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Kick Winter Boredom with these Fun Ideas!

Posted on by Angie

Here in the DEEP South, super cold winters and frigid temps aren’t the norm, but we always seem to get our fair share, and it’s bound to have your kids over being indoors sooner rather than later.

So.. What to do when it’s too cold to send the kiddos out but you still need them to burn off energy for the sake of your own sanity? Try some of these ideas!

  • Check out the indoor play places, like Steel City Jump Park, Let’s Play Birmingham,  Pump it Up, and of course the Mcwane Science Center. The Science Center has lots to do year round, for all ages, including the IMAX, and Super BONUS! They have covered parking.
  • Try First Avenue Rocks for a little rock climbing fun. They even offer an after school Climbing Team program for children ages 8-14.
  • Head to the Movies! No, it’s not the most economical choice but if you can hit a Carmike, you can save by catching a Super Bargain Matinee (4pm – 5:30pm), and taking advantage of the refillable popcorn bucket.
  • Try getting those little tushy’s into a sports or dance class. I know, this may seem like punishment for you but what are your other options for getting them to burn off the excess energy? Check out a swimming class at your local Y, or gym. Tumbling in a gymnastics class will surely wear them out and if all else fails, look for a place with a giant ball pit or padded walls. (let us know if you find one.)
  • Hit up the Riverchase Galleria. They have a carousel, Lego store, and Build a Bear. If you go early enough maybe they can have a little freedom to walk with you rather than riding in the stroller. Hit the food court for lunch and you have the perfect indoor, but out of the house field trip.
  • Not in the mood to get out of the house, (which is usually the case for me): Bring the outdoors in. Get out the extra sheets, blankets and pillows and make a ginormous fort out of your living room or play room, trust us on this one, make it remotely cool, throw in a flashlight and some good snacks and you might not see the kids until it’s time for dinner.
  • Make Bathtime Fun! Add bubbles, ice, cups, bowls anything you don’t normally have time for. Shaving cream with a few drops of food coloring and you have instant bath “paint.” Let them go to town.
  • One of our favorite things to do is Dance! Turn up the ipod and let them shake what their Mama’s gave them. Simple, but effective. It will even help you burn a few calories.

Just remember that kids don’t seem to be as bothered by the bitter cold as we are, so if you can get them out for some fresh air for even 10 or 15 minutes (minus tantrum time for coming in too soon) it’s well worth it, and your free time during their nap will thank you.

Birmingham Events Calendar: January 17th – January 24th

Posted on by Angie

Bundle Up Birmingham Moms! It’s going to be a cold week! Lots of fun happening indoors this week at your local libraries.. You have through Monday to catch the Star Wars fun at the McWane Science Center. If you want to brave the chilly weather, you can get 1/2 price admission to the Birmingham Zoo on Monday by bringing any non-perishable or canned food item.

Have a GREAT week!

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Sunday January 17th:

Star Wars Family Weekend – McWane Science Center
Bring the whole family to McWane Science Center for the Star Wars Family Weekend. This three day event includes out-of this-world education activities, costume contests and daily screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Find your inner Jedi knight! Come in costume and get a special discount.

BrickFair 2016
LEGO models, displays and winding trains sprawled out over 58,000 square feet. BrickFair brings together adult fans of LEGO from across the USA (and Canada, and a few other countries) to show off their projects, great and small, and to share their passion for LEGO – the most awesome toy – ever. LEGO fan festivals like BrickFair are great fun for the whole family! Join in a game or two – maybe win a LEGO set. Vendors will be offering all things LEGO, including shirts, hats, minifigures, custom-molded weapons, unique models, keychains and… really… everything you never imagined.
11am – 4pm

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Monday January 18th:

Star Wars Family Weekend – McWane Science Center
Bring the whole family to McWane Science Center for the Star Wars Family Weekend. This three day event includes out-of this-world education activities, costume contests and daily screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Find your inner Jedi knight! Come in costume and get a special discount.

