Family Fun in Dexter

No School Friday, Movie at the Library, 11am

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:48:00 +0000

Who: Kids of all ages!

What: Rise of the Guardians and popcorn!

Where: Dexter District Library

When: Friday, May 24, 2013 at 11am

Cost: Free

Banana Man! Cake Recipe!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Wed, 22 May 2013 02:33:00 +0000

This recipe is adapted from Six Sisters' Stuff. I simply turned the banana bars into a cake and added a face. It was a huge hit. The coconut as "hair" was an especially scrumptious addition, so I think next time, I'm going to turn "Banana Man" into "Banana Snowman!" by covering him completely with coconut.

Banana Bars:

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups sugar

1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

½ cup butter or margarine, softened

2 eggs

1 ½ cups mashed very ripe bananas (about 2)

2 tsp vanilla

2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

Glaze Ingredients:

¼ cup butter or margarine

2 cups powdered sugar

3 Tbs. milk

1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

Combine sugar, sour cream (or yogurt), butter, and eggs. Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla. Add flour, salt, and baking soda. Spread into a greased 10x15x1 (regular sized cookie sheet) and bake at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until light brown. After it has cooled, whisk butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together for the glazed topping and spread over top.

Tea Party at Gordon Hall

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Sun, 19 May 2013 19:11:00 +0000

My mother-in-law and daughter attended the tea party at Gordon Hall on May 18th. My MIL had lived in Dexter for many years before moving to Colorado, but it wasn't until this visit back to us that she had actually gone into the mansion.

May 18, 2013

Both my MIL and four year old daughter had a splendid time dressing up in fancy tea party clothes, learning the history of the mansion, participating in crafts, chatting with other ladies and little girls, and eating plenty of delicious finger treats.

Gordon Hall was built in the 1840's

For other opportunities to tour the mansion, be sure to stop by during Dexter Daze or Christmas at the Mansion. To learn more about the history or Gordon Hall, visit the Dexter Area Historical Society and Museum's website.

Two Plant Sales This Saturday - Take Your Pick!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:29:00 +0000

A large selection of plants to choose from for every type of garden. Gardeners are available to assist you in picking out the right plants and providing you information for successful planting.

St. Joseph Church @ Mast and North Territorial Roads
10am - 6pm

Dexter Garden Club @ Monument Park
9am - 2pm

Exploring Michigan's Largest Amusement and Waterpark!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:17:00 +0000

On our trip up to Crystal Mountain in June,

I am thrilled to announce that we will be making a stop at
Michigan's Adventure!

Our first amusement park with the kiddos! I'm so excited!

I showed my daughter this picture and asked if she wanted to go on this ride.

Of course her answer was "Yes!"

Then, I asked about this picture...

...and she stated that she would like to ride both.

Then, this picture....

"Mommy, I really want to do them all!"

"Sweetie, you can!"

My kids absolutely love the fair rides that come to town every summer, but because each individual ride is so ridiculously expensive, my husband and I tell them that they can each pick out only two rides. I can picture the smiles on their faces now when we walk into Michigan's Adventure and tell them to go at it! Ride until your little heart is content (or at least until the park closes and in which case, we can come back another day!)!

Be sure to check back with Dexter Kids as we discover and explore Michigan's Adventure and share a full review for you in mid-June.

In the meantime, here is some information about Michigan's Adventure...

Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park & WildWater Adventure Water Park
Two Parks for the Price of One

Michigan's Adventure is Michigan's largest amusement and water park, featuring over 60 rides and attractions including our world-class wooden roller coaster, Shivering Timbers which is over 1 mile long and 125 feet tall. Experience six other great roller coasters, Corkscrew, Thunderhawk, Wolverine Wildcat, Mad Mouse, Zach’s Zoomer and Big Dipper. WildWater Adventure offers Beach Party, three wave pools, tube slides, body slides, Funnel of Fear and a family play area. Michigan's Adventure also offers thrill rides, and kiddie rides. Take a ride on Thunderhawk, Michigan’s first suspended looping roller coaster, RipCord, Grand Rapids, Go-Karts, Dodg'em Cars, Be-Bop Blvd, Timbertown Railway, and HydroBlaster. Food stands, miniature golf, games and gift shops round out a whole summer of fun for all ages.

