Get Plugged In!

 Today, Anchorage had it's first snow fall of the season. I don't know whether to be excited or cry! I love how pretty it looks, but I'm really not looking forward to the dark days ahead. When I saw the snow,I started talking myself out of not going to our regular Monday meeting at the Alaska Forest School. I didn't want to deal with getting everyone geared up. I did it because I know how much better I feel when I get outside.

 
Alaska Forest School is such a great way to get outside with the kiddos. Not only does it benefit them, but it really benefits you! I was thinking back when I had 2 kids under the age of 3, and I really didn't know anyone with little ones. I felt so alone. I wanted another mom to talk to, that would understand. My husband worked 3 jobs so I could stay at home so I didn't see much of him. He encouraged me to start up Alaska's Kids, and I did! I was so happy to connect with other moms that had kids the same ages of mine. As a parent, you need this! Especially up here in AK during the winters!

 There are several groups around your city that help connect you with other parents. If there isn't, start one. There are always parents looking to connect. Alaska Forest School is just one of the groups that I belong to to feel connected. It was nice being able to talk to a mom this morning about how I was not prepared with snow gear, and nether was she. It helps me feel normal and that I'm not alone in this parenting business.

 As I pulled up to AFS this morning, I noticed there were a bunch of moms with babies. Found out that Hike It Baby was meeting up at Earthquake Park as well. This is another great group that I belong to. The ladies went for a walk on the trails with their babies in tow. They have fast and slow paced hikes at different hours of the day. You can also find Hike It Baby Anchorage on Facebook.

 Who is your support group? Sometimes it's scary putting yourself out there and meeting new people especially when you are in a fragile state, like just having a baby! I encourage you to get plugged in somewhere. You are not alone. It will be good for you as well as your baby, toddler, or kid. You can find Alaska Forest School on Facebook as well. Be sure to follow Alaska's Kids on Facebook as well. We will try to get you connected with a group and tell you about different events going on around your town!

Alaska October Activities

 

Here are activities going on for the month of October in your area. If you would like to add an event, please email me the info at alaskskids@gmail.com and I will add it. I need event, date, time, location and whats going on. So much to choose from!!

Anchorage/Eagle River

Fall Photos- Oct 25 11a-5p & 26  11a-4a Bells Nursery Specking Rd- Have your kids dress up in costumes or fall attire and take a nice fall photo.

Trunk or Treat- Oct 24 6-9p Birchwood ABC Elementary-Book fair, games, food, bounce house, cake walk, costume contest and more! $5 per treater, $5 meals, and $1 per ticket.

Trick or Treat Town- Oct 24 & 25 Different session times ACS Garage- Activity stations and family entertainment. Proceeds help support the Boys & Girls Club. $7 purchased in advanced, $10 at the door. Purchase tickets in advance at www.trickortreattown.org.

Haunted Trails- Oct 24 4:30-8:30p Goose Lake Park- Trick or Treat Trail is 4:30-6:30p and $6 a person and is suitable for 3 and up. Spooky Trail is 6:45-8:30p $8 a person and suitable for 8 and up. To register call 343-4160 or online at www.muni.org/Active.

Halloween Activites- Oct 24-31 Bass Pro Shops- Mon-Fri 5-8p- Free 4x6 photo with Peanut characters, decorate a stuffed owl, free coloring sheets. Sat and Sun 12-5p- free 4x6 photo with Peanut characters, free coloring sheets, decorate a felt jack-o-lantern, scavenger hunt. Halloween Night- 4-8p- decorate a real pumpkin, trick-or-treating, costume parade.

Trick or Treat Street- Oct 25 12-4p Downtown Anchorage- FREE activities throughout downtown including face painting, balloon art, Halloween cookie decorating at the Hotel Captain Cook, costume contests, Spooky (and fun) Halloween photo ops, a Haunted Visit Anchorage Log Cabin, horse drawn hay rides and SO much more! Click here for the map.

Trunk or Treat-  Oct 26 3-5p Turnagain United Methodist Church 3300 W Northern Lights- Turnagain United Methodist Church will be hosting its Annual Trunk or Treat! Dress up in your spookiest costume and bring the kids over for some treats and more! This event is free!