1/2 Price Admission – Birmingham Zoo
In the spirit of service this holiday, bring any non-perishable or canned food item and receive half-price admission to the Zoo during the United Way Canned Food Drive*. While you’re here, watch a sea lion demonstration, experience a pelican feeding, take a ride on the Red Diamond Express** and carousel** and much more! *Limit one per guest. **Additional cost.

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Tuesday January 19th:

Family Fun Night – Avondale Library
It’s time to grab your sunglasses, put on your summer attire, and lay out on your beach towel as you join us for our 3rd annual January Beach Bash! It’s fun in the cool winter sun Avondale style. 24-hour advance registration appreciated.
6:30pm

Toddler Days – Steel City Jump Park
Story, snack and jumping! Parents jump for free, Children, $8.00. Parents free.
10am – Noon

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Wednesday January 20th:

LEGO Club – Springville Road Library
Visit the library to build a masterpiece! We’re meeting once a month to so who can build the fastest, tallest, and best. All blocks provided. No need to bring your own!
4pm

Get Rhythm with John Scalici – Springville Road Library
Drum roll please… Join drum circle leader John Scalici for an afternoon of percussion fun as we “Get Rhythm.” No experience is required to participate and a limited number of instruments will be provided. Ba-dum-DUM! This program is made possible by a Hillcrest Foundation grant.
4pm

Wiggleworm Wednesdays – Homewood Public Library
Join Ms. Mandy for our weekly all-ages storytime filled with music, wiggling and fun!
10:30am

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Thursday January 21st:

Storyday with Nay Nay – Homewood Public Library
Join Ms. Nay Nay for this fun-filled storytime.  Children ages three and under and a parent or caregiver are invited to shake their beanbags and listen to this amazing storyteller!
9:30 and 10:30

Paw Patrol Party – Homewood Public Library
No job is too big and no pup is too small!  Join Ryder and some of our favorite Homewood Community Helpers for a night of Paw Patrol fun.
6:30pm

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Friday January 22nd:

Stuffed Animal Sleepover – North Shelby Library
Break out your favorite jammies and head to the library for a fun storytime and craft. Bring your favorite stuffed animal, who will enjoy a very special sleepover at the library. Come back the next day to pick up your animal friend and see what they did all night at the library. Registration required. All ages welcome.
4:30pm

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Saturday January 23rd:

Celebrate 75 Years with Dumbo – Homewood Public Library
Dumbo turns 75 years old this year, and so does Homewood Public Library!  Celebrate with Dumbo and friends for a fun-filled morning of circus delight!
10:30am

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

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Sunday January 24th:

Birds of Prey, Masters of the Skies – Alabama Wildlife Center Oak Mtn.
Callaway Gardens, Guest Speaker. Refreshments are offered at 12:30 pm in the AWC observation room followed by the programs at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm in the auditorium. Due to popular demand we are offering two programs, both of which will feature live birds “on the glove” from the Callaway Gardens Birds of Prey Program. Birds of prey are truly masters of the skies. They have keen eyesight, sharp talons and are adept hunters of both birds and animals and, fortunately for us, Alabama is home to several species. During this program you will learn their various features, adaptations and field marks to help you identify them in the field. Bring your children & camera to capture the moment!
12:30 Refreshments available in Observation Room 1:00 First of two programs in Auditorium 3:00 Second of two programs in Auditorium

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: Star Wars the Force Awakens, Ocean Oasis, Journey to Space

Birmingham Zoo:

The Birmingham Zoo offers a variety of daily activities from Giraffe and Pelican Feedings to Bird Tours and Lion Training. For a daily schedule of whats happening at the Zoo, visit their site.

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. But, Vulcan is more than a statue. Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story, and a beautiful public park for visitors and locals to enjoy. With an official information center that is operated by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vulcan Park and Museum serves as the first stop for visitors to the Birmingham area!

Railroad Park:

Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.

Southern Museum of Flight:

Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm

Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!

** All information listed on our calendar is subject to change without notice to us or you… We do our best to keep the information accurate and will always update as soon as we learn that something has changed. It’s always best to double check with the event via their website or a quick call,  especially when weather can impact the event.

Reading with Ringling, 2016

Posted on by Angie

Reading is a great way to discover, dream, and learn! And, it can even take you to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents LEGENDS, playing BJCC Arena, January 27-31, 2016.

