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Family Game Day at Iron City!

Posted on by Angie

If your family loves a good game night…or day, then you’re going to love this event coming up at Iron City! Open to families of all ages, the venue will be filled with all types of games perfect for an afternoon of family fun! Games include:

Putt Putt
Giant Connect 4
Corn Hole
Xbox
Twister
Jenga
Go Fish
Arcade Games
Spoons
Basketball
Arm Wrestling
Cards
Wii
Doubleshot Basketball
Giant Jenga
Foosball
Nintendo
Skeeball
Quarterback Challenge Football Game

AND MORE!
Adult tickets $10
Kids tickets $8 (15 and under)
Tickets & info: http://bit.ly/IC-FamilyGameDay
Admission price includes all the games. Parents do not need to purchase tickets or tokens once inside, like most arcades.
Minors Under 18 must have a Parent or Legal Guardian
The bar will be open.

Red Mountain Park Opens Sensory Friendly Trail

Posted on by Angie

The Butler Snow Sensory Friendly Trail at Red Mountain Park is now open!

Funds for this trail were generously contributed by Butler Snow Foundation. This sensory trail is designed for children and adults with developmental differences who have a curiosity for our natural world. The trail was also designed with people who have low vision and/or low hearing in mind.

This trail is .14 miles long and located near the entrance of the Park along the BMRR South Trail. The Butler Snow Sensory Trail includes 14 activities, a comfort zone, a pergola with swinging benches and sensory bags that will be available for check out at the Park’s Welcome Station.  The bags contain items such as ear plugs, sunglasses and fidget toys.  For friends who use wheelchairs, the sensory trail was designed to be accessed with the Park’s off-road Nomad wheelchair, available by reservation, at (205) 913-7899, at no cost.  Red Mountain Park is excited to take this first step toward welcoming all of our community and becoming a more inclusive Park!

Fireworks and 4th of July Celebrations in Birmingham

Posted on by Angie

 

Check out all of these fun Fireworks Shows and 4th of July Celebrations happening in and around Birmingham this Independence Day!

Birmingham Firewoeks

Fireworks and 4th of July Celebrations in Birmingham

37th Annual I Love America Night
Wald Park Vestavia
June 28th

This 37th annual event will feature free swimming at the Wald Park Pool, children’s activities and inflatables sponsored by Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church.

Free Swimming 6:00-7:30 PM
Children’s Area hosted by Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church 6:00-8:00 pm
Pops in the Park Concert by Shades Mountain Baptist Church Orchestra 7:00 pm
Movie: Despicable Me 3 8:15 pm

Chelsea City Fest and The Big Kaboom
New location: large grassy area behind the Dairy Queen on County Rd 47.
June 30th

The City of Chelsea is once again hosting this annual event. It all starts with a kids Red, White & Blue Bicycle Parade. Food Trucks, arts & crafts, sponsor vendor booths, Kid Zone with inflatables and back by popular demand “COMPOZITIONZ”, the same great band from last year. They will be play before and after the Big Kaboom! which begins at 9:00pm
5pm – 11pm

 

Tannehill Independence Celebration
Tannehill State Park
June 30th

Carnival Games, Balloon Animals, Bungee Jump, Backyard Maze, Face Painting, Petting Zoo, Rock Wall, Water Slides and More! Live Music and food trucks. All activities provided by outside vendors may charge additional fees.
4pm – 8pm – Fireworks to follow

Oak Mountain State Park – Fire on the Water
July 1st

Gates open at 7 am! Come and spend the day with us! Grab a good spot and enjoy the day in the park as you wait for the show to start! Gates will CLOSE to the public at 7 pm SHARP. Both the Front and Back gate will not let anyone into the park after 7 pm, please plan accordingly!

Regular entrance fees apply from 7 am until 5 pm. At 5pm we will offer a special entrance fee of $15 per car load! Carpool with friends and family for the best price!
Remember, gates take CASH ONLY!
Beer will be sold from 5pm until 8pm. NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL ALLOWED. Please enjoy responsibly.

Bring your own chairs/blankets for the show, and you will be allowed to bring in your own coolers (no alcohol admitted). We will have picnic tables available, and there are grills throughout the park open to the public!

Alabaster Fireworks Show
Behind the old silo on Hwy. 119 in Alabaster
July 3rd

Fireworks begin at 9pm and last approximately 15 minutes. APH Radio will broadcast patriotic music during the show at 99.9 FM. Viewing sites Plaza Circle & Plaza Drive, Alabaster YMCA sports fields, the area surrounding Publix, Elliotsville Plaza, Municipal Park, Larry Simmons Stadium and its surrounding areas.