Pumpkin Pump Blacklie Boulder Fest- Oct 31 13year old & up Nov. 1 kids under 13 Alaska Rock Gym- $25 doors open at 5p fun starts at 6p, treats, drinks, and best costume prizes

Trick or Treat at the Mall- Oct 31 6-8p Northway Mall- Join us for a fun and family filled night of trick or treating.

Fall Festival- Oct 31 6-8p First Baptist Church 1100 W 10th- FREE Games, food, prizes, fun for all! Costumes optional, non scary costumes please.

Zoo Boo- Oct 31 5-9p Alaska Zoo- $5 for zoo pass holders and $7 for non-pass holders. Kids 2 and under are free. Treat stations, activites, a bon fire and more!

Halloween Performance and Party School House Rocks!- Oct 31 7p Atwood Concert Hall- Join “Schoolhouse Rock” for a wholesome Halloween night performance and party your children will remember for a lifetime. Kids (and adults) come to the performance in costume because afterwards, all four levels of the Atwood Concert Hall lobby are opened for indoor trick-or-treating. Click here for tickets.  

Eagle River Trunk or Treat- Oct 31 5-6pm Bear Paw Festival Parking Lot 11901 Business Blvd.- Bring your family for trick or treating and hot cocoa in a fun, safe, and relaxed environment.


Mat Su

Reindeer Fall Festival- Saturdays in Oct 10a-6p Williams Reindeer Farm- $10 for 3 yrs and up. Homemade goodies, lots of fun, pony rides, wagon rides, potato launching, hay maze, spooky walk, bunnies, play in the corn box, horse drawn carriage, pumpkin patch, visit with the reindeer, some great music from "The Jenks" all the way from Oregon, great kid music lots of fun. And so much much more.

Fall Harvest Celebration- Oct 24th 6p Wasilla Lake Christian School- Please join us for food, games, prizes and a ton of fun!Admission is free and tickets are .25 cents each or an UNLIMITED family wristband for $25. All proceeds go to our teacher classroom discretionary fund.

Halloween Carnival- Oct 25th 12-4p Midnight Sun Family Learning Center (7275 W. Midnight Sun Circle)- Enry fee is $5 and includes 12 tickets. You can buy more tickets for .50 cents each or 12 for $5. There will be fingernail painting, bean bag toss, fortune teller, cake walk, trick-or-treat alley, fish pond, food and more!

Annual Haunted House-  Oct 24-25 7pm-11pm Mat-Su Animal Shelter- Admission is only 5.00 for the tour and kids activities in the lobby are FREE!

Halloween Hollow- Oct 31 3-8pm-  Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds is turned into a country trick or treat carnival. This is a warm, safe, fun not frightening Trick or Treat Carnival with over 40 booths for children and families at Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds. Price: $5.00 per person or a new unwrapped gift. Halloween Hollow benefits the Mat-Su Special Santa Program and Toys for Tots, bringing gifts and winter wear to over 3400 children in the Valley.

Houston High School Fall Carnival- Oct 31 6-8pm Houston High School-  Games, crafts, cake walk and a mini hover craft to ride. Fireworks to follow at 8:15p.

Spooky Skate Halloween Party- Oct 31  4-6p Brett Ice Arena- Come skate in costume! Costume contest, music, games, cake walk, candy, trick or treat rooms, and skating! Come in costume and get a discount! Fun for all ages. $5 admission, $4 for kids or seniors and $3 for skate rentals. Come in costume and get 2 for 1 admission.

Fairbanks

Trick or Treat Town - Oct 25 12-7p Pioneer Park- $5 in advance, $7 at the gate. Entertainment, Face painting, balloon art, family costume contest, games, food, classic halloween movies, and trick or treating.

Creepy Critters- Oct 25th Noon - 4:00 pm. Games, Crafts,Snacks and ancient bones! Come discover the ice age massive cats! Fun for all ages at the Creamer's Field Farmhouse. Call 452-5162 for more information.

Halloween Howl-  Oct 31 10:30a Noel Wien Library Berry Room- Wear your costume and get ready to howl at this special Halloween storytime for 3 to 6 year olds.

Creative Fun Halloween Celebration -Oct 31 4:30-6:30p Del Rays Deli 455 3rd Ave #107- Del Rays is having a family fun night on Halloween night! Cost is $5.00 per family. We will have Miss Sasha Berry from Berry Balloons here making balloon animals. There will be festive cookie decorating, gooey mud pudding and candy! Coffee will be provided for adults as well. Bring your kids and come join the fun with Del Rays!! If you would like to come please rsvp (send a message) by October 28th so we make sure we have enough goodies for all the kids.

