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52 New Things – Week 28

Posted on by Angie

Angie –

I went an entire week without eating meat. It’s not like I set out to become a vegetarian, I watched Food Inc and I can’t shake the images and information from my head. I’m not sure I’ll never eat meat again but I’ve certainly never gone an entire week without it, and right now it’s just too fresh on my mind, so I guess you can call me a “temporary vegetarian.”

Trish –

I got my lazy bum out of bed last Saturday morning and went to Pepper Place to enjoy the market.  This is my new thing because weekend mornings are sacred around here.  It’s a virtual contest to see who finally relents and gets up first.  Our kids sleep late, therefor we sleep late.  As it turns out, there’s a whole world of Saturday morning happenings!  We had fun at the market, we got there around 10am, which is early for us.  We bought some incredible fontina cheese, so creamy and delicious.  I wanted to buy some fresh eggs and spinach, but a bead of sweat broke out on my upper lip and sent me screaming to my car.  I don’t do extreme heat.  I guess if I really want to do it right, we’d have to get there before 10am, but that’s not likely.

For more New Things or if you’d like to participate in 52 new things along with BirminghamMommy and many others – please join in by posting your new thing to your blog, facebook or on twitter (use #52newthings) – Also, you can head over to www.willblogforshoes.com to link up every Thursday!

Juicebox Jukebox – Summer Tunes

Posted on by Angie

This month is all about vacation, and summer, summer, summer time.   Whether you’re laying by the pool, hitting the beach, or taking a road trip, here is a list of songs that will get you groovin’ and get your whole car singing while you cruise around Birmingham or are headed out of town with the windows down and the wind blowing through our hair!

Summertime – Will Smith What summer playlist would be complete without this Summertime theme song. It may feel cliche’ but, it’s just a good ole’ favorite and something we automatically think of when putting together a list for summer.

Just A Ride – Jem – a great cruising song. This one makes me want to roll down my window and let my arm dance through the wind. You know like it’s doing the worm…

Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison – This one is just a great anytime song – Please note: eye color is interchangeable. Blue and green work just as well.

Superman – REM – What litte boy won’t like singing about being a Super Hero?

Best Days – Graham Colton – Just a little reminder to enjoy these times, they are the best days of our lives!

Hey Ya! – Outkast – A chorus that the kids will be singing long after this song is over.

Fins – Jimmy Buffet – The obvious choice here was probably Margaritaville, but we decided to take a chance and give you a great song and something that can teach your kiddos left from right! Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean they can’t learn something!

Viva la Vida – Coldplay – This will have your kids Oh, Oh Oh-Oh Oh-ing all day…

Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles – Doesn’t this one always come to mind when that summer shower passes and it’s time to head back to the pool or beach?

Beautiful Day – U2 – Let’s hope our summer is full of these!

Other notable mentions for some Summer Tunes would be anything Bob Marley, something about his music just screams, vacation, pool and beach. Mix it up with a little “De La Soul, Me Myself and I,” or a couple from our past play lists like “Train, Hey Soul Sister,” or “Jason Mraz, I’m Yours.”

We’ve made the above playlist (minus the Beatles) available for you on itunes. What other songs make you think of summer?

Weekly Events Calendar July 19th – 25th

Posted on by Angie

Summer Reading programs are starting to wrap up and this Saturday will be packed full of activities around town thanks to the 6th annual Membership Alliance Day. Farmers Markets are still going strong so get out there and take advantage of some yummy fresh fruits and veggies! The Atlanta Falcons Tailgate Team is coming through town with your chance to meet John Parker Wilson! If you’re looking for Summer Movies, we’ve got em’ Check out our Summer Flicks Guide to plan your movie outings this week. We update the calendar as we learn of new events so stop back by throughout the week to see what’s new!

