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Big Machines Day at McWane Science Center!

Posted on by Angie

The perfect way to celebrate the clearing weather! Head out to McWane Science Center for Big Machines Day.. Always a favorite!

Get your motors running and head over to McWane Science Center for a truckload of fun. Spend a constructive day getting up close and personal with some big machines including backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, loaders, dozers and cranes! Learn the science of simple machines and participate in fun building programs throughout the day! Machines provided by CraneWorks.

DATE: Saturday, February 15
TIME: 10 AM – 4 PM
COST: Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members

Social Media and Motherhood

Posted on by Angie

By Savannah Marie

Don’t Let Social-Media Stress Get the Best of You!
Motherhood has always had its ups and downs, its good times and bad, times you want to remember forever and times you want to completely erase from your memory. Today’s moms, however, have an additional stressor added to their lives, one that our nontech predecessors never had to face: social media. Sites like Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram bombard us with pictures of the happiest, craftiest, most well-adjusted bunch on the block. This can be a real downer for those who feel they don’t measure up.

In fact, according to a survey conducted by TODAY Moms, 42 percent of respondents said they are stressed out by Pinterest. The bombardment of perfectly decorated, homemade birthday cakes or imaginative and fun craft projects can make moms lacking the ability or time for handmade projects feel inadequate. As if throwing a child’s birthday party isn’t stressful enough, now we have to worry if our cakes are Pinterest-worthy!

The Good, Not the Bad and the Ugly
Social-media sites are certainly a great way to connect with old friends and get some great project ideas. It’s rare, however, to see unflattering photos, like the collapsed cake, the cranky toddler or the sullen teen. People tend to paint themselves in a flattering light, when of course nothing is sunshine, roses and perfectly coordinated outfits for all of your children all the time. Although we know that, it can be hard to look at image after image of pure perfection. That’s what’s causing the stress.

According to the TODAY Moms survey, three quarters of respondents report that this stress is self-inflicted. It’s not other moms’ photos that are the problem, it’s the feeling of inadequacy that comes from feeling they can’t measure up.

Think about those smiling, happy family photos that are commonly posted to Facebook, for instance. There may be a story behind that picture that wasn’t so pretty. Maybe the kids had to be bribed to sit and smile for just one second, dad was grumbly and irritable and mom was close to tears. That picture, however, captured that one moment among the chaos where everyone actually smiled. That’s the reality. If only someone would post those not-so-perfect moments, instead!

Actually, somebody has created a site just for moments like that. Pinterest Fail showcases Pinterest-inspired projects that went horribly wrong. Those lovely Oreo Cookie Candy Turkeys that were supposed to be so easy to make, in reality, turned out looking, mutated, melty and sad. Instead of getting stressed and upset, revel in the fact that you’re not perfect and post your pictures to the wall of shame. You might as well get a good laugh from it!

A Cure for Perfection
If so many of us are stressed out by images of perfection on social media, how can we cope? The best way may be to simply lower our expectations. Everyone is good at different things, and craft projects or birthday cakes may not be your specialty. Do they have to be? If it stresses you and your kids out, how much fun is that?

Let’s face it – if a craft project is too complicated to do, your kids won’t enjoy it, either. Maybe your simple Popsicle-stick people craft is not Pinterest-worthy, but it made for a fun afternoon and happy memories. Certainly much for fun than an afternoon of tears and frustration! Kids don’t want Martha Stewart, they just want their mom.

For some moms, cutting back on Pinterest viewing and posting is a good cure. Maybe only look for special ideas during major holidays and give yourself a break the majority of the time.

As for Facebook, try posting that unflattering photo and see what kind of response you get. Share the picture of your completely failed attempt at a family organic garden. You are forever doomed to buy your produce at grocery stores and farmers markets. So what! Your friends will likely appreciate your honesty, have a good laugh and offer support if you need it. “Thanks for posting – I know exactly how that feels,” one might say. You’ll probably get more responses to your imperfect moments than to your glossy moments of perfection. That’s a good feeling, knowing that others can relate and being perfect is not all it’s cracked up to be.

About Savannah Marie:

Savannah Marie is a public relations graduate of Tulane University and a PR specialist in Harrisburg, PA. As a mom of two, she writes about parenthood and struggles that are true to her own life. She has quickly learned that the proverb “It takes a village” is completely true and hopes her articles help her fellow villagers. She also contributes articles to her own blog, Mixios.