Halloween Carnival- Oct 31  10a-12p Hearts & Hands Play Center-Come join us for games and prizes! Costumes welcomed. The carnival will be held downstairs. $2 per child or $5 a family.


Juneau

Halloween Carnival- Oct 24 5:30-7:30p & 25 12a-4p Nugget Mall- Carnival style!

Auke Bay Co-op Harvest Festival- Oct 25 5-7p Church of JCLDS 5100 Glacier Hwy- $5 per family or $15 per family. Face painting, cupcake walk, family portraits, games and activites!

Halloween Skate- Oct 30 6:45-8:15p Treadwell Ice Arena- The Halloween Skate is a costume-themed open skate session for children and adults of all ages. The Arena staff goes all out with great decorations, costumes, lights and music. Skate rentals available at the rink.

Ghost Walk- Oct 31  4:30-6:30p Mt Jumbo Gym- FREE The event includes activities for young children, including carnival games, a haunted house, coloring stations, glow in the dark, bowling & candy.

Halloween Carnival-  Oct 31 6-8p Chapel by the Lake- Fun for the whole family! Costume contest at 7p, games, popcorn, cotton candy and a bounce house!

Cedar Park Halloween Hoedown- Oct 31 6-9p Cedar Park- Food, candy, games, prizes and glow sticks!

Creepy Cave & Library Labyrinth- Oct 31 4-7p Valley Public Library

Kenai

Soldotna Public Library Pumpkin Carving/Decorating Contest- Oct 27-30- Library patrons of all ages are welcome to bring in their own pumpkin anytime during library hours those days. Entries will be separated into costumed, painted and carved categories. Winners will be announced Oct. 30. Families and businesses are encouraged to participate.

Tsalteshi Spook Night- Oct 26 5-6:30p Tsalteshi Ski Trails/Skyview Access- 1K Trick or Treat Trail for the Kids and 5K Zombie run for the rest of the family! More details soon at tsalteshi.org

Kids Harvest Carnival- Oct 29 6:30-8p Peninsula Grace Brethren Church- FREE Games, candy, hot dogs, puppet show, temporary tattoos, costume contest. Contest for kids age birth to 12, please no scary or inappropriate costumes.

Tustumena Elementary Trunk or Treat- Oct 31 5-7p Carnival 6-7p

Nikiski Pool Trick or Treat- Oct 31 5-6p and Pumpkin Plunge 6-7p

NewLife Harvest Festival- Oct 31 6-8p Kenai New Life 251 Princess St- Tons of games, candy, bounce house, snacks and cake walk!

Trunk or Treat- Oct 31 5-7p Kenai Christian Church-  Candy, hot chocolate, puppet shows and food!

Trunk or Treat- Oct 31 4:30-5:30p Sterling Elementary- Fun, family event.

Trunk OR Treat- Oct 31 4-6p Boys & Girls Club- Fun, fun, fun!

Fear Not Festival- Oct 31 6-8p Birch Ridge Community Church 33325 Echo Lake Rd- A family event for all ages! Petting zoo, face painting, games, prizes, costume contest, outdoor maze and more! Please no scary costumes.

Happy Fall Time!!

Life Happens

 Hey everyone! So let me catch you up to speed! My last post was over a year ago! Sorry 'bout that, but life was happening so quick!

  In that time, I had my 4th child and we are done! Phew! I was also homeschooling my oldest, selling our condo, and trying to keep my head above water. So my blogging was last to be taken care of, sorry!

 Things have slowed down and I'm hankering to tell parents about all the cool things to do around the state. I'm looking at starting a team of writers to help me do this on the blog. Are you interested? My vision is to have a mom or dad from each city write about what families can do in their town. You can also write about life in Alaska with your kid(s). I'm open to ideas! I just want to reach all of Alaska! Is this you? If so, please e-mail me at alaskaskids@gmail.com.

 Check back periodically as I update the site. Hope you are out enjoying these fall days!