It’s Not our Fault if your Kids are Bored

Monday July 19th
Movie Matinee – North Shelby Library
“Up”
All Ages, Snacks Served
2:00pm

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Tuesday July 20th

Atlanta Falcons Tailgate Team – Publix Montgomery Hwy (Hoover)
John Parker Wilson is scheduled to join the Falcons Tailgate Team at Publix and will be signing autographs, limit ONE outside item per person. The Tailgate Team will be giving FREE gifts when you purchase five participating products, giving away two sets of tickets to the Falcons vs. Bucs game on November 7 and Freddie the Falcon will be greeting customers. Offer available from 5-7 pm on designated date while supplies last. Player could change without notice. No purchase necessary to be eligible for tickets. Must be present to win.  Click here for more information.

Bats Need Friends – Birmingham Zoo
Have you scratched a mosquito bite today? Did you know just one small bat can eat 3000 mosquitoes per night?
Come to the Birmingham Zoo to learn more about bats and participate in fun activities.

  • Information Tables
  • Face Painting
  • Bat Game

Cool off in the Zoo Auditorium for story time at
11:30, 1:30, and 3:30

Bats at the Beach, by Brian Lies with a bat craft that kids can takehome!

After the zoo closes for the day – Free Bat Program
7:00pm to 8:00pm in the Zoo Auditorium

  • Light Refreshments (while they last)
  • Live Bat Demonstration!!!

NOTE: Daytime activities require Zoo Admission

Starshine Faces – North Shelby Library
Watch as your favorite stories come to life through face painting. Some kids faces will be painted during the show, then the face painters will be available to paint faces for 1 hour after the show. No Registration required
10:30

Reading Finale Block Party  – Emmet O Neal Library
An evening of pizza and puppetry to celebrate the end of summer reading 2010.
5:30pm

Barnes and Noble –  Summit – Terrific Tuesday Storytime
Please join us as we read Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney. Will Baby Llama learn that his mama is always nearby to help him, especially when it’s time for Baby Llama to go to sleep?
11:00am

Summer Reading Finale – Hoover Library
Madcap Puppets presents Annie Oakley’s Wild West Show Hilarious characters, tall tales and spine-tingling stunts bring American history to life like never before!  The only thing taller than these tales are the giant puppets!
10:30am, 1:30pm, 6:30pm

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Wednesday July 21st

Kids Krusade – Overton Church
Music, games, stories, door prizes, puppets, and lots of fun!! Snow cones and cotton candy!!
7:00pm

Summer Reading Finale – Hoover Library
Madcap Puppets presents Annie Oakley’s Wild West Show Hilarious characters, tall tales and spine-tingling stunts bring American history to life like never before!  The only thing taller than these tales are the giant puppets!
10:30am, 1:30pm

Storytime – Barnes an Noble Patton Creek
Sock Monkey in the Spotlight – Join us for two delightful stories about the adventures of a friendly dancing sock monkey — who needs a bath!
10:30am

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

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Thursday July 22nd

Kids Krusade – Overton Church
Music, games, stories, door prizes, puppets, and lots of fun!! Snow cones and cotton candy!!
7:00pm

Fish Wall Hanging – North Shelby Library
All Ages, Registration Required
Drop in anytime between 2:00 – 3:30.

PJ Storytime – North Shelby Library
All ages, no registration required
7pm

StarShine Face Painting– Vestavia Hills Library
3:00pm – 4:00pm
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Friday July 23rd

Kids Krusade – Overton Church
Music, games, stories, door prizes, puppets, and lots of fun!! Snow cones and cotton candy!! BIG CARNIVAL FRIDAY NIGHT with inflatable water slides!! Each child and teen will be given a packet of school supplies (Friday Only)
7:oopm

Wild about Books Story Time – Birmingham Zoo
Come join us for story and craft time with Books-A-Million at the Birmingham Zoo! Every Friday through summer on Grandma’s Front Porch in the Children’s Zoo area
10:00am
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Saturday July 24th

Market Day – City of Mountain Brook

European-style sidewalk and tent sale, it’s a giant one-day only flea market with discounts up to 75% off.  Participating merchants often have music and other special events in coordination with the sale.  Many of the merchants have preview sales leading up to the HUGE one day sale.
8am -5pm

Rhino Day – Birmingham Zoo

Rhinos have existed on Earth for more than 50 million years! In the past they were much more diverse, but today only 5 species of rhinos remain. All rhinos are under threat of, and all but one species is on the verge of, extinction. Without drastic action and change, some rhinos could be extinct in the wild within 10-20 years.