We are excited to have the following libraries in our area participate in this year’s ‘Reading with Ringling Bros.!’

For Birmingham area library patrons, there is required parent/guardian ticket purchase upon redemption of the child’s card of one (1) paid adult ticket with every three (3) free kids’ tickets. Circus voucher redemption is valid on Wednesday through Friday performances only on upper level seating. See the front and back of your child’s redemption card for more information.

Public Library of Anniston Calhoun County, 108 East 10th St. Anniston, AL 36201
http://www.publiclibrary.cc

Bessemer Public Library, 400 19th St. North, Bessemer, AL 35020
http://www.bessemerlibrary.com

Tarrant Public Library, 1143 Ford Ave. Birmingham, AL 35217
tarrant.lib.al.us/

Fultondale Public Library, 500 Byrd Lane, Fultondale, AL 35068
fultondale.lib.al.us/

Gadsden Public Library, 254 College St. Gadsden, AL 35901
http://www.gadsdenlibrary.org

Gardendale Public Library, 995 Mount Olive Rd. Gardendale, AL 35071
http://www.gardendalelibrary.org

Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Rd. Homewood, AL 35209
http://www.homewoodpubliclibrary.org/

Irondale Public Library, 105 20th St. South, Irondale, AL 35210
http://www.irondalelibrary.org

Lincoln Public Library, 47475 US Hwy 78, Lincoln, AL 35096
http://www.lincolnalabama.com/Default.asp?ID=179&pg=Library

Midfield Public Library, 400 Breland Dr. Midfield, AL 35228
http://www.midfield.lib.al.us

Doris Stanley Memorial Library, 1515 Bookmark Lane, Moody, AL 35004
http://www.moodypubliclibr.ord

Emmet ONeal Library, 50 Oak St. Mountain Brook, AL 35213
http://www.eolib.org

Odenville Public Library, 200 Alabama St. Odenville, AL 35120
http://www.odenlib.org

Pell City Public Library, 1923 First Ave. North, Pell City, AL 35125
http://www.pellcitylibrary.com

Pinson Public Library, 4410 Main St. Pinson, AL 35126
http://www.pinsonlibrary.org

Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, 1221 Montgomery Hwy. Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
http://www.vestavialibrary.org

The Harpersville Library, 749 Hwy. 83, Vincent, AL 35178
http://www.shelbycounty-al.org/

Birmingham Public Library, 4812 Ave. “W”, Birmingham, AL 35208
http://www.bplonline.org

Warrior Public Library, 10 First Street East, Warrior, AL 35180
http://www.warriorpubliclibrary.com

Roy Downs Calera Library, 9700 Highway 25, Calera, AL 35040
http://www.cityofcalera.org/index.aspx?nid=102

Parenting with a Phd: Talking to your Daughter about her Body

Posted on by Angie

By: Kristen Berthiaume

How do you talk to your daughter about her weight? The short answer is – you don’t. Sometimes parents think that if their kid is overweight, either per their own opinion or per diagnosis by the pediatrician, reminders are needed for the child to change her eating and exercise habits. But, when parents focus critically on their children’s weight, kids pick up on the negativity and are likely to internalize it. That’s a recipe for eating disorders and poor body image – not what you were going for. Even complimenting your daughter on weight loss can send the message that it’s highly important she stay thin – even at the cost of her physical and mental well-being. Better to focus on health and on characteristics that have nothing what-so-ever to do with her appearance like how many books she has read this week and what a kind friend she is.