Ducksday USA Rain Suit Giveaway

 I have to admit, I'm afraid to post this giveaway. I hate to jinx all this AMAZING weather we have been having in Anchorage and surrounding areas! Lucky for you I'm NOT superstitious, so here is the awesome giveaway: Ducksday USA Rainsuit from Ollie and Stella Children's Outfitters! Go ahead, click the link, I'll give you a minute to check out all the cool and vibrant colors these rainsuits come in. Seriously, go check them out, because you'll need to know which one you would choose if you win. It took me forever to choose and I think I changed my mind 3 times. Here is the link again if you didn't check them out a couple of sentences ago: Ducksday USA Rainsuit.

 

 Okay, you got the color you would pick? It's okay if you change your mind as you read. I'm not kidding, I changed my mind so many times and as I emailed Linn at Ollie and Stella Children's Outfitters, I wasn't sure if I was typing the right choice! I do love the choice we went with, which was "Ace," but I'm pretty sure I'm going to order the "Funky Red" or "Groovy" next time. But then again, THIS new color is coming this fall! Ugh, here I go again....

 

 

 I got to try out this rainsuit in the snow this winter AKA Alaska spring. As long as I put warm layers on under the rainsuit, it keep my daughter warm. Ollie and Stella also make adorable fleeces that can be warn under the rainsuit as well. The rainsuit kept her dry in the wet snow.

 



 Let's talk features. The rainsuit has great colors going for it, but that doesn't hold up here in AK. As you know that Anchorage was ranked  1st for worst dressed people, we are not about looking cute as much as we are for warmth and comfort. There are lots of features that are great. There are 2 reflective strips on the shoulders, which helps in the Alaskan dark days. It also comes with a liner through out the whole suit which adds extra protection from the elements.

 My daughter's favorite feature is the pockets! There are 3 large pockets to put rocks, snacks, grass, bugs, hand warmers, etc in. I like how it has those big rubber zipper tags on it so it's easier for my daughter to zip/unzip herself. Very useful when you have your mittens on in the snow! The material holds up to the elements as well! My son wore it and did otter slides down the snowy hill. (Otter slides are on your belly, face first.) I was kind of freaked out at first because I thought he would tear the rainsuit, but after several slides, it was still good as new!

 The sizes run a little big which I like, plenty of room for layers. Peanut is wearing the 4-5 year old size and she will be able to wear it next year. My 6 year old can wear it comfortably as well. There is velcro and elastic around the wrist cuffs to help keep snow/water out. There is a stirup and elastic around the ankle cuffs to keep snow/water out as well. Have to admit, I don't care for the stirup, so I just tuck it in the pant leg and the elastic still does a great job keeping elements out. I would think the stirup would come in handy if the rainsuit is getting short on your child and it keeps it from riding up. After our walk outside in the rain and puddle jumping, Peanuts feet were nice and dry! The hood also has velcro and elastic to make it smaller or bigger, which makes room for beanies.

Overall, I LOVE this rainsuit! I seriously wish it came in my size! The rainsuits only go up to the 4-5 year old sizes, BUT there are separates for the older kids here. I'm excited that Ollie and Stella Children's Outfitters  is going to give a rainsuit away to one of my lucky readers!! Whoop, whoop! There are several ways to up your chances of winning so be sure to read the rules! This is only open to Alaskan residents as well.

Be sure to like their Facebook page to keep up with all their new products! Visit their main website too because they have other cool products for this summer!

Contest ends Monday night June 17, 2013. Good luck!






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Bella Kids $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway

 It's that time again for Bella Kids Consignment Sale!! Get your shopping on April 5-7th at the Former Special Events Party Store, 4621 Palmer Wasilla Hwy. These photos are from the last event, look at all the goodies! Be sure to follow them on facebook to learn more!

  You can buy new and gently used baby, toddler and kid gear.

 

 

 What are you looking for? I'm sure you will find it at the sale! Toys, books, shoes, car seats, and more!

 

Grab a friend so you can scope things out, tell your friends who are expecting or sign up to sell your items that your kids have outgrown!

 

 

Wanna win a $25 gift certificate to do some shopping at Bella Kids? Follow the directions on Rafflecopter! You can be enter several ways! Giveaway will end Monday morning! Good Luck!

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Skedaddle Guest Post

  When I had invisioned Alaska's Kids, I wanted to have a review on all the different playgrounds throughtout the state on the blog. Well 3 kids later and not enough time, I wasn't able to do it. But I was so thrilled to learn about Skedaddle! Skedaddle is a parent group that meets together OUTSIDE rain or shine, every Tuesday at a different park in Anchorage, and have reviews on the parks they visit.