Rhino Day Event Includes:
– Zookeeper chats, and an opportunity to meet our White Rhinos!
– Rhino Encounter offers the opportunity to get up-close and personal and brush a rhino! (construction permitting)
– Basket Raffle
– Games/Activities for kids
– Enrichment demonstration
– Information on rhino conservation and how YOU can help!
– 100% of donations go directly towards rhino conservation!

Included in price of admission.

Lowes Build and Grow Clinic
This project is out of this world! Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can build this UFO! Includes stickers and a blinking light! Sign up here

Member Alliance Day –
Have the opportunity to explore what our city has to offer during Birmingham’s sixth-annual Membership Alliance Day. a special members-only day of free admission and fun activities throughout the city.  Your valid membership card and photo ID admits those listed on your membership into these participating venues all day long, with special activities and events occurring throughout the day at every location.

Vulcan Park & Museum
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
Birmingham Public Library
McWane Science Center
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Southern Museum of Flight
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Birmingham Museum of Art
Birmingham Public Library
Birmingham Zoo

Helena Market Days/Farmers Market – Helena Amphitheater
8:00am – 12:00pm

Urban Cookhouse Farmers Market – Downtown Homewood
7am – Noon

Pepper Place Saturday Market
We spread out of the parking lot to include 29th Street as we accommodate local farmers, artisans, music, art and food!
7:00am – Noon

Valleydale Farmers Market –
Valleydale Farmers Market is dedicated to bringing fresh, local produce to communities around Alabama and the Southeast.
Music, cooking demos and storytimes along with fresh produce a great way to spend a day!

Saturday Storytime at Barnes and Noble Summit
Please join us as we read Joseph had a Little Overcoat by Caldecott Medal-winning author Simms Taback. Joseph had a little overcoat, but see what happens when the coat gets old and shabby. See how you can make something out of nothing!
2:00pm

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Sunday July 25th

Sound of Music – Virginia Samford Theater
One of the most beloved musicals of all time, The Sound of Music tells the story of a sweet young girl named Maria sent off to be the governess of Captain von Trapp’s seven troublesome children. Through their mutual love of music, the von Trapp family comes to admire Maria. But when the Nazis invade Austria, the whole family is forced to flee their homeland in hopes of finding freedom. With its unforgettable score that includes musical favorites like “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and “The Lonely Goatherd,” The Sound of Music is the perfect family treat!
For tickets visit their website
2:00pm

Jazz in the Park – East Lake Park
This free concert series presented in Greater Birmingham area parks showcases performances by local jazz artists.
3:00 – 6:00pm

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Open Daily

McWane Science Center

Mr Potato Head Exhibit – Families won’t want to miss The Adventures of MR. POTATO HEAD, a new interactive traveling exhibit that features the much-loved MR. POTATO HEAD character will lead young visitors and parents on a number of fun and educational adventures. From trips to outer space to jungle safaris and archeological digs, each activity will provide children with engaging learning experiences. Through Sept. 26

Itty Bitty Magic City – NOTE: ITTY BITTY IS AN ITTY BIT SMALLER THIS SUMMER!
The Itty Bitty Magic City will be on display this summer in addition to The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head exhibit. The Itty Bitty City is a little bit smaller than usual, but favorite areas including the grocery store, Tot Spot area, crane, and factory are still in the city. The Itty Bitty Golf Course and a few other items were removed temporarily to make room for the new exhibit “The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head” that is also designed for an early childhood audience and they will return in the Fall.

NatureScope –  Explore the great outdoors from inside the museum. McWane Science Center and the Birmingham Audubon Society are partnering to create a new exhibit called NatureScope. Explore the science of the birds and the bugs in this new area! Get up close and personal with some resident creepy crawlies! Learn what role insects play in our ecosystem with the decomposition chamber. Meet large bugs including emperor scorpions, a tarantula, and even a giant African millipede!

