Birmingham Events Calendar: October 19th – October 26th

Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2014 by Angie

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

Lots of Halloween fun happening around Birmingham again this week! There’s no shortage of fun to be had this time of year! Spooky storytimes and Trick or Treating top the list, with a character storytime at Barnes and Noble. There’s another Vulcan Aftertunes happening on Sunday, if live music is your thing!

Have a great week!

Sunday October 19th:

Veggie Tale Silly Sing A Long – Valleydale Church
Veggie Tales Live! Silly Sing Along will be at ValleydaleChurch
For more information go to wayfm.com
Tickets are $25 for VIP and $15 for General Admission.
6pm

Liberty Park Pumpkin Patch – Alston Meadows
This is an annual festival and fundraiser in the beautiful Liberty Park area. We invite people from all over to come have family fun with games, food, and candy all to benefit theVestavia Hills Civitan Club. Local businesses will set up booths and provide games and giveaways. This event is designated as a Halloween Safe Zone by the Vestavia Hills Police Department.
1pm – 4pm

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Monday October 20th:

Pumpkin Carving – Gardendale Library
Come join us as we enjoy carving pumpkins! Just bring your own pumpkin, and we will provide stencils so you can make yours funny, silly or zany. All ages are welcome, so grab a pumpkin and join the fun.
6pm

Tot Time with Ms Eve – Avondale Public Library
Come dressed in your favorite PJs for a morning full of stories, songs, and fun. Do you think Mrs. Eve will wear her pajamas? Tot Time is geared for 2 to 4 year olds with a caregiver (no groups please). 24-hour advance registration required.
9:30a and 11:30a

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Tuesday October 21st:

Baby Tales – North Shelby Library
A story time designed especially for babies and their caregivers. Stories and music provide interaction for the babies and time for caregivers to talk and share with each other. Ages: Birth to 18 months. Registration Required. Registration will begin one week prior to program date.
9:30am

All Ages Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Join us for music, puppets, dancing, and so much more in Story Time!
Large groups, we appreciate your call to 205-332-6619 to ensure adequate space.
10:30am

Family Tours, Serve it Up– Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join the Museum educators to explore the galleries in a fun, interactive experience! Discover Bart the Art Bat’s favorite artworks during these FREE, drop-in tours. After your tour, visit Bart’s ArtVenture to make an art project inspired by what you saw. What will you discover?

Serve It Up! What do you use to eat? Explore the Museum for all items. Hester Bateman created fancy silver items for people to use in the 1700s. Her artworks are some of many in the Museum that are used for food. How are other objects in the Museum the same, or different? Explore different cultures with a Museum educator. Come back to Bart’s ArtVenture to create something fancy for your table at home.
10:30

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Celebrate friendship and October’s No-Bullying Month with us at this special Storytime! The book features three never-before-published Dr. Seuss stories.
11am

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Wednesday October 22nd:

Family Story Time with Mr Mac – North Shelby Library
Storyteller Extraordinaire – Come join Mr Mac and his musical storytime complete with puppets! All Ages, no registration required.
10:45am

All Ages Storytime – Homewood Public Library
10:30am

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Thursday October 23rd:

Mole Day – Mcwane Science Center
Join us for hands-on activities throughout the day as we celebrate Mole Day! Mole Day commemorates Avogadro’s Number (6.02 x 10^23), which is a basic measuring unit in chemistry first discovered by Amadeo Avogadro (1776-1858).
Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members

PJ Storytime – North Shelby Library
Come in your PJs, have milk and cookies, and hear some wonderful bedtime tales. All Ages. No Registration Required.
7pm

Mommy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Storytime for the youngest patrons and friends.
9:30am and 10:30am

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Friday October 24th:

A Spooky (but not so scary) Storytime and Trick or Treating – Whole Foods
Join us for Halloween trick-or-treating and spooky stories! Storytime will begin in the cafe at 10:00 AM, followed by storewide trick-or-treating. Recommended for children ages 2-6, come in costume!