It is OK (and even helpful) to talk to your daughter about her body – about what it can do (Jump! Cartwheel! Shoot a basket!), how strong it is, and how it works in general. Focusing on the neutral (e.g., “Your brain tells your body what to do”) to positive (e.g., “Your strong leg muscles let you run and run!”) aspects of your daughter’s body helps to create a strong, positive body image. Research shows that when people feel good about their bodies, they’re more likely to take care of them. Look together at books like: Basher Science Human Body: A Book With Guts (By Dan Green) or The Usborne Complete Book of the Human Body (By Anna Claybourne) and discuss surprising facts about the human body. There’s also a cool smart device app called “The Human Body” by Tiny Bop that lets kids get interactive with different systems in the body (no worries – the reproductive system isn’t an option!). Instead of putting your daughter “on a diet,” talk about how her body needs good fuel (a.k.a. not “junk”) to stay alert in school, keep moving during soccer practice, and handle the growing she’s doing every day. Discuss what happens with the food we eat inside our bodies – how it is used and how it is stored. Avoid singling fat and carbs out as “bad” – we need both of these things in moderation. Some good books to read together are: Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids (By Tracie Heskett) with versions for different grade levels; How Did That Get in My Lunchbox: The Story of Food (By Chris Butterworth); and What Happens to Your Food? (By Alastair Smith). Also talk about what exercising does for your daughter’s body, like keeping her blood flowing, making her heart strong, helping her think more clearly, and strengthening her muscles. Avoid talking about losing fat or toning muscles, though – those aren’t things a growing girl needs to focus on.

If you’re concerned about your daughter’s health and/or weight, talk to her about starting some healthy habits so she can feel better and be stronger. Take her grocery shopping with you and focus on buying food that doesn’t come in a box. Let her try different fruits and veggies, even if she’s only willing to take one bite of some to find the ones she likes. Help her become more connected to the food she eats by taking her to a farm like Jones Valley Teaching Farm so she can learn more about the growing process. Consider planting a couple of items in a garden that she can help take care of and harvest – there’s nothing better than a ripe tomato right off the vine! Search for fun recipes together using what you’ve bought or grown and taste test your creations. Increase your daughter’s activity level by signing her up for a sport or other activity that involves movement. This is also a great way to make new friends! Invite her on walks or runs with you as special one-on-one time. Consider getting her a kid-friendly activity tracker like the X-Doria KidFit Activity/Sleep Tracker for Kids, which keeps track of kids’ progress towards activity goals without focusing on number of steps or calories burned. Parents can set up systems for kids to earn rewards based on meeting goals. This system also tracks sleep and may motivate your kiddo to go to bed on time!

While we’re focused on strength and health, remember to make positive comments about your own body in front of your daughter and avoid, at all costs, talking about your flaws, the diet you’re on, or how your clothes look “awful” on you. You may have that running commentary going on in your head but is that really something you want her to inherit? Remember that, no matter what your body looks like, it is doing amazing things all the time like digesting food, getting you from place to place, pumping blood so you can live, etc. Focus on the parts you like best – their functionality and their strength. Also, talk about other things about yourself and your life that you’re proud of – like how you stood up for yourself at work or how you figured out what was wrong with the car without calling a mechanic. Your daughter is always, always watching and listening to you – make sure the right stuff is going in!

About this column: Send your parenting- and kid-related questions my way via email at: parentingwithaphd@gmail.com and I’ll tell you what I can: Please be aware that email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information so it’s best to keep your questions general. If your question is featured, your name and email will not be published. Submitting a question does not constitute a professional relationship in any way and this column is not meant to substitute for face-to-face therapy. If you feel  you’re doing the best you can and still need help, it may be time to bring in a professional. Start by talking with your child’s pediatrician to get a referral.

Kristen S. Berthiaume, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist

About Kristen:

Kristen Berthiaume, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with Grayson and Associates. She obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Kentucky. She completed a predoctoral internship in clinical psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a post- doctoral fellowship in the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) Program at Duke University Medical Center. She specializes in providing assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families dealing with the following issues: ADHD, learning disorders, social skill deficits, organizational problems, behavioral difficulties, anxiety, and depression. She generally focuses on behavioral and cognitive- behavioral techniques, but maintains a flexible approach to therapy. Her other day job is as mom to her daughters, ages seven and one, and four-year-old son.

What Parents would do with a 1.4 Billion Dollar Lottery Win

Posted on by Angie

Ok.. We cannot tell a lie. The urge to drop the kids off at school and make a run to the Georgia state line for a lottery ticket (or 4) has been strong the last couple of days. Someone has to win, right? Can’t win if you don’t get a ticket, right? Even if the odds are never in our favor, it’s fun to dream… So I was talking to a couple of friends and we were thinking about what we would do with our winnings. Wondering also, what would you do, as a parent, with the winnings? (Besides of course putting college money in the bank and setting up a fat savings account… Yawn.)