Animalopolis at the IMAX – ANIMALOPOLIS will take you on a voyage into the magical world of animals. A bit fanciful, a bit “Seussian” perhaps, a place of good natured humor, beauty and just plain fun for kids and their parents.

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

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!

Kid Picks – July

Posted on by Angie

We’re on a mission to show you the cutest stuff we run across on the web while we’re hard at work on the site.  Check it out!  These are our kiddie must-haves for July!

Kids Garden

Get outside and grow with some child-friendly fun with gardening! Kids’ Garden includes forty activities and games and an eight-page booklet that contains information on gardening tools, year-round plant care and garden safety. These step-by-step instructions are enhanced by colorful collage artwork on each double-sided card and they create a fun and easy way for budding green-thumbs to plant, investigate, learn and experiment.

Kid Wallets

My kiddo loves to have a purse to carry around her essentials – a Barbie boot, a Mr. Potato Head nose and a few goldfish crackers.  But lately, she’s loved carrying around a few business cards and coins to whip out when we pay for things.  These from Stephen Joseph were a big hit among at least 4 kids a few weeks ago  – I’m willing to bet if you have a kid in need of a wallet this one will work for you.

Kiddie Headbands

When my little darling gets in a hair bow/barrette rut, we turn to headbands.  We found some lovely choices at Layla Grace.  Oh, the sweet.

Droolicious Cuisine at Birminghammommy: Parmesan & Lemon Red Potatoes

Posted on by Angie

Mommadrool promises this recipe couldn’t be easier, so whip it up BirminghamMommies! This recipe yields 6 servings. Enjoy!

Parmesan & Lemon Red Potatoes

Ingredients:

2 pounds red potatoes, quartered

1/4 cup butter, melted

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2) Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and toss well to coat. Spread mixture evenly into a glass baking dish.

3) Bake, covered, in preheated oven for 50 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown.


You can find many more droolicious recipes over at her site, “2 Little Chicks”

Modesty, Interrupted.

Posted on by Angie

By: Harmony Hobbs

I used to be the modest type. On the morning of my wedding day I changed in the bathroom instead of in front of my bridesmaids. I wore a ridiculous getup the first few times I spent the night with my now-husband. It involved sweat pants. In the summer. In Louisiana.

You know the type . . . the closet changer. That was me.

When my son was born almost two years ago, something happened. I think I stopped caring about who saw my va-jay-jay sometime during the second hour of pushing. Several days later, I stopped caring which of my family members saw my ridiculously large boobs while I was attempting to breastfeed. All I cared about was my son, my sanity, and surviving my first post partum poop. Modesty wasn’t really on my radar anymore – I had more pressing issues at hand.

Sometime during week 8 of my maternity leave, I walked out the front door without a shirt on. It was an accident, but it solidified my new relationship with unabashed behavior. I had the car seat in one hand, diaper bag in the other, looked down and saw I was just in a sports bra and some hideous lounge pants. All of my maternal glory was out there for the world to see. I stood in the driveway contemplating … how inappropriate is this really? The answer was very, so I headed back inside.  However, just the fact that I took the time to consider the situation let me know that something had happened to me. And it was liberating.

As a working mom, I have to show up to work five days a week looking somewhat put together.  It’s hard enough for us girls to claw our way to the top of the corporate ladder . . .  looking a mess isn’t going to help matters. I have to make a daily wardrobe decision between

1.      Functional
2.      Fabulous

Monday – Friday, I always choose fab over function. If I have a choice between pants and a crewneck, or a dress with a v-neck, I’m going with the dress.
Because I’m a mom—a mom that chooses to wear dresses—I’m going to flash people, and it’s going to happen daily. I’ve accepted this. There’s simply not a modest way to bend over into a car to buckle in a child. Everyone on the street is going to see my Spanx. Yes, I wear them. Also, there will be some serious cleavage, a bra strap, and possibly a chunk of some other body part if the wind is blowing.