Boo At the Zoo!
Wear your favorite costume for the 22nd annual Boo at the Zoo. Make your way through safe candy villages and game zones, organized by local non-profits and child-centered businesses. The Zoo will close at 4pm on each day of Boo at the Zoo.
Admission: $8 (tax included)
Some attractions require ride tickets. Ride tickets are $3.50, or you can purchase an unlimited attraction wristband for only $12. Wristbands do not include Children’s Pony Rides. Children’s Pony Rides are $5.50. Riders must weigh less than 80 lbs.
5pm – 9pm

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Saturday October 25th:

A Ghoulish Halloween – Shops of Grand River
The Outlet Shops of Grand River (The Outlet Shops) invites the surrounding community to celebrate in Halloween fun with a costume contest and trick-or-treat celebration. From 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., families can enjoy candy and treats in the Food Court, followed by a costume contest for children 12 and under.
In addition to the costume contest and trick-or-treating in the Food Court, large Halloween-themed inflatables will be onsite for photo opportunities.

Owl O Ween – Alabama Wildlife Center
Owl-O-Ween features children’s activities, games, storytime, live owl guests, bird of prey programs, an owl release, and complimentary candy. Meet Alabama’s native owls and the world’s largest owl species!! Free after paid admission to Oak Mountain State Park. For changes and details: www.awrc.org
Owl-O-Ween and AWC activities are free after paid admission to Oak Mountain State Park
$3 for Adults
$1 for Children 6 to 11 years of age
$1 for Senior Citizens 62 years of age and older
11am – 2pm

Tannehill Halloween Fairyland
The Tannehill Halloween Festival, a non-scary fun-filled holiday event focused on the campgrounds, annually attracts over 6,000 visitors, most of them children. Begun in 1992, the Halloween event features park-sponsored programs during the afternoon and traditional Halloween candy “trick or treat” stops at more than 200 campsites during the evening. Park events include moonwalks, face painting, balloon animals, a bungee jump, along with a train rides for a small additional charge. A special tradition is the festival’s annual Halloween Festival T-shirt. Campground site decorations and lights are extensive, creative and surreal.
Park admission
$3.00 Adults (12 years and older)
$2.00 Seniors (Ages 62 and older)
$1.00 Children (Ages 6-11) ages 5 and under free
Noon – 6pm

Character Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Curious George will be joining us for our Halloween Storytime and leading our costume parade after the story!
11am

Click Clack Boo Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Fans of the ‘Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type’ series will love this new title destined to be a Halloween classic – Click, Clack, Boo!: A Tricky Treat. Join us for this Halloween Storytime with fun giveaways and activities. Trick-or-treat? Costume parade!
11am

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 Ame Dyckman’s Tea Party Rules.
11am

Bart’s Art Cart – Birmingham Museum of Art
This drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from our galleries and art activity each month. Stop by to make art with Bart!

Engrave your own “silver” piece, just like Hester Bateman!
11am – 1pm

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 October 26th:

Vulcan Aftertunes – Vulcan Park
Milo Greene quintet is a cinematic pop group coming out of LA, with a smooth indie rock edge and combines wisps of guitar, drums and vocals into an airy sound you can imagine playing out of your television speakers as onscreen waves roll onto the beach. Their self-titled debut album came out in 2012 and their second album is coming soon.

Now in its 10th year, Vulcan AfterTunes has become a highly anticipated event for music lovers and a unique cultural outing for families to enjoy in a one-of-a-kind city setting! This fall, enjoy cool tunes, fresh brews and sweet views on Sunday afternoons with your favorite cast iron statue, Vulcan. Chill out in Birmingham’s backyard and end your week with some of the area’s best music while witnessing spectacular views of Birmingham’s city skyline. This three-part series features local and national singer/songwriter acts often heard on Birmingham Mountain Radio.
Adults-$15, Member Adults-$8, Children 5-12-$8, Children 4 and under-Free
3pm – 6pm

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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: Tornado Alley, Great White Shark, To the Arctic, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar

Birmingham Zoo:

Lorikeet Aviary – Our Lorikeet Aviary has more birds than ever! Zoo guests can feed these exotic birds every day. You and your family will see these birds’ behavior as they eat nectar out of your hand.
Weekends 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

RHINO ENCOUNTER – Embark on an African adventure and experience one of the world’s most extraordinary animals, the Southern White Rhino. Watch from only feet away as our zookeepers engage in hands-on interaction with the animals inside their African-themed exhibit. Don’t miss this exciting encounter with one of the largest mammals on the planet!
Weekdays: 3pm – 3:30pm
Weekends: 11:30am – Noon & 3pm – 3:30 pm

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am & 2pm – 3pm

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.

52 New Things, 2014. Week 41

Posted on Saturday, October 18, 2014 by Angie

Here’s what’s new with us this week!

