tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64746528793981498902024-03-12T19:11:57.881-04:00Small-banyGet out of the house!Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-17471718350664307152011-10-24T11:11:00.000-04:002011-10-24T11:19:43.406-04:00Kid Visit to EMPAC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1huIkxa-iC5p_isnp4djymXtTEunEl5ob31pTuOPYAHuXzHzSsvq3QBKx8OGboYE5DhW0i6c5xFVpQQ1l2bCRNHzKNzD_2DAWn_b3np_PZsi5Ym6cZgOUHEeFRfxdT3v4nbwWvsQ1vt9/s1600/750x350_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1huIkxa-iC5p_isnp4djymXtTEunEl5ob31pTuOPYAHuXzHzSsvq3QBKx8OGboYE5DhW0i6c5xFVpQQ1l2bCRNHzKNzD_2DAWn_b3np_PZsi5Ym6cZgOUHEeFRfxdT3v4nbwWvsQ1vt9/s320/750x350_05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Just the other day I was thinking about <a href="http://empac.rpi.edu/">EMPAC</a> and how I have yet to visit. Somehow experimental media has fallen at the bottom of my list of things to do with the kids while library story times are consistently in the top five.<br />
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Oddly enough I was contacted by someone at EMPAC trying to get the word out about a kid friendly event happening this Saturday, and I'm happy to share this opportunity to check out the <a href="http://empac.rpi.edu/building/">building</a> (amazing architecture) and also to expose your unsophisticated progeny to the high end world of cutting edge media research...or something like that.<br />
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Here is a description of <a href="http://empac.rpi.edu/events/2011/fall/onedotzero/sprites/">the event </a>from their website:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><i>A dynamic program just for kids! This specially curated selection of short videos can be enjoyed by youngsters and parents alike. onedotzero programs explore new forms and hybrids of moving image across motion graphics, short film, animation, music videos, and more.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Suggested ages - 3-11.</span></div>
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onedotzero: sprites</h4>
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Saturday October 29, 11:00 AM</div>
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Studio 2</div>
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TICKETS:</h5>
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<a href="https://tickets.empac.rpi.edu/TheatreManager/1/tmEvent/tmEvent82.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ff9900; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-size: 1.4em !important; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">» Saturday, October 29</a> <strong style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: normal;">kids free with purchase of adult ticket ($6)</strong></div>
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<strong>Kid-friendly snacks and juices will be available at Evelyn's Café from 10:30 AM–3 PM.</strong></div>
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We encourage you to purchase tickets directly from the box office. Stop by Monday–Friday 9 AM–6 PM, two hours prior to any performance.</div>
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However, in the case that you can't make it, may I suggest a viewing of <a href="http://youtu.be/Yjy-fnsmWR4"><i>The Jetsons</i></a>. Also very futuristic.</div>Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-67245005334095331792011-09-30T10:45:00.001-04:002011-09-30T11:00:43.767-04:00We got MOONED!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijGNvbyBbVd2dXkjfuPJVe4JBHYI_wBYo6hlmJ_fsGJFxZ36isUtMH8Vj9jub2NpppC3d0TjDyvZLS7x1GQAlsBrE9kzVsosIu1DV-BhDkVOGmq8XH7G5SxrjJQ6gT__qEUtDOcdl6_bM/s1600/boat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijGNvbyBbVd2dXkjfuPJVe4JBHYI_wBYo6hlmJ_fsGJFxZ36isUtMH8Vj9jub2NpppC3d0TjDyvZLS7x1GQAlsBrE9kzVsosIu1DV-BhDkVOGmq8XH7G5SxrjJQ6gT__qEUtDOcdl6_bM/s320/boat.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Ok...just <a href="http://www.halfmoon.mus.ny.us/">Half-Mooned</a>, as in Henry Hudson's ship, but it got you looking, didn't it? (I'm not above it, people.)<br />
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Last weekend we headed down to our old stomping grounds, <a href="http://small-bany.blogspot.com/2009/06/corning-preserve.html">the Corning Preserve</a>, and stumbled upon ye Olde Half Moon, or for my Dutch readers, d'Halve Maen, docked in the Hudson.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_3wLuk-T2UYXArs2JtYrf8hCIndYne0AE_HYk-_8t0ofLWMQRtXo8uHliJ7rb8NxmCGiC0-QP_vw1UFNG9dLufbWVoqs8j-u8zydvc6jdEv2KDVH4PyER8TxKS8JT0vgczTzoJZyvFAW/s1600/thing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_3wLuk-T2UYXArs2JtYrf8hCIndYne0AE_HYk-_8t0ofLWMQRtXo8uHliJ7rb8NxmCGiC0-QP_vw1UFNG9dLufbWVoqs8j-u8zydvc6jdEv2KDVH4PyER8TxKS8JT0vgczTzoJZyvFAW/s200/thing.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
For those of you who never took a school field trip here, the Half Moon is a full scale replica of the ship Henry Hudson sailed to survey these here parts to find a good place to put <a href="http://www.theegg.org/">The Egg</a>. He was also hoping to find a Trader Joe's but was, as we all are, sorely disappointed.<br />
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The tour is not very long, because, well, the boat is not that big. However, it did offer a glimpse into what a landlubber I am.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2UsOpoUsTh-VTNFYcfypbJhmjM1ca1CdvBzasYYzBEn34jPlgGP3I7TL2Ro8dR3lXboDHa8QJJU8VA3pFKb9ITHL6rJQF8I6xiDZiEW37Ku05sjCnuPwjqHPZsusUOBAbwZFOuc0mL5N/s1600/food.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2UsOpoUsTh-VTNFYcfypbJhmjM1ca1CdvBzasYYzBEn34jPlgGP3I7TL2Ro8dR3lXboDHa8QJJU8VA3pFKb9ITHL6rJQF8I6xiDZiEW37Ku05sjCnuPwjqHPZsusUOBAbwZFOuc0mL5N/s200/food.JPG" width="150" /></a>Cramped quarters, smelly food, limited toilet options...the Love Boat, it ain't.<br />
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I tried listening very diligently to the history lessons given by an adorable, creaky voiced student, but my mind kept wandering to pirates. It's very pirate-y.*<br />
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The tour is seven dubloons for adults and sprogs are free.<br />
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The ship sets sail on October 14th so you still have some time to walk the plank. You can find out more information, and real history <a href="http://www.halfmoon.mus.ny.us/">here</a> and <a href="http://www.halfmoon.mus.ny.us/2011/2011fallvod/2011fallvodhome.htm">here</a>.<br />
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Also, check out <a href="http://albanykid.com/2011/09/26/the-half-moon-is-in-albanyeight-bells-and-all-is-well/comment-page-1/#comment-2249">Albany Kid's visit</a>. I'm glad someone was paying attention.<br />
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<i>*This tour had nothing to do with pirate</i>s.<br />
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<b><i></i><i><br /></i></b>Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-39475575828881784292011-09-22T10:30:00.003-04:002011-09-23T11:39:23.489-04:00Tiny Bubbles<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJf-jJEm5oOJjserOoT1YJ7-ceGZ15URmhtsVesHerzpLe1zq6eVKBATCT3H25teh0I7p1eCxcqCx1xXZoVHiyaPGQ5E4zMGXfGicG1eVx5namPIVC9X_Ihrop1rqGC1LYgjrV1Fw2N4E/s1600/bubble+guy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJf-jJEm5oOJjserOoT1YJ7-ceGZ15URmhtsVesHerzpLe1zq6eVKBATCT3H25teh0I7p1eCxcqCx1xXZoVHiyaPGQ5E4zMGXfGicG1eVx5namPIVC9X_Ihrop1rqGC1LYgjrV1Fw2N4E/s320/bubble+guy.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fan Yang and his daughter, Melody</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What's better than a million bubbles? A gazillion, of course.<br />