1. Install fingerprint keypads on my bathroom door.

2. Build the first SUV/Minivan Prototype with Limo Glass.

3. Hire a Chauffeur

4. Hire a Chef

5. Just Hire help in general. (nanny, tutor, personal trainer.. )

6. Build a house with a Children’s Wing.. With a big sign that says “No Toys Beyond this Point”

7. Pay someone to implement all of my Pinterest Boards

8. Vacation. A lot. With kids, without kids, with kids and our new staff…

9. Hire Channing Tatum to sit in my kitchen and let me stare at him talk to me while my chef cooks the family dinner.

So Fess up.. What would you do if you won the lottery to the tune of 1.4 Billion? BILLION. With a B.

 

Spice up that Hot Cocoa!

Posted on by Angie

It’s cold outside.. Really cold! Since we’re all still getting back into the swing of our daily routine, wouldn’t it be a nice treat to have some yummy hot cocoa ready to greet the kiddos when they walk through the door? Try some of these ideas and recipes to spice things up a bit!

Nutella Hot Cocoa

Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon of Nutella for ‘each cup’ of milk (whole milk tastes best)
Whipped cream or Marshmallows
Optional: Sprinkle of Cinnamon’

Directions:
1. Heat milk in sauce pan or microwave. When hot—stir/whisk in the Nutella until all is combined
2. Pour into cups and top with mini-marshmallows or whipped cream
3. Optional: Sprinkle with a little cinnamon

YUM-O

Rasberry Cocoa

Ingredients:
3 cups instant hot cocoa mix
1 package unsweetened raspberry-flavored kool-aid mix

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a container that seals/closes tightly.
Shake until well blended.
Stir 2 heaping tablespoons into a mug of hot water.

Store the remainder in an air tight container

Snowy White Hot Cocoa

Ingredients:
1 ½ tablespoons white-chocolate instant pudding mix
1 cup milk
Whipped cream

Directions:
Combine pudding mix and milk in a microwaveable mug.
Heat  in the microwave for 60 seconds on high.
Top with whipped cream and/or crushed candy canes, if desired.

If you want to earn some extra cool mom points, try making up some cute “Chocolate Spoons” to go with your cocoa snack.

Ingredients and Supplies:

– spoons, plastic work best
– chocolate chips, regular and mini chips
– marshmallows
– coconut, shredded and sweetened
– peanut butter chips
– butterscotch chips
– crushed candy canes
– wax paper
– plate

Directions:

Heat up your chocolate chips for spoon dipping first. Place a 1/2 cup of chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Take it out and stir, then continue to heat it for 20 second intervals until melted.
Once your chocolate is melted, dip your spoon into the bowl. You’ll need to stir it around and turn it over to make sure you’ve got it all covered in chocolate. Then set the spoon onto a plate covered in wax paper.

When you’ve got your spoons dipped, it’s time to decorate them. For a snowman, place 3 marshmallows in a line down the spoon. Top one with a peanut butter chip for the hat and a flake of coconut for the scarf. Then two mini chocolate chips get a tiny dip of melted chocolate on the bottom of them before you place it on the top marshmallow for the eyes.

For more directions and photos of the chocolate spoons visit this blog

Star Wars Family Weekend, McWane Science Center

Posted on by Angie

Bring the whole family to McWane Science Center for the Star Wars Family Weekend. This three day event includes out-of-this-world education activities, costume contests and daily screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

SATURDAY JANUARY 16

Meet some of your favorite Star Wars characters, both old and new.

SUNDAY JANUARY 17

Find your inner Jedi knight! Come in costume and get a special discount.

MONDAY JANUARY 18

Special educational programs — Star Wars themed — in the museum all day.

Daily screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens all weekend!