Angie-
I bought my first pair of Merrells. I’m not sure I love them, but they are super comfy and I wanted something as comfy as my tennis shoes that didn’t look like tennis shoes to wear on our upcoming Disney trip.

Kristen-
My new thing is the show “How to Get Away with Murder.” ABC got me again!

Go Boo Someone!

Posted on Friday, October 17, 2014 by Angie

Not familiar with it? Here’s how it goes. Assemble two Halloween treat bags to be given away to your neighbors or friends. Then make two boo signs (pictured on this post or search for an image on the internet) and two sheets of paper with the following instructions:

You’ve Been Boo’d!

1. Enjoy your treat
2. Place the “We’ve Been Boo’d” sign on your front door
3. Within 24 hours – make two copies of these instructions & the “We’ve been Boo’d” sign, then put them in your treat bags
4. Secretly deliver to two neighbors or friends without a Boo sign on their door. Don’t get caught!
5. Keep an eye on nearby front doors to see how far and fast it spreads by Halloween!

So come on! Play along and get the Halloween spirit going!

Red Mountain Theatre Presents Young Frankenstein

Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2014 by Angie

This fall, the Red Mountain Theatre Company (RMTC) brings Mel Brooks’ classic “Young Frankenstein” to the stage.

“It’s dark. It’s funny. It’s full of classic Mel Brooks innuendo—the kind of smart jokes that both parents and 12-year-olds can laugh at, but the kids aren’t quite sure why it’s funny. It’s just funny,” says Creative Director Keith Cromwell.

This is Cromwell’s 11th season with RMTC. During his tenure, he says he’s seen the reputation for RMTC grow “magnificently.” All the credit, he says, goes to the 14-person staff that works tirelessly to produce 92 nights of world-class theatre each season.

The company recently wrapped its most successful production ever—“Les Mis”—selling out tickets at the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) Dorothy Jemison Day Theater. “After an epic, tragic, heartbreaking show like ‘Les Mis,’ I wanted to offer some humor. You know, in the wake of all the death of ‘Les Mis,’ we said: Let’s bring the audience back to life.”

Cromwell believes the show will indeed be “alive” thanks to directors Ken Zimmerman and Joey Cullinane, musical director Brian Victor, along with cast members Sam Hartley (Dr. Frankenstein), Barry Austin (Inspector Kemp), Brandon Christopher (Igor), Jillian Van Niel (Inga), Jessica Clark (Elizabeth), David Cocker (The Montster), and Tam DeBolt (Frau Blucher).

“Young Frankenstein” will be on stage at the RMTC cabaret, an intimate setting that differs vastly from the grand space of Jemison Day Theatre. That contrast excited Cromwell, who says, “I love the creativity that comes from the challenges our cabaret space presents. And I love the intimacy. The audience is right there, nearly face to face with live actors, and in live theatre, anything can happen, For ‘Young Frankenstein,’ we’ve got to lift the monster into the air—on stage with 12-foot ceilings—and electrocute him.”

This Halloween, Cromwell invites Birmingham to witness the monster come alive with Dr. Frankenstein, Igor and Frau Blucher (cue horse whinnying) at the RMTC Cabaret.

Grab a sitter and make this a date night or round up your friends for a fun night out!

“Young Frankenstein” runs October 10–November 2nd. Tickets at redmountaintheatre.org or The Box Office: (205) 324-2424. Showtimes: Thursday-Saturday, 7:30pm and Sat- Sunday, 2pm

Encourage Your Child to Volunteer. It's Important.

Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 by Angie

As young people get older, they need to stretch their abilities, including their moral sensibilities. During school hours, kids are focused on everything from academics to athletics, but many parents are challenged to find positive ways for their kids to spend time when they’re not on campus. Engagement with other kids and adults in meaningful service activities can support healthy development in a variety of ways, providing opportunities for both growth and positive fulfillment.

Here are some tips on encouraging your kids to volunteer!

#1: Volunteering helps foster empathy.

Empathy is the most critical disposition for responding to the needs of others. We need to be able to imagine what other people may be going through or feeling. Volunteering helps engage our natural empathic sense, but you have to make sure that there are opportunities to talk about the purpose and experience of any volunteer activity if the recipients aren’t visible in the process (making sandwiches for the homeless isn’t the same as helping to deliver the sandwiches to homeless people).