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Yesterday the kids and I stumbled on the free preview of the <a href="http://www.proctors.org/events/gazillion-bubble-show">Gazillion Bubble show at Proctor's</a>. Fan Yang,"world-renowned bubble scientist, artist, and performer" gave the audience a little taste of what his shows on October 8th will be all about.<br />
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And if what we saw is any indication, this is one show that is not going to blow. (blow...bubbles? get it?) <br />
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According to Proctor's CEO Phillip Morris (I kid you not), it was a 'fun lesson in the science of thin-film technology'.<br />
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Ummm... not exactly what the kids got out of it, but what they did get was the sheer awesomess of a smoke spewing volcano bubble and a couple of kids getting encased in a huge bubble. It was a lot of fun to watch. (His style<i> kind of</i> reminded me of <a href="http://youtu.be/J0o1kXiUwGw">Gob's magic shows</a>, for all you Arrested Development fans out there).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4_Caemflp63EDc9l213SRGCgGLGHecMDTyH0p5nf6qAyn_eVLWa4Wp4zOZ8ElRgoXjfSf_7VH8RCTCmhsTkvtlis9PI_GKo2feOUrOxg-eMt9Wg-9MNtSPUtJd8jIhnUKTqTg9tnqI79/s1600/proct.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4_Caemflp63EDc9l213SRGCgGLGHecMDTyH0p5nf6qAyn_eVLWa4Wp4zOZ8ElRgoXjfSf_7VH8RCTCmhsTkvtlis9PI_GKo2feOUrOxg-eMt9Wg-9MNtSPUtJd8jIhnUKTqTg9tnqI79/s320/proct.JPG" width="240" /></a>Among his many other accomplishments in the field of 'thin-film technology", he is a sixteen time Guinness Book of World Record holder (he put an elephant in a bubble for goodness sake) and the creator of a line of bubbles and bubble toys.<br />
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You can catch one of his <a href="http://www.proctors.org/events/gazillion-bubble-show">two shows</a> on October 8th at Proctor's Theatre in Schenectady.<br />
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Just a little aside, as we were leaving the theater they had several bubble machines going adding to the whimsy of the event. Sure, that makes sense. But what didn't quite make sense was the mob of young, stylish women, clad in black offering free hugs to everyone passing by. It turns out they were from the Paul Mitchell school across the street. I ran into my blogging brethren from <a href="http://alloveralbany.com/">All Over Albany</a> who did a great job covering the surreality of State St. yesterday afternoon. Read about it <a href="http://alloveralbany.com/archive/2011/09/21/bubbles-and-hugs-in-schenectady">here</a>.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCdO7_VN918mkmjmHh-ZqruORT7bm_14hXQS6mBpMa_8cOX7rVsl68ZdLZRhurK-p_UKd5bwrGlS03RU9lqnFFx3r7xMJXlG6GY_-64jAKPJ87JVrDX7yfwx2lrC0rBmx7ZlRM4cZUNAk/s1600/hugs1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCdO7_VN918mkmjmHh-ZqruORT7bm_14hXQS6mBpMa_8cOX7rVsl68ZdLZRhurK-p_UKd5bwrGlS03RU9lqnFFx3r7xMJXlG6GY_-64jAKPJ87JVrDX7yfwx2lrC0rBmx7ZlRM4cZUNAk/s200/hugs1.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<i>For the record, AOA's Greg did not accept any hugs so as not to influence his reportage. Now that's what I call journalistic integrity, folks.</i> <i> </i><br />
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<i>My son, however, was all over it.</i>Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-52001414817178239452011-09-14T21:17:00.001-04:002011-09-14T21:17:17.780-04:00ZOINKS!Look what I spied for sale on Central Avenue today. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrPl0GPikwv9EgZXXDsV9CZPrCvEpVpQLKz8VzNRXJt3aPxdKDnBuZJdZIhd50lczgYAlDxLp9AJuRdHVNL-KUimtIToCHNeuNxv_p_EeHjNFBXRREB0VZboRrOh1ZTAY7AWVoqunIhiI/s1600/mystery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrPl0GPikwv9EgZXXDsV9CZPrCvEpVpQLKz8VzNRXJt3aPxdKDnBuZJdZIhd50lczgYAlDxLp9AJuRdHVNL-KUimtIToCHNeuNxv_p_EeHjNFBXRREB0VZboRrOh1ZTAY7AWVoqunIhiI/s320/mystery.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1KHQZivlw7j-9vv3GUBlE6cpc77ujmhl8vd4vouhIIB7FTpBs9GCYTr4WZzgHZTBlroiGQvnM925HJWe_VZ4R62W8_js_fHIHAECHwEYFJCrR5D58esdKb_zm198wkfvK2zP3nb85k0O/s1600/mystery2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1KHQZivlw7j-9vv3GUBlE6cpc77ujmhl8vd4vouhIIB7FTpBs9GCYTr4WZzgHZTBlroiGQvnM925HJWe_VZ4R62W8_js_fHIHAECHwEYFJCrR5D58esdKb_zm198wkfvK2zP3nb85k0O/s320/mystery2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It'll only set you back 4000 scooby snacks AND it has power windows. I know... deal o' the century. <br />
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Meddling kids not included... but I can lend you mine if you want.Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-80499879376215472552011-09-09T13:42:00.000-04:002011-09-09T13:42:22.867-04:00Sock Sorting SympaticoI usually finish up my laundry folding with sock sorting. I never look forward to it because I guess I am subconsciously preparing myself for the inevitable disappointment that comes with mismatched socks. I know it's cliche, but I have an entire drawer FULL of mismatched socks hoping for reunion.<br />
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Today, however, was different. Today will live on in my mind as<br />
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THE DAY THAT ALL OF THE SOCKS THAT WENT INTO THE WASH CAME OUT WITH THEIR MATCHING PAIR!<br />
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When has this ever happened? NEVER. That's when. Not to me, anyway.<br />
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I can only explain it by saying that the feeling of pairing that last sock with its mate was akin to placing the last piece of a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. You know, like the one you bought five years ago when you thought it would be great to start doing jigsaw puzzles, but actually the idea was better the reality and so it just sat on the shelf until you took it out again to sell in a garage sale, but then had second thoughts and just decided it might be kind of relaxing so you ended up finishing it one night when your other plans fell through...<br />
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Yes, it was that kind of accomplishment.<br />
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And this my friends is as close as one can get to domestic nirvana.<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Unicode" lang="inc-Deva"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Unicode" lang="inc-Deva">ॐ</span></span>Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-27920793007738161402011-09-07T09:01:00.009-04:002011-09-07T09:11:15.593-04:00Where's Walbany?So I got my <a href="http://small-bany.blogspot.com/2011/07/wheres-waldo.html">Waldo doll</a> in the mail and we have been getting in to some crazy hijinks together... so much so that I'd thought I add a couple of photos now and again and let you guess where we have been around the area.<br />
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So....Where's Waldo in (and around) Albany?<br />
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1)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_sL1ooQZ4Uh90V8i9dZ-oOinSDyVUsZDFJx0OVvcgMIHJswITTuMeBpGpZN0eTAU1RlTfh0v89W6eC9bItbiot_J-EaNCz7efA9PCBDIM5NMbj-QG7q38MH188EhmJYI3EFgTUbfs3NF/s1600/walbany.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_sL1ooQZ4Uh90V8i9dZ-oOinSDyVUsZDFJx0OVvcgMIHJswITTuMeBpGpZN0eTAU1RlTfh0v89W6eC9bItbiot_J-EaNCz7efA9PCBDIM5NMbj-QG7q38MH188EhmJYI3EFgTUbfs3NF/s400/walbany.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wish you were here. </i> It kept reminding us of the chocolate waterfall in Willy Wonka.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Want to take in this gorgeous view? Go <a href="http://www.cohoes.com/cit-e-access/webpage.cfm?TID=34&TPID=9360">here.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vMJhcPZnSZOo6i5_viGxL9zdoqJvtqT49G0wL7LWBKeyDmx3qYrag5uBcaQ5l5lOBw12SmxkJH0FTpym40pbxpATini7q-zTQJ8FCusyVYqMuijrlH25aLDA0PItBrSg76EB8NeqC84C/s1600/walbanyunclesam.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vMJhcPZnSZOo6i5_viGxL9zdoqJvtqT49G0wL7LWBKeyDmx3qYrag5uBcaQ5l5lOBw12SmxkJH0FTpym40pbxpATini7q-zTQJ8FCusyVYqMuijrlH25aLDA0PItBrSg76EB8NeqC84C/s400/walbanyunclesam.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
