Trussville Spring Carnival

Posted on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 by Angie

The Carnival begins on Thursday, March 28 through Sunday, March 31. Admission: $15 for “ride all you can” wristbands . $1 for individual tickets (some rides require more than one ticket). Visit www.trussvillechamber.com for more info or for the $1 off discount coupon for the wristband.
Sponsored by: Amari and Gray Legal Advocacy and Consulting

Hours of operation:

Thursday, 3/28 – 5pm-9pm
Friday, 3/29 – 6pm to 10pm
Saturday, 3/30 – *1pm-5pm and *6pm-10pm
Sunday, 3/31 – 1pm-5pm

90 Parkway Dr, Trussville, AL 35173

*SEPARATE WRISTBANDS REQUIRED FOR EACH SESSION
Times subject to change due to weather.

Parenting Essentials for Newborn Multiples

Posted on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 by Angie

They say it takes a village to raise one child, but it might take a little more than that to raise twins or triplets. Indeed, having multiple newborn babies is a completely different experience, and it comes with its own set of challenges. But more the merrier — and family size isn’t exempt from this age-old adage. Fortunately, the right gear can do a world of good in making your multiples’ experience a breeze. Here are some essential tools to add to your parenting arsenal.

Triplet Car Seats

It goes without saying that you’re going to need one car seat per baby, but remember that not all seats are made equal. Choose one that is especially designed for small babies so your little ones stay secure, especially when you’re bringing them home from the hospital for the very first time. In this regard, the Diono is compact and narrow enough for twins, but can also be adjusted to fit up to three.

Twin Cot

In the beginning, you might find that twins prefer sleeping with each other, but twin cots tend to be more expensive and harder to find. Instead, look for a cot that can grow with your newborns so you get more value for your money. This twin cot from Pamco has a removable panel so your babies won’t lose sight of each other. But the best part is that you can convert it into two single beds once your children grow a little bigger, extending its use beyond your babies’ first few years.

Double Pram

There are lots of benefits to choosing a double pram. Not only is it easier to maneuver, but it also takes up less space whether you take it with you on the bus or down the neighborhood. The collection of double prams on iCandy balances function with style, both of which are important for taking twins out for walks and making sure they are safe in their buggies. They are built to keep them as comfortable and secure as possible without compromising your mobility. You can even easily convert them to a single pram if you need to.

Large Nappy Bag

Because you’ll be packing multiples of everything, especially nappies, you’re going to need a bag that can hold them all. The Ju-Ju-Be B.F.F. Convertible Diaper Bag has you covered both in the style and function departments. If you’re torn between a backpack or a shoulder nappy bag, this one helps you get the best of both worlds. In seconds, you can convert it from a backpack to a messenger bag. It also boasts multiple insulated bottle pockets to keep your newborns’ feeding bottles fresh, along with other pockets for your personal items.

Multiple Carriers

Skin-to-skin contact with your babies is one of the most important things you can do, so a carrier is an absolute essential. While it is designed for singles, the popular Boba wrap can also be used to carry both of your bundles of joy at once. Just be sure to tie it on properly, ensuring that both or all three of them are snug and secure.

For more essential tips on how to raise your multiples, check out our previous post here on Birmingham Mommy.

Summer Camp Spotlight: Baylor School Summer Camps

Posted on Monday, March 25, 2019 by Angie

The list of benefits of overnight camps for the kiddos is a long one. From nurturing social skills, easing summer slide and building friendships, you’ll find all of those things and more at the Baylor School Summer Camps!

What are Baylor Summers? Three months of action-packed, skill-building, fun-filled, sports, tech, arts, enrichment and outdoor adventure experiences. We take full advantage of our beautiful campus by offering several incredible overnight camps and a huge array of day camps for kids of all ages. Make the most of summer by making it a Baylor summer!

Sports Day Camps

At Baylor, we offer competitive opportunities for young athletes to develop their sports skills. Our camps are directed by our varsity coaches whose programs are ranked third in MaxPreps national rankings. Highly individualized instruction helps athletes develop across every level to increase both confidence and ability.

Enrichment Day Camps

From coding to creative arts, our popular enrichment camps provide kids the opportunity to try cool new experiences on our amazing campus. Our newest camp experiences in business, engineering, and leadership take enrichment to a whole new level. Our excellent camper-to-staff ratio also ensures that every child will have a high level of interaction and supervision.

Baylor Day Camps

Want Maximum Fun? Then get ready for Baylor’s awesome DAY CAMPS! In addition to our popular day camp activities (such as swimming, soccer, nature hikes, slip ‘n slide, arts and crafts, and lots more), campers will explore Baylor’s spectacular campus, be inspired by our awesome camp staff, enjoy eating in our state-of-the-art dining hall, and make wonderful new friends from around the Chattanooga area! Come join us for one session – or all seven! You’ll find it all this summer, all for you, all on Baylor’s amazing campus!