Birmingham Barons at Regions Field
Independence Eve Celebration
July 3rd

Patriotic Fireworks Show – Fireworks show set to Patriotic music in honor of Independence Day.
Game time 6:30pm

Trussville Freedom Celebration
On the Mall in historic downtown Trussville
July 4th

Food Vendors open at 5:30pm
Rides and Music at 6-9pm
Fireworks at 9pm

Southeastern Outings 4th of July Celebration
Bartow Arena Park
July 4th

Free Band Concert and Birmingham’s Firework Show

Band concert by the UAB Summer Band.  This large group of carefully auditioned and selected student and professional musicians is an outstanding concert band.  Please bring your own blanket or chairs.   Look for the SEO signs.  SEO people will assemble next to the concrete planter closest to the stage to the right of the dragon statue (as you face the band) right where the grass ends and the concrete floor leading to the entrance to the arena begins.  Look for the Southeastern Outings sign.  When the concert ends, conveniently enjoy clearly viewing the Birmingham City Fireworks from the picnic area.  Well-behaved, properly supervised children are welcome.
6:30pm

Independence Day at the American Village, Montevallo
July 4th

Spend 4th of July with your family and friends at the American Village. It’s their biggest Red, White and Blue Party of the Year! Historical Reenactments, music and dancing, food and fireworks!

Admission is $5.00/person. Veterans, Active Military and children ages 4 and under are free
Gates open at 11:00 a.m. Events from 11:30am to evening fireworks.

Music and Fireworks in the Vineyard at Morgan Creek Winery
July 4th

Join us in the vineyard this July 4th for wine tastings, live music, winery tours, BBQ and spectacular fireworks! Special opening music begins at 5:00 p.m. Music starts at 6:00 p.m. and fireworks will wow at 9:30 p.m. Bring a blanket and chairs for the perfect spot in the vineyard. $15 per person at the gate and ages 12 & under free. Reserved tables are available for $50 per table and seat up to eight people.

July 4th Festival -Downtown Homewood
July 4th

There will be a combination of inflatables/rides placed in the streets that will appeal to children of all ages.  A DJ will provide music and interactive activities for the patrons at the event.  Downtown Homewood is one of the best locations in the entire metro Birmingham area to view the “Thunder on the Mountain” fireworks show from Vulcan Park (see below)
5pm – 9pm

Thunder on the Mountain 2017
July 4th

For decades, Thunder on the Mountain, Birmingham’s Fourth of July fireworks celebration, has been hailed as one of the largest and most extravagant Independence Day traditions in the state of Alabama, and this year will be no exception. On Wednesday, July 4 at 9:00 pm, Thunder on the Mountain 2018 will once again illuminate the skies above Birmingham’s beloved iron man, Vulcan. Free to the public, this year’s show will last approximately 20 minutes and will feature a variety of firework shells that will brighten the sky with new colors and patterns. The show will be choreographed to a musical soundtrack that will feature a mix of patriotic favorites and popular musical performances. Vulcan Park and Museum takes pride in organizing this highly-anticipated event each year; however, we rely on the community-at-large to help fund this outstanding show for residents of the greater Birmingham area and beyond to enjoy! Thank you for your support.

Helpful Hints / FAQ’s:

Can I watch the fireworks from Vulcan Park and Museum?
No. The fireworks are launched from the park grounds of Vulcan Park and Museum. For safety purposes, Vulcan Park and Museum and its surrounding 10-acre park will close to the public at 6:00 pm on July 4. At this time, the entire park grounds and parking lots will be cleared out and closed.

Where is the best place to view the fireworks?
For the best viewing experience, make sure you have a clear view of Vulcan! Prime viewing locations include Five Points South, Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, UAB campus, among others. Based on growing crowds in recent years, organizers are advising spectators to stake out a viewing point well in advance of the 9:00 pm show.

Will the show be cancelled in the event of rain?
No. Thunder on the Mountain 2015 will continue rain or shine! However, the show may be cancelled in the event of severe weather conditions.

Thunder in the Parks Moody
Moody Parks and Recreation
July 14th

Music, food and inflatables!
5pm – 9pm

 

Thank You to our Sponsor:

Stanley Steemer removes an average of 94% of common household allergens like pet dander from carpet, upholstery, tile and hardwood floors. They’re also certified “asthma and allergy friendly” by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

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!