Birmingham Events Calendar: February 9th – February 16th

Posted on by Angie

Looks like another chance for some wintry weather headed our way so make sure to check before heading out to any of these events scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Robots + Us exhibit officially opened this weekend at the McWane Science Center. Make sure to head down there and check it out.

Have a great week and Stay Warm!!

 

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

Sunday February 9th:

Holy Inappropriateness! We couldn’t find any special events happening in the ‘Ham today. Make sure to check our list below for fun exhibits happening daily at our local attractions.

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Monday February 10th:

Monday Movie – Homewood Library
Join us for a cool movie and some hot popcorn!
3:30pm

Tot Time with Ms Eve – Avondale Library
Bring your wiggles and your giggles and your death defying nerve, because the circus is coming to town. Join us as we celebrate with a circus of our own—Tot Time style.Geared for 2 to 4 years olds with a caregiver.  24-hour advanced notice of attendance required.
9:30am

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Tuesday February 11th:

Project Valentine – Hoover Public Library
Create cards, make crafts and eat cookies.  All ages
6:30

DEA Critter Tales – Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest
A light supper will be served from 6:00 – 6:30 pm, followed by a program featuring two live animal stories. Come see our surprise visitors! Please call 205-978-0155 to register or visit the website to sign up- www.vestavialibrary.org.
6pm

Family Tours – Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join us for an in-gallery family experience! Children aged 3 – 8 and their adult companions are invited to join Museum educators to explore our collection, discover activities that make looking at art fun and exciting, and create new family memories about art.

No reservations required. Family Tours are also available by appointment for groups of 10 or more children aged 3 – 8. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 205.254.2964.
10:30am

Storytime for All Ages – Homewood Public Library
Story Time
10:30am

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Wednesday February 12th:

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

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for a reading of Pete the Cat’s new adorable book Valentine’s Day Is Cool. Afterwards, we will enjoy making special valentines to take home.
11am

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Thursday February 13th:

Mommy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Story Time for our younger patrons (birth to 30 mo.) and their lap partner.
10:30

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Friday February 14th:

Science of Valentines Day – McWane Science Center
Join us for some fun experiments to help celebrate the science of Valentine’s Day. Write a secret message, learn about the electricity of “love”, and make your own love potion!
Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
Museum Admission:
$13 Adults
$9 Kids ages 2-12
$12 Seniors 65+
Under 2 Free

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Saturday February 15th:

Big Machines Day – McWane Science Center
Get your motors running and head over to McWane Science Center for a truckload of fun. Spend a constructive day getting up close and personal with some big machines including backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, loaders, dozers and cranes! Learn the science of simple machines and participate in fun building programs throughout the day.
Included in cost of admission to the museum, FREE for members
Museum Admission:
$13 Adults
$9 Kids ages 2-12
$12 Seniors 65+
Under 2 Free

Great Backyard Bird Count – Birmingham Zoo
This annual event united birdwatchers from across the globe, as they track bird species found in their own backyards, parks and local spaces. Hear birdwatching tips from Birmingham Audubon Society experts and take part in bird conservation activities in the Children’s Zoo and Alabama Wilds.
10am – 2pm

Columbiana Cowboy Day – City of Columbiana
6th Annual Columbiana Cowboy Day Events start at 10:00 am

Join us for Live Music, Vendors, Chili Cook-Off, Roping Demonstrations, Blacksmiths, Farriers, Wild West Shootout (12:00 pm) and Parade (1:00 pm)

Bart’s Books – Birmigham Museum of Art
Bart’s Books is a storytelling program for children ages 3-8 and their adult companions. Bart selects a new book and related work of art each month that he thinks kids will enjoy. This month, Bart has selected My Best Friend is Sharp as a Pencil by Hanoch Piven.
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! Make a medallion inspired by our Wedgewood Collection!
11am – 1pm

Cartoon and Cereal – Homewood Public Library
Saturday morning cartoons and cereal.
10am – 6pm

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.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
February is Black History Month. Join us for Storytime and activities featuring Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine and Kadir Nelson.
11am

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Sunday February 16th:

Holy Inappropriateness! We couldn’t find any special events happening in the ‘Ham today. Make sure to check our list below for fun exhibits happening daily at our local attractions.

