fat cheese, shredded or cubed, divided (i.e., a mixture of shredded low-fat cheddar, monterey jack, mozzarella, or provolone; and/or cubed low-fat cream cheese or Laughing Cow cheese)
2 Tbsp. chives or scallions, minced (optional; omit for picky eaters)

1. Preheat oven to 450 F.

2. After scrubbing potatoes, dry and use a fork to pierce potatoes several times. Place directly on top oven rack, and place a baking sheet on the bottom rack to catch any drips. Bake 60 minutes*. Remove potatoes and baking sheet from oven and set aside until potatoes are cool enough to handle.
KIDS CAN HELP: Have kids scrub the potatoes at the sink.

3. Meanwhile, combine pureed veggies, yogurt, and 1 cup of cheese in a large mixing bowl.
KIDS CAN HELP: Help kids measure ingredients into the mixing bowl. Using a large spoon, kids can mix everything together.

4. When potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the flesh into the mixing bowl, leaving a 1/4" shell to help keep the potato skins intact. Use a potato masher to combine everything in the mixing bowl.
KIDS CAN HELP: Kids can carefully mash the mixture together with adult supervision. CAUTION: the potatoes will be hot; keep a close eye on the contents of the bowl and your little one's hands.

5. Set oven to broil on high. Carefully scoop the mashed potato mixture back into the shells, mounding as necessary. Place on baking sheet and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
KIDS CAN HELP: Kids can sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese onto the potatoes.

6. Broil for 5-10 minutes (check often) until cheese is melted and just starting to turn golden brown. Enjoy!

Depending on the types of cheese used, each twice-baked potato half has approximately 224 calories.

*NOTE: If you are in a hurry, pierce the potatoes then place on a microwavable dish and microwave on high 5 minutes. Turn potatoes and microwave 5 more minutes. Use a pot holder to carefully move potatoes to top rack of oven (with baking sheet on bottom rack) and bake at 450 F for 30 minutes.

VARIATION: Try these with sweet potatoes instead of baking potatoes. Delicious!!!


I hope your family enjoys these Twice-Baked Potatoes as much as we do. Let me know if you try them...just Post a Comment. As always, thanks for reading.

Toilet-Paper Tube Snowman Craft

Yes, it's almost Valentine's Day. Chances are, if you are making crafts with your kids you are probably making hearts and cupids. But not our family. No. My boys wanted to make snowmen.

Since there is merely a sprinkling of snow left on the ground (no complaints), we made crafty snowpeople indoors. I found this idea through Pinterest on the JT Photography site.

Here is a look at the materials you will need.

MATERIALS FOR EACH SNOWPERSON:

• Toilet paper tube 
• White paper, cut to 4 1/2" x 6"
• Pipe cleaner, cut to 4"
• 2 pom poms
• 2 google eyes
• Orange foam sheet or construction paper to cut nose (approximately 1" long and about 1/2" wide at the base)
• Ribbon, cut to 12"
• 3 small buttons (or sequins)
• Cotton balls
• Paper plate or other base (other ideas: repurpose a shoe box, shirt box, or even a cereal box)
• Glue stick, white craft glue, and large glue dots
• Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS:

Apply glue stick to the edges of the paper, line up the toilet paper tube with one short edge, then roll to cover the tube with paper. You may need to add more glue stick to seal the edge. Use scissors to trim the top or bottom, if necessary.

Apply two glue dots to the top of your toilet paper tube - on opposite sides - and secure the pipe cleaner for the ear muffs.

Adhere a pom pom on each side to cover the ends of the pipe cleaner. Some of each glue dot should still be exposed around the pipe cleaner, and the pom poms will stick to that.

Use glue dots to adhere two google eyes. Then use glue stick to adhere a nose. Next, lay the ribbon on your crafting space and place the tube in the center. Swipe some glue stick across the center of the tube and tie a double-knot with the ribbon, using the glue to secure it in place. Trim the ends of the ribbon with scissors, if necessary.