Catered events are also available at Michigan’s Adventure. Bring your employees and enjoy a day of summer fun together.

Michigan’s Adventure offers fun for the entire family. One of the best things about Michigan’s Adventure is that both our waterpark and amusement park are included in our every economical price of only $29.00 per person. Toddlers 2 years of age and younger are free.

Michigan’s Adventure also offers season passes to guests who would like to enjoy a whole summer of fun.

miadventure.com

4750 Whitehall Road, Muskegon, MI 49445 (231) 766-3377.

Target Family Days at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra - THIS WEEKEND!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:56:00 +0000

Who: Everyone, all ages, but geared towards families!

What: Target proudly presents Family Days — fun, educational, and FREE performances that will stimulate and nurture the enjoyment of classical music in an informal and family-friendly orchestral setting. Adults and children alike will experience world-class performances and interactive audience participation that will delight the senses.

Musicians from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra will join forces with the DSO ’s Civic Orchestra and Civic Wind Symphony — Michigan’s premier youth ensembles — to create an exciting performance of beloved classical favorites.

Additional activities, including arts and crafts and face-painting will take place on the first floor of the Atrium inside the Max M. Fisher Music Center 90 minutes prior to the start of each concert.

Where: Detroit Symphony Orchestra, 3711 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

When:
Friday, May 17, 2013 at 7:30 pm reserve tickets

Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 12 pm reserve tickets

Cost: Free!

Customize Everything with the Most Waterproof and Durable Labels

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:49:00 +0000

This is a sponsored post for Kidecals.

My daughter is off to kindergarten next year and at the parent information night, the staff was sure to emphasize the importance of name labels. An item not labeled can cause a headache for the student, the teacher, the principle, other students, and the parents. Just imagine that two students have the same water bottle. One goes missing, Student 1 insists that his is the one that Student 2 has. An item well labeled will solve the problem right away. And what if you did label something, say a pair of blue snowpants (the same pair 10 other kids have in the class) and your sharpie label comes off in the wash?

In hopes of saving my kids and I a lot of stress later and them coming home with as many items as I sent them with, I'm going to do my best with labeling right from the start. Kidecals has labels that are fun and trendy for the kids, but parents love them, too, because of their insane durability - dishwasher safe, washing machine and dryer safe, and the fact that they won't damage surfaces.

Kidecals makes personalized kids name labels, waterproof labels, fun mustache stickers (great for parties!), chalkboard labels that you can write on, daycare labels (because you need to label everything!), and clothing labels.

What do you need labeled?

Sippy cups, water bottles, extra pair of clothes for school, snow clothes, swimsuits, diaper bag, back pack, lunch box, folders, helmets, allergy alerts, toys? Find over 100 styles of labels to suit every need at Kidecals.com now!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/v/YRMJmhhCJ5k

My Readers Save 15% off the most durable waterproof labels on the market use promo code: bestlabels at http://kidecals.com/

Goldfish Swim Safety Day, May 18

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Sun, 12 May 2013 01:14:00 +0000

Our 2nd Annual Safety Day is Saturday, May 18th from 1:30-3:30pm. This is a FREE event open to the public! The Marine Division will be on hand to help teach your children about Water Safety and the event will also include Family Swim, refreshments, face painting and a huge bounce house! Come prepared with your swimsuits and towels if you want to swim!

goldfishswimschool.com

Goldfish Swim is a family favorite of ours and they always do a great job with their events. This safety day comes just in time for hitting the beaches and pools for summer.

CLICK HERE to read our review of Goldfish Swim School lessons and events.

Happy Mother's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Sat, 11 May 2013 18:15:00 +0000

Happy Mother's Day From MONSTERS UNIVERSITY!

Farmer's Market - Mother's Day Craft

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:51:00 +0000

Who: Kids under 12

What: Paint a flower pot and then plant a flower for Mother's Day.