I don’t do it on purpose, but I also don’t really care (anymore). Giving a proper goodbye to my son and getting him and out of the car safely is more important to me than worrying if my left boob is hanging out. I just do the best I can. In my quest to achieve the Holy Trinity:  maintaining my career, maintaining my family, and maintaining my sense of self – I have had to let some things go.

My modesty was the first to go. My vanity is still intact  . . .  and my self-respect. I think.

Harmony blew into Birmingham after Hurricane Katrina and is a self-proclaimed “never home maker” striving for a balance between her career and family life. Visit her blog Working Mommy Madness

Confessions from an overprotective and possibly neurotic mother

Posted on by Angie

I watched a 10 year old boy on a bike almost plow into a toddler the other day. Naturally, my inner maternal instinct/teacher/disciplinarian caused me to sternly say “Stop! Watch for the little one!”

And then I got a dirty look. But not from the bike rider, from the dad of the toddler.

Does this happen to anyone else? I will openly admit that I am overprotective. I’ve even been called nervous. But guess what? That anxiety that I live with every day can benefit you!

I’ve been this way forever. I can’t let my dogs off their leash because I’m terrified that they’ll run into the road. Until we had kids, I protected my dogs from everything. I almost sent them to doggy daycare, but didn’t want them to deal with any bullies. I’m so kidding. Sort of.

Then the first baby came home. My whole life turned in to this alternate reality of what “could” go wrong. He could fall down the stairs. He could hit his head in just the wrong place on that table. He could, he could, he could. Because let’s face it, the worst tragedies tend to come from perfect timing. I live my life in a constant state of “If I had only left the house 10 seconds later… scenario reenactments.” It’s not easy. I should probably be medicated.

So when I jump to stop a potential tragedy, when I overreact to curb an accident, please focus on the intention. It wasn’t to make you look negligent. It was because I can’t NOT stop something from happening. If I didn’t scream “Stop!” and the boy on the bike hit the toddler, I would be devastated.

I will confess, I take it too far. But I’m trying to teach my kids to be the kind of people who don’t watch a child get kidnapped without trying to tackle the kidnapper. I don’t want them to hear a woman screaming “HELP!” in a parking lot and choose to “just stay out of it.” So part of my problem is the civil and human duty I see, but the other part of it is fear. Pure, terrifying, fear. And I just haven’t learned to let go of it.

52 New Things – Week 27

Posted on by Angie

Angie –

This week I decided that I had had enough of the blinding white that is my leg color these days. Its July for Pete’s sake, it’s the longest I’ve been into summer time without putting on a swimsuit or having the opportunity to soak up some glorious Vitamin D. Since the opportunities to get some real sun are few and far between right now I decided to fake it. I bought a new self tanning lotion to use on my legs. I’m typically skeptical of these tanning products and have used some in past that left a lot to be desired. I bought Nivea Sun Kissed Legs and it seems to work fine. It’s more of a gradual tan rather than this crazy spray on insta-tan stuff I’ve turned orange from in the past. Less room for mess ups which I like. Not as good as the real thing, but it will do!

Trish –

My new thing this week was to pay bills online.  I’ve enrolled but could never pull the trigger on actually using online bill pay.  It feels so odd to not get a paper statement and write a check.  I’m sure that’s what all of the 85 year olds who write checks at the grocery store say too.

For more New Things or if you’d like to participate in 52 new things along with BirminghamMommy and many others – please join in by posting your new thing to your blog, facebook or on twitter (use #52newthings) – Also, you can head over to www.willblogforshoes.com to link up every Thursday!

Weekly Kids Calendar June 12th – June 18th

Posted on by Angie

Another week, another packed calendar! Our libraries continue to be a source for lots of fun activities and you can pick from crafts, storytimes or movies, a little something for everyone.  Zoo Members can take advantage of seeing the Birmingham Barons for free on Zoo Night!

Make sure to check out our Summer Flicks Guide to find out where to go for free and discounted movies around town. We update the calendar as we learn of new events so stop back by throughout the week to see what’s new!