At first I thought it might be a little disrespectful to Uncle Sam to have Waldo pose by his grave, but then I saw the bejeweled nutcracker someone left there and thought Waldo was just as patriotic and rocking his red, white, and blue with a tad more taste. To find out where Waldo is I WANT YOU to click <a href="http://www.oakwoodcemetery.org/">here</a>. (It is truly one of the coolest/spookiest cemeteries I have visited.)</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vMJhcPZnSZOo6i5_viGxL9zdoqJvtqT49G0wL7LWBKeyDmx3qYrag5uBcaQ5l5lOBw12SmxkJH0FTpym40pbxpATini7q-zTQJ8FCusyVYqMuijrlH25aLDA0PItBrSg76EB8NeqC84C/s1600/walbanyunclesam.jpeg" imageanchor="1"></a></div>Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-6526457912511991252011-08-25T22:31:00.026-04:002011-08-25T22:46:24.051-04:00One Room School HouseLook what I found while just driving around <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?pq=little+red+school+house+north+kingstown&hl=en&cp=33&gs_id=c&xhr=t&q=little+red+school+house+north+greenbush+ny&qe=bGl0dGxlIHJlZCBzY2hvb2wgaG91c2Ugbm9ydGggZ3Jl&qesig=jRg0CjX4AK6xeHLg_QjEcw&pkc=AFgZ2tnfy1gkTg93nug0opgipqKGslwO79HDp-kvUEkvP-Me6DC7t9x0sqbEUxDxSH09gJdHTnbUnS-VVzoJEMQSlfdRvlCHow&safe=active&client=ubuntu&hs=Kk7&channel=fs&gs_sm=&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.&biw=1280&bih=575&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl">town</a>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXfElcGATKF3Gk7Obx2nxV-fc0_EOQCp5UEg1OtAQTTRcMXOoRwJe4b9zqLpKHNj-plpwtg0kqdKIk753So1bCuM_UeZElymMpHwUTjT1VEZSOUoFwKstqYNC2Clp0hbN0yAguuDvCI9Y/s1600/schoolroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXfElcGATKF3Gk7Obx2nxV-fc0_EOQCp5UEg1OtAQTTRcMXOoRwJe4b9zqLpKHNj-plpwtg0kqdKIk753So1bCuM_UeZElymMpHwUTjT1VEZSOUoFwKstqYNC2Clp0hbN0yAguuDvCI9Y/s400/schoolroom.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UCi97xlt-K9B9d2u_dX04-s4QJG0dvRbR4kvacFSU_Hk2o-gg8Puwq1UUNjr4_qRJgyZx41f80qdhAz9aCZvLG3C55sNdOzxqr0tGwS1rB0tPSVb-XjPw99uOkIBgDb8wGX00rB3mQS3/s1600/plaque.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UCi97xlt-K9B9d2u_dX04-s4QJG0dvRbR4kvacFSU_Hk2o-gg8Puwq1UUNjr4_qRJgyZx41f80qdhAz9aCZvLG3C55sNdOzxqr0tGwS1rB0tPSVb-XjPw99uOkIBgDb8wGX00rB3mQS3/s320/plaque.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>"Little Red" as it is affectionately called, may be the only one room school house operating in the state (maybe)...but definitely in the county (Rensselaer). The dueling signage seems a little non committal. <br />
<br />
Anyway, it's currently being used for Grades K-2 in the North Greenbush School District.<br />
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If you are so inclined, you can read more of a history <a href="http://townofng.com/about/?page=ngnotes">here </a>(look under 2008).<br />
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It's as if it was ripped out of a page of Little House on the Prairie, minus<a href="http://www.atlantaintownpaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Confessions-of-a-Prairie-Bitch.jpg"> Nellie Oleson,</a> who had a prominent and reoccurring role in my nightmares.<br />
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Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-30408789544233884522011-08-19T20:36:00.000-04:002011-08-19T20:36:37.545-04:00Muffin tin crayonsToday we made muffin tin crayons. It's something most of us have done at some point as kids, and something I've been wanting to do with my kids for a while. It's a lot of fun, easy, and keeps them engaged from start to finish.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1Q32kEdSVLdOu2wKsjOKB0_F7Cb3Ymxbg6UZtt4nAatbeBENRXHXqFZM1ndyT4GgArRnWMiAJEmQ14Suc27gXfouFsIEglbNBaeu3oQ2rvDKZZgu9yRld1qkIn8CNcP4NIwZXAW5LtrE/s1600/IMG_2140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1Q32kEdSVLdOu2wKsjOKB0_F7Cb3Ymxbg6UZtt4nAatbeBENRXHXqFZM1ndyT4GgArRnWMiAJEmQ14Suc27gXfouFsIEglbNBaeu3oQ2rvDKZZgu9yRld1qkIn8CNcP4NIwZXAW5LtrE/s400/IMG_2140.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>1. Pick out all the misfit crayons and peel off the paper. (The kids quietly worked on this for at least 20 minutes).<br />
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2. Lightly spray muffin tin with cooking spray and fill each circle with a variety of colors. We filled them about 1/3 full.<br />
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3. Place in a preheated oven (at 275F) for 7-8 min.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjox5-etp8AEWIUj6St69AZWpBCTui7qQLPHSnISU7XNwG1v1itHKFL-Rs-EpEDAqB0Ukj-Mxynm5y9RkR1urYGGs_AFJchVxo0l1mXlSK7x31O4XkImzxlMW3IhrsGJJIGJ08P_x85ubJf/s1600/IMG_2151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjox5-etp8AEWIUj6St69AZWpBCTui7qQLPHSnISU7XNwG1v1itHKFL-Rs-EpEDAqB0Ukj-Mxynm5y9RkR1urYGGs_AFJchVxo0l1mXlSK7x31O4XkImzxlMW3IhrsGJJIGJ08P_x85ubJf/s400/IMG_2151.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
4. Allow them to cool before you take them out of the tin.<br />
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<i> Voila!</i> They look good enough to eat. No really, my baby ate some.Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-57999811171692110772011-08-11T15:58:00.001-04:002011-08-11T15:58:07.606-04:00Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-82489442020701009152011-08-11T15:38:00.007-04:002011-08-11T15:57:54.374-04:00Pass It On SCORE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSP9_Va-cKf4iKBLcpocMuOklq_778nXhfnyeHPVybjr1yzyUcARN2_lEZg4xw9OrAuERU7XciP1RuWGn2EsPy5BD2B63R158LklacR7SvZOxAJVloVVvOnpJyx4UJQKiDj6qdP207_2s/s1600/elvisdoll.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSP9_Va-cKf4iKBLcpocMuOklq_778nXhfnyeHPVybjr1yzyUcARN2_lEZg4xw9OrAuERU7XciP1RuWGn2EsPy5BD2B63R158LklacR7SvZOxAJVloVVvOnpJyx4UJQKiDj6qdP207_2s/s400/elvisdoll.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>I can't begin to imagine what a difficult decision it was to give this away, but I want to assure the person who was risking something by selling this at a children's consignment sale to know that Elvis has found a very happy home...second only to Graceland.<br />
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<a href="http://www.fiftiesweb.com/elvis/elvis.wav">Thank you. Thank you very much</a>.<br />