—————————————————————————————

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: Rocky Mountain Express, Great White Shark

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 5

Posted on by Angie

From Slo Mo to PTSD to Bunting.. Find out the New Things happening here at BirminghamMommy this past week!

Angie –
I finally had the chance to upgrade my iphone and as I have time to play with the new features, I found that I’m completely obsessed with the Slooooo Mo setting on my camera. It allows you to do fun things like this:

IMG_0012

If you have an iphone 5, I highly recommend getting the tiny humans to be your subject. It’s really quite fun.

Kristen –
My New thing is leaving work way before even a hint of snow to avoid getting stuck. A friend said this is due to PTSD – Post traumatic Snow Disorder. I’ve got it this week – along with most of Birmingham.

Shirley –
This week I helped decorate for our school fundraiser. I was given free range with the space provided so I couldn’t wait to stretch my decorating wings and get creative. I of course stalked Pinterest and all the DIY Blogs and decided I would try making some bunting (banners on string) from burlap that we had leftover. I used poster paint (cause it was free) and painted the 85 burlap triangles.. And painted… and painted then grabbed some twine and stapled them to it. Then hung.

Extremely inexpensive, super easy and Pinteresty. It was a win and grabbed lots of attention. The best thing about it is that the school ca reuse for future events. So, if you’re in a decorating bind, paint some burlap triangles, hang them on string and call it Bunting. Your friends will be impressed.

What did you do new, this week?

 

 

 

Robots + Us at the McWane Science Center

Posted on by Angie

The Robots are here!! We got a chance to check out the new Robots + Us Exhibit today at the McWane Science Center and we are certain your tiny humans are going to love these new area.

Your child will be able to investigate futuristic fun when the Robots+Us exhibit opens at McWane Science Center Saturday, February 8th. Robots+Us takes a playful look at what machines and humans are learning from each other and how biology and engineering are coming together to close the gap between reality and the future. With its memorable, hands-on exhibit components  and interactive computers, Robots +Us will give you a unique chance to separate  science fiction fantasies with today’s technical reality.

Robots +Us offers many exciting exhibits. The Robot Arena invites you to the home of light sensitive robots while watching the impact that beams of light have on the paths they take from point to point. The face recognition exhibit shows  visitors how a computer can be programmed to recognize the features of the  human face. Guests can then try to trick it by disguising their faces with a fake moustache or goofy mask. Finally, my personal favorite. The chance to actually race a robot arm. The exhibit asks who can put a simple puzzle together the fastest? You or the robot arm?

If you want to find out.. Head on down to the McWane Science Center and see if you’re faster than a robot..

Robots +Us will be located  on the third level and will run through May 11, 2014. Cost of the exhibit is FREE for members or included in the price of admission!

Photos By: Scott Butler

You Color My World, Valentine

Posted on by Angie

My kids school doesn’t allow snacks or candies when it comes to Valentine’s Day and class parties, and although I think Valentine’s Day is incomplete without a box of Conversation Hearts, I will abide by the rules. Begrudgingly. I guess.

No candy and no treats means boring getting creative and pintrest-y. So I decided that we would melt crayons into little hearts, bag them up and attach a cute tag with ribbon. Easy enough.

Now, fair warning. It takes A LOT of crayons. More than you might think, so be prepared. Especially if you’re doing multiple classes. You can buy smaller clear bags but you’re still looking at several hearts per bag. While perusing Pinterest, I ran across this cute print out that will take it down to 1 heart per kid, but that’s if your kid hasn’t already decided they want to fill a bag with crayon hearts…. (Like all 3 of mine have..)

What You’ll Need:

A boat load of crayons
Silicon heart shape muffin “pan”
Patience

What you’ll do:

Peel and break crayons
Fill up the hearts (get them really full, they melt down considerably)
Bake at 250 degrees, for 15 minutes
Allow to cool COMPLETELY before removing.

I’m guessing that the baking heart pan won’t be reusable but it was under $4 at Wal Mart so you won’t be out too much.

Winter Activities Sure To Beat Cabin Fever in Birmingham

Posted on by Angie

iStock_000009184569Small

Here in the DEEP South, super cold winters and frigid temps aren’t the norm, but lately we’ve had our share and after the unexpected snow last week, my kids were over being indoors. But all in all it’s not a problem that has us locked in our house for months on end.

It’s not so bad that it has us waving the white flag and finally giving in to the pressure and pleading to watch 8 straight hours of Yo Gabba Gabba.