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

Monday July 12th

Movie Matinee – North Shelby Library
Princess and the Frog
All Ages, Snacks Served
2:00pm

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Tuesday July 13th

The Magic of Reading, Russell Davis – North Shelby Library
All Ages – Experience a show filled with magic and comedy. No registration required
10:30

Terrific Tuesday  – Emmet O Neal
Water Wonders with The Activated Storytellers
Ages 3 and Up with a caregiver
10:30 and 3:30

Barnes and Noble –  Summit – Terrific Tuesday Storytime
Please join us as we celebrate Dr. Seuss this month with a reading of Fox in Socks and also Go Dog Go by P.D. Eastman. See how much fun these stories can be to read aloud! Refreshments and activity to follow!
11:00am

Roger Day – Hoover Library
A jam-packed musical concert that encourages kids to SING LOUD, JUMP HIGH and DREAM BIG!
10:30am, 1:30pm, 6:30pm

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Wednesday July 14th

Birmingham Zoo Night – Birmingham Barons
Zoo members can enjoy complimentary Barons tickets! Be sure to take advantage of your Zoo membership and enjoy a night at the ballpark! Members must present current Membership Card and photo ID at the Regions Park ticket booth (sorry, no exceptions.)
7:05pm

Storytime – Barnes an Noble Patton Creek
Join us for this installment of the beloved ‘How Do Dinosaurs’ series. See all the many ways dinosaurs tell their parents “I love you” (even when they’re being mischievous!)
10:30am

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

Roger Day – Hoover Library
A jam-packed musical concert that encourages kids to SING LOUD, JUMP HIGH and DREAM BIG!
10:30am and 1:30pm

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Thursday July 15th

Popcorn and Movie – Emmet O Neal Library
Princess and the Frog
Grades 2 – 6
10:30 – 12:10

Craft: Paper Plate Porthole – North Shelby Library
All Ages, Registration Required
Drop in anytime between 2:00 – 3:30.

PJ Storytime – North Shelby Library
All ages, no registration required
7pm

Summer Luau – Vestavia Hills Library
Games, crafts, and yummy treats to help cool off from the heat. Great for ages 5 & up.
3:00pm – 4:00pm

Color Splash Storytime – Hoover Library
Black and White – Summer storytime for children under four.
10:30

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Friday July 16th

Wild about Books Story Time – Birmingham Zoo
Come join us for story and craft time with Books-A-Million at the Birmingham Zoo! Every Friday through summer on Grandma’s Front Porch in the Children’s Zoo area
10:00am

First Annual Music and Movie Festival –
Free to the public. Held in the former HQ parking lot on Center Point Parkway next to the Roebuck Golden Corral Restaurant. Bring your picnic baskets, lawn chairs and a great attitude to enjoy live entertainment, great water rides and a featured movie presentation at sunset.
5:00pm

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Saturday July 17th

Breakfast with Animals – Ruffner Mountain Nature Center
Get an early morning look at some Alabama animals. Join us for a continental breakfast as we get some up-close looks and information from some of our animal ambassadors.  All ages welcome.
Reservations required.
$7 ($5 member).
To Make Reservations-
Voicemail: (205) 833-8264, ext. 20
7:30am

Beach Party Bash – Emmet O Neal Library
You don’t have to go to the beach this summer to have fun! Just join us for a craft, games and food that will have you singing Surfin’ Safari all the way home!  Call 444-7833 to register June 28 – July 16
10:30am

Helena Market Days/Farmers Market – Helena Amphitheater
8:00am – 12:00pm

Urban Cookhouse Farmers Market – Downtown Homewood
7am – Noon

Pepper Place Saturday Market
We spread out of the parking lot to include 29th Street as we accommodate local farmers, artisans, music, art and food!
7:00am – Noon

Valleydale Farmers Market –
Valleydale Farmers Market is dedicated to bringing fresh, local produce to communities around Alabama and the Southeast.
Music, cooking demos and storytimes along with fresh produce a great way to spend a day!