 

 

SECURE Study with UAB

Posted on by Angie

The Child and Adolescent Health Lab at UAB is conducting a research study to keep children safe in cars. Participants will:

-Complete surveys
-Install a car booster-seat
-Take a short drive in a state-of-the-art driving simulator
-Learn the best ways to keep your child safe in a vehicle

Participants and their children will be compensated for participation!

You may be eligible to participate if you are a mother with a child between the ages of 4 and 8.
For more information or to enroll in our study, please email cahlab@uab.edu or call 205-975-3900.
We hope you take this opportunity to participate in a research study and to help us keep child passengers safe!

37th Annual I Love America Night

Posted on by Angie

Celebrate America Night at Wald Park on Thursday, June 28th! Make plans to celebrate with with free children’s activities, a business expo, and a movie!

Free Swimming 6:00-7:30 pm
Children’s Area hosted by Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church 6:00-8:00 pm
Pops in the Park concert by the Shades Mountain Baptist Church Orchestra
Movie: Despicable Me 3 8:15 pm

Please note:

Free swimming begins at 6:00 pm. Only regular pool members will be admitted before 6:00.
Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult at the Wald Park Pool.
Pets are NOT allowed on the fields in Wald Park.

 

Craft Ideas for Summer Fun!

Posted on by Angie

Summer is full of fun and sun, beach and pool days, but every year when we make our summer fun lists, crafts always gets added because it makes a great rainy day/down day option and bonus, we still get to mark something off of our list!

Here are some ideas for crafts you can do this summer to keep the littles busy and maybe even make a keepsake or wearable.

Tye Dye– This is always a favorite with my girls, right before school was out I picked up these cute little kits at the Target $ Spot, then we hit up hobby lobby for some plain white tees and we have everything we need for an afternoon of fashion designing!

 

 

Egg Shell Herb Garden –

Here’s what you will need for this craft:

3 Large Eggs
Bowl
Egg Carton
Waterproof Markers
Potting Soil
Herb Seeds

Start by making a hole in the top of your eggs, about the size of a quarter. Empty the eggs into your bowl and use those to scramble later! Carefully clean the eggs with a little soap and water, rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry.

Once your eggshells are dry, get creative by drawing some fun faces on your eggs. Just remember, be very very careful.

Fill your shells with soil and sprinkle your seeds inside. Set them in your egg carton and use your marker to label the carton and set your herb egg in it’s appropriate place. Gently water.

Set them in a sunny spot and make sure to keep the soil moist, before you know it you will have little sprouts of herbs ready to garnish your delicious dinner.

Fruit Stamp Place Mats – This one is fun because you can rummage through the fridge and use whatever fruit you have on hand. Pears and Apples work great! Grab some plain cardstock, paint and just cut your fruit in half and stamp the papers. Once it’s dry completely you can turn them into place mats by using laminating sheets. You could also stamp a canvas if you wanted to make a picture for the house or if you have one or wanted to purchase a canvas bag you could make a custom designed tote!

 

If I could sum up one never fail craft interest that seems to continue to grow in popularity, it’s SLIME. I had managed to put our slime factory out of business for a while, but with summer here our factory is now re-opened. We made a deal that all supplies must stay in their designated buckets and if after they’ve been working on a new batch I find anything left over, it’s mine. So far, so good, but my goodness this is a messy endeavor with shaving cream and food coloring all over my counters and hardwoods.. Slime in the rugs or carpet where they’ve been playing and drop it.. If you’re a cooler Mom than me and the mess of the slime doesn’t stress you out, here are a few of our favorite slime recipes…

Easy Slime Recipe:

Supplies Needed:

1/2 Tbsp of Baking Soda
1 Tbsp of Contact lens solution
4 fl oz white school glue
Food coloring of your choice

What you’ll do:
Mix glue and baking soda together, then add food coloring. Add contact solution until mixture no longer sticks to the bowl. Take out and knead with hands when mixture becomes too tough to mix. *My kids like adding glitter to everything they make, but you can easily make glitter slime with glitter glue.. See next recipe.

Glitter Slime

1/2 Tbsp of Baking Soda
1 Tbsp of Contact lens solution
5 fl oz of clear school glue
.356 fl oz glitter glue

Pour clear glue into a bowl and add baking soda, add your glitter glue, mix. Add contact lens solution, and mix until slime forms. Take out and knead with hands when mixture becomes too tough to mix. *Note: I like this option because there’s no messy food coloring or loose glitter.