 

 

Birmingham Events Calendar: January 10th – January 17th

Posted on by Angie

We’re easing back into the New Year and the Libraries are the place to be.. lots of storytimes happening around town. Don’t forget to check out Toddler Days at Steel City Jump Park each Tuesday. BrickFair will be in town this weekend and McWane is hosting some special events for Star Wars Fans!

Happy New Year!! We hope you have a great week!

It’s Not Our Fault if Your Kids are Bored!

Sunday January 10th:

Our World, Our Library – Homewood Public Library
Join us for stories, activities and crafts about World Religion Day, which is celebrated in January.
2:30pm

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Monday January 11th:

Moving Together – Homewood Library
The Dance Foundation presents a program designed for babies ages 6 weeks to 6 months, with a caregiver.  Registration is required and begins Monday, January 4
10:30am

LEGO Club – Homewood Public Library
Join us for an exciting new building challenge each month!  K-5th grade.

Toddler Tales – North Shelby Library
Stories, songs, fingerplays and crafts make up a lively 30 minute program designed especially for short attention spans. Registration will begin one week prior to each storytime. Ages 19-36 months. Registration Required.
9:30am

Tot Time with Ms. Eve: Winter Weather – Avondale Library
It may be cold outside, but it’s nice and warm at storytime. Join us as we share wintery stories to warm our hearts! Tot Time is geared for 2 to 4 year olds with an individual caregiver, no groups please. 24-hour advance registration required.
9:30am and 11am

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Tuesday January 12th:

Toddler Days – Steel City Jump Park
Story, snack and jumping! Parents jump for free, Children, $8.00. Parents free.
10am – Noon

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Wednesday January 13th:

Wiggleworm Wednesdays – Homewood Public Library
Join Ms. Mandy for our weekly all-ages storytime filled with music, wiggling and fun!
10:30am

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Thursday January 14th:

Storyday with Nay Nay – Homewood Public Library
Join Ms. Nay Nay for this fun-filled storytime.  Children ages three and under and a parent or caregiver are invited to shake their beanbags and listen to this amazing storyteller!
9:30 and 10:30

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Friday January 15th:

Move and Groove Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for an interactive and energetic movement storytime for all ages filled with dance, yoga and fun!
10:30am

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Saturday January 16th:

Star Wars Family Weekend – McWane Science Center
Bring the whole family to McWane Science Center for the Star Wars Family Weekend. This three day event includes out-of this-world education activities, costume contests and daily screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Meet some of your favorite Star Wars characters, both old and new.

Bart’s Books – Birmingham Museum of Art
Bart’s Books is a storytelling program for children ages 4-7. Bart selects a new book and related work of art each month that he thinks kids will enjoy.

This month, Bart has selected Carin Berger’s A Perfect Day.
11am

BrickFair 2016
LEGO models, displays and winding trains sprawled out over 58,000 square feet. BrickFair brings together adult fans of LEGO from across the USA (and Canada, and a few other countries) to show off their projects, great and small, and to share their passion for LEGO – the most awesome toy – ever. LEGO fan festivals like BrickFair are great fun for the whole family! Join in a game or two – maybe win a LEGO set. Vendors will be offering all things LEGO, including shirts, hats, minifigures, custom-molded weapons, unique models, keychains and… really… everything you never imagined.
11am – 4pm

Family Storytime – Emmet O’Neal Library
Bring the entire family and join Mr. Mac for stories and music each Saturday morning.
10:30 a.m.

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Sunday January 17th:

Star Wars Family Weekend – McWane Science Center
Bring the whole family to McWane Science Center for the Star Wars Family Weekend. This three day event includes out-of this-world education activities, costume contests and daily screenings of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Find your inner Jedi knight! Come in costume and get a special discount.