Where: Dexter Farmer's Market

When: Saturday, May 11, 2013 from 10am - 12pm.

Cost: Free

All Day Open Play May 8th at Xtreme Bounce

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:47:00 +0000

Xtreme Bounce Zone will be having an all day play on Wednesday, May 8th from 10am-8pm! All ages are welcome all day!

They will be switching to summer hours starting Monday, June 3rd.

Monday & Wednesday: 10am-8pm [all ages]

Tuesday & Thursday: 10am-1pm Toddler Take Over [5 and under], 1pm-8pm [all ages]

Friday: 10am-7pm [all ages], 7pm-10pm [8 and older]

CLICK HERE for process and to read our review.

Disney's PLANES - Coloring and Connect-the-Dots

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:32:00 +0000

I know my family is looking forward to seeing Disney's Planes? How about yours? Here's some fun activities to do with your kids as you wait for the film's arrival, coming out August 9, 2013. Enjoy!

OFFICIAL BOILERPLATE:

From above the world of “Cars” comes “Disney’s Planes,” an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar.

“Like” Disney’s PLANES on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DisneyPlanes

"Follow" Disney’s PLANES on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyPictures

Visit the website: www.disney.com/Planes

Special Advance Screening for our Followers! That's You!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Mon, 06 May 2013 18:50:00 +0000

On behalf of Fox Searchlight Pictures, you, my followers, are invited to the following advance screening of THE WAY WAY BACK, a new comedy from the studio that brought you Little Miss Sunshine and Juno.

Follow the link to download your free passes (you may have to create a Gofobo account):

https://www.gofobo.com/rsvp/promotion/088780d5c31e2aaa4383450183da20b2

Fox Searchlight Pictures is pleased to announce the release of

THE WAY WAY BACK

SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2013 7:00pm AT THE EMAGINE ROCHESTER

STARRING:

STEVE CARELL | TONI COLLETTE | ALLISON JANNEY | ANNASOPHIA ROBB

SAM ROCKWELL | MAYA RUDOLPH | LIAM JAMES

AMANDA PEET | ROB CORDDRY | ZOE LEVIN

OFFICIAL TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiH5wmuexZY

THE WAY, WAY BACK is the funny and poignant coming of age story of 14-year-old Duncan’s (Liam James) summer vacation with his mother, Pam (Toni Collette), her overbearing boyfriend, Trent (Steve Carell), and his daughter, Steph (Zoe Levin). Having a rough time fitting in, the introverted Duncan finds an unexpected friend in gregarious Owen (Sam Rockwell), manager of the Water Wizz water park. Through his funny, clandestine friendship with Owen, Duncan slowly opens up and begins to finally find his place in the world - all during a summer he will never forget.

Come back to Dexter Kids after the show and let us know what you thought about the screening!

Summer Travel Plans? Discover Crystal Mountain with Us!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Mon, 06 May 2013 01:34:00 +0000

Summer vacation is just a month away! Do you have travel plans already? My husband and I were quite the travelers before the kiddos came along, experiencing the great outdoors all over the world. Now, it’s been five years and other than a visit to see family or friends, and a day trip here and there, we’ve been uneasy with the idea of venturing out much beyond Dexter with two little kids in tow. However, our oldest starts kindergarten in the fall and our youngest is potty trained, so we feel like it’s about time for a bona fide family vacation and some adventure.

I am so excited that we are heading up to Crystal Mountain next month to kick off our summer vacation! Our neighbors have stayed there many times and just rave about it! Being less than four hours from the Ann Arbor area, it’s a perfect destination for a family getaway – far enough to be up north and away from city life, but not too far where we need to consider flying or even driving through the night.

Chairlift Rides

Crystal Mountain might be known (at least according to my husband whom has enjoyed skiing there in the past) as a winter resort, but I was completely blown away when I read all of the family-friendly activities there are to partake in during the summer months. How cool is this Alpine Slide? I’ve never seen anything like it!

Alpine Slide

There are numerous choices for accommodations, and you can plan your stay to be as relaxing or as adventurous as you would like. Here's just some of the countless summer activities you can participate in at the resort...