 The group is part of Anchorage Outdoor Family Network , who you can also find on Facebook. Lia organizes Skedaddle and I'm so glad that there is a group where parents can connect while their kids burn off energy outside. Be sure to join a Skedaddle and meet some new friends!

Lia, take it away!

Hello!  I am Lia Keller, born and raised in Anchorage, AK.  I am now raising my two wild sons here in the place I grew up!  I also have an all-weather playgroup meeting each Tuesday at 10 in a playground around town. 

  I don’t have one favorite movie or even an all time favorite song.  My favorite color has held steady with “sea glass” (I guess technically that is about three or four colors) for a few years now.  So when Jamie asked me to write about my favorite playground in Anchorage, I was at a loss.  I love so many playgrounds in Anchorage - Lynn Ary in Turnagain, Carlson Park in Midtown and Nunaka Valley North on the Eastside to name a few. 

 Most Anchorage Parents are familiar with those playgrounds and might need a change of scenery.  So, instead of my most favorite park in Anchorage, I am presenting you with  my “list” of favorite parks in Anchorage.  I hope you find a new place to take your children and maybe add one to your list of favorite parks.

My kids want to explore - Johns Park

            Along with the typical playground equipment, this park sits along a stream and forrest.  There is even a trail loop with a bridge.

 

 

Time to kill downtown - Nulbay Park

            Most families flock to the old Elderberry Park when downtown.  Instead, I like to visit this park with whale sculptures you can climb.  There is grass and sand, so bring shovels and buckets. 

 

Sledding - Sitka Street Park

            Go past Russian Jack and steer clear of Service High School for sledding.  Sitka Street has a fantastic sledding hill.  Little kiddos can zip down the side and you can have fun on the front of the hill.  They are putting in a skate park this summer and I hope they leave my favorite hill alone!

 

 

Crisp, Fall day - Pop Carr Park

            The playground isn’t the best in town, but the trees are amazing.  Huge piles of leaves gather on the little hills.  There is a large grassy area and paved trail for little bikers.

 

 

My kids want trains - Alderwood Park

            Sunset HIll has a great little playground that has a train station and train with multiple cars.  There also are swings, grass and a bench for me to sit as the boys go on train trips all over the world.

 

Raining cats and dogs - Storck Park

            While my boys will play outside in any weather, I don’t mind a shelter over my head in the rain.  Stork park has a great picnic shelter that is even glassed one side blocking the wind.  The play areas are right next to the shelter so I can stay dry and knit as my boys run off their energy!

 

Thanks Lia!

If you want to see all the parks and playgrounds Anchorage has to offer, visit this website, Anchorage Park Foundation. And don't forget to get some fresh air with your little ones with Skedaddle!

Chewy S'mores Granola Bars Guest Post

 

 There is a sense of accomplishment and joy when I make our food from scratch. Whew! Lots of hours in the kitchen though! But it's worth it to me knowing where our food comes from and what exactly is in it. I've been trying to make more snacks as well so this post is perfect for our household!

 

 If you haven't read Maya's blog over at Alaska From Scratch, head on over there after you read her yummy recipe for Chewy S'mores Granola Bars posted below. She has some amazing recipes and beautiful photos to look at. Whenever I look at her photos of food, it makes want to jump through the screen and eat it. Just look at the granola bar below! Don't you want to grab and take a huge bite! I can already taste the yumminess and feel how chewy it is! I need to go make these, but first, take it away Maya!



 

 

 

 Hi Alaska's Kids Readers! I'm Maya from Alaska from Scratch. I'm a mom of three, a pastor's wife, an associate pastor, and a food blogger from the Kenai Peninsula. Since our family of five transplanted to Alaska from California two years ago, I've been cooking from scratch to help keep our grocery bills down and to provide wholesome meals and snacks for my family. One of our favorites are my Chewy S'mores Granola Bars and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to share the recipe with you here at Alaska's Kids. A regular box of popular brand granola bars in our part of Alaska can run right about $5 for 10 bars, occasionally less. In addition to saving money, there's a certain satisfaction that comes with making these at home and knowing exactly what goes into these favorite lunchtime snacks.