Non Sticky Slime:

Supplies Needed:

1/2 cup of school glue
1/2 tsp of baking soda
2-3 drops of food coloring of choice
1-2 tbsp of contact solution
2-3 drops of baby oil
Glitter *optional

What you’ll do:

Mix glue and baking soda together then add food coloring, add contact solution until mixture no longer sticks to the bowl, once all mixed together, add baby oil to reduce stickiness. If you choose to add glitter, you can do that once mix is complete.

So… that’s it, a few ideas to keep the kiddos busy. Now, should you find yourself with a mess on your hands after an afternoon of crafting or if you find slime all over your house, our friends over at Stanley Steemer can come to your rescue! Remember to use code “Mom30” for $30 off any service. (minimum charges apply)

Thank you to our Sponsor:

Stanley Steemer removes an average of 94% of common household allergens like pet dander from carpet, upholstery, tile and hardwood floors. They’re also certified “asthma and allergy friendly” by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

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!

 

Friday Five: Top Picks for Weekend Fun June 22nd – June 24th

Posted on by Angie

Top picks for weekend fun in and around Birmingham this weekend!

  • Family Camp Out Night – Railroad Park

Your family is invited to a campout on our front lawn! Family Camp-Out Night, presented by Publix, returns for 2018.

One night a year, we convert a special section of Railroad Park into an interactive campground for families. A host of experts will give lessons on everything from astronomy to camp cooking to orienteering‐with some bird watching thrown in for good measure.

Saturday, 3pm – 9pm
Sunday, 7am -8am

  • Help Paint a Birmingham Mural – Downtown

Artist Marcus Fetch is inviting the residents of Birmingham to help paint a wall located near Redemptive Cycles. The event will be held Saturday, June 23rd from noon – 4pm. Everyone will have the freedom to paint whatever they want with any colors they want. Only rule is it has to be all abstract, no words or letters.

Saturday, 12pm – 4pm

  • Jurassic Park Storytime – Barnes and Noble, Summit

Introduce little ones to the world of Jurassic Park. This action-packed (and age-appropriate) title is great for dinosaur lovers, both new and old. Activities to follow.

Saturday, 11am – 12pm

  • Helena Market Days

Vegetables, flowers, honey, pottery, bread, glasswork, woodcarving and something new all the time. Supporting local non-profits by featuring a different one each weekend for fundraising and mission awareness purposes. A different musician appears every weekend as well.

Saturday, 8am – 12pm

  • See Columbus’ Ships in Demopolis

The “Nina” was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools. Archaeology magazine called the ship “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.” In 2005, the “Pinta,” also a caravel, was launched in Brazil and was the first ship to sight land in the New World. Historians consider the caravel the space shuttle of the 15th century.

Both ships tour together as a new and enhanced “sailing museum” for educating the public and school children on the “caravel,” a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world. Before him, the Old World and the New World remained separate and distinct continents and ever since their fates have been bound together for better or for worse.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9am – 6pm
Demopolis Yacht Basin, 130 Yacht Basin Drive

For More information on the event and pricing, see our previous post.

Thank you to our Sponsor:

Red Diamond is the 3rd oldest family owned and operated coffee and tea company in the U.S., with over 110 years of coffee and tea excellence.

Red Diamond’s tea line features an exquisite collection of exceptional hand-picked estate-grown teas from the finest tea plantations around the world.

Red Diamond’s coffee line offers the finest blends of gourmet beans available. Combined with state-of-the-art Scolari roasting, our unique blends from Central and South America allow us to produce the perfect cup of coffee every time.

 

Discover Columbus’ Ships in Demopolis AL

Posted on by Angie

Replica’s of explorer Christopher Columbus’ ships “The Pinta” and “The Nina” will open June 21 in Demopolis.

The ships will be docked at Demopolis Yacht Basin, 130 Yacht Basin Drive, until their departure early Monday morning, June 25.

The “Nina” was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools. Archaeology magazine called the ship “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.” In 2005, the “Pinta,” also a caravel, was launched in Brazil and was the first ship to sight land in the New World. Historians consider the caravel the space shuttle of the 15th century.

Both ships tour together as a new and enhanced “sailing museum” for educating the public and school children on the “caravel,” a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world. Before him, the Old World and the New World remained separate and distinct continents and ever since their fates have been bound together for better or for worse.

While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ships for a walk-aboard, self-guided tour. Admission charges are $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors, and $6.50 for students 5-6. Children 4 and under are admitted free. The ships are open every day from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. No reservations necessary.