Alpine Slide

Climbing Wall

Mountain Biking

Hiking

Golf

Outdoor Pool

Outdoor Movies

Monday Night Luau

Paintball

Outdoor Laser Tag

Campfires

Geocaching

Crafts

Disc Golf

Crystal Mountain is in close proximity to a pluthera of other up north activities as well, such as Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City, of which the Mountain Guides can help you plan. Crystal Mountain would be a perfect place to set up as your base and just go exploring from there.

Golf Crystal Mountain

Cottages at Waters Edge

Outdoor Pool

Michigan Legacy Art Park

This is what our family is especially eager to do this summer. I can’t wait to check it out and then come back and write a full review for you of our personal discoveries at Crystal Mountain. Have you ever been?

Be sure to check out the "Stay for Free" deal at Crystal Mountain HERE!

What’s your favorite Michigan destination?

Events and Classes at Learning Express this Month

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Sat, 04 May 2013 02:23:00 +0000

I just posted a list of outdoor events for May around the Ann Arbor Parks, but here is Learning Express's calendar of fun events to do indoors...

http://www.learningexpress.com/store/ann-arbor/

Ann Arbor Parks, Fun in May!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Sat, 04 May 2013 02:10:00 +0000

Here is a list of May Events in and around the parks from the City of Ann Arbor...

www.a2gov.org

Register the kids for summer day camp with Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation. Sign up today at http://www.a2gov.org/camps.

I did River Kids last year with both of my kids and we all really enjoyed it. Check out my review HERE.

Weekly @Mack Indoor Pool - Warm and welcoming, Mack Pool offers lap swim, tot splash and family swim times every day. Coached Master’s practices are 6 days a week. http://www.a2gov.org/mack

Ann Arbor Farmers Market. Wednesdays, Saturdays, 7 a.m.–3 p.m. — Wednesday hours are back for the season! Watch for the return of the Evening Market in June. Details: http://www.a2gov.org/market.

Canoe and kayak on the Huron River! Argo Canoe Livery is open in May 7 days/week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. River trips and stillwater paddling are available at the Argo Canoe Livery every day.

Saturday, May 4. Noon Canoe and Kayak Auction — Argo Canoe Livery. Join us for a public auction of used and damaged boats. Featured this year are aluminum canoes, 2-person kayaks, 1-person kayaks and a rowboat. Details: http://www.a2gov.org/canoe.

Saturday, May 11. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Outdoor Swimming Pool Set Up — Veterans, Buhr and Fuller park pools. Pick a pool, and help us paint, pick weeds, wax the slide, hang signage and clean up to make our pools and facilities the best they can be. Contact volunteer@a2gov.org / http://www.a2gov.org/volunteer.

Sunday, May 12. Mother’s Day Golf Special — Huron Hills Golf Course and Leslie Park Golf Course. Moms play for free all day with paid child. Details: http://www.a2golf.org.

Sunday, May 12. 1–3 p.m. Family Splash Days — Mack Indoor Pool. Held on the second Sunday of each month, activities include crafts and games with treats and prizes for children. Fees: adult $5; youth (17 and under) and senior (55+) $4. Ages 3 and under free with a paid adult swimmer. Details: http://www.a2gov.org/mack.

Saturday, May 18. 9 a.m.–noon Spring Adopt-a-Park Kick Off — Help beautify and learn more about your neighborhood park. Training, tools and support provided. Call http://Adopt-A-Park@a2gov.org / http://www.a2gov.org/adopt-a-park.

Saturday, May 25. Gallup Canoe Livery opens — Following recent renovations, Gallup Canoe Livery is now set to be open 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 734.794.6240 http://www.a2gov.org/canoe.