Maybe it’s all relative, but it seems that having been born and raised here in this warmer climate, what seems cold to me is laughable to those who are transplants to Birmingham from much colder climates. When it gets into the 40’s here, I’m frigid, miserable and begin the hibernation process. Well, I used to. Having 3 kids means that getting out of this house is a must.

So what is there to do here for Birmingham Moms looking to avoid the frigid weather and wanting to have the kids shake the silly’s out? Here are some ideas for when the playground has become the frozen tundra.

  • Check out the indoor play places, like ijump, 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 BONUS! They have covered parking.
  • Check out First Avenue Rocks for a little rock climbing fun. They even offer an after school program for children ages 8-14.
  • 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.)
  • Try 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? 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: February 2nd – February 9th

Posted on by Angie

Lots of family fun happening at the Birmingham Zoo for Groundhog Day, make sure to stop by and see what’s happening.

The new Robots Exhibit will open Saturday at the McWane Science Center. Stay tuned later this week for a sneak peek!

If you’re starting to think about Valentine’s Day, several of the local libraries will be having craft days and times when you can drop by and make cards for the children at children’s hospital.

There’s a free LEGO Mini Build and a Lowes Build and Grow Clinic. Lots to choose from!

Have a great week everyone!

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

Sunday February 2nd:

Groundhog Day at the Birmingham Zoo
All Alabamians want to know: will Birmingham Bill see his shadow or not? Join the Zoo for the annual Groundhog Day prediction at the Wildlife Stage and find out if we’ll have six more weeks of winter. Don’t miss a chance to take pictures with Birmingham Bill, play kid-friendly games and watch a special Wildlife Show.
10am

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Monday February 3rd:

Make a Valentine for Children’s Hospital – Homewood Public Library
Stop by the Children’s Department and create a Valentine for a patient at Children’s Hospital or Veteran’s Hospital. We will provide the cards and the art supplies, and you provide the love that will make someone’s Valentine’s Day extra special.
Anytime between 1pm and 5pm

Valentine Card Craft – Bessemer Library
Kids age 5 to 18 years old are invited to make Valentine’s cards for the Children’s and Veteran’s Hospitals.
4pm- 5pm

Loomis Bros. Circus – Blount County-Oneonta Agri-Business Center
Loomis Bros. Circus began as a childhood dream for Justin Loomis and has now grown to be one of America’s best and most beautiful circuses. Now in our 17th year, our show travels throughout the country, concentrating on the southern United States and visiting a different city every almost ever other day! Our show is presented in the traditional circus format, but with a modern twist. We are an animal friendly circus, featuring elephants, tigers, and many others.

Adults (12 & older) $15
Two kids get in free with one paid adult
Other kids (2-12) $8
Kids under 2 get in free
Cash only at circus for ticket sales, concessions, rides and all activities.
4:30 and 7:30pm

Tot Time with Ms Eve – Avondale Library
Bring your wiggles and your giggles and your death defying nerve, because the circus is coming to town. Join us as we celebrate with a circus of our own—Tot Time style.Geared for 2 to 4 years olds with a caregiver.  24-hour advanced notice of attendance required.
9:30am

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Tuesday February 4th:

Free LEGO Mini build – Riverchase Galleria
Quantities are limited and offer is good while supplies last only. One free per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. See store for more details.
LEGO Micro Manager: 5:00 pm until supplies last.

Family Tours – Birmingham Museum of Art
FREE // Meet in the Main Lobby
Join us for an in-gallery family experience! Children aged 3 – 8 and their adult companions are invited to join Museum educators to explore our collection, discover activities that make looking at art fun and exciting, and create new family memories about art.

No reservations required. Family Tours are also available by appointment for groups of 10 or more children aged 3 – 8. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 205.254.2964.
10:30am

Storytime for All Ages – Homewood Public Library
Story Time
10:30am

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Wednesday February 5th:

Valentine Card Craft, part 2 – Bessemer Library
Preschoolers, daycares, and families with young children ages 3 to 5 years old are invited to make Valentine’s cards for Children’s and Veteran’s Hospital.
10am – 11am

Afterschool Special LEGOland – Emmet O’Neal Library
It’s a LEGO extravaganza! We’ll supply the LEGO bricks, the expert guides, and the face painting. Bring all the creativity you can muster!
3:30