#2: Volunteering helps develop a sense of self-efficacy.

Children may understand that other people need help or that there are projects that could make a community more habitable or productive, but feel helpless or unclear that an individual can do anything about it in response. Volunteering can provide experiences that affirm a young person’s sense that they can make a difference through their own effort and skills. These experiences can empower young people to apply themselves in other contexts, including school and other organized activities, such as faith-based youth groups or scouting.

#3: Volunteers gain experience working with other people.

Social skills are best learned in social situations. When people come together to engage in a meaningful task, issues of communication, power, collaboration and trust rise to the surface in a supportive context. It’s easier, although still a challenge, to learn to navigate these waters with others who may be more skillful and be in a position to offer supportive feedback. It’s a good way for parents and children to see each other in a different light, as well, and learn together.

#4: Volunteering develops new skills.

In addition to social skills, practical experiences of organizing tasks and using physical and mental capabilities to get jobs done is fundamental to successful work of any kind. In school, these skills are often fragmented or unrelated to real-world applications. Service activities offer the chance to apply and test our abilities, as well as learn from other kids or adults in a way that engages kids’ natural drive for competence.

# 5: Volunteering provides the opportunity to explore new interests and develop new passions.

There is nothing more exhilarating than discovering a new field of interest that sparks a real passion for learning and doing. One of the wonderful things about being our species is our inquisitiveness and motivation to investigate and find meaning in discovery. Service activities have the potential to expose us to these opportunities and see how other people live their passions.

#6: Volunteers learn a lot.

In the process of joining with others in service, volunteers learn about their community and the larger world. It takes us out of our own sphere of self-interest and self-absorption and opens us to issues and solutions, as well as other people’s needs.

#7: Volunteers actually make a difference in other people’s lives.

Think about how much more impoverished our communities would be if all of the volunteer services disappeared. This is a lesson that children can be taught early and take with them into adulthood. For example, volunteers are critical in:

Helping families (daycare and eldercare)
Improving schools (tutoring, literacy)
Supporting youth (mentoring and after-school programs)
Beautifying the community (beach and park cleanups)

#8: Volunteering encourages civic responsibility.

Community service and volunteerism are a way to teach the importance of investing in our community and the people who live in it. We want our kids to not only be successful in their work and personal lives, but to learn what it means to be a citizen in our republic. The American values of democratic decision-making, social justice and equal opportunity require active participation for us to have a successfully functioning country.

#9: Volunteering offers you a chance to give back.

It’s important for children to see that there are small and large opportunities to support community resources that your family uses or that benefit people they care about. Whether it’s offering to help man a booth to support improvements in a park you use, or joining a fundraising walk to support medical research for a disease that afflicts a family member or friend, children and adults alike can feel empowered through participation.

#10: Volunteering is good for you.

While this is the last reason for volunteering on this list, and may not be the most important, it is good to know that research has consistently shown that acting altruistically has real benefits. Volunteering provides physical and mental rewards; it has been shown to:

Reduce stress: When you focus on someone other than yourself, it interrupts tension-producing patterns.
Make you healthier: The moods and emotions that frequently come through volunteer service like optimism, joy, and a sense of self-efficacy can contribute to strengthening the immune system.
Make you happier: Human beings are social animals. Working closely with others in a common pursuit for the benefit of our fellow creatures can fill us with a sense of purpose, and that can lead us to feelings of satisfaction and true happiness.

“Volunteering with your kids touches hearts, teaches important life lessons and engraves fond, lifelong memories of family bonding,” said Leigh Ann Errico, CEO and founder of Wear the Cape and the kidkind foundation. “Understanding and participating in activities to benefit the community is crucial to weaving one’s moral fiber.”

Article provided by: Wear the Cape and the kidkind foundation
In partnership with Wear the Cape and the kidkind foundation, Dr. Brown has embarked on a critical mission to help parents across the country support the development of character in their kids. For additional resources from Dr. Brown and to learn more about Wear the Cape and the kidkind foundation, go to www.wearthecapekids.com.