Teachers or organizations wishing to schedule a 3-minute guided tour with a crew member should call 787 672 2152 or email ninapintatour@gmail.com Minimum of 15; $5 per person. No maximum. Visit the website at www.ninapinta.org

5 common summer illnesses in kids

Posted on by Angie

Summer is here, and that means more time in the great outdoors. It also means exposure to some different illnesses. Here are some fairly common ones your kids might pick up this summer and what you can do to help (via CDC). As with any illness, if symptoms persist or become severe, be sure to contact your pediatrician.

Coxsackie

A form of enterovirus, Coxsackie often leads to Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease – a nasty virus that often occurs in kids under 5.

Signs of Hand, Foot and Mouth:

·        Fever

·        Low appetite

·        Sore throat

·        Sores in mouth, developing 1-2 days after fever starts

·        Skin rash with red spots on palms of hands and soles of feet

·        May also develop a rash on knees, elbows, buttocks and genital area

What to do:

·        There’s no treatment for the disease – it will need to run its course

·        Keep kids hydrated, even if it’s difficult to swallow

·        Consider over the counter pain relievers (not Aspirin)

·        Certain mouthwashes may numb mouth pain

Prevention:

·        The illness is transmitted from one infected person to another via bodily fluids or via contaminated water

·        Be sure to wash hands often and clean frequently touched surfaces

·        Avoid contact with anyone infected with the virus

Croup

Croup is an infection of the upper airway, which leads to inflammation of the airway and obstructed breathing.

Signs of Croup:

·        Mucous in the airway

·        Noisy breathing and a hoarse, barking cough

·        Usually starts with cold symptoms

What to do:

·        Breathing moist air may offer comfort to your child

·        Give children over 6 months ibuprofen or acetaminophen for comfort

·        Make sure they drink plenty of fluids

·        Monitor their breathing, especially at night

Prevention:

·        Croup is transmitted through a virus that can be spread from an infected person to another

·        Most cases clear up on their own, but it’s a good idea to keep an infected child away from healthy children to prevent spreading

Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks.

Signs of Lyme Disease (often flu-like):

·        Fever

·        Headache

·        Fatigue

·        Skin rash

·        Muscle and joint aches

·        Chills

·        Untreated infections can spread to the joints, heart and nervous system

What to do:

·        Lyme Disease found early can be easily treated with antibiotics

·        If you suspect your child has been bitten by a tick, keep a close eye on them

·        Get your child checked early if there’s any chance of Lyme Disease

Prevention:

·        Lyme Disease is spread through insect bites, mainly via infected ticks

·        Use insect repellent when in the woods or grass

·        Search your children for ticks after they’ve been outside, and remove any promptly

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Whooping Cough, also known as Pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease and is commonly spread at summer camp.

Signs of Whooping Cough:

·        Starts with a cold-like cough, runny nose and fever

·        Babies may develop apnea – a pause in breathing

·        Violent coughing, often uncontrollable, followed by a deep inhale that makes a “whooping” sound

·        Vomiting

·        Exhaustion

What to do:

·        It can be treated with prescribed antibiotics

·        If suspected, take your child to the doctor immediately

·        DO NOT give your child cough medicine

·        Make sure your child is drinking fluids and eating, especially if vomiting occurs

Prevention:

·        There is a vaccine for Whooping Cough

·        It can be transmitted from one infected person to another

Norovirus

The Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, or the stomach bug. It’s often foodborne and causes your stomach and intestines to become inflamed.

Signs of Norovirus:

·        Diarrhea

·        Nausea/vomiting

·        Stomach pain

·        Fever

·        Head and body aches

What to do:

·        Ensure your child is properly hydrated

·        There’s no specific treatment; the virus will have to run its course

Prevention:

·        Wash hands regularly and ensure food is properly cooked and washed

·        Avoid being around someone who is infected with Norovirus

Article content provided by Kinsa, the maker of the world’s first smart thermometer with the ability to track illness and offer guidance on what to do if your child falls ill, all based on symptoms and age. 

Help Paint a Birmingham Mural

Posted on by Angie

I don’t know about you but I get so excited when a new mural is added to our city, we have some pretty great ones around town and they’re fun to find and they make a great photo op!

Now, this weekend, all of Birmingham has the chance to help create one in a special Community Event! Artist Marcus Fetch is inviting the residents of Birmingham to help paint a wall located near Redemptive Cycles. The event will be held Saturday, June 23rd from noon – 4pm.  Everyone will have the freedom to paint whatever they want with any colors they want. Only rule is it has to be all abstract, no words or letters.

Grab the kids and make plans to head down and help brighten up our city! Food vendors will be on site.

 

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