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

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us as we welcome guest author Mark Burrows to Storytime. He will be presenting his book Little Things Aren’t Little… When You’re Little.
11am

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Thursday February 6th:

Mommy and Me Storytime – Homewood Public Library
Story Time for our younger patrons (birth to 30 mo.) and their lap partner.
10:30

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Friday February 7th:

Valentine Craft – North Shelby Library
This owl thinks it’s wise to keep all your Valentine’s Day cards in one spot. All ages welcome. Registration is required.
4pm

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Saturday February 8th:

Robots and Us Exhibit Opening – McWane Science Center
Come and discover Robots + Us, an exhibit featuring more than a dozen interactive components exploring inspired robotic technology and how this technology can be used to change our lives for the better.   You can learn how robots sense the world around them; have a chat with Lena, a friendly robotic avatar, or see how robot pets vie for our attention in the Artificial Friends pet shop.  Whatever type of robot you may wish to explore, you will find them here at McWane. There is so much to see and to do in this entertaining and engaging exhibit!

Presidential Party – Hoover Public Library
Four score and a few months ago, we decided to celebrate President’s Day with stories, crafts and food fit for future presidential hopefuls.  All ages
10:30

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can build this Love Note Holder!
10am

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! Make a medallion inspired by our Wedgewood Collection!
11am – 1pm

Cartoon and Cereal – Homewood Public Library
Saturday morning cartoons and cereal.
10am – 6pm

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.

Storytime – Barnes and Noble Summit
Join us for Valentine’s Day Storytime, featuring Love Monster and other stories, as well as activities and Valentine’s treats. Each child will receive his or her own “Creativity Can” at this event to create a special valentine.
11am

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Sunday February 9th:

Holy Inappropriateness! We couldn’t find any special events happening in the ‘Ham today. Make sure to check our list below for fun exhibits happening daily at our local attractions.

—————————————————————————————

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: Rocky Mountain Express, Great White Shark

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, Week 5 Snowmageddon Edition

Posted on by Angie

Whew! I think we could just say we got through this past week and be done writing this list of New Things for this week. The weather here presented us with many challenges and opportunities to do things we’ve never done before. So here is our list, we’ll call it the “Snowmageddon Edition.”

Angie:

I ran an unofficial Snowmageddon Bed and Breakfast/Warming Station

I got a notification from my kids school 13 minutes prior to their closing at 10:30. I was in Hoover and needed to make it to Homewood. I knew that even on a bright sunny summer day, that wasn’t going to happen. It took me an hour and twenty minutes on 65 from 459 to the Lakeshore exit. I was THISCLOSE to being one of the many stranded on that hwy. Thankfully a parent friend picked up my kids and brought them home for me, so I was fortunate to NOT be separated from my girls.

Once we started hearing of all of the people stranded and stuck, we put a call out on social media that if you could make it to our house, you were more than welcome to stay the night(s). We had 2 the first night and 2 the second night. My husband ran his 4 wheel drive back and forth from downtown helping friends, and friends of friends and in some cases complete strangers get to somewhere warm.

We were fortunate and it felt good to help where we could.

Kristen –

Let’s see – should I do the new thing where I slept on three chairs pushed together at my office? Or the new thing where I set out to walk 8.4 miles home (Don’t worry – I ended up getting a ride most of the way with some wonderful friends – thanks, Doug and Jimmy!)? What about when I happily accepted a hat and scarf right off a woman (thank you, Beth!)? Or when I rode down Rocky Ridge Road on a four-wheeler (thank you, Stanley!)? We have all had a week of firsts and, while this weather situation may be a new thing for us all here in Birmingham, the kindness of others isn’t. Thankful and hoping to never need to do any of these new things again.

Shirley –

Driving in snow. Fail.

Event of the Week! McWane Science Center

Posted on by Angie

We know you’ve got cabin fever! What better way to get out of the house and help raise money for one of our most favorite kid places in Birmingham… It’s time for the 13th Annual Beaker Bash at the McWane Science Center.

This year’s event, Bash To The Future, will transport families through time in search for some of the world’s most famous scientists for an evening of science and fun.

This annual family-friendly fundraising event directly supports statewide science education programs and makes field trips affordable for thousands of students.

So, get the family together and buy your tickets.. It’s not too late!

For Ticket Information, Click Here

McWane Science Center
Saturday, February 1st
5pm

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