About Wear the Cape and the kidkind foundation

Wear the Cape™ for all kidkind™ is the first global, mission-powered brand with the nerve to equate being kind with being cool. By coaching kids to be BETTER THAN THAT™, Wear the Cape breaks down barriers and brings people together—a world of new values prevails: It’s cool to be inclusive, tolerant and socially responsible. From its line of apparel and accessories, to its educational tools and its own non-profit the kidkind foundation, Wear the Cape sparks awareness and raises money to build heroes, a kid at a time. Wear the Cape’s products and resources are designed to create teachable moments between kids and the grown-ups they look up to with Hero Tags that tee up conversations about what it means to stand up and stand out; to stick up for the underdog; to do what’s right, not what’s easy. Wear the Cape donates 10% of its net profits directly to the kidkind foundation, and the rest is reinvested in the design and production of new products, as well as character-building educational materials for parents and teachers to help the kids they love. Wear the Cape’s work with communities and schools is helping mold everyday heroes that will create a kinder, better world for us all.

Birmingham Events Calendar: October 12th – October 19th

Posted on Sunday, October 12, 2014 by Angie

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

Lots of family fun happening in Birmingham this week. As we get closer to Halloween, the events start piling up! There’s a little something for everyone, from Vulcan AfterTunes to Veggietales. Check out Earth Science Week at the McWane Science Center or Boo at the Zoo! For a full list of Fall Fun and activities, make sure to check out this list, constantly updated!

Have a great week!

Sunday October 12th:

Vulcan AfterTunes – Vulcan Park
Dumpstaphunk debuted in 2003 at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and have been grooving across the nations ever since. They hold true to the origins of funk while not being afraid to let elements of gospel, blues, R&B and a touch of rock n’ roll sneak into their music. In 2013, they released their latest album, “Dirty Word,” featuring Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers along with guest appearances from other friends and family.

Now in its 10th year, Vulcan AfterTunes has become a highly anticipated event for music lovers and a unique cultural outing for families to enjoy in a one-of-a-kind city setting! This fall, enjoy cool tunes, fresh brews and sweet views on Sunday afternoons with your favorite cast iron statue, Vulcan. Chill out in Birmingham’s backyard and end your week with some of the area’s best music while witnessing spectacular views of Birmingham’s city skyline. This three-part series features local and national singer/songwriter acts often heard on Birmingham Mountain Radio.
Adults-$15, Members-$8, Children 5-12-$8, Children 4 and under-Free
3pm – 6pm

Cahaba River Fry Down – Trussville Springs
Join the Cahaba River Fry-Down for fun, friends and a good ole’ fashioned fish fry!

Learn more about the relationship between water quality and the health of humans and aquatic life while socializing, eating, playing family-friendly games, visiting the beer garden, and competing in the Fry-Down.

Last year nearly 1,000 people joined us on the river for this day of fun and water-smart learning activities. Our Fry-Down competition was a great success, with 11 hotly-competing teams and an esteemed panel of judges. Partner organizations offered their knowledge about drinking water, low impact development, wildlife conservation, and ways to enjoy the Cahaba.
$20 per person
12pm -4pm

Earth Science Week – McWane Science Center
Are you ready for Earth Science Week! McWane Science Center will offer hands-on activities and programs designed to promote earth sciences. Learn how how geoscientists gather and interpret data about the Earth and other planets, impacting society through their research.
Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members

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Monday October 13th:

Monday Movie – Homewood Public Library
Join us for a movie treat and fun after-school flick for all ages!
3:30pm

Tot Time with Ms Eve – Avondale Public Library
Join Mrs. Eve as she presents her favorite fabulous fall stories, songs, and crafts geared for 2 to 4 year olds with a caregiver. 24-hour advance registration required.
9:30a and 11:30a

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Tuesday October 14th:

Family Storytime – Avondale Library
What can you make with a cardboard box? Really, the possibilities are limitless!
Spark your creativity with a story and cardboard construction time! We’ll bring the cardboard and duct tape; you bring your imagination.
6pm

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for a great story, fun activities and a sample from our Cafe!
11am

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Wednesday October 15th:

All Ages Storytime – Homewood Public Library
10:30am

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Thursday October 16th:

Mommy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Storytime for the youngest patrons and friends.
9:30am and 10:30am

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Friday October 17th:

The Wizarding World of Hoover Library
Calling all wizards! Don your costume, grab your wand and head to the Hoover Public Library as we celebrate our favorite time of year. Visit Ollivander’s shop in Diagon alley, make a sleeping potion with Maleficent, sing-a-long with Elsa and much, much more!
7pm

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Saturday October 18th:

