Easter Bunny/Egg Hunts

Here is a brief list of Easter Bunny meet-and-greets and Easter Egg Hunts. If you know of more please let me know and I will update the list!

• Meet the Easter Bunny at Brown's Orchard March 23rd (11:30am-2pm), 24th (11:30-2pm) and the 30th (10am-noon and 12:30-2pm) 
• Muffins with the Easter Bunny at Brown's Orchard March 23rd 9-11am
• Easter Egg Scramble at Stauffer's of Kissel Hill (all garden centers) March 23rd, 9am for 1-3 year olds and 9:30am for 4-6 year olds. 
• Royal Manchester Golf Links will host a breakfast with the Easter Bunny March 23rd and 30th at 9am. Reservations are required. $14.95/adults, $9.95/kids (4-12) and kids under 4 eat free.
• Macklin's Cafe is hosting an Easter Cupcake Decorating Class for kids on March 23rd 9:30am-10:30am. There is a fee and reservations are required. 
• York Township will be hosting a Canine Egg Hunt, a Children's Egg Hunt (ages 1-10) and a Flashlight Egg Hunt for kids (11-18). All events are on the 23rd of March. Tickets are required and this year they are $3/child. ($1 for the dogs)
• Atomic Bounce is hosting an Easter Bunny Bounce March 24th from 10am-noon. The cost is $8, which includes 5 Easter eggs. (Bring your camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny!)
• The City of York will hold it's 38th annual Easter Egg Hunt March 23rd from 1:00-3:00pm at Kiwanis Lake/Farquhar Park. This is for kids 8 and under. 
• Nixon Park will host a natural egg dyeing event on Friday March 29th from 9:30am-11:30am. The event is $2 and registration is required. (bring your own eggs too!)
• Fairmount Park in Red Lion will host the Red Lion Easter Egg Hunt March 30th at noon. No registration is required! 
• Windsor Area Recreation will have their Easter Party March 30th, but registration is required by the 22nd, at 11am. (come 15 minutes early to meet the Easter Bunny!)
• Dover Township will hold its Easter Egg Hunt March 23rd, 10am, at Lehr Park. Check the link for start times by age group. 
• Bogey Macaw's will have an Easter Day brunch, with the Easter Bunny on site, and stick around for the egg hunt at 1pm. Reservations are a must! 

Dr. Seuss Day!!

Many of you may know that Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, was a prolific children's author and a much celebrated figure in American history. But, did you also know that on his birthday many stores, libraries and kids museums celebrate "Read Across America" in honor of his work/dedication to make books fun for kids? Fortunately we have some Seuss enthusiasts in our area that are geared up for a fun Saturday, and your kids should join in on the fun! 

1. Martin Library will host a Read Across America Celebration from 10-11am for kids of all ages, with a special appearance from The Cat in the Hat himself! 
2.  The Arthur Hufnagel Library in Glen Rock with host a Dr. Seuss and Donuts open house from 9:30-11:30am, with donuts and stories.
3. Northeastern High School's National Honor Society will host a Read Across America night, tonight, from 5-8pm at the Friendly's on Loucks Rd. in York. Students will read books, do some face painting and there will be a meet-and-greet with "Dr. Seuss". 
4. The Cat in the Hat will visit kids at the East Berlin Community Library Thursday night after games and activities at 6:30pm. Bring your camera!!
5. Red Land Community Library will celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday on Monday March 4th at 10:30am with cake and songs at their regularly scheduled story time. 
6. The Railroad Museum of PA will host a breakfast with the conductor and catcher on Saturday the 2nd at 8:30am in Strasburg (for you early risers!). Here is the link to the flier, reservations are required! http://www.rrmuseumpa.org/visitors/BreakfastWithConductor-ReadAcrossAmericaDay.pdf
7. Michael's craft store on Pleasant Valley Rd. in York will have their regular Kids Club  from 10am-12pm featuring a special Read Across America craft! The cost for this class is $2, to register contact the store at 717-600-2512.