BrickFair 2016
LEGO models, displays and winding trains sprawled out over 58,000 square feet. BrickFair brings together adult fans of LEGO from across the USA (and Canada, and a few other countries) to show off their projects, great and small, and to share their passion for LEGO – the most awesome toy – ever. LEGO fan festivals like BrickFair are great fun for the whole family! Join in a game or two – maybe win a LEGO set. Vendors will be offering all things LEGO, including shirts, hats, minifigures, custom-molded weapons, unique models, keychains and… really… everything you never imagined.
11am – 4pm

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

IMAX
McWane Science Center’s IMAX® Dome Theater puts you in the center of the action by projecting breathtaking quality images onto the 5-story-tall dome screen and delivering intense surround sound through almost 3 tons of speakers and subwoofers.
Now Showing: Star Wars the Force Awakens, Ocean Oasis, Journey to Space

Birmingham Zoo:

The Birmingham Zoo offers a variety of daily activities from Giraffe and Pelican Feedings to Bird Tours and Lion Training. For a daily schedule of whats happening at the Zoo, visit their site.

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue; made of 100,000 pounds of iron and 56 feet tall, he stands at the top of Red Mountain overlooking the city of Birmingham. But, Vulcan is more than a statue. Vulcan Park and Museum features spectacular views of Birmingham, an interactive history museum that examines Vulcan and Birmingham’s story, and a beautiful public park for visitors and locals to enjoy. With an official information center that is operated by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vulcan Park and Museum serves as the first stop for visitors to the Birmingham area!

Railroad Park:

Railroad Park is a 19 acre green space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the industrial and artistic heritage of our great city. Situated along 1st Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, the park is a joint effort between the City of Birmingham and the Railroad Park Foundation. Hailed as “Birmingham’s Living Room,” Railroad Park provides a historically rich venue for local recreation, family activities, concerts, and cultural events, while connecting Birmingham’s downtown area with Southside and UAB’s campus.

Southern Museum of Flight:

Earn Your Wings – Bring your little pilot and soar above the clouds in our little pilots room. Kids enjoy building aircrafts, flying kites, and more.
Museum Open Tuesday – Thursday
9:30am – 4:30pm

Do you have or know of an event you would like to have added to our weekly calendar? Please email us at contact@birminghammommy.com, subject line “Events Calendar” – We would love to hear from you!

** All information listed on our calendar is subject to change without notice to us or you… We do our best to keep the information accurate and will always update as soon as we learn that something has changed. It’s always best to double check with the event via their website or a quick call,  especially when weather can impact the event.

 

Giveaway! LEGO BrickFair Convention

Posted on by Angie

Join fans of LEGO from across the USA and around the globe.  Be inspired by LEGO genius, great and small, and share in the passion for building, creating, and inventing!

Take a chance, join a game – maybe win some LEGO!

Be inspired by amazing LEGO creations.  Spot hidden jokes in towering skyscrapers and learn new techniques from creative builders just like you!

Discover LEGO models and winding trains circling sprawling LEGO cityscapes, all spread over 71,000 square feet.

Visit Stay & Play‘s endless bricks and let your kids’ creativity flow.

BirminghamMommy has a four pack of tickets up for grabs, just a leave a comment here letting us know you want them. We’ll draw a winner Sunday Night (January 10th) at 8pm

BrickFair AL 2016
Jan 16th & Jan 17th, 2016
11:00am – 4:00pm

Event of the Week: Monster Jam!

Posted on by Angie

Monster Jam® brings high-octane, motorsports entertainment to fans around the world. The action-packed live events feature the most recognizable trucks including Grave Digger®, Max-D® and many more, performing jaw-dropping displays of gravity-defying feats.

Monster Jam will be performing at Legacy Arena at the BJCC this weekend!

Show times:
Friday, January 8, 2016 – 7:30p

Saturday, January 9 – 2:00p & 7:30p

The Party in the Pits on Friday, Jan. 8 from 5:15p–6:30p and Saturday, Jan. 9 from 11:00a–1:00p gives fans the opportunity to get a view of the trucks up close and meet the drivers of the massive Monster Jam trucks.

The event will feature Grave Digger® driven by Jon Zimmer, Carolina Crusher driven by Gary Porter, Higher Education driven by Jim Tracey, Black Stallion driven by Matt Cody, Strait Jacket driven by Kevin King, Instigator driven by Paul Breaud, Backdraft driven by TBA, Barbarian driven by Devin Jones. Subject to change without notice.

For more information visit: http://www.monsterjam.com/events/birmingham-al

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