Overnight Camps

SPORTS
Baylor’s sports clinics are directed by our varsity team coaches in a fun and encouraging atmosphere. Our highly individualized instruction includes fundamentals in skill development and teamwork to increase both confidence and ability. Explore our sports camps here.

ENRICHMENT
From coding to creative arts, our popular enrichment camps provide kids the opportunity to try cool new experiences on our amazing campus. Our newest camp experiences in business, engineering, and leadership take enrichment to a whole new level. Our excellent camper-to-staff ratio also ensures that every child will have a high level of interaction and supervision. Enrichment camps are organized in the following categories:

ACADEMIC, BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP CAMPS
CREATIVE ARTS
SCIENCE, ENGINEERING and TECHNOLOGY
OUTDOOR CAMPS
SPECIAL INTEREST

For a complete overview on the Baylor School Summer Camps, visit their website for more information or to register!

Allergy Proof Your Home This Spring!

Posted on Friday, March 22, 2019 by Angie

Pollen season is here and it’s about 3 weeks early! The early pollen count increase is attributed to more rain and warmer temperatures that allow trees and plants to bloom early. The good news is that, with early preparations, allergy symptoms can be maintained.

Here are some things you can do around your home to help minimize your symptoms.

Keep the Air Clean: A well-ventilated house and non-leaking ductwork is a great first line of defense against allergens invading your living space. Every year, the average home collects up to 40 lbs of dirt, dust and allergens in its air ducts. And, every time you use your heat or air conditioning these pollutants are circulated throughout your home, aggravating respiratory conditions like asthma. This is why it’s important to invest in a professional air duct cleaning service. Other things you can do to help:

– Keep your windows closed when pollen counts are high
– Use HEPA Filters in your Air Conditioning Unit
– Keep the humidity level in the house at about 50 percent. Mold likes moisture, and dust and pollen are easily stirred in dry air.

Reduce Dust Generators: When the fiber in the fabrics and carpeting in your home start breaking down, they add to the dust in your home.

– Damp mop regularly
– Wash throw rugs often
– Consider using blinds only for window treatments rather than curtains, which are a main dust collector.
– When the time comes (or the budget allows) replace high pile carpets with wood or tile flooring. If you must have carpeting, make it short, tight pile, and vacuum weekly with a cleaner that has a small-particle or HEPA filter.

Cut out the Clutter: The less stuff you have, the less place for dust to hide.

– Reduce the number of knick knacks and clutter on counter tops.
– Toss old magazines and rags

Tackle the Pet Dander: Our furry friends have dander that is lighter than most other allergens, so it floats in the air longer and gets stirred up more easily.

Stanley Steemer provides professional deep cleaning services including carpet, tile & grout, upholstery, hardwood and air ducts. We also provide water restoration services. Stanley Steemer of North Central Alabama services the greater Birmingham Metro Area and surrounding counties, spanning from Cullman to Clanton and from the Mississippi state line to the Georgia state line. Stanley Steemer is the first carpet cleaning service certified asthma & allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, removing an average of 94% of common household allergens from carpet. 24/7 scheduling available! Use Code: Mom30 for $30 off any service. (Minimum charges apply)

Day out with Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019

Posted on Thursday, March 21, 2019 by Angie

Day out with Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019 is Pulling into the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum for Thomas and Friends Biggest Year Yet!

Enjoy a day of Family Fun with Thomas the Tank Engine on March 29 -31 and April 6-7

All aboard! Thomas the Tank Engine invites little engineers to go full steam ahead for a day of engaging activities and fun adventures at Day Out With Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019. Children are invited to spend a day with their friend Thomas when the #1 Engine pulls into Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum on March 29-31 and April 6-7, 2019. Day Out With Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019 is presented by Mattel.

This fun-filled event offers children and their families the opportunity to take a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends™ series. In addition, they will meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway and enjoy a day of Thomas-themed activities including toy play, photo ops, and more. The tour, now in its 24th year, will make 37 stops across the U.S. and Canada and is expected to welcome nearly one million passengers in 2019.

WHO: Thomas the Tank Engine

WHAT:

· 25-minute (approximate) ride with a talking Thomas the Tank Engine

· Meet & Greet with Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway

· Thomas & Friends Imagination Station featuring a variety of activities

· All-new ‘Ask an Engineer’ booth, where kids can talk to an engineer and learn about trains and working on the rails

· A ‘Passport to Adventures’ booklet for children to track their journey at the event and receive a special prize upon completion.