Secure three buttons onto your snowperson with glue stick.

Next cover a paper plate with craft glue. 

Place the snowperson in the center, and add cotton balls around it to cover the plate.

We had so much fun making these yesterday, the boys are already asking to make them again today. I guess since it will be an early Spring, we should get all of the winter crafts in now.

I hope you have fun making some snow people. As always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

What's going on in Rochester, NY this weekend? Before we get to that, today is National Freedom Day to commemorate when Abraham Lincoln signed the resolution that became the 13th Amendment, outlawing slavery. In unrelated news, it is also National Serpent Day, making it a good day to visit the python, rattlesnake, or one of the boas at the Seneca Park Zoo.

Saturday is Groundhog Day, of course! Make a fun groundhog craft with the kids, or whip up a groundhog-inspired treat.

Sunday is the Super Bowl, and it is also National Cordova Ice Worm Day! On Ice Worm Day, the people of Cordova, Alaska celebrate the glacier-dwelling worm. Perhaps an ice-cream-spin on Worms in Dirt would be appropriate?

ONGOING
  
Race: Are We So Different?
Friday, February 1 - Sunday, April 28 during regular museum hours
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, February 1 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, February 1 from 4:30 - 10:00 p.m.
YMCA- Southeast, 111 East Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY
The Adventure Center is open from 4:30-9 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 swim in the pool from 7-10 p.m. Free and open to the community.

Fun Fridays
Friday, February 1 from 6 - 8 p.m.
YMCA-Westside, 920 Elmgrove Road, Rochester, NY
Family gym games, inflatables, obstacle course, crafts, and family swimming. There is no fee for members; $10 per family for the community.

SATURDAY


Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
Sunday, February 3 from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Moonlight Creamery, 36 West Avenue (on the canal), Fairport, NY
Top a sundae with your favorite breakfast cereal, order Belgian waffles a la mode, or try an ice cream-filled donut sandwich. Breakfast-themed ice cream flavors include Sow My Wild Oats, Sticky Bunz, and Maple Bacon. Door prizes will be awarded. Proceeds benefit the Make A Wish Foundation.


Bookfair, Concert, and Children's Activities
Saturday, February 2 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Barnes & Noble, 3349 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY
Enjoy performances from the students of Hochstein School of Music & Dance. Visit the children's area at 11 a.m. for Story Hour with Clifford the Big Red Dog; at 12 p.m. make a shaker at the Hochstein craft table; at 1:30 p.m. enjoy Story Hour with Peter & the Wolf. Purchases made in store or online can help support Hochstein.


Family Rhythm/Drumming Event
Saturday, February 2 from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Rhythm Connect, 84 High Street, Fairport, NY
Each participant will choose from various drum and percussion instruments from around the world, as well as explore the "Percussion Paradise" room. Cost is $5 per family and includes one free shaker per family. Get a second free shaker per family when you bring canned goods for Perinton Food Shelf (items needed: canned chili, fruit cocktail, vegetables). Space is limited; register and make payment online (note: scroll to the bottom of the page to find this event and click on the green "Book" button).

Science Saturdays
Saturday, February 2, various demonstration times from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
At 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. visit the Wildlife Defenders for an up-close look at live native and exotic species. At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. join Professor Len Ortenzi for "The Science of Sound" (cool demonstrations of sound waves). From 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. enjoy "Medicines & Achoo! I Mean You" to learn about our immune system and how doctors and scientists make this important part of our body work for us. Free with regular museum admission.


Crafty Kids Valentines
Saturday, February 2 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Walworth-Seely Public Library, 3600 Lorraine Drive, Walworth, NY
Stop in any time between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. They supply the materials, you bring the creativity. Ages 4 and up; no registration required.