JCA Annual Heritage Festival – Jefferson Christian Academy
Families can enjoy a variety of entertainment such as carnival rides, huge inflatables, live music, arts and crafts vendors, informational booths, several food choices, great values in the silent auction, pony rides, games and more!
10am – 3pm

Hands-On Learning: ZOOB Building and Modeling Event – Barnes and Noble Summit
Come join us and build something creative with the ZOOB moving, mind-building modeling system. Ages 4 through 7.
11am

Hands-On Learning: Scoubidou Woven whatzit! Decorating Project – Barnes and Noble Summit
Decorate your backpack, locker or notebook with the Scoubidou. So many possibilities … It can be a key ring, backpack charm, zipper pull or belt loop dangler. Whatever it is, everyone needs at least one! For girls and boys ages 7 and up.
4pm

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Stars Wars Reads Day III – a fun-filled day of giveaways and activities in stores nationwide for Star Wars fans of all ages. Check your local store for event details.
11am

Engrave your own “silver” piece, just like Hester Bateman!
11am – 1pm

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 October 19th:

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

Birmingham Zoo:

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am & 2pm – 3pm

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Railroad Park:

Southern Museum of Flight:

52 New Things, 2014. Week 40

Posted on Saturday, October 11, 2014 by Angie

First of all, I can’t even believe that we are on week 40 of our New Things! Here’s what we did that was new this week. Short and sweet… What did you do?

Angie –
While picking up a birthday present at the Bookstore, I fell prey to another new chapstick. This one is Auburn chapstick, it’s football season, I’m a fan. What can I say. I’m a sucker!

Kristen-
This week my new thing is something I absolutely do not recommend. I lost my phone in Disney World. Keeping our fingers crossed that somehow someway it gets turned in.

Shirley-
This week, I got in a “do it yourself” mood and decided to install my own crown molding. Not as hard as you would think. It’s not bad, if I do say so myself.

Itty Bitty Book Club at McWane Science Center!

Posted on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 by Angie

There’s a great new program that just kicked off at the McWane Science Center. It’s the Itty Bitty Book club and if you’re a Mom of a Toddler, you’ll understand how awesome a fresh, new mid morning activity can be to your schedule. Here’s something new for you to check out!

Be a charter member of the McWane Science Center Itty Bitty Book Club and enjoy a very special story-time for ages 3 to 5 year olds. Guest readers will delight this very elite club with their storytelling skills. Educational activities will also be included in this unique hour of fun!Reservations are required.

Every Monday until November 3rd
10am – 11am

Halloween Craft: Mason Jar Pumpkins

Posted on Monday, October 6, 2014 by Angie

We love crafts, we love Halloween and we absolutely fell in love with this cute, easy and super inexpensive craft we saw in an issue of Southern Living.

Because we craft a fair amount in this house, we had the acrylic paints and brushes on hand, we hit the thrift stores for some different size mason jars (.49 cents each!) mayonnaise jars also work, then we picked up some flameless candles to drop inside of each jar.

To create your own “Jar O’ Lantern” paint your jars with your choice of color, we went with orange, (the traditional take on a jack o’ lantern.) Use black paint or a permanent marker to create your face. Make sure not to make the paint too thick. You’ll want it to cover the jar but not block out the glow of the light inside.

These make a great display for a window sill or mantle – My girls had a blast painting, they needed some help with the faces but overall it’s a very easy craft to do with the kids.

Do you have a fun easy Halloween Craft? We would love to hear about it!

Birmingham Events Calendar: October 5th – October 12th

Posted on Sunday, October 5, 2014 by Angie

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

Brrr, Rabbit!! What a cool start to October! Sure does help get you in the mood for all the fun fall activities! The calendar is full this week with lots of fun! If you need even more ideas, make sure to check out our HUGE list of Fall Festivals and Pumpkin Patches.

Sunday October 5th:

Marvel Universe Live! – BJCC
A MIND-BLOWING LIVE-ACTION ARENA EXPERIENCE, FEATURING THE GREATEST MARVEL SUPER HEROES AND VILLAINS.