· Thomas & Friends-themed activities including toy play, photo ops, and more

· Storytelling, video viewing and live music

WHEN: March 29-31 and April 6-7

TIME: 9:45am- 4:30pm

WHERE: 1919 9th St.Calera, AL 35040

Tickets for Day Out With Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019 are on sale now and available by calling Ticketweb toll-free at 866-468-7630, or by visiting www.dayoutwiththomas.com. Ticket prices are $22 plus tax for ages 2 and up (service charges and fee may apply).

For more information about the wonderful world of Thomas & Friends please visit: www.thomasandfriends.com, www.facebook.com/ thomasandfriends and for bonus material and exclusive content www.youtube.com/user/ thomasandfriends.

Spring Break Fun in Birmingham!

Posted on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 by Angie

Spring break is just around the corner and if you’re not traveling, you can still make your own fun with a staycation right here in Birmingham!

Spring Break Fun in Birmingham

Spring Fever at McWane Science Center

When school is out, science is in at McWane Science Center! Check out one of their traveling exhibits, a movie at the IMAX or learn more about the brain during Brain Awareness Week!

CLICK HERE for a full list of activities

Spring Break at the Birmingham Zoo

It’s the opening of Seasonal favorites and activities at the Lorikeet Aviary, Predator Zone, Sea Lion Show, Children’s Zoo Splash Pads, Wildlife Show, Wild Slide and so much more. Just in time for the warmer weather, guests can soak up the sun while creating lasting memories with a visit to your favorite Zoo.

CLICK HERE for a daily activities schedule

Jump Parks in Birmingham

Jump, Jump and Jump some more! Birmingham is home to lots of places for the kids to jump around and work out that energy!

Activate Awesome at Urban Air Homewood and Trussville. Make sure to watch for Spring Break specials on their Facebook page. Or follow this link to save

Surge Trampoline park is offering a Spring Break special using code SPRING19

Skyzone Hoover

Arcades

If arcades are your thing, Spring Break week would be a great time to check out our new Dave and Busters. 175 of the latest and greatest arcade games, a chef-crafted menu and the state-of-the-art D&B Sports Bar filled with dozens of massive HDTV screens. Guests can play games like the brand new multiplayer virtual reality attraction platform featuring Jurassic World, an interactive experience that is the brand’s first foray into VR. Hard-earned tickets can be redeemed with a trip to WIN! for a variety of prizes including Apple products Xbox games, sports memorabilia and more.

Also at the Galleria, BumperNets! A fun family environment for all ages! Pool Tables, Ping Pong Tables, Foosball Tables, Ping Pong Robots, Ice Hockey Tables, BumperPool Tables, Arcade Games/Machines, Pinball, Accessories and more!

Birmingham Sports Teams

The Birmingham Bulls will be at home on Friday, March 29th and Saturday, March 30th against the Fayetteville Marksman.

The Birmingham Iron will be at home against Atlanta Legends on Sunday, March 31st

Birmingham Area Ice Cream Shoppes and Sweet Treats

I Scream, you Scream…We all Scream for ICE CREAM!!

Grab a scoop or a sammie at your favorite Ice Cream Shop or try a new place! We have a great list of Birmingham Area Ice Cream Shoppes and Sweet Treats, just FOLLOW THIS LINK!

In addition to all of these fun ideas, Birmingham is full of great parks and hiking trails. If we get lucky with some good sunny days, check out Red Mountain Park, or Ruffner Mountain or pack a picnic lunch and head up to Vulcan or Railroad Park!

Want even MORE ideas?? Check out this master list of THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN BIRMINGHAM

Spring Break at the Birmingham Zoo

Posted on Monday, March 18, 2019 by Angie

Spring Break is the best time to have fun and enjoy exciting places like the Birmingham Zoo!

Join the zoo over Spring Break for the opening of Seasonal favorites and activities at the Lorikeet Aviary, Predator Zone, Sea Lion Show, Children’s Zoo Splash Pads, Wildlife Show, Wild Slide and so much more. Just in time for the warmer weather, guests can soak up the sun while creating lasting memories with a visit to your favorite Zoo.

March 23 – 31

*Purchase your admission tickets and unlimited ride wristbands ahead of time at birminghamzoo.com*

Spring Break Daily Activities Schedule for March 23 – 31

Full Moon BBQ Wild Slide
Daily
9am – 4:45pm
Cost: $3.50 plus tax
Riders must be 4 years of age and 40 inches tall to ride

Protective Life Carousel Rides
Daily
9am – 4:45pm
Cost: $3.50 plus tax
Children under two, receive a free ride on the carousel with a paid accompanying adult.
Children two and older must have a ride ticket.