Saturday, May 25. Outdoor Pools Open for the 2013 Season Memorial Day Weekend
Buhr: http://www.a2gov.org/buhr
Fuller: http://www.a2gov.org/fuller
Veterans Memorial: http://www.a2gov.org/vets

Sunday, May 26. 1–2:30 p.m. Cultural Arts Series — Of Many Faiths: An Exhibit of the Art of Fred and Sue Beutler and Live Music by Mitch Chang (of Los Angeles, California). Local artists Fred and Sue Beutler have explored the intersection of art and religion for many years. In this show of Fred’s photography and Sue’s oil paintings, diverse religions are evoked, from Russian Orthodox through Aztec. (Visit http://www.ukulelewebsite.com)

Tuesday, May 28. 6–7:30 p.m. Stand-up Paddling (SUP) 101 — Argo Canoe Livery. SUP is one of the fastest-growing water sports. We will provide the boards, paddles, leashes and lifejackets; Urban Wave will provide the instruction. Same class offered once a month May-August. For ages 13 to adult. Fee: $30/person. Pre registration required: http://www.a2gov.org/parks.

Iron Man 3 Review

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Sat, 04 May 2013 00:32:00 +0000

I was able to send my husband out to see the screening of Iron Man 3 this week with much excitement and anticipation. Unfortunately, I did not get the enthusiasm as I expected upon his return home. Iron Man 3 opened in theaters today. We would love to hear your opinion of it in our comment section.

Here is the official boilerplate...

Marvel’s “Iron Man 3” pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy's hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

And here is the review from my husband...

For the most part, I have liked the other MARVEL comic based movies that I have seen. The Avengers was particularly good. Sure, they all have implausible storylines for the sake of gratuitous drama, but Iron Man 3 just took it over the edge for me. My biggest complaint of movies like this has always been the inconsistencies. One minute the super hero is easily taking out a super villain, with not too much effort, but then the next minute a normal guy with a gun is giving them trouble.

In Iron Man 3, Tony Stark has 42 Iron Man suits that can be donned from a travel suitcase (Iron Man 2) or even in freefall (The Avengers). Yet for most of this movie, he is caught either with a defective suit or with no suit at all and is forced to become McGyver.

A few other inconsistencies that I can remember that bugged me were : Tony Stark states that the suits are coded to only him. Yet the villains easily commandeer Colonel Rhodes’ suit (as if it would not be "coded" only to Colonel Rhode). And the fact that the villains are able to completely disable the Iron Man suit with just a high temperature handshake.

If you can get past all of this, Iron Man 3 does have some decent humor and of course the infamous high-tech fight scenes. I guess some people actually thought this movie was the best of the three, so just like with any movie, you will have to see it for yourself to decide.

Iron Man 3 - Clip "Air Force One Rescue"

YouTube: http://youtu.be/ord05-DeofY

“Like” IRON MAN 3 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ironman

“Follow” IRON MAN 3 on Twitter: @Iron_Man

Visit the website: http://marvel.com/ironman3

Disclaimer: Disney Studios provided us with a free advance screening of Iron Man 3 so that we would be able to share a review with our readers.
All opinions are 100% ours.

Play, Shop, Learn at Urban Toddler

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:44:00 +0000

Urban Toddler is a Family Favorite of Dexter Kids! We shop there, we learn there, and of course, we play there, too! Right now, you can purchase a Summer FAMILY PASS for $75.

While you are on Urban's Toddler's website, you can also sign up for classes or summer camps.
My daughter took a ballet class at Urban Toddler when she was two had a great time.

LEARN Ballet (for children ages 2-5 years)
Meets once a week on Thursdays 4:30-5:15 pm (4 weeks)
Click here to register. Spring Session May 2-23

And both my daughters have also done a summer camp there and had a ball - literally! Read my review HERE.

Click here for camp themes and dates.

Make a Great Gift for Someone Special

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:44:00 +0000

I love it when my kids can paint and get messy somewhere other than our own house and here's an opportunity just for that...

Children ages 3 - 12 are invited to make a ceramic tile at the Hamburg library with the help of The Ceramics Studio of Howell on Wednesday, May 1 at 6:30pm.

The event is free and you can register online. Bring your creativity and wear your painting clothes.

The tiles need to be fired, so pick up is available the following week.

In and Around Dexter This Weekend...

