Mommy FTW

We live near the Whole Foods Friendship Heights in Chevy Chase and shop there all the time, and often eat lunch as well (FYI, it’s a great place to eat with the whole family because everyone can pick something that they want).  I just found out that this particular Whole Foods is about to roll out a delivery service, and for those who give it a try during the soft launch (5/29-6/12,) you can get a 10$ gift card, and a free delivery!

Free delivery and 10$ of free food? Yes please.

Here’s the details about the Friendship Heights delivery service: Customers will come to the store and shop as usual, at check out they can opt for delivery. Whole Foods will hold on to the groceries and deliver within a 4hour window from the point of purchase. The idea is that customers who take great pride in picking out their own groceries will still get that experience but won’t have to hustle home to drop off their items when they may have other plans.  So now you can still get your shopping done and then run straight off to the kids soccer practice, karate, art class, or all of the above.

Violet at Whole Foods last Sunday getting some shopping done

Whole Foods is using a completely green electric truck, and they hope to extend the delivery area and that eventually the Tenley and Bethesda store will implement the service to serve their neighborhoods.

The delivery fee is a flat $5 and any deliveries of groceries totaling $200 or more will be free.  Check out the map to see if you are in the delivery area, and stop in and talk to the friendly folks at Customer Service to learn more about getting your 10$ gift card.

FYI, you can ‘Like’ Whole Foods Market Friendship Heights on Facebook and find out more about weekly specials (Lobster tails are on sale this Friday!!) and classes.

When I was growing up my mom always grew food in her garden, and I loved participating in the process, and of course, eating the proceeds!  I have tried very hard to pass on this love of homegrown foods and gardening (both the growing, and the eating) to my kids.

So, I was excited to hear about a book called We Grew It, Let’s Eat It.  It was written by two young twins in Washington, DC who learned about the White House Garden and wanted to start one of their own – but they lived in an apartment with no outdoor space.  They started their project at a Community Garden – planting, tending, harvesting, and preparing their homegrown food, and writing about it.

Help your kids get excited about gardening and homegrown food!

Simply put, We Grew It, Let’s Eat It illustrates how exciting and rewarding creating and enjoying homegrown food can be to little ones.  And, this weekend (April 14th at 3:00 pm) at the Tenley Friendship Library (Wisconsin Ave at Albemarle St) the twin authors Annie and Veda will be reading excerpts from their book and talking to fellow gardeners (young and old) about their experience.  Bring your little ones and learn and help them get excited about gardening!

To learn more about Tenley Circle Press, the publishers of We Grew It, Let’s Eat It!, check out their website.

Recently I did a post on a week of free story time options in NW DC.  While I was at the Bird House story time yesterday at the Zoo I found out some information that I wanted to share:  For the summer, the Bird House story time will be on break.  Sad news – but there is some good news too!  Starting Thursday, April 5 at 10:30 there will be a new story time at the Kid’s Farm.  Here’s the description of Farm Stories from the Zoo website:

Moo! Come for the book, stay for the stories!

Families with young children are invited to visit the Kids’ Farm for a special story featuring our farm friends. Sponsored by State Farm®.

State Farm in partnership with Reading is Fundamental will provide a free book to children attending Story Time at the Farm while supplies last.

Yes – a free book!  Sounds good to me – see you there!!

Now that Violet has decided to drop her morning nap (not my idea!) I have found myself with a lot less free time on my hands (hence the slow down in posting) and researching ways to keep her occupied while my son Cameron is in preschool.  I decided to look into all the local (FREE!) story time options near where we live.  As it turns out, there is a story time for every week day – most of them offered by the local libraries.  FYI, the post below is filled with links to the locations as well as the schedules of the events – be sure to click through for more details.  Also, I added my favorite nearby lunch spots in case you happen to be hungry after listening to all those stories.

"I'm totally not napping mom, so make with the entertainment already!"

Monday -

10:30 am Politics and Prose Story Time with BearSong the Guitar man If you need a snack or some lunch, Politics and Prose has a coffee shop, and there is also one of my favorites, Marvelous Market, just down the block.

10:30 am Palisades Library Crafty Tales for Toddlers age 2  Palisades Library is my favorite library for kiddos near me – they have a train table and lots of spots for the kids to draw and do puzzles.  And, FYI, there is a Safeway just around the corner from the Palisades Library which makes really yummy deli sandwiches if you are looking to pick up some lunch while you are around!