Open Gym & Extreme Sports Practice Night
Saturday, February 2 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 

Ski, Snowshoe, or Walk the Village & Nature Center

Saturday, February 2 - Sunday, February 3 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Saturdays & Sundays through Februrary 24, 2013)

Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, NY

Ski, snowshoe, or hike through the snow-covered village and nature center trails. The Nature Center trails are open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., while the Historic Village trails are open noon - 4 p.m. only. Call (585) 294-8262 to check trail conditions. Free for members, $5.50 for non-members. Ski rental is $10, snowshoe rental is $5; equipment available on first come, first served basis. Equipment rental is available at the Nature Center.

Clifford the Big Red Dog's 50th Birthday

Saturday, February 2 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, February 3 from 1 - 5 p.m.

National Museum of Play at The Strong, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY

Meet Clifford the Big Red Dog and enjoy special readings in honor of his 50th birthday. Don't forget your camera! Included with regular museum admission.

SUNDAY

Family Fun Game Day
Sunday, February 3 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 enjoy a variety of games for ages 3-11. This program is free, so bring the whole family.

Have a great weekend, I hope your Super Bowl team wins, and as always, thanks for reading.

Team Umizoomi Birthday Party

Of course my kids always pick birthday party themes that do not have pre-packaged supplies readily available at retail stores. My son's third birthday was no exception. He loves Geo and wanted a Team Umizoomi party...so we made it happen. Sans Party City. Sans Target. Thankfully, the good people at Nick Jr. have provided tons of printables on their web site to help us out.

By the way, if you're reading this and thinking, "Team Umi-wha???," then you most likely do not have preschool-age children, and/or do not watch cable television.

Team Umizoomi is an animated series on Nick Jr. about siblings Geo and Milli and their robot friend Bot who solve problems in UmiCity using their mighty math powers. Yes, it's math and yes, kids love it.

My son's Team Umizoomi party was a family party consisting of four kids and about 15 adults. Even though there weren't many kids at the party, I still wanted to plan some fun activities for them. Here's a glimpse of what we did...

INVITATIONS

Umi Friends, do you feel a celebration coming on?! For your own Team Umizoomi party, you'll want to start by sending invitations. We printed the Team Umizoomi Party Invites from the Nick Jr. web site onto regular paper, trimmed the edges, and folded along the dotted lines. We used foam number-stickers to add a "3" to the front of each invitation.

UMI GEAR

Team Umizoomi, ready for action! Set the tone for your party with your very own Team Umizoomi shirts. Check out the free printables on Nick Jr. (listed below). Just print them onto iron-on transfer paper. Be sure to check the package instructions to see if you need a reversed image or not for your iron-on transfer paper. Both reversed and regular images are available on the web site. We recommend printing the images on white shirts (the ones below were purchased at Target); the image just didn't look right on the gray shirt.

UmiCar Iron-On
UmiCar Iron-On Reversed
Team Umizoomi Iron-On (includes regular and reversed)
Milli Iron-On
Milli Iron-On Reversed
Geo Iron-On
Geo Iron-On Reversed
Bot Iron-On
Bot Iron-On Reversed

DECORATIONS

We printed two sets of the Team Umizoomi Tabletop Decoration onto white card stock. After cutting them out, we used double-sided tape to adhere each pair back to back. Then follow the dotted lines to make the slits, and fit the two sets together.

We made a few garlands using ribbon and some of the printables from the web site:

• Team Umizoomi Party Decorations
• Team Umizoomi Straw Toppers (just cut off the tabs for the straws)

1. For each printable used, print two copies onto white card stock.
2. Cut out all of the decorations.
3. Measure the doorways and other areas where you will hang the garlands and cut your ribbon accordingly. I left a few extra inches on each end for curling; just mark your "start" and "end" points on the ribbon with masking tape.
4. Use double-sided adhesive to secure each pair of decorations together, with the ribbon in between them. Leave a couple of inches and add another pair to the ribbon. Continue until you have filled the space needed, according to your measurements.
5. Curl the extra ribbon left on the ends, and hang up your festive masterpiece.

The Team Umizoomi Posters are fun and festive. Each one requires four sheets of paper (we used white card stock), plus a couple of minutes to trim along the dotted lines, and secure the pieces together.