Joey Duffy 5K Run/Walk

Runners and walkers start your training now for a very worthy 5K coming on April 20th at 8:30am at John Rudy State Park. All of the proceeds of this race will go to one very special little guy, Joey Duffy. Joey is a 2 year-old boy who was recently diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Joey will be having a bone marrow transplant in early 2013 at John Hopkins. This will require Joey to remain in the hospital and then live nearby for several months.

For more information see the attached flyer and the online registration is now open and ready for you! 

Open House!

In York we are blessed with great teachers and great schools, both public and private. As we approach the mid-way point in the school year many private schools gear up for their open house season; let the tours begin! Since I have been seeing a LOT of posts about them I thought I would make a quick list, with links, to the individual schools and their websites. Keep in mind this is NOT about advocating one school over another, I know people in both public and private schools that are extremely pleased with their schools and I support them all! If anyone has any questions about any of these schools feel free to post something on the Facebook page, Mom's Around York, or ask me personally and I can have a contact person get a hold of you.

Happy Hunting!

• St. Patrick Catholic School of York- Open House January 27th from 11am-1pm 
• St. Joseph School of York- Open House January 27th from 1-2:30pm and January 30th from 6:30pm-8pm
• St. Rose of Lima- Open House January 27th from 12:00pm-2:00pm
• St. Joseph School of Dallastown- Open House January 27th at 2pm
• York Country Day School- Open House February 10th from 1-3:00pm
• Christian School of York- Prospective Parent Open House: January 17th at 9:00am, March 20th at 9:00am and 6:00pm, April 23rd at 9:00am and May 16th at 9:00am
• York Academy Regional Charter School- Information Meetings: January 9th at 6:00pm, January 15th at 4:00pm, and January 19th at 11:00am
• York Catholic High School- Open House and Science Fair January 13th from 12:00pm-2:00pm

York Academy Craft and Vendor Show!

Craft Show Flyer 2012

Fall Fun Around Town

One of the best times of year to be a Yorker is FALL! Living in a farming community means a lot of options for fall festivals, hay rides, pumpkin and apple picking and so much more. SMART magazine, a great publication for residents in SouthCentral Pa., put together a comprehensive list of fall activities in and around our community. If you subscribe to Smart magazine you can find this list is in their September/October 2012 issue, pg. 28-29.

• Barefoot Farms- 6621 Bluebird Lane, Dover Township
• Pick your own pumpkin patch, hayrides, a straw fort, ice-cream shop,apple dumplings and apple cider.
• 10am-Dusk Mon, Tues, Thursday, Friday. Saturday's (9-5pm) starting Sept. 29th-Oct. 30th.
• Hayrides $3, Free for kids under 3
• Brown's Orchards and Family Farms- 8892 Susquehanna Trail South, Springfield Township
• Hayrides, pumpkin and apple picking. 
• Sept.29th Kids Fall Day with games and crafts, facepainting and scarecrow making.
• Oct. 20th Pumpkin Day
• Check out their website for more information. www.brownsorchards.com

• Flinchbaugh's Orchard and Farm Market- 110 Ducktown Rd., Hellam Township
• Pick your own pumpkids, corn maze
• FALL FEST- October 6th and 9th featuring pumpkin bowling, pumpkin painting, wagon rides, face painting and more. (activites are al a carte) 
• For more information visit www.flinchbaughsorchard.com

• Halloween In the Park, Codorus State Park- 2600 Smith Station Rd., North Codorus Township
• Friends of Codorus State Park sponsors family fun nights featuring trick-or-treating, hayrides, kids games, food vendors and more.
• October 26th and 27th 6-10pm. 
• $10 donation per car/benefits Codorus State Park
• For more information visit www.halloweenpark.org

• Maize Quest Adventure Farm- 2885 New Park Road, Fawn Township
• Corn, rope, fence, bamboo, turf, straw bale and tile mazes as well as pumpkin pucking, slide and wagon rides.
• 10am-4pm Sept. 26th, Oct. 1 to 4,8 and Nov. 5 and 6; 10am-10pm, Firdays and Saturdays through Nov. 10; 1 to 7pm. Sundays through Nov. 11th.
• Admission $10 for13+, $8 for kids 2-12.
• For more information visit. www.mazefunpark.com

• Markets at Shrewsbury- 12025 Susqehanna Trail, Shrewsbury Township
• Children's straw adventure maize, scavenger hunt, pumpkin painting and scarecrow making, Harvest Fest will be 10am to 4pm Oct. 13th
• For more information visit www.marketsatshrewsbury.com

• Stauffers of Kissel Hill- 3949 Carlisle Road (Dover) and 4450 Lincoln Highway (Hellam)
• Fall Festival 11am-3pm September 29th to 30th and October 6th-7th.
• FREE, some activities require a fee (the pumpkins for painting) and scarecrow making is $12.99 with a portion of the proceeds going towards the Children's Miracle Network.
• Pumpkin bowling, face-painting, straw maze and corn box. The Hellam location will offer FREE hayrides.
• For more information visit http://www.skh.com/locations/york-county/east-york/

Family Day at York Heritage Trust

Third Annual Family Day

April 28 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Agricultural & Industrial Museum and Colonial Complex

New for 2012, Family Day has expanded to the Colonial Complex. Join the Trust for a day of educational, entertaining, and fun family activities at both the Agricultural & Industrial Museum and Colonial Complex. At the Agricultural & Industrial Museum activities will include airplane making, a grain activity station, a full G scale model railroad display, dance workshops by the York Swing Dance Club, and musical stories from performer Matt Dodd, focusing on the historic canal era.

At the Colonial Complex try your hand at rope making, explore the four square garden with members from the Mason & Dixon Herb Unit, learn about historic clocks, clock making and gear systems with the York Time Institute, and enjoy special tours of the complex buildings with programs featuring colonial children’s life and the early founding of Pennsylvania. Be sure to check out downtown York while completing a York Murals scavenger hunt. For more information and detailed information on all of the day’s events please visit the Trust website.

History Lover?

Now Accepting Apprentice Program Applications

Are you a junior or senior in high school and enjoy history? The York County Heritage Trust’s Museum Apprentice Program provides students who have completed the 10^th grade or requirements thereof a unique and exciting opportunity. Museum apprentices work with the Trust’s programming staff as they design and install an exhibit and organize a special educational program. As they complete their projects, participants will be introduced to the public history field and discover the challenges of working in a museum.

Most importantly, the Museum apprentices get to have fun with history. The museum apprentice program is a great way to meet new people and try new things such as baking in an 18^th century bake oven. Students will also enjoy a field trip to a local historical site.

*Please note that this is a competitive program with limited space available.

**The Museum Apprentice Program is sponsored by the York County Heritage Trust's Auxiliary.

2012 Museum Apprentice Syllabus

2012 Museum Apprentice Application

For more information contact Patrick Bochy, museum educator, at 717-848-1587 ext. 304 or at pbochy@yorkheritage.org.

Where to Meet the Easter Bunny

It is that time of year again, time to meet the Easter Bunny! We have him tracked down to a few locations, but don't forget to check your township newsletters, church bulletins and preschool/school newsletters for other places to find him!

Galleria Mall- The Easter Bunny arrived March 17th and will be there until April 7th. His hours are M-Sa 10am-9pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. I'm assuming you can "meet" him for free but their main concern is selling pictures. (Package information is available by clicking on "Galleria Mall")

West Manchester Mall- The Easter Bunny arrived March 24th and will be there until April 7th and he is there at 10am every day. *PET PHOTOS are held April 1st from 5-6pm*

Brown's Orchards and Farm Market- The Easter Bunny will be available for March 31st, April 1st and April 7th from 11am-1pm. The cost is $3/per person to have muffins with the Easter Bunny. (Bring your camera, there is no mention of an onsite photographer!)

The Markets at Shrewsbury- Saturday April 7th there will be an egg hunt for children under the age of 10, beginning at 10am sharp! You must pre-register.

York City's 37th Annual Egg Hunt- Children 8 and under are invited this Saturday March 31st to the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Kiwanis Lake/Farquhar Park. (For more information, and rain date, click on the event name).

Hoppy Easter!

Ebates

I just added a link, look to the right of this post, to my new best friend Ebates. I'm sure everyone besides me is already using this site, but as a very impressed newcomer I wanted to share. Start doing all of your online shopping by starting off at the Ebates site, find the store that you want to shop from their long, long list, and click through to the website. Every store will give you cash back, just for clicking through Ebates, I got 6% back from Kohl's, 6% from Macy's and 8% from Shoes.com. So just for my everyday purchases I am going to get a check for $12 at the end of the month.

Sure it's not a ton of money, but every little bit counts! I just wanted to pass along my new found favorite website, I hope you can save a few dollars too!

Click on the link to your right or here to find out more!

EBATES

Summer Camps

Summer camps have just started releasing their dates for the summer of 2012; I will update this post as they come rolling my way!

DreamWrights

York College and York Country Day School

York Little Theater

Kidz Camp

York City Ice Arena

Christian School of York

Jewish Community Center Camps

Camp Spirit (YMCA of York)

Camp Cann-Edi-On (YWCA)

Ski Roundtop Summer Camps

Shank's Mare (bigger kids)

Make sure you check your Spring/Summer township mailings/newsletters for summer camps, church bulletins for VBS camps and post any other camps on my Facebook page so we don't miss them! Thanks!

York Symphony Orchestra Family Concert

Next Saturday, March 3rd, at 10:00am the York Symphony Orchestra is presenting a family concert entitled The Composer is Dead, with text by Lemony Snicket. The show features a murder mystery about Bach, Mozart and Beethoven and will feature not only the YSO but DreamWrights and the Greater York Dance Company. After the performance kids will be able to take advantage of the "Instrument Petting Zoo" and get an up-close and personal look at some of the instruments they just saw on stage. Tickets are $8 for the show and petting zoo, keep this fun family activity in mind for next weekend, it's a great way to introduce kids to classical music!

http://www.strandcapitol.org/currentseason/calendar/view.asp?id=4484

WeeUsables Consignment Event

A good friend passed this along to me and I thought I would pass it along to everyone because it sounds like a GREAT event! The WeeUsables Consignment Event is a big deal; if you have baby items, children's clothing, toys and more toys, and they are all cluttering up your basement take a look at this event because it might be for you. Since this is the first one in York County the registration is free. They have a list you can download for pricing ideas and you get to keep 70% of the profit from your first event, 75% if this is your second time doing it (some friends have participated in the Lancaster sale before). Remember this is a HUGE sale so you will have more eyes on your items than at any yard sale, so the chances to selling a lot of your items are good. Also keep in mind if you are a new mom, grandparent, aunt or uncle or friend, this is a wonderful opportunity to get quality used items for your house, church or social group!

Please check out all of the information before you decided to participate, http://www.weeusablesevent.com/ , but if you have items that are sitting around taking up space this could be your early spring cleaning event.

Great Parenting Tips

There has been a minor uprising in my house in the past week, and the kink in my armor is showing. My once smiley, happy, bouncing, five year-old has become a preteen stomping and growling machine with a mouth and attitude to match, and Momma isn't happy. In response to this shift I decided to search online for anything and everything that I could find to help guide me in the right direction, without yelling or fighting, or pandering to her bad temper. I'm still searching for my parenting nirvana but while reading articles and excerpts I came across this and thought I would share. Enjoy!

10 Parenting Tips for Good Parenting from http://ultimateparenting.com

Tip #1 – If you love your kids—put yourself first!

Far too many children are living with a mom who is unhappy, frazzled and stressed out. Children flourish when they are raised in a home with happy, balanced parents. The best way to give more to your children is by giving more to yourself: by doing this, you can become a valuable role model for them of a happy, healthy adult.

Giving more to you also means you'll be able to give more to your family. “But I don’t have time!,” I hear many moms whine. We all have 24 hours in a day, and we all need to make wise choices that put the main priorities in our life first. If we are repeatedly burning the midnight oil, we may be on the brink of burnout—not a pleasant event for you or your family.

Tip #2 – If you are married—put your marriage before your kids! Most of us have heard of Generation X and Generation Y. But did you realize that Generation S—Generation Spoiled—is on the rise? Many children today are raised with an unhealthy sense of entitlement because their family has made them the center of the universe. And with divorce statistics still hovering at 50%, children are far too often coping with unhappy, failing marriages. A key to good parenting is to have a happy marriage in which your children can thrive—a partnership which they can use as a model for their future relationships. Take a stand and put some time into your marriage—for your family’s sake!

Tip #3 – Cherish your children. No matter what your situation—no matter how often your children drive you crazy—know there are thousands of women in this world who would gladly trade places with you in a heartbeat. There are women who would give anything to have a child period. Strive to remember how truly fortunate you are. Hug your children at least three times a day. Tell them often how grateful you are to have the opportunity to be their parent and to become a better woman—and mother—for it!

Tip #4 – Teach your kids to fish (rather than fish for them). Many moms (and dads) do everything for their kids. This only robs their children of the opportunity to learn self-reliance—a vital key to their self-esteem. One of the best things you can do is to help your kids learn how to do for themselves. Some parents think I am from another planet when I even suggest that kids can learn to do chores with a smile on their face. But then they are happily amazed when they see it is possible. Keeping house (washing dishes, doing laundry, housecleaning, etc.) can teach them basic life skills everyone needs to know. And chores give children the opportunity to contribute to the household in a positive way. Watch your kids flourish when you guide them to contribute in meaningful ways to you and your family!

Tip #5 – Focus on what you like (instead of what you don’t like). If children aren't being appreciated and aren't getting attention for what they do well—and when they behave well—you better believe they will learn to get attention for not behaving well! The more you notice what you like about what they're doing, the more you will inspire your child to repeat their good behaviors and achievements.

Tip #6 – Give respect and respect it in return. Don’t do anything to your child that you wouldn’t want your child to do to you. The list of things you don’t want to be doing includes yelling, hitting, spitting, making fun of people and putting others down. There are far better ways for you to handle conflict, stress and common misbehaviors. Commit to learning these “Ultimate Parenting” tools that are based on mutual respect.

Tip #7 – A family that plays together stays together! Have fun—play with your kids! Laughing, tickling, and playing together is the foundation of a happy home. Having fun can go a long way in providing your family with much needed quality time and in preventing much of the needless conflict and behaviors that drive you crazy. Children who experience a regular dose of quality time with their parents do not need to act out to get their attention.

Tip #8 – Pick your fights wisely and fight honorably. Kids need to feel in control of certain areas of their life. They also need boundaries. Create family rules but ensure that there is flexibility too. For instance a family rule might be that the common areas of the home need to be clean before bed, but the tidiness of the children’s room are left up to them (as you can always shut their bedroom door if the lack of order really bugs you). Fights are based upon two people with opposing views—sometimes a third way can be found that works for both you and your child. Look to find this alternate way. If there is no third way agreeable to both you and your child ensure you present your request in a firm but gentle manner. Remember to stay focused on the issue rather than trying to be right!

Tip #9 – Say what you are going to do and stick to it. Most parents unknowingly teach their kids to not listen to them. If you consistently repeat yourself and then don’t follow through on what you've said, you are teaching your kids to ignore you (and especially to ignore you the first time you say you're going to do something). If you are not going to do what you say your are going to do—you are basically teaching your children that your word is muck and can’t be trusted. By following through on your word consistently you will begin to pave the road that leads to your children hearing you the first time.

Tip #10 – Find Your G-Spot! In my book When You're About to Go Off The Deep End, Don't Take Your Kids With You , I talk about the importance of finding what I call your God-Spot. Whatever higher power you believe in, having faith that things will all work out in the end goes a long way to getting you through those “deep end” moments. Face it. You are going to mess up some days! There will also be days when you just want to cry. So hang on to your faith. When the unexpected happens, it may be all you have to help you make it through.

Happiest Baby On The Block!

If you know a new mother, father, grandparent or someone that is expecting a bundle of joy in the near future, pass this great opportunity along, please. Certified Happy Baby Educator, and personal friend, Carolyn Kraft will be teaching a class based on the teachings of Dr. Harvey Karp's best selling book "The Happiest Baby on The Block". Learn how to calm even the fussiest of babies in minutes with just a few simple steps.

The class will be held at Growing Up Green, Wednesday February 22nd from 6-8pm. The cost is $20 per couple with a $10 materials fee (materials include a copy of the DVD "Happiest Baby on The Block" and a "Super Soothing Sleep Sounds" CD). For more information visit Growing Up Green at: http://growingupgreenyork.com/ and click on events.

Make sure you check out other classes and workshops held at the store, from knitting to yoga, you might find something fun for everyone!

William Goodridge

Can you identify this important figure in York County history?

This man, William Goodridge, played a monumental role in creating one of York County's finest moments, being a part of the Underground Railroad. Mr. Goodridge was born a slave in Maryland and was brought to York by his master to learn the art of tanning. He was promised freedom by age 21 but was unexpectedly freed at the age of 16. He then traveled to Marietta in Lancaster County to train as a barber, returning to York in the early 1820's to open his own barber shop in what is now known as Continental Square. Said to be a wise businessman, Mr. Goodridge was able to bridge the color barrier and become an influential member of York's business class, eventually owning over 20 commercial and residential properties in town.

What he did next made him one of the most prominent figures of his time, interested?

To learn more about William Goodridge visit: http://www.paquestforfreedom.com/william-goodridge and consider a visit to The William Goodridge Freedom House and Underground Railroad Museum located on 123 E. Philadelphia St. in York.

UPDATE: So it seems as though the House and Museum are undergoing a face-lift and are not ready for the public, just yet. To learn more Visit the York County Heritage Trust Museum and visit http://www.goodridgefreedomhouse.com/html/goodridge_family.html for further updates.

Model Airplane Building at the York Historical Society.

This Saturday, January 21st at the Historical Society Museum (250 E Market St. York, PA) Join Chet Mohn, President of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of International Plastic Modelers Society, as he conducts a model building class.

The class is open to children ages 10-14 (for participants less than 12 years old, parents are asked to stay with their child.) Participants will construct a 1:72 scale model of the World War II era P51 Mustang fighter plane. During the session, the basic history of the plane will be discussed as well as the background of the modeling hobby.

There is no cost to attend the program but pre-registration is required as space is limited. The Model Build it Days class is supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. To register or for more information please contact the education department at 717-848-1587 x301 or AIMREC@yorkheritage.org. In case of inclement weather, a snow date has been scheduled for the following January 28.

Birthday Parties!

At some point I did a post on the question, "Where can I have a birthday party for my child in York?". It's a common question, even among my fellow life long Yorkers, and we all seem to get stuck in the same old rut of bowling and skating, over and over, and seem to think there isn't anything else around. (Not that they aren't both great ideas, personally I'm a big fan of skating parties, but I think we all understand the need to lengthen the list.) Well I'm happy to report that I have found a lot of great places to have a birthday party, along with bowling and skating, and I'm sure you will find something on this list that you may not have considered before!

1. Bowling (of course)- There are a few bowling alley's in York, so pick the one closest to you and I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Suburban Bowlerama, Colony Park Lanes North, Colony Park Lanes East, East Lincoln Lanes, Lincolnway Bowling, Lion Bowling Center (Red Lion), and Springfield Bowling Center in Seven Valleys are the ones that came to mind, I'm sure there are more!

2. Ice Skating- York City Ice Arena, a great birthday party idea for your little hockey player! http://www.yorkskate.com/

3. Roller Skating- We just returned from a Roll R Way party held during the Preschool Romp and Roll and it was a blast! http://www.rollrway.net/

4. Sundae Party- Sweet Willows Creamery, make your own sundae's, yum! http://www.sweetwillows.com/

5. Make Your Own Soap- Super cute idea, at Sunrise Soap Company, where the kids make their own soap from all-natural scents and ingredients. http://www.sunrisesoap.com/

6. Bounce Party- Our family favorite for the past two years, Atomic Bounce Rocks, in Red Lion. Let your kids bounce themselves silly! http://www.atomicbouncerocks.com/

7. Pottery Party- The Prancing Pig in Red Lion is a great place for your budding artist and his/her friends! http://prancingpigpottery.com/

8. Tumble at Your House- Consider calling the Tumble Bus if you would like to add a little fun to an at home birthday party! http://www.tumblewheelspa.com/birthdays/

9. Tumble/Gymnastics- For kids under the age of six, I would recommend Tiny Tumblers, my five year old LOVES their parties: http://www.tinytumblers.net/. Over the age of six, I would say try Gymnastics of York, http://gymnasticsofyork.com/.

10. Farm/Outside Parties- This year we have attended birthday parties at both Flinchbaugh's Orchard and Brown's Orchard and both were excellent! For spring, summer and fall birthday's you really can't beat spending the day outside enjoying the fresh air. Flinchbaugh's: http://www.flinchbaughsorchard.com/ and Brown's Orchard:http://www.brownsorchards.com/

11. Winter Outside Party- If you have a winter birthday, and kids over the age of six, I would highly recommend a snow tubing party at Avalanche Xpress at Heritage Hills. Fun, fun, fun! http://avalanchexpress.com

12. Fun and Games- If you have kids over the age of five, skip Chuck E Cheese and head to Bogey Macaws for the indoor arcade games and Ballocity, a two story ball shooting experience! http://bogeymacaws.com/

13. Crafty- Both Michael's and AC Moore offer a craft themed birthday party where your little ones can make or build something. A GREAT idea!

14. Baseball- How lucky are we to have a fantastic, and winning, local baseball team with excellent facilities. If you have a baseball fan, young or old, consider a party at the York Revolution Baseball Stadium. http://yorkrevolution.com/

15. Movies- Both York movie theaters have party rooms, so the kids can catch a new release and then have some cake! Frank Theater: http://www.franktheatres.com/ and West Manchester Regal Theater: http://www.regmovies.com/

This is my unofficial list, please feel free to add more as I have surely left a few off of the list! Enjoy!

York County Astronomical Society

How many of us knew that there was an active astronomical society here in York?

Well, thankfully, there is and they are gearing up for an exciting few months with clinics, public observations and a kids program at the planetarium. Tomorrow night the Learning Center Planetarium, located at 300 East 6th Avenue in York, will be showing "Two Small Pieces of Glass" a story of how telescopes were invented and how they continue to teach us about our universe. The program begins at 7pm followed by a Star Watch at 7:40pm where the kids will learn about constellations and get a tour of the solar system.

The program is geared toward families, but they ask that children that cannot sit through a 35 minute presentation not attend. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for children, additional shows that night are only $1. (There is also an 8:20pm show called "New Horizon's" all about Pluto!)

As a former "Young Astronaut", anyone else remember being part of that group in school, I was very excited to read about the York County Astronomical Society and all that they offer here in York. I'm hoping to attend tomorrow night, maybe I will see you there!

For more information visit their website at: http://www.ycas.org/

Hole In The Wall Puppet Theater

I have a 5 year-old daughter who is completely sucked in by puppets and magic right now, I'm not sure when it happened, but now they are at the top of her "what I want to be when I grow up" lists. These career crushes are always followed by me trying to check out local opportunities to see or do something that might encourage a better understanding of how big people use their talents to make a living doing these things.

Magicians we can actually find here and there, but puppeteers are a dime a dozen, you have to search pretty hard to find one these days. That's why I was shocked and thrilled to learn there is an actual puppet house right across the river in Lancaster.

The Hole In The Wall theater is an old fashioned marionette theater that has been in operation for 21 years. They are a small company, but manage to put on five or six shows per year. They are currently setting up for their run of Rumplestiltskin, which begins January 7th and runs through February 18th. The shows are every Saturday morning at 10am. There is also a small puppet museum open prior to the show that includes hand puppets, marionettes, and shadow and rod puppets. (Bet you didn't know there were that many kinds of puppets!)

We will be checking out the new show as soon ASAP and I know some other little ones that might enjoy an old fashioned puppet show as well, so join us!

For more information about Hole In The Wall Puppets visit their website at :

http://www.holeinthewallpuppets.com/Hole_in_the_Wall_Puppet_Theatre/Home.html