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:24:00 +0000

Celebrate Arbor Day - Plant a Tree!

Spring may finally arrive here in Dexter this weekend! That means with the warmth and sunshine after all the cold and rain/snow, my husband will be breaking out the lawn mower on Saturday, only to send me out to do the cutting! Friday is Arbor Day, so it's a great day to grab some new seeds or trees and get the garden prepped. Also, a perfect weekend to venture out to the parks and catch the Birds of Prey at Hudson Mills or the frogs at Leslie Science and Nature Center. Don't forget to check out the Rummage Sale at DUMC, always a huge hit!

Friday, April 26, 2013

8am Stoneyfield Meadows Subdivision Garage Sale
8:30am Dexter United Methodist Rummage Sale
9am Champion Gymmnastics Toddler Time
10am Free seeds being handed out in front of the library in honor of Arbor Day. While supplies last.
10am Fantastic Frogs at LSNC
1:45pm and 5:30pm Dexter Community Pool Open Swim
5:30pm Champion Gymnastics Open Gym Time
6:30pm Goldfish Family Swim

Saturday, April 26, 2013

8:30am Dexter United Methodist Rummage Sale
9am E-Waste Recycling Event at Pioneer High School
9am and 10 am The Lorax at Quality 16 for free.
10am Live! Birds of Prey
11am Radio Disney's Spring Fashion Show at Westland Shopping Center
2pm Open Bounce Session at Xtreme Bounce
4pm Dexter Community Pool's Parent/Young Child Open Swim
7:30pm Shrek The Musical at Pioneer High School

Sunday, April 27, 2013

9am and 10am The Lorax at Quality 16 for free.
2pm Shrek The Musical at Pioneer High School
5pm Goldfish Family Swim

Fun Family Getaway This Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 02:36:00 +0000

This is a sponsored post for The Beach Waterpark.

Interested in getting out of Michigan this summer for a fun getaway with the family? Then check out this waterpark in Ohio...!

The Beach Waterpark - Real Sand, Real Surf, Real Fun! The Watepark will open in May under new, expert management. The Beach Waterpark is situated on 35 acres of rolling wooded terrain which provides lots of shade and lush ambiance. At the park, enjoy real, live palm trees, white ocean sands, waterfalls and crashing waves to help set the scene for a lush, tropical, island adventure...yes, in Cincinnati! Enjoy rides designed for Real Thrill, Real Chill and Real Fun for Kids. We are adding over $5 Million in Renovations for the 2013 Season, plus we have a huge line-up of special events planned for the summer.

Click Here for the coupon to save $5 Off Admission to The Beach Waterpark.

Learn to Read with Reading Eggs!

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:18:00 +0000

This is a sponsored post for Reading Eggs. All opinions are my own.

Do you have a young child that's ready to start reading or even an older kid that's ready to continue their learning journey?

Reading Eggs Review

My daughter is 4 ½ and is unquestionably ready to start reading. Although, I am a teacher, the main reason I chose to teach third grade or higher is so that I didn’t have to teach reading! I was only required to take one class on how to teach reading when I was in college, and not being much of a reader myself, I just didn’t feel confident in those skills. All that I have been able to offer my daughter so far is sounds of letters – sounding out the word – and of course, there are so many exceptions to the rules in our English language, that much of it just becomes memorization.

My daughter quickly grows impatient with me, so when Reading Eggs was introduced to me through a sponsorship, even though I didn’t have very high expectations, I was happy to give the free trial a shot.

Well, we (yes, we!) have been playing on Reading Eggs for over a week now and this program has completely met and gone well beyond on my expectations.

Not only had I been struggling for a way to teach reading, but also to find a computer program that my kids like , but one that I feel comfortable with them using - one that teaches them something worthwhile, is fun, challenging, can hold their attention, and one that is ad free. Reading Eggs is exactly that program!