• Geo Poster
• Milli Poster
• Bot Poster

Looking for more decorations? I printed the iron-on designs (see links above) onto white card stock, trimmed them, and hung them around the party area. Just be sure you do not use the reverse images.

If you have an insane amount of time before the party, you could make some Platonic solids (three-dimensional shapes) to decorate your party area. This sounded like a fantastic idea to me; I cut and made about three dozen of these shapes. It took forever. Yes, they looked kind of cool. I got to post on Facebook that I was making dodecahedrons (12-sided shape). But really, they did not make or break the party. If you are so inclined, here are the templates to make cubes icosahedrons, tetrahedrons, octahedrons, and dodecahedrons. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time. And lots of wine couldn't hurt, either.

THE ACTIVITIES

1. Umiriffic Scavenger Hunt - Print the scavenger hunt card and pictures onto white card stock; cut out the pictures; and hang them around the party area (up high, down low...) before the party.

Each child gets a scavenger hunt card and a crayon. They can work together or individually to find all of the pictures on their card.

2. Pattern Power! We made beaded bracelets using pipe cleaners and pony beads. Both are available at craft stores. The kids can string the beads onto their pipe cleaner, then twist the ends together to secure around their wrist.

3. Pin the Shape Belt on Geo. This is a great use for any of the character posters; we used the Geo Poster. Before the party, I used a piece of paper to draft a rectangle that would fit on Geo's shape belt. I used the draft as a template to cut enough belts from yellow construction paper; one per child. If you have an extra minute, draw the circle, square, and triangle on each belt - just like Geo's.

At the party, you'll need masking tape and a bandana or other blindfold (optional - younger kids often don't want to be blindfolded).

4. Super Shapes! Kids can make their own Shape Belts, just like Geo. There are instructions on the Nick Jr site. I made the belts ahead of time (you'll need felt and velcro tape from the craft store), and provided the kids with adhesive foam shapes (also at the craft store).

GOODIE BAGS
We cut out the Team Umizoomi Party Thank You Notes from the web site and attached one per paper bag using a glue stick. There is even a spot on the notes to write each guest's name.

My goal was to find fun things that had to do with shapes, patterns, and numbers for the goodie bags. This was not an easy task so I resorted to:

• beaded necklaces (they're colorful, and the beads are geometric, right?!)
• Rubik's-type cubes from the Dollar Spot at Target 
• a bouncy ball from the party aisle of Target
• my son's favorite candies
• the Team Umizoomi Party Placemats (coloring pages and puzzles) from the web site
• a small box of crayons
• a LEGO mini figure since my sons and nephew are all LEGO enthusiasts

SNACKS

I wish I had remembered to take pictures of the food! Alas, I was too caught up in the action. Here are some ideas for Team Umizoomi party snacks, sans visual representation.

• Cheese & Cracker Shapes - cut cheese into triangles and squares; choose crackers in various shapes.
• Pattern Power Fruit Kebabs - using bamboo skewers, thread a variety of fruit in a pattern of your choosing. Clip the pointy ends off using kitchen shears before serving to children.
• Shapely Finger Sandwiches - use cookie cutters in a variety of geometric shapes to cut your favorite sandwiches (PB&J, cold cuts, etc.)
• UmiCar Sandwich - if you want to get a bit more creative than just using cookie cutters, check out this 3-D replica of UmiCar to impress your foodie friends. Ingredients and instructions are listed on the Nick Jr. web site.
• Bot Sandwich - yet another sandwich option, thanks to our Nick Jr. friends. 
• Milli Sandwich - a sweet and fruity sandwich for Milli fans. You could probably follow the same "template" to create a Milli Pizza - a ready-baked pizza crust such as Boboli, tomato sauce for her helmet, shredded mozzarella cheese for her face, red peppers and black olives cut to make the features of her face, and maybe a couple of bread sticks covered in tomato sauce for her ponytails.
• Geo Sandwich - another sweet and fruity sandwich idea.

TIME FOR CAKE
Of course it had to be a Geo cake! Once again, a big thank you to Nick Jr. for providing detailed instructions to decorate this cake. The web site also has instructions for a Milli cake, Bot cake, UmiCar cake, and a variety of cupcakes and character cookies. By request, we had a chocolate cake and homemade cream cheese frosting. 

I recommend sliding a few strips of wax or parchment paper under the edges of the bottom cake layer to protect your platter or cake stand from stray frosting. Once the final frosting-details are complete, just slide the paper away and voila! Your cake stand is clean and pretty.

Of course you'll need party hats for singing "Happy Birthday" and eating cake. Team Umizoomi Party Hats are available as free printables on the web site.

1. Just print onto white card stock, cut them out, and secure together with double-sided adhesive. 
2. Punch a small hole (a safety pin works well) on each side of the hat, and feed a length of elastic through one hole; tie a knot to secure on the inside. 
3. Measure the appropriate length for the elastic by placing the hat on your child's head as a guide. Leave an extra inch; cut the elastic. 
4. Feed the cut end through the second hole and secure by tying a knot on the inside of the hat.

I hope you enjoy adding these ideas to your Team Umizoomi party. Do you have any other fun ideas to add? Be sure to Post a Comment and share with us! As always, thanks for reading.

LEGO Travel Adventure at the National Museum of Play

Do your kids like to play with LEGOs? My boys love to build them, take them apart, and rebuild them. They enjoy setting up LEGO chase scenes with good guys and bad guys. This Christmas, we put together over a dozen LEGO sets. One of my sons decided seven months ago that his sixth birthday party, in June, will be a LEGO party.

They. Love. LEGOs.

This past Sunday we were excited to check out the new LEGO Travel Adventure exhibit at the National Museum of Play at The Strong.

LEGO Travel Adventure has some great photo opps, so be sure to bring your camera. There are minifigures as well as scenic backdrops that are perfect for your little LEGO enthusiast.

Building stations encourage kids over 3 to create their own vehicle that can soar above the clouds, traverse the dessert, or dive into the sea.

Once their masterpiece is finished, kids can take a photo of their creation and choose a virtual backdrop, add their own photo, and then email it to themselves or a family member.

Preschoolers and big kids will enjoy the LEGO DUPLO area where they can build a vehicle and race it to a Japanese castle. The racing ramp includes a rocky ridge, wild waterfall, and a line of lava. 3...2...1...GO!

This Travel Adventure Vehicle can fly through the clouds, sail the sea, or climb mountain roads. Kids can take the wheel as the display screen takes them traveling all over the world, through a variety of terrains. Afterward, my five-year-old told me this was his favorite part.

Display cases around the exhibit room feature LEGO scenes by Master Builders. Check out the Wright Brothers and their plane, Henry Ford's Model T, and the first continental railroad...all built from LEGOs. There are tons of other LEGO vehicles and scenes to admire. My personal favorite is the breakdancing scene. I'm pretty sure they are kickin' some old school Beastie Boys on that boombox.

Just outside the exhibit room, there are more display cases and a race car made from LEGO DUPLO bricks. Kids can even take a turn "driving" the car!

 This minifigure looks familiar...

The National Museum of Play is located at One Manhattan Square in Rochester, NY. It is stroller-friendly, the restrooms are equipped with diaper changing tables, and there are even family restrooms where the main door can be locked. There are two Guest Rest rooms with rocking chairs, books, and some toys; these rooms are perfect for nursing moms or for young kids who need a little break from the excitement. The food court includes several fast food options, as well as some fresh fruit-and-veggie packs from Wegman's in the vending machines. Coolers are not permitted (but truth be told, we usually purchase items for the grown-ups and bring food for our picky kids in an insulated tote bag). Feel free to hang your coats in the new coat room, just behind the library circulation desk; just don't leave behind any valuables.

Have fun at the new LEGO Travel Adventure exhibit! As always, thanks for reading.