Saturday Storytime at Barnes and Noble Summit
Please join us as we celebrate one of our newest favorite dogs. Our special story is Marley and the Kittens by John Grogan. See what happens when Marley welcomes two kittens, Lucky and Yow-Yow, to his home! A fun activity and refreshments to follow!
2:00pm

Fresh Market on the Green – Ross Bridge
Fresh Alabama grown fruits & vegetables, locally harvested honey, goat, cheese, fresh baked goods, coffee café, live music,arts and crafts, kids activity and more!
8am – Noon

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Sunday July 18th

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Graduation Reunion – Brookwood Medical Center
Join us for this annual event for former Neontal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patients and their families hosted by the physicians and nurses of Brookwood Medical Center’s NICU. Former patients and their families are invited to reunite and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon.
This annual event has been taking place for over 20 years. Physicians and staff enjoy visiting with the children they cared for as tiny infants.
Held in the Women’s Classrooms in the Womens Medical Center
2:00pm- 4:00pm

Christmas in July & Kids Eat Free – Birmingham Barons
One Free Kids Meal with Purchase of Full-Price Kids Ticket (Dreamland Ribs not included)
5:05pm

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Open Daily

McWane Science Center

Mr Potato Head Exhibit – Families won’t want to miss The Adventures of MR. POTATO HEAD, a new interactive traveling exhibit that features the much-loved MR. POTATO HEAD character will lead young visitors and parents on a number of fun and educational adventures. From trips to outer space to jungle safaris and archeological digs, each activity will provide children with engaging learning experiences. Through Sept. 26

Itty Bitty Magic City – NOTE: ITTY BITTY IS AN ITTY BIT SMALLER THIS SUMMER!
The Itty Bitty Magic City will be on display this summer in addition to The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head exhibit. The Itty Bitty City is a little bit smaller than usual, but favorite areas including the grocery store, Tot Spot area, crane, and factory are still in the city. The Itty Bitty Golf Course and a few other items were removed temporarily to make room for the new exhibit “The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head” that is also designed for an early childhood audience and they will return in the Fall.

NatureScope –  Explore the great outdoors from inside the museum. McWane Science Center and the Birmingham Audubon Society are partnering to create a new exhibit called NatureScope. Explore the science of the birds and the bugs in this new area! Get up close and personal with some resident creepy crawlies! Learn what role insects play in our ecosystem with the decomposition chamber. Meet large bugs including emperor scorpions, a tarantula, and even a giant African millipede!

Animalopolis at the IMAX – ANIMALOPOLIS will take you on a voyage into the magical world of animals. A bit fanciful, a bit “Seussian” perhaps, a place of good natured humor, beauty and just plain fun for kids and their parents.

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

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!

Doodles For Dolphins – Helping with the Gulf

Posted on by Angie

Alabama beaches are on the minds  of many lately. For those of us who have lived here all of our lives a summer without a trip to the gulf doesn’t feel like much of a summer at all. We are all aware of the tragic circumstances facing our beaches right now and would welcome the opportunity to get involved in helping in any way possible. Our friends over at Big Art Blessings have come up with a great project and they need our help. Now’s your chance to pitch in and it’s great because you can get the kids involved, in fact all you have to do is give them some paper, some crayons or paint, and let them go to town.

Doodles for Dolphins is giving your child the chance to celebrate the Gulf Coast animals they love so much; through the donation of a single piece of artwork, they can help with the oil spill rescue efforts.

Big Art Blessings will be creating spectacular wall collages showcasing this special artwork. These collages will be auctioned off, with 100% of the profit donated to animal rescue efforts on the Gulf Coast.

Here’s what you need to know:

Send artwork, flat or “softly folded” to:

Big Art Blessings – Doodles for Dolphins
P.O. Box 26647
Hoover, AL 35260

Be creative! Be colorful! Use crayons, oil pastels, paint, glue, tissue paper, 3-D embellishments! You can use any type of paper – think “color”. Just stay away from washable marker, please.

For more information please visit their site at Doodles for Dolphins

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