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<i>The <a href="http://passitonsale.com/">Pass It On Sale</a> continues until this Saturday, with half price sales starting tomorrow.</i>Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-47810102272950056372011-08-09T17:01:00.002-04:002011-08-10T08:02:36.480-04:00Product DiversificationToday I was on the search for a toy and switch blade. (Ok, neither of those, but bear with me). Where could I go? I know, I know, Wal-Mart...easy peasy,,, but I was already at the mall and didn't want to deal with another big parking lot. So, imagine my delight upon wandering in here:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40JlGYloW9yS49sHO0WctcGUGsrOV7ugUYuCovBtiK-Z3iOOweNh6NtPFCPIAgGO_VJSXo-Ft1pzvc3sV-mBmwCAEodv45DNBb6WFKMbUyMPFm2i9hOo6Jr-hoetPSynxrlTwwdAkjkVS/s1600/treasure+ayeland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40JlGYloW9yS49sHO0WctcGUGsrOV7ugUYuCovBtiK-Z3iOOweNh6NtPFCPIAgGO_VJSXo-Ft1pzvc3sV-mBmwCAEodv45DNBb6WFKMbUyMPFm2i9hOo6Jr-hoetPSynxrlTwwdAkjkVS/s320/treasure+ayeland.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Not only do they have a wide selection of pretty cool toys, but also two shiny glass cases (at a kid's eye level, no less) filled with the most colorful, attractive hunting knives this side of...um...um.. wherever hunters go to buy that kind of stuff. (Sue me, I'm a vegetarian). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wD0jalGtFu8yPkW4VOoprcj3kPmRKNQ5MaLn5lr6iTHWHDbyMurGm2ffHzkUO1Ac-aUl1LoOUsVRq0c6kXKBiVBMyeBMIz8Nu5Z1JPLtrpa8zqR-6AyshhI8lMML8oF55j6Ngaf8wxa3/s1600/knives2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wD0jalGtFu8yPkW4VOoprcj3kPmRKNQ5MaLn5lr6iTHWHDbyMurGm2ffHzkUO1Ac-aUl1LoOUsVRq0c6kXKBiVBMyeBMIz8Nu5Z1JPLtrpa8zqR-6AyshhI8lMML8oF55j6Ngaf8wxa3/s320/knives2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I guess the name of the store hints at the fact that this could be Albany's foremost pirate outfitters. I mean, where else can you buy your kid a pirate costume AND a real knife? (Ok, Wal-Mart again, I know, but that just seems greedy).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvy5NQtfCCKHH7BGXeAhyphenhyphenwbR_b4-wPxUN3baEXR2IBTTQSvq1sjL5QkQkGo4pUpbcFCMQjU9Q6eJ_0wo2abvhOqpWCWhuoGMGzfcEBDBppwM1ays29DRNu1hXPnJMkG_YuzFNv_2-5F4Q/s1600/knivesclose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvy5NQtfCCKHH7BGXeAhyphenhyphenwbR_b4-wPxUN3baEXR2IBTTQSvq1sjL5QkQkGo4pUpbcFCMQjU9Q6eJ_0wo2abvhOqpWCWhuoGMGzfcEBDBppwM1ays29DRNu1hXPnJMkG_YuzFNv_2-5F4Q/s320/knivesclose.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>"No, son, you can't have a Melissa and Doug floor puzzle AND a machete. Pick one or the other."<br />
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<i>Treasure Ayeland can be found on the 2nd floor of <a href="http://www.shopatcoloniecenter.com/store/treasure-ayeland/">Colonie Center</a> for all of your fingerpainting and deer-gutting needs. </i><br />
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Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-63263757875555913782011-07-28T22:34:00.000-04:002011-07-28T22:34:38.388-04:00Paint Mine Trail - Thacher Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_OhSzFJEnx3FAhKaLH2j1C_BSizzz-C7HfSCTytLZpOYsmqLNSsSm73xK9edQ1LoOnncO125KLZcdmbACDRMDQYWurZy9YZR3d3Cre04c_ng4SJCzV1nDvAJ3dMt83pxB8dy_S24Vz4R/s1600/IMG_1791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_OhSzFJEnx3FAhKaLH2j1C_BSizzz-C7HfSCTytLZpOYsmqLNSsSm73xK9edQ1LoOnncO125KLZcdmbACDRMDQYWurZy9YZR3d3Cre04c_ng4SJCzV1nDvAJ3dMt83pxB8dy_S24Vz4R/s320/IMG_1791.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Thacher Park, how do I love thee?<br />
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The list keeps growing, especially after today's adventure on the Paint Mine trail (Only a few sites past the lookout spot on the left).<br />
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This is a great hike for kids, especially those who love walking in water since the highlight of this hike is the stream. Because we haven't had much rain lately, the stream is shallow and you can easily climb up the waterfalls.<br />
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I'm not good at estimating distances, but I'd say we did anywhere between twenty paces to half a mile. The kids were all in their element (including the baby) and that meant very little whining. There were frogs all over the place and plenty of opportunities to splash around.<br />
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The trail has been quiet everytime I have visited during the week. Sometime there is no one up there at all, which could freak you out while knowing that cell phone access is a little spotty up there.<br />
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Bathrooms are close...but, behind a tree is closer. <br />
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There is no charge for the trail during the week, but it is $6 on the weekends. Bring a picnic lunch, bathing suit, water shoes, and bug spray. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJ3t34pusJrHVcQGpq9JM22Q_tSNA-ZZBbJiFsiIjYx4-VM08Hn_iNbYNAuHI4eIVxtDDJWhQzT3v1qLpcvcQPpJGQg_rizbjMoXHVKqjz2EYzLer3n9sBO4FJcEZkR92QmEyezHnX2y1/s1600/IMG_1774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJ3t34pusJrHVcQGpq9JM22Q_tSNA-ZZBbJiFsiIjYx4-VM08Hn_iNbYNAuHI4eIVxtDDJWhQzT3v1qLpcvcQPpJGQg_rizbjMoXHVKqjz2EYzLer3n9sBO4FJcEZkR92QmEyezHnX2y1/s400/IMG_1774.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYX4oP-lNPOtXZmqv1Lv0QjgnYvUp93QWZD8AcqZLCELphjc8BkwC2Cng-Z8Px3Nt4WvBCB6_xrmzD930ts5l1zz6GsekaqXMiEKIdryPDERUrYvqxl0-8Ytfp9_-Ipe9KYntxgcDvYnv6/s1600/IMG_1757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYX4oP-lNPOtXZmqv1Lv0QjgnYvUp93QWZD8AcqZLCELphjc8BkwC2Cng-Z8Px3Nt4WvBCB6_xrmzD930ts5l1zz6GsekaqXMiEKIdryPDERUrYvqxl0-8Ytfp9_-Ipe9KYntxgcDvYnv6/s400/IMG_1757.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSq-eJ8YSMWHvGfarTvOEh7iZAu3e_GwHTti9WyPVc8KWRog19PmUEUHephuFga4Ac7S7aZ3jsR0M-Kp2XN0erDFnJw6bEdKbuxK5YnnqfeYshIQj0k9pnOV-FeuNmFPwmp3m6vEIzs4XW/s1600/IMG_1775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSq-eJ8YSMWHvGfarTvOEh7iZAu3e_GwHTti9WyPVc8KWRog19PmUEUHephuFga4Ac7S7aZ3jsR0M-Kp2XN0erDFnJw6bEdKbuxK5YnnqfeYshIQj0k9pnOV-FeuNmFPwmp3m6vEIzs4XW/s400/IMG_1775.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Also, check out these events happening this weekend.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nysparks.com/events/event.aspx?e=128-3946.0">Campfire Storytelling</a>, Saturday, July 30th at 6:30. Registration required.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nysparks.com/events/event.aspx?e=128-3926.0">Stargazing</a>, Saturday, July 30th at 9:00 PM.<br />
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Check out their <a href="http://www.nysparks.com/events/event-results.aspx?pk=128">calendar</a> for more events.<br />
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PS. On the way back, why not stop for lunch at <a href="http://www.tollgateicecream.com/">Toll Gate Ice Cream</a>? I do declare I found the best and greasiest veggie burger in all the land.Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-56051826308531500742011-07-27T23:22:00.002-04:002011-07-27T23:25:56.615-04:00Where's Waldo?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmXWPYpjJPsmEsxUrWBtFlKoHQlvIM9XrT1sy54-gjDTjezZxVYBGCunn_yMfREYOcqxZYUt_KFu9TGHqVY1beOttYSp_1ZgPDhgw2DX8bbfoFsofab9chcqsXmjW9UHQM8M32A5s7eKi/s1600/waldo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmXWPYpjJPsmEsxUrWBtFlKoHQlvIM9XrT1sy54-gjDTjezZxVYBGCunn_yMfREYOcqxZYUt_KFu9TGHqVY1beOttYSp_1ZgPDhgw2DX8bbfoFsofab9chcqsXmjW9UHQM8M32A5s7eKi/s400/waldo.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Waldo: The Original Hipster (and I am apparently <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/If-Waldo-were-real-hed-be-a-cute-hipster/167925283232688">not the first</a> to think so).</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;">I just ordered one of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76951464/vintage-wheres-waldo-doll-mattel-18-inch">these guys</a> to help spice up our family photos. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I originally got the idea <a href="http://waheedaharris.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/waldo.jpg">here</a> when I found him hanging out on the roof across the street from San Francisco's MOMA.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Wahoo! I can't wait. Our vacation photos will never be the same.</span>Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-54781043551081132542011-07-26T23:59:00.000-04:002011-07-26T23:59:11.925-04:00Butterfly Station<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy26Zp49osONmhD_BUi1wu7eQvwa283YfFq1SRgO0HZissbkwfLteBUr3ps8LG5y56kZva17GZV9qFfcfvWDDs7_bd23kNirLKMA95Js9mwGfROU0Ze8z5bOik0pkyoEj47cQjOykFFdnU/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy26Zp49osONmhD_BUi1wu7eQvwa283YfFq1SRgO0HZissbkwfLteBUr3ps8LG5y56kZva17GZV9qFfcfvWDDs7_bd23kNirLKMA95Js9mwGfROU0Ze8z5bOik0pkyoEj47cQjOykFFdnU/s320/IMG_1648.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVD7r8Xw21sV-CpnSBk_zZx2CALVcY7XJUnmFHAyMkPv5V21dATwNWIyiF0Mh0pJ5QCDBTiLo8yf2YywRcgCKmfmF7Ksyk1I5NINaUuVcgQ5dMXdKqgKRPbdFEnYbgomiXhmgDpGi81tm2/s1600/IMG_1666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><i>"In the light of the moon, a little egg lay on a leaf..."</i></div><br />