Marvel fans, assemble! Marvel Universe LIVE! is taking the live entertainment experience to a whole new level, with a mind-blowing show unlike anything you’ve seen before. Watch your favorite Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man, The Avengers – Iron Man, Hulk, and more, and threatening villains come to life in an action-packed arena extravaganza, coming to cities around North America. You’ll definitely feel the energy with cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial stunts, martial arts, motorcycles and more. It’s being hailed as the most technically advanced live show ever. Join Marvel fans of all ages for this once-in-a-lifetime, monumental performance. The fate of the universe depends on it!
1pm and 5pm

Oak Mountain Big Fall Festival – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
Thrill Rides; Kiddie Rides; Fun for the entire family! This Oak Mountain Big Fall Festival, not to be confused with the Oak Mountain State Fair, will feature live music on the midway each night, as well as the Fearless Flores Family Thrill Show. Another new attraction we will have for the kiddies will be the Barnyard Cackle Review.
Discount tickets can be purchased at your local Walgreens for $5.
12pm – 11pm

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Monday October 6th:

Shelby County Fair – Shelby County Exhibition Center
The 65th Annual Shelby County Fair is the annual fundraiser for the Kiwanis Clubs of Columbiana and Chelsea. The proceeds from the Fair support the service projects of the two clubs, primarily local schools, youth sports leagues and Scout groups.
$10 at the Gates
$9 Online
Admission includes all rides, parking, entertainment, Exhibition Center
6pm – 11pm

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Tuesday October 7th:

Pumpkin Painting – Hoover Public Library
Bring your own pumpkin! We’ll supply the paint and fun. All ages
6:30pm

All Ages Storytime – Homewood Public Library
10:30am

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Cleverly irreverent and irresistibly silly, The Book with No Pictures is one that kids will beg to hear again and again. Join us for a reading of the book and fun activities!
11am

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Wednesday October 8th:

All Ages Storytime – Homewood Public Library
10:30am

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Thursday October 9th:

Mommy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Storytime for the youngest patrons and friends.
9:30am and 10:30am

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Friday October 10th:

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Saturday October 11th:

Read and Romp – Railroad Park
A free family event for children 3-5 years of age. At Read and Romp-Birmingham, children will be engaged in fun, learning-based activities themed around favorite children’s books. Children will leave the event with goodies that they have created from an activity at each station, along with a stamped passport and books. For example, children will be playing Hopscotch at the Books-A-Million station and hearing the story of a familiar Dr. Seuss book, Hop On Pop. Also this year one of the stations will be providing and fitting bicycle helmets for children.
9am – noon

Art in Avondale Park –
Art in Avondale Park is a single-day, unjuried art festival held during the autumn in historic Avondale Park. The event supports emerging artists and also attracts well-known local and neighborhood artists. Admission is free and artist registration fees are nominal ensuring this event supports up and coming artists and maintains the festival’s home grown flavor. Music, dance, and children’s art making lessons energize Avondale Park and inspire children to explore their creative side.
10am – 4pm

Star Wars Reads Day – Homewood Public Library
Little Professor brings Star Wars Reads to the library again! Come in costume, win prizes, see your favorite characters gathered in the round auditorium–family fun for all!
1pm – 6pm

Costume Character Visit – Barnes and Noble Summit
Come visit with favorite Star Wars Characters from the 501st Alabama Garrison! Giveaways! Pictures! Wear your Star Wars costume! Event runs from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Updates posted on Facebook at bnthesummit.

Engrave your own “silver” piece, just like Hester Bateman!
11am – 1pm

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 October 12th:

Now in its 10th year, Vulcan AfterTunes has become a highly anticipated event for music lovers and a unique cultural outing for families to enjoy in a one-of-a-kind city setting! This fall, enjoy cool tunes, fresh brews and sweet views on Sunday afternoons with your favorite cast iron statue, Vulcan. Chill out in Birmingham’s backyard and end your week with some of the area’s best music while witnessing spectacular views of Birmingham’s city skyline. This three-part series features local and national singer/songwriter acts often heard on Birmingham Mountain Radio.
Adults-$15, Members-$8, Children 5-12-$8, Children 4 and under-Free
3pm – 6pm

Cahaba River Fry Down – Trussville Springs
Join the Cahaba River Fry-Down for fun, friends and a good ole’ fashioned fish fry!

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Local Attractions Open Daily!

McWane Science Center:

Birmingham Zoo:

PELICAN FEEDING – A great way to see our pelicans in action is to witness them eating their favorite treats near the pelican boardwalk.

GIRAFFE FEEDING – This up close and personal animal encounter is a memory you and your family will have for a lifetime.
Weekday: 11am – Noon
Weekends: 10am – 11am & 2pm – 3pm

Vulcan Park and Museum:

Railroad Park:

Southern Museum of Flight: