kids
Adventures in Being an Aunt and Uncle
Last weekend we had our nieces again. Their mom dropped them off at our house Friday night, and we got them all dressed up for a special event. Our favorite little cafe, Noteworthy Sweets, was hosting an event. Fairmont State University School of Fine Arts, Department of Music, presented a free concert entitled “A Noteworthy Performance”.
We were under the impression that music would be played, there would be an assortment of finger food, pastries, and coffee, and we could leisurely come and go as we please.
Wrong.
Their Facebook page stated that it started at 7:30.
Wrong.
Here is how it really went. We arrived at 7:36 to see people packed to the door. It was a recital. We were going to leave, but then everyone squished in to make room for us to fit in the door. We each picked up a girl and entered the cafe. The kind gentleman, who I know was only trying to be helpful, kept handing me programs and fliers. (Just a note to everyone else out there. Please don’t hand more things to a woman who is already holding a five year old and a bag full of things that a five and three year old may need, and can is already so closely packed in that she is uncomfortably touching four strangers on each side.)
Once the performer finished, a family left and gave us their table, which was incredibly sweet. The table sat two, so we each had a girl on our lap. Once we sat down, we both got a glimpse of the program. There were several performers left for the night. It was such an intimate event that we felt it would be rude to get up and leave. I was so proud of our girls. They actually seemed to enjoy the event. They loved listening to the singers and piano players. We lost them on the classical guitar.
When it was all said and done, we made it up to them by walking them to the dessert cabinet and all was made right again.
The next day, we woke up early, got baths, and went on our weekly date, Story-time at Barnes and Noble. They love hearing the story, but their favorite part is totally playing with the train set afterward.
After story time, we took them out for lunch. These girl love pizza. I mean they love pizza. With this in mind, we decided to take them to one of our favorite pizza places, Mountain State Brewing Company. It was a hit. Their kid’s pepperoni and cheese flatbread was the perfect amount for the two girls. Dusty and I got the Cuban with extra pork and barbecue cause. Be jealous.
We definitely needed some dessert, and the Cupcakerie was calling our names. They offer mini cupcakes, which are absolutely perfect for little ones.
We wrapped up our day by taking them to see The Lego Movie. They wanted to see it, but if I had it to do over again, I think we would have skipped it. Dusty and I liked it, but they were bored with the movie.
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Wonderful Weekend in WV
We enjoyed a beautiful Saturday in West Virginia. After being struck by the Polar Vortex, the 50 degree temperatures had everyone out and about. We spent the morning running around Morgantown and enjoyed lunch at Pies and Pints.
Around 3:00 we picked up our nieces to stay with us for the night. They went with Dusty and I to watch my sixth grade boys play a basketball game. We had taken them a few weeks prior to watch a college basketball game and they fell asleep on my parents. I thought this one would be better because they were sitting right next to the court, the players were kids, and the game lasted less than half of the time. I was wrong. They were very well-behaved, but were very ready to go. We went home and had a snack. They are very picky eaters, so I have been looking on Pinterest for unique healthy snack ideas. That night we tried peanut butter and jelly “sushi” sandwiches. I had a cute set of learning chopstick my sister got me one year for Christmas, so they got to experience eating with chopsticks. It was a hit!
Earlier in the week, I made butter with my sixth graders to demonstrate chemical changes. (You can see a more detailed description of this lab on my other blog, A Caffeinated Calling.) I decided to do this activity with the girls too and they had so much fun. They got to enjoy it with their breakfast the next day. We watched Turbo and then it was time for bed. We made a fort out of our dining room table and that is where they chose to sleep for the night. I’m not sure who liked the fort more, the girls or our cats.
We had big plans for Sunday. When they woke up, we got ready and left for church. On Sundays we go to Dusty’s grandma’s (the girls’ great-grandma’s) house for spaghetti after church. When they were over the last weekend, we had plans to watch gymnastics, but the weather quickly changed those. Thankfully the weather was much more cooperative this time and we were able to go.
This was our first experience attending a WVU women’s gymnastics event. The girls loved it! They had asked everyone to wear pink for breast cancer awareness. Luckily, I happened to recently get them both little pink shirts. Angel’s face when she looked up at the ceiling of the coliseum was priceless. They were both enamored with how sparkly the girls were. Angel was put on the big screen dancing to Cotton-Eyed Joe. They got to fist bump the Mountaineer. The gentleman beside of us caught a t-shirt that was tossed out by the cheerleaders and gave it to the girls. They got free posters to take home and put in their rooms. I think we may have a future little gymnast in Angel. She thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
After the competition, we took them to Starbucks for the first time. Their Uncle Dusty and Aunt Amy were running low on energy. We enjoyed some caffeinated beverages. They had chocolate milk and cake pops. We then returned them to their grandparents who were watching their baby sister while their parents were running errands.
Then it was time for some big kid fun. We ventured to my parents’ house for some Super Bowl celebrations… also known as, a lot of food. It’s a good thing for good company and good food because it was an awful game. Oh well. What is a Super Bowl without the Steelers anyway?
Amy
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Happening this Weekend
We have recently started watching our nieces every other weekend. I am always looking for kid-friendly events that I think they would enjoy. In doing this I have discovered that these events exist, but they’re not easy to find. I have been very inspired by The Pittsburgh Mommy Blog. She gives such a great account of what is going on in her area. I would like to attempt to emulate this for my area. I’m not sure that I will be able to do this as well as she does, but I just thought I would share some of my discoveries.
Saturday, February 1
FREE Monthly Workshop at The Home Depot
The Home Depot, Clarksburg, WV 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Every first Saturday of the month The Home Depot hosts a free workshop for children ages 5-12. This week the kids will be building race cars that they will be able to take home with them.
FREE Story-time at Barnes and Noble
Barnes and Noble, Morgantown, WV 11:00 am
Our local Barnes and Noble hosts a story-time every Saturday. This weekend’s story is What’s Your Favorite Animal? by Eric Carle. They also give each child a coloring page. We have taken the girls to this event several times and they really enjoy it.
Healthy Teeth Saturday
Children’s Discovery Museum of West Virginia, Morgantown, WV 10:00 am-1:00 pm
I haven’t been able to take the girls here yet, but I can’t wait to do so. At this event there will be hands on activities and giveaways. Admission to this particular event is FREE! Their admission is usually $4 for children over a year old, and adults and children under a year enter free. You can find more information and their schedule of events here.
Mommy and Me Valentine Card Workshop
South Ridge Church, Fairmont, WV 2:00- 4:00 pm
Sorry for the late notice of this event. She asked that people register by January 26, but she may still have openings if you are interested. This workshop features Stampin’ UP products. The cost is $25.
Sunday, February 2
WVU Gymnastics Wendy M. Roach Invitational
WVU Coliseum Morgantown, WV 3:00 pm
The WVU gymnastics team will host the Wendy M. Roach Invitational this Sunday, and fans are encouraged to wear pink. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children. You can find a season schedule here.
Family Day at the BOPARC Ice Arena and Sports Complex
BOPARC Ice Arena, Morgantown, WV 1:30-4:00 pm
On Sundays a family of four can sake for only $10 without skate rentals and $20 with skate rentals. Additional family members can join you for only $2.
I hope you find this information to be helpful. My goal is to continue this and improve over time.
Amy
Mr. and Mrs. Merrill 