You know the rest...you've probably got it memorized.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Take a break from just reading about caterpillars, butterflies, and their penchant for overindulging in picnic foods, and watch them come alive before you very eyes at the Farnsworth Middle School <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.guilderlandschools.org/farnsworth/index.cfm">Butterfly Station </a>in Guilderland.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0SQqqd09U2b1oDZyvS2HGw47sMJ8QeiwPXA9rUgOHYm8lBn_0Molbg7e5WghbquNB37QsVyTDAX7efyPorEXpkj97hebhaYXFMLQG3x0l2AfZU86kNPrEkBcWmG71_VsGT9R4hG_6_My/s1600/IMG_1617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0SQqqd09U2b1oDZyvS2HGw47sMJ8QeiwPXA9rUgOHYm8lBn_0Molbg7e5WghbquNB37QsVyTDAX7efyPorEXpkj97hebhaYXFMLQG3x0l2AfZU86kNPrEkBcWmG71_VsGT9R4hG_6_My/s320/IMG_1617.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">It took about an hour for us to get a guided tour from an adorable elementary school student, explore the Metamorphosis room, look around the museum and gift shop (they sell butterfly themed gifts..tattoos, pens, etc.) and do some arts and crafts.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> However, the<i> pièce de résistance</i> for the kids was the face painting, and why wouldn't it be?</span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's open from 10am-1pm daily until August 12th.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>FREE!<br />
<br />
If you want to make a day of it, why not head over to the Pine Bush Preserve (right down the road) afterwards and check out the <a href="http://small-bany.blogspot.com/2010/02/pine-bush-preserve-and-discovery-center.html">Discovery Center and kid friendly hikes</a>. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKN0mStM7jYMpiofy7-PUxYWrPYusfqQYuKq3qxrqCosPPdFxBQaSzOiMUoLL0oIo3tkk75EPoiFZtXZSmyUhVonUfq2qeh7fKtX5msqLp8E2wivM3hPFXfrNTHVD3uYqT8OXZDxFx-7wD/s1600/IMG_1637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKN0mStM7jYMpiofy7-PUxYWrPYusfqQYuKq3qxrqCosPPdFxBQaSzOiMUoLL0oIo3tkk75EPoiFZtXZSmyUhVonUfq2qeh7fKtX5msqLp8E2wivM3hPFXfrNTHVD3uYqT8OXZDxFx-7wD/s320/IMG_1637.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Our cute little tour guide.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_8ARQUc59SAgiZABs0XE0phLTi26PbY0LBTM7kMKsyA2muoYoni6Z0Joom13AlPLzgdiW6CuJ5zfGBAi51nopGYyJO1et6j8hapW7CfNjRSOG_ntM0DQaRWNsmkZURXggA5gJKgxh6A_/s1600/IMG_1634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_8ARQUc59SAgiZABs0XE0phLTi26PbY0LBTM7kMKsyA2muoYoni6Z0Joom13AlPLzgdiW6CuJ5zfGBAi51nopGYyJO1et6j8hapW7CfNjRSOG_ntM0DQaRWNsmkZURXggA5gJKgxh6A_/s320/IMG_1634.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Coming in for a landing</i></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczyxqZmjqP9bLC-VHzoOF4x7216qKb53TrBYPv7oFlImSkCIaJsQT-X9DBh2UtjQVJrozMAOsTjYPhdbhipqErVfl1-iMSG6tY6E1E5antcsFMBRuPzt-DH_pD8BLB7y-3OUOAPudwFPC/s1600/IMG_1643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczyxqZmjqP9bLC-VHzoOF4x7216qKb53TrBYPv7oFlImSkCIaJsQT-X9DBh2UtjQVJrozMAOsTjYPhdbhipqErVfl1-iMSG6tY6E1E5antcsFMBRuPzt-DH_pD8BLB7y-3OUOAPudwFPC/s320/IMG_1643.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Face painting!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-84516441614596952402011-07-22T07:07:00.079-04:002011-07-24T23:49:22.471-04:00Mystery Solved<style type="text/css">
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</style>I recently discovered what the "More' part refers to in the <a href="http://www.huckfinnwarehouse.com/">Huck Finn's Warehouse and More</a> tagline.<br />
<br />
No, it does not mean '<i>more </i>stuff to fill your closets with and land yourself on an episode of <i>Hoarders</i>', nor does it mean '<i>more </i>time getting lost in a frankly pretty creepy part of Albany'. The MORE lies in the little known fact that it is the perfect place to take your kids for a unexpectedly fun outing. Bear with me.<br />
<br />
Here are the <b>Top 5 Reason</b>s you could spend the afternoon at Huck Finn's.*<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBA1j4RwBc6ZRvBkQm5_OjGL6d86LY6QUVFzPNLdyAYDMZfjfjM53AB8RhUbPF1n-716suGALTLZrHeAW0Syg3RvP9O1Y5qBY9zZ4ZwCU8MyVeIAHdNL2QA4SiMLtG7pviAbuoLcj_ARv/s1600/IMG_1956.JPG"><img align="BOTTOM" border="0" height="320" name="graphics1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBA1j4RwBc6ZRvBkQm5_OjGL6d86LY6QUVFzPNLdyAYDMZfjfjM53AB8RhUbPF1n-716suGALTLZrHeAW0Syg3RvP9O1Y5qBY9zZ4ZwCU8MyVeIAHdNL2QA4SiMLtG7pviAbuoLcj_ARv/s320/IMG_1956.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
1. <b>The rides</b>. Huck Finn's has the best penny-arcade type rides you will find this side of the Chuck E. Cheese in Latham...and they are cheap, just like when we were kids. Twently-five cents each gets you a ride on a carousel, a Yabba-Dabba-Doo car, a choo-choo, and an obscenely long ride on a Conestoga wagon. Inside they have a bucking bronco, the kind you used to see outside of supermarkets. I'm telling you, with all of these rides it's like the poor man's <a href="http://alloveralbany.com/archive/2009/06/12/hoffmans-playland">Hoffman</a>'s.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 324px;"><col width="321"></col> <col width="3"></col> <tbody>
<tr> <td style="border: medium none; padding: 0in;" width="321"> <div align="CENTER"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xWP7tLubO-JKv9CIh4WR6Io_x8oo36X3EIoCF3CYx-ef9wJ-95tBx8sW5-z_rASMFHD6KYqQOO8pACgM-xeTJxtTSbVr4YeOpEKcyruQv0Vh2J39BlILYdTVr6rhajEYudbMxc1uImrG/s1600/IMG_1966.JPG"><img align="BOTTOM" border="0" height="240" name="graphics2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xWP7tLubO-JKv9CIh4WR6Io_x8oo36X3EIoCF3CYx-ef9wJ-95tBx8sW5-z_rASMFHD6KYqQOO8pACgM-xeTJxtTSbVr4YeOpEKcyruQv0Vh2J39BlILYdTVr6rhajEYudbMxc1uImrG/s320/IMG_1966.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></td> <td style="border: medium none; padding: 0in;" valign="TOP" width="3"></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border: medium none; padding: 0in;" width="321"> <div align="CENTER">Bucking Bronco, only 25 cents.</div><div align="CENTER"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border: medium none; padding: 0in;" width="3"></td> </tr>