Red Diamond Express Train Ride
Daily
9am – 4:45pm
Cost: $3.50 plus tax

Goat Walk
Daily
9:30am

Schaeffer Eye Center Lorikeet Aviary
Daily
10am – 4pm
$2 plus tax
Weather dependent

Red Diamond Sea Lion Show
Daily
10am
2pm

Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter
Daily
10am – 3pm
Cost, $3.50 plus tax
Weather dependent

UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Wildlife Show
Daily
11am

Predator Zone Lion Training
Daily
11:30am
3pm

Animal Greetings at the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital Wildlife Stage
Daily
2:30pm

Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun March 15th – March 17th

Posted on Thursday, March 14, 2019 by Angie

Birmingham Bulls Hockey – Pelham Ice Complex

V. Peoria Rivermen

As You Walk Through the Door, Your Hearts Starts Pumping! The irresistible lure of HOCKEY and the buzz of a packed house causes your ADRENALIN to surge. The music is PUMPING, the lights fade and the smoke swirls – and that’s just the beginning. Monster hits, UNBELIEVABLE GOALS and in-your-face hockey keeps you on the edge of your seat. The action is NON-STOP! With heart pounding music, and contests, what are you waiting for? It’s an EXPERIENCE to remember.

Friday, 7:30pm
Saturday, 7pm

St Patrick’s Day Parade – 5 points South

Put on some green and come out to the 35th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, led by the Ian Sturrock Memorial Pipe Band.

Come early for kids activities, live music and brunch or stay after the parade to grab some lunch, dinner or a drink from any of the participating merchants who will be offering Irish food and drink specials ALL day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. While getting into the Irish spirit, grab a great spot to watch the parade with the family or visit one our many indoor music venues.

Parade
Saturday March 16th from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, 11am

Birmingham Hammerfest – Lakeview

The inaugural Birmingham Hammerfest fueled by Gatorade Zero is the place to be on March 16th. Eighteen USA CRITS D1 professional cycling teams will be racing through the streets of the Lakeview District. This exciting, fast-paced criterium racing is not just for the pros. Amateurs and juniors will be tackling the same course and putting their skills to the test.

This family-friendly weekend includes something for all ages with the Thomas Waters State Farm Kids’ Zone featuring inflatables, arts and crafts, bike obstacle courses and more. Kids of all ages can deck out their bikes/trikes St. Patty’s style and show off their wheels in the Lil’ Shamrock fun ride during the Regions Bank Community Hour. Ride your bike to Lakeview and park at the Lewis & Feldman bike valet and visit their cycle pits for bicycle maintenance courses. Enjoy local food trucks or head up to the excitement and festivities at the restaurants and bars along 7th Avenue and 29th St.

Saturday, 8am – 4pm

Cherry Blossom Festival – Birmingham Botanical Gardens

2019 Sakura Matsuri at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens!

Saturday, 10am – 4pm

Tannehill Trade Days – Tannehill State Park

Shoppers and swappers come from far and near to Tannehill Trade Days in search of tools, clothing, jewelry, knives, furniture and other treasures. We have 350+ vendors to come and see. Rain or shine.

Saturday, 8am – 4pm
Sunday, 8am – 4pm

For even more events happening this weekend and beyond, make sure to keep an eye on our Events Calendar!

Spring Fever at McWane Science Center

Posted on Thursday, March 14, 2019 by Angie

When school is out, science is in at McWane Science Center! Check out one of their traveling exhibits:

Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code begins to unravel the mystery behind the complete set of instructions needed for every living thing on Earth to grow and function: the genome.

SPEED: Science in Motion replicates the high-octane action of the Formula 1 racetrack, complete with pit lane, workshop and physical testing environments. This immersive experience is designed to unravel the cutting edge science and technology behind professional motor sports.

Don’t forget to check out what’s new in IMAX: Narrated by Captain America himself, Chris Evans, Superpower Dogs (Opening March 15) is the inspiring true story of man’s best friends and also real-life superheroes. Journey around the globe to meet remarkable dogs who save lives and discover the powerful bond they share with their human partners. Follow ‘Halo’, a rookie puppy training to join one of the most elite disaster response teams in America. Meet ‘Henry’, an avalanche rescue expert in the Canadian Rockies, ‘Reef’, a Newfoundland lifeguard with the Italian coastguard, ‘Ricochet’, a Californian surf legend helping people with special needs, and the Bloodhound brothers, ‘Tipper and Tony’, who are leading the fight to save endangered species in Africa. As we discover the incredible abilities of dogs and the astonishing science behind their superpowers, we’ll never look at our best friends the same way again!

Brain Awareness Week: Brain Awareness Week is a global campaign designed to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research. Join McWane and neuroscience students from the University of Alabama at Birmingham for brainy activities!

Birmingham Hammerfest

Posted on Thursday, March 14, 2019 by Angie