When you begin, you have an option of having your child take a reading test to find the right level to start with or you can just start from the beginning. After the test, you may embark on the lessons. The lessons are games and stories that teach a new sound and a few new words at a time. Some are timed, some not. Sometimes you repeat the activity, sometimes you don’t. My daughter didn’t like the repeating to start with, because, as she was learning what to do, she went really slow and was anxious to move on to something new. However, once she figured it out and knew that that part of the game meant that she had to do it faster, she was up for the challenges and now whizzes through. She also learned that it will take her a lot longer to get through the lesson if she tries to rush and only picks miscellaneous answers, therefore getting them wrong. Again, now that she has things figured out, she enjoys doing each activity and seeing what the next one will be. Lessons are unlocked as you go along, with the option to go back and repeat any time. You are awarded eggs at the end of each activity that you can use later to "buy" things (like other games) .

The colors and graphics are done well, the characters are cute, the activities are unique and clever, the directions are clearly explained, it’s a very user-friendly program, and everything flows nicely. I feel comfortable with my daughter using Reading Eggs on her own, but since I want to get the most out of the reading part, I stay near her side and follow along with her. Besides the reading lessons, there is a playroom of miscellaneous games, which we use as her reward. We both especially love this part. She likes it because it means playtime, but I like it because it’s what I was looking for when trying to find age appropriate online games. There are tons of charming games to choose from and because you subscribe to the program, they are ad free. We usually do the lessons for about 20 minutes and then end with her playing the games by herself for 10 or 15 minutes, before I tell her that her computer time is up for the day.

I am positively recommending Reading Eggs for any kid that is ready to start reading or continue building their skills. At age three, you can start your child in the “playroom” and go from there. According to their website, it looks like they have activities suitable to up to the age of 13.

Reading Eggs has a free two week trial that I definitely think is worth a try. Check it out now.

LIVE! Birds of Prey April 27

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:25:00 +0000

Who: Anyone and everyone!

What: LIVE! Birds of Prey

Birds of prey will be here from the Howell Nature Center for their presentation, “Lords of the Sky – The Exciting World of Birds of Prey.” There will be discussions on the different types of birds of prey, their characteristics and importance to the environment. Howell Nature Center will bring live hawks, owls, falcons, vultures and a bald eagle which are currently in their care and are comfortable being viewed.

Where: Hudson Mills Metropark Activity Center

When: Saturday, April 27 at 11 am

Cost: $5 per adult/$3 per child

Preregistration Required

Community Safety Day, June 1st

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:50:00 +0000

I can't wait to check out the new waterpark at Independence Lake this summer! It will be so nice to have something like this close to home. This Community Safety Day is a super cool opportunity for you explore the new park with your family for free, as well as have some fun playing games, checking out emergency vehicles, and meeting with safety representatives!

Check out all the details below...

Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation

For more details about Blue Heron Bay, check out the article on AnnArbor.com. I think my favorite part will be the toddler area. I really like the idea of having separate play spots for the different age ranges. What excites you about the new BHB?

In and Around Dexter This Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Amber S) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:29:00 +0000

Friday, April 19, 2013

1:45pm Dexter Community Pool Open Swim
6:30pm Goldfish Family Swim
7pm Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat
7pm The Jungle Book

Saturday, April 20, 2013

8:30am Pinckney Mom Sale, 550 E Hamburg St
9am Party for the Planet at the Detroit Zoo
9am ParaNorman at Quality 16
10am ParaNorman at Quality 16
2pm Dexter Community Pool Open Swim
7pm Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat
7pm The Jungle Book

Sunday, April 21, 2013

9am ParaNorman at Quality 16
10am ParaNorman at Quality 16
2pm The Jungle Book
12pm Donations accepted for DUMC Rummage Sale
5pm Goldfish Family Swim

Deals of the Weekend from Shutterfly*...

From 4/18 through 4/24, use promo code 5FREECARDS to get 5 free 5x7 or 5x5 cards from Shutterfly.com

Saturday 4/20 and Sunday 4/21, use promo code MOMSWORLD to get a free magnet

From 4/18 through 4/24, use promo code BOOK40 to get 40% off photo books from Shutterfly.com!

* Shutterfly is an affilliate of DexterKids and by purchasing through our links, you are supporting DexterKids. Thank you.