</tbody></table> 2. <b>The bunk beds. </b>I don't think you are supposed to climb on them, but if you smile real purty at the salespeople, they don't say anything.<br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">3. <b>The old school bus</b> (Or old-school bus.This is one of the rare cases that it actually works both ways). One of the benefits of having your store in a warehouse is that you can fit a bus inside of it. I'm not sure why it's there, but my kids have spent at least a half an hour on it pretending that they are taking each other to school while Mommy stands idly by fiddling on her iPhone.</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6J2a7eYzye_lNfBP2ReMHMIzx5nkAXAGJcXwZTVV6DByVeQvB7e2I-yNcZGoxV2JXRXsBY99D_AWdfreiFsgSS16UmZD__D0s_8KgshhoHtUDT5vFEljQAMk7w_lzZtgewEuutCZA4KK/s1600/IMG_1971.JPG"><img align="BOTTOM" border="0" height="240" name="graphics3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6J2a7eYzye_lNfBP2ReMHMIzx5nkAXAGJcXwZTVV6DByVeQvB7e2I-yNcZGoxV2JXRXsBY99D_AWdfreiFsgSS16UmZD__D0s_8KgshhoHtUDT5vFEljQAMk7w_lzZtgewEuutCZA4KK/s320/IMG_1971.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">4. <b>Hide and seek in the carpets</b>. Huck Finn's has a delightful selection of carpets. Some are in stacks and some...the really huge ones... are on racks perfect for hiding in. The first time my son 'hid' in them I was 'seeking' a little more frantically, but as long as the kids tell you that they are going to disappear, it's fun and security needs not get involved.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="" name="goog_1679804952"></a><a href="" name="goog_1679804951"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAMVZk11KTs9RBaWs7IfBnExW3WhN3c8p0JjrykdXh9g2Jxin_1I49zHb8fqVIl_MWyX5zCvU2JX_guKMXMnsPkJ7ajEraATF9hIZKggvkSDUks4yY8jdPjslJADBEiTro51wxeD77AS7/s1600/IMG_1981.JPG"><img align="BOTTOM" border="0" height="320" name="graphics4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAMVZk11KTs9RBaWs7IfBnExW3WhN3c8p0JjrykdXh9g2Jxin_1I49zHb8fqVIl_MWyX5zCvU2JX_guKMXMnsPkJ7ajEraATF9hIZKggvkSDUks4yY8jdPjslJADBEiTro51wxeD77AS7/s320/IMG_1981.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
5. <b>Food.</b> There's a Subway on the premises...lunch is sorted.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
The free AC this time of year is also a nice touch.<br />
<br />
Seriously, my kids beg me to take them here. Why shoot, I reckon it's more fun than a rafting trip down the mighty Mississip. (I had to work it in somehow). </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Just remember to bring quarters.<br />
<br />
<br />
*<i>Disclaimer. Huck Finn's did not compensate author for writing this glowing review, but she would not say no to a new dining room set.</i></div><div dir="LTR" id="lws_0"> <div style="border: medium none; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in;"><br />
</div><div dir="LTR" id="linkwithin_text_0"> <div style="border: medium none; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in;"> </div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div>Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-53628715209907249472011-07-22T05:28:00.002-04:002011-07-22T05:31:33.343-04:00Like a Phoenix...Small-bany is rising from the ashes. Rejoice, my three faithful readers! (Yes, I am including myself. I do technically read this).<br />
<br />
I was warned that the third child would play some part in my undoing, I just didn't realize that it would take me this long to start 're-doing' again. Don't get me wrong, it's been a joy. A year-long, sleep-deprived, bleary-eyed, Tension Tamer tea-swigging kind of joy, but there has been plenty of joy and my chubby ball of baby has made our family complete. (And when I say complete I mean it, mean it. Not like the first two times).<br />
<br />
So, let's reaquaint ourselves, shall we?<br />
<br />
I started this blog two years ago as a means of exploring the world through the innocent eyes of my children. In other words, I needed to find out what activities I could still enjoy with toddlers and still maintain a modicum of dignity and sense of self.<br />
<br />
I have three kids, 6 and under (yes, kid's menus were written for people like me) a <a href="http://small-bany.blogspot.com/2010/02/van-tastic.html">minivan </a>with at least a quarter of a tank of gas in it at all times, and half a summer vacation looming..errr...I mean beckoning me to fill it with adventure. I prefer free and outdoorsy stuff, but am game to try anything at least once, so if you have suggestions, I'd be willing to try them out.<br />
<br />
Why read this blog when there are probably better ways to fill your time? Frankly, I can't answer that.<br />
<br />
So, to quote my dad, who is infamous in our house for not being able to sit still, "Let's do something."<br />
<br />
(and please leave comments if you are so moved...I love them!)Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-34745472585419414762010-06-08T22:52:00.000-04:002010-06-08T22:52:46.897-04:00Gimme a BreakWow! I can't believe it has been almost a month since I have posted anything. I am just writing to say that I will be taking break from the blog for a while (obviously). Summer is getting busy and my pregnancy is starting to take over. I hope to continue at some point soon. In the meantime, I encourage you to follow some of these really great sites that do a fantastic job of finding things to do with the kids.<br />
<br />
Have a great summer!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://albanykid.com/">Albany Kid</a></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.capitaldistrictfun.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Capital District Fun</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.momxchange.com/">momXchange</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-22177636129951584392010-05-14T15:44:00.002-04:002010-05-14T15:45:17.187-04:00Pond Appreciation DayBuckingham Pond is by far one of our favorite parks/playgrounds in Albany. If you haven't visited yet, try to stop by on Sunday for Pond Appreciation Day. A great project for the family and you'd be helping preserve the park for all future visitors and wildlife. For more info: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://www.buckinghampondconservancy.org/"> http://www.buckinghampondconservancy.org/</a><br />
<br />
PS. I just heard from their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/BuckinghamPond">Facebook Page</a> that all the little pond animals are having their babies... yet another chance to see <a href="http://small-bany.blogspot.com/2010/05/indian-ladder-farms.html">baby animals</a>... in their natural habitat, no less.<br />
<span class="UIStory_Message"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUaTYOcyTotHIltxXsNA9vrgqRkAuLlvdf0-JrdPSqQpizQ3kvZAFSofbAdJdtzlL2y45sTFntfmTkqsLf4VmTQtYrlWcnx8pke7McGhVv8tEd9ykm7pbthBFvo-Yrb45D-BhwJ3l2x_p/s1600/pond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUaTYOcyTotHIltxXsNA9vrgqRkAuLlvdf0-JrdPSqQpizQ3kvZAFSofbAdJdtzlL2y45sTFntfmTkqsLf4VmTQtYrlWcnx8pke7McGhVv8tEd9ykm7pbthBFvo-Yrb45D-BhwJ3l2x_p/s400/pond.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />
Here's a <a href="http://small-bany.blogspot.com/2009/10/buckingham-pond.html">playground review</a> I did last fall for Buckingham Pond.Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-31176967421061860102010-05-13T07:53:00.000-04:002010-05-13T07:53:19.964-04:00Albany Academy Book Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The Albany Academies is hosting the Second Annual Children's Book Festival.<br />
<strong>Saturday, May 15 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the AAG campus.<br />
<br />
- <a alt="37 children's and young adult authors and illustrators" href="http://www.albanyacademy.org/img/document_files/Children%27s%20Book%20Festival%20050710.pdf">37 children's and young adult authors and illustrators</a> </strong><br />
<br />
<strong>-Book sales and signings, workshops and activities for children, and refreshments!</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Children can come dressed as their favorite storybook character for the Storybook Parade at 10:15 a.m. in the AAG circle.<br />
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The event is free and open to the public.<br />
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Check out their website <a href="http://www.albanychildrensbookfestival.com/">HERE</a></strong>Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-7503750952585691462010-05-13T07:47:00.000-04:002010-05-13T07:47:31.871-04:00Greek FestivalFestival season is gearing up, so here is one you might want to check out this weekend.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrRgX9Piskt3IZLEXJz24enrHqgl_zatfdA_wLSzPszyf8iBOb5fvPz8EeTzMOSoHDnhQDTpSYz_81LnrLTT9wao2QmJcWowcCjcVWGOzCtiGClSw8QTbH5OyprObNcsMT3FxHKGxnPY1/s1600/FestivalPoster2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrRgX9Piskt3IZLEXJz24enrHqgl_zatfdA_wLSzPszyf8iBOb5fvPz8EeTzMOSoHDnhQDTpSYz_81LnrLTT9wao2QmJcWowcCjcVWGOzCtiGClSw8QTbH5OyprObNcsMT3FxHKGxnPY1/s400/FestivalPoster2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Admission $3<br />
Children under 12 Free<br />
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Friday 6-11pm<br />
Saturday Noon - 11pm<br />
Sunday Noon - 7 pmSmall-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-90058869917639769272010-05-13T07:36:00.000-04:002010-05-13T07:36:56.200-04:00Teddy Bear Hospital Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOe2IGEW-y0hxU7NpgEVv81AMJRnUh1CRJdXHD1ZSdkXlWMr_Lzlha_hd1uwe09WFBVs9raxCaAqNknUASDvyfvQo1lUTRddJoAs74swDYsgPHCK39Fi5tfnXvGOgfG6vkWsbR6ZyZqpG/s1600/IMG_4655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOe2IGEW-y0hxU7NpgEVv81AMJRnUh1CRJdXHD1ZSdkXlWMr_Lzlha_hd1uwe09WFBVs9raxCaAqNknUASDvyfvQo1lUTRddJoAs74swDYsgPHCK39Fi5tfnXvGOgfG6vkWsbR6ZyZqpG/s320/IMG_4655.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>It's time for your Teddy Bear's annual check-up. </i></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Teddy Bear Hospital Day</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sunday, May 16</div><div style="text-align: center;">1-4pm</div><div style="text-align: center;">Albany Medical Center</div><div style="text-align: center;">Choices Cafe </div><div style="text-align: center;">Free admission and parking </div><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Some highlights: tour of LifeNet helicopter, ambulance and fire truck, face painting, games and other hands on activities, snacks and a teddy bear check up by a bonafide medical student.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUVz7oNrL7fMpxyKZkd0Dwd6GXDXEZ1lfcuNiUVrrrn0tLpWJfahzXitBwct3dSrx60ejjhvQOdrRGBe0MHFIK8fxUSaQ7uxXcoVGEXFTgBioYLp8jAe8OdBxLVHZsuSOfCILyx7_qGQO/s1600/IMG_4653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUVz7oNrL7fMpxyKZkd0Dwd6GXDXEZ1lfcuNiUVrrrn0tLpWJfahzXitBwct3dSrx60ejjhvQOdrRGBe0MHFIK8fxUSaQ7uxXcoVGEXFTgBioYLp8jAe8OdBxLVHZsuSOfCILyx7_qGQO/s320/IMG_4653.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">We went last year and it was a fun little outing. If you are going for the tour of the helicopter, go earlier. We went towards the end of the afternoon, and while the lines for all the other activities were short, the helicopter had already taken off. </span>Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-23120270042596644032010-05-11T00:18:00.000-04:002010-05-11T00:18:47.128-04:00Weekend in VermontThis past weekend was my daughter's 5th birthday, and of course, Mother's Day. In honor of those momentous occasions, we took a 2-for-1 celebration weekend trip to Vermont. So, on Saturday morning we packed up the <a href="http://small-bany.blogspot.com/2010/02/van-tastic.html">minivan</a> (yes, the deed is done) and headed up to Burlington, Vermont for some ice cream, teddy bears, and snow...yes, I said snow.<br />
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I've always heard great things about Burlington and after looking at all the sunny pictures of Lake Champlain online, I was convinced this was going to be that sunny, springtime getaway that we needed. Well, as you Tulip-festers know, the weather was less than cooperative. But that, and a few other minor setbacks, did not stop us from having a entertaining and educational couple of days.<br />
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Here's some ideas if you are looking for a fun <a href="http://small-bany.blogspot.com/search/label/Weekend-cations">weekend-cation</a> and Burlington is calling your name.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9KsHJv7ATEx6DdBCCgCkMo36UBGHSKOX_jB8SMFDUwj16U75peH5MpAE5Vj3nHVDcMVSLOHrtn7wFjrzPW04ZKiZpk06qPTz9scHP9XKlg3Jg1ltrLvGo-albKFQHhPqozy_L6ZNGVYS/s1600/IMG_4297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9KsHJv7ATEx6DdBCCgCkMo36UBGHSKOX_jB8SMFDUwj16U75peH5MpAE5Vj3nHVDcMVSLOHrtn7wFjrzPW04ZKiZpk06qPTz9scHP9XKlg3Jg1ltrLvGo-albKFQHhPqozy_L6ZNGVYS/s200/IMG_4297.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>1. <a href="http://www.vermontteddybear.com/Static/Factory-Tour.aspx">The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory. </a> <br />
This was the first stop on our trip. Minor setback number one was that the actual production line does not run on weekends, so although you can get a tour of the factory floor, you won't see the people actually sewing and stuffing and all that good stuff. That being said, the tour guide was great (we actually got there at a really quiet time, around 3pm, and got a personal tour). She made tons of un-BEAR-able puns that we were encouraged to laugh at and was very knowledgeable and pretty passionate about her work at the factory.<br />
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The factory has a gift shop (with overpriced bear apparel) and teddy bears of all flavors, a personalization station where you have messages embroidered on your bear, and a Friend-for-Life teddy bear making station(kind of like <a href="http://www.buildabear.com/">'Build-a-Bear'</a>, but trust me, they want you to know that it was their idea first.)<br />
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You can find <b>Tour Information </b><a href="http://www.vermontteddybear.com/Static/Store-Info.aspx">here</a>.<br />
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2.<a href="http://www.vermont.org/experience/index.aspx"> Lake Champlain/Downtown Burlington</a><br />
The lake is beautiful, and even in the wind and cold we managed to have some fun. We found a nice little playground on the water and enjoyed the sunset. We even learned a little bit about <a href="http://www.genesispark.org/genpark/champ/champ.htm">Champ</a>, Champlain's version of Nessie.We didn't visit the <a href="http://www.echovermont.org/">Echo Aquarium</a>, which is right on the waterfront,but if you have more time, it's supposed to be a great place to take the kids.<br />
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After searching for parking, we made our way to the <a href="http://www.churchstmarketplace.com/">Church Street Marketplace</a>, Burlington's 'award winning outdoor mall' to check out the local color. And it was colorful. Lots of granola and funkiness. Kind of funny to see that juxtaposed against The Body Shop and Borders, but somehow it all worked. In the summer there are plenty of options for outdoor dining and entertainment.<br />
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3. Hotel courtesy of <a href="http://www.priceline.com/">Priceline.com</a><br />
50 bucks for a one night stay, with free breakfast and a pool. If you ask the kids, the pool was the highlight of the trip. Of course. We could have gotten a hotel in Albany and they would have been just as pleased.<br />
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4. <a href="http://www.lakechamplainchocolates.com/FactoryTourInfo.aspx">Lake Champlain Chocolate Factory Tour</a><br />
Ok, so we didn't actually go on the tour, but we saw the factory. The tours didn't start until 12 pm on Sunday and we had to be on our way, but if you are there during the week, stop by for a chocolately delicious peek.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUVthmFph6QgLkn5JQJM1UsBSV1QwBEx6UPuFgFGmU-pKukSVm4aHNmcoXzq68DM4Z1ujMEEGtNzhvX3KRQMCWY8eMWJk7ltg7Ccn_90IjSQ-Bhn4zFtsKovcqyQV7DPyc9npmvqMdU2l/s1600/Lila's+Quilt+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUVthmFph6QgLkn5JQJM1UsBSV1QwBEx6UPuFgFGmU-pKukSVm4aHNmcoXzq68DM4Z1ujMEEGtNzhvX3KRQMCWY8eMWJk7ltg7Ccn_90IjSQ-Bhn4zFtsKovcqyQV7DPyc9npmvqMdU2l/s320/Lila's+Quilt+005.jpg" /></a></div>5. <a href="http://www.benjerry.com/scoop-shops/factory-tours/">The Ben and Jerry's Factory Tour </a><br />
Located in Waterbury, about 25 minutes away from Burlington, this was the real reason I wanted to go to Vermont. Of course, in my haste, I did not check that, yet again, the actual factory floor is not open on the weekends, but again, it really didn't matter. The tour guide was funny (again, lots of cow jokes), we saw the factory floor, learned the history of Ben and Jerry, and got some delicious free samples. (The flavor of the day was 'Cookies and Milk', a new flavor, and it was superb. Bonus: Because it was Mother's Day, mommy's got a free cone.<br />
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*<i>Interesting side note: The tour guide implored us to try new flavors when we go to Ben and Jerry's. She said a lot of people stick to the 'favorites' (see list), so many of the new flavors don't stick around too long. So the next time you are at B&J's, why not bypass the Chunky Monkey and try something new. </i><br />
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6. <a href="http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/browse/Home/Visit-Our-Stores/About-Weston/D/80000/P/1:300:3010:30100">The Vermont Country Store</a> - Weston, VT location<br />
You can read more about it <a href="http://small-bany.blogspot.com/2009/10/vermont-is-for-mothers.html">here</a>.<br />
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Overall, this was a really great and affordable little getaway. Despite the fact that it did snow on Sunday morning and all the factories were 'off' on the weekend, we managed to squeeze a lot out of those two days. We will probably head back at some point, in the warmer weather (I'm sure there is a week like that sometime in August) and check out some of the other things we missed like the <a href="http://www.ferries.com/">Lake Champlain Ferry</a> and the <a href="http://www.shelburnemuseum.org/">Shelburne Museum</a>.Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-16170198737067881652010-05-07T16:11:00.006-04:002010-05-11T12:35:08.206-04:00Hand Washing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-XPP7rfMaDkS6biIxwzrS3krdK66KQfwsNlSDfzzc48pR7kwr1WP6zgAFkIElBrLkkQNBgK2mU-H5Kv2S0BXB_itWIJQsbZSLXHioFem_jMVFoxIjYCUro-UX-wF9FWm967E0y1nV-64/s1600/HandWashSignFreeImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-XPP7rfMaDkS6biIxwzrS3krdK66KQfwsNlSDfzzc48pR7kwr1WP6zgAFkIElBrLkkQNBgK2mU-H5Kv2S0BXB_itWIJQsbZSLXHioFem_jMVFoxIjYCUro-UX-wF9FWm967E0y1nV-64/s200/HandWashSignFreeImage.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>Yesterday, whilst shopping at Target (my home away from home), my daughter uttered the seven most dreaded words to hear at any large shopping center... or any place other than home for that matter...'I have to go to the bathroom.'. (yep, seven.) Of course we were at the far end of the store so we had to haul it all the way back to the front while she did the potty dance and let everyone we passed know the purpose of our mission.<br />
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Anyway, while my son and I waited for her to be done, we saw another mother with two young kids come out of a stall and walk directly to the door. Wait, what? No soap..no water... no hyper-speed hand dryer, nothing. <br />
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Please tell me this is not normal. If so, it makes me never want to touch another public surface for as long as I live.<br />
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When I was growing up in the 80's, there was a huge anti-littering campaign going on. You know, the whole 'Give a Hoot, Don't Pollute" thing, and I don't know about the rest of you, but that stuff worked on me. I am still absolutely floored when I see people throwing fast food bags out the window or leaving diapers in parking lots (ahem, Wal-Mart). I can just imagine Woodsy the Owl silently weeping on a branch somewhere.<br />
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Subsequently, I think that there has been enough hand-washing propaganda out there for <i>at least</i> the last five years for people to know that's just what you do. I mean, it's in all the potty training books for kids. Elmo even says it, for God's sake.<br />
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Now, I'm not tellling you that every time I need to wash my hands I stand there singing<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/cleanhands/"> "Happy Birthday to You" </a>twice while scrubbing as per the CDC's instructions, but I do use soap and warm water, and frankly I feel pretty good about that decision. I also make sure my kids do the same. But after seeing this little display of hand-washing negligence, it has made me question things. Am I just setting us all up for a lifetime of being compulsive hand washers or is it just ok to know that the pee-pee is off my son's hands after we leave the bathroom?<br />
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I know that when I am crammed in a stall with two kids, there is nothing that will prevent my 3 year old son from touching every surface in there.. and there is not enough hand sanitizer in the world to combat that little germ fest. Surely it's better to actually wash the yuck off of your hands first, if the option is there. Is that so wrong?Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-79717075470171698972010-05-06T14:40:00.002-04:002010-05-06T14:41:53.025-04:00Kids Bowl FreeIt's time <a href="http://small-bany.blogspot.com/2009/04/bowling-for-no-dollars.html">again </a>to sign up for the Kids Bowl Free program.<br />
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Here is a description from their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/kidsbowlfree?v=info#%21/kidsbowlfree?v=wall">FB page </a><br />
<dl class="info"><dd><i>The <a href="http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/faq.php">"Kids Bowl Free"</a> is a summer bowling program that is sponsored by select bowling centers across the country. </i></dd>
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<dd><i>Kids receive 2 free games of bowling everyday during the summer. There is no cost to participate. Parents may purchase a Family Pass from $24.95 (one-time payment) that covers up to 4 adult family members and provides 2 games of bowling everyday throughout the summer.</i></dd><dd></dd><dd><i> </i>Find a participating lane near you right<i> </i><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/state.php?state=NY"><b>here</b></a></span><i>. </i>
<i> </i> </dd><dd><i> </i></dd><dd><i>Thanks, Karin!</i></dd></dl>Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6474652879398149890.post-89888870327599010562010-05-04T20:03:00.000-04:002010-05-04T20:03:46.550-04:00Mother's Day BouquetHere's a cute little gift idea I found on <a href="http://albanykid.com/">Albany Kid</a> and <a href="http://www.capitaldistrictfun.com/">Capital District Fun</a> (two great blogs for families and kids in the area). <br />
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Kids can build their own Mother's Day Bouquet for $5 at participating Price Choppers.<br />
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From the site:<br />
<blockquote><i>Show Mom she's special and Build a Bouquet for Mother's Day at participating Price Chopper locations May 8. Children 12 and under can make a 3-bunch bouquet for $5 plus tax. Kids pick out flowers, colored tissue and a ribbon. Then they can sign and attach a personalized card!</i></blockquote> You can find participating locations right <a href="http://www2.pricechopper.com/bouquet/">here</a>.Small-banyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03952414525565985393noreply@blogger.com0