11:15 am Palisades Library Baby Lap Time ages birth – 12 months

Tuesday -

10 am Chevy Chase Library Toddler Story Time Stories, songs and so much more ages 1-5

10:30 am National Zoo Bird House Story Time in the Bird Resource Room for special stories featuring our feathered friends. Come for the story time, but stay for the zoo!  There’s so much to see, be sure to make a morning of it!  And, if you are looking for some yummy lunch, check out my favorite Italian Delicatessen Vace just down Connecticut Ave for some to-die-for (and cheap) pizza and sandwiches.

Wednesday -

10 am Cleveland Park Library Terrific Twos Storytime ages 2-3 FYI – Vace is right across the street from the Cleveland Park Library – now you just have to try it!

10:30 am Palisades Library Preschool Story Time ages 2-5

11:15 am Palisades Library Music and Movement Music, dancing and instrument playing ages birth – 5

Thursday -

11 am Chevy Chase Library Toddler Story Time Stories, songs and so much more ages 1-5

10 am Tenley-Friendship Library Bilingual (English/Spanish) Story Time Stories, songs, rhymes and lots of fun with Miss Veronica 2nd and 4th Thursdays only

Friday -

10 am Tenley-Friendship Library Tales for Twos and Three Listen to stories and enjoy music, movement and other fun activities ages 2-3 Whole foods, and a just added Panera Bread are right across the street from the Tenley-Friendship Library.  These are both great spots to grab some snacks or lunch.

11 am Tenley Friendship Library Baby Toddler Lap Time ages birth – 24 months

I realize that a lot of you don’t live near me -  sorry that was so hyper local.  But, I do suggest that you check out your local library and see what they have going.  I am so impressed with the DC Public libraries – they offer so many incredible programs!  And when we were living in Brooklyn, Cameron was a big fan of the story time at Clinton Hill Library.  It’s great that there are so many free options out there to get our little ones interested in books – so be sure to take advantage of them!!

UPDATE! As of this week, story time on Tuesday at the Bird House is on break for the summer, but a new story time is starting up at the Kids Farm.  Check out this post for more information.

The Hurricane is coming!  It’s time to batten down the hatches, and figure out what the heck to do with your kids!  Here’s a round up of my favorite rainy day activities in Washington DC if you need to get the little ones out of the house, most of them FREE!

Some ideas to beat the rainy day blues. Of course, there's always puddle stompin'!

Wilson Aquatic Center – The Aquatic Center is currently closed for it’s yearly “deep clean” but will re open Sunday, August 28th all refreshed.  Given that Sunday is supposed to be one of the more rainy days, this seems like great timing to me!  Check out my earlier post on the Wilson Aquatic Center to learn more about this fabulous, free spot.  It’s the perfect place to take your kiddos and really tire them out!

Rock Creek Park Nature Center – While not the most glamorous spot, it’s a great little gem for a rainy day.  There’s lots of things for your little explorer to look at and touch, and plenty of free parking.  Check out my earlier post on the Rock Creek Park Nature Center for more information.

The National Museum of Natural History – This museum has Dinosaurs, bugs, a huge Elephant, gems, and so much more.  Both my son and daughter loved being able to hold the bugs, and were amazed by the butterfly exhibit.  Check out the National Museum of Natural History website for more information on the current exhibits and hours.

National Museum of American History – If your little one loves trains, trucks, machines, and hands on activities don’t miss the Spark Lab!), then you definitely want to check out this Museum.  Check out the website for more information on exhibits and hours of operation.

National Air and Space Museum – There is something amazing about giant planes hanging indoors just a few feet away from you – even to an adult!  Air and Space is a guaranteed winner for kids.  Be sure to check out the How Flight Works exhibit which has lots of fun hands on activities.  Check the Air and Space website for more info.

Wisconsin Place Rec Center – This isn’t the most exciting outing, but if you are desperate to get your little on out of the house, this is a decent option.  Check out my previous post on the Rec Center to learn more.

Metro Train Ride – If your toddler loves trains as much as mine does, they might enjoy just a train ride on the Metro.  I know I’ve done this before!  Cameron really loves the “underground train.”  Seems silly…. but you never know what is exciting to a little one.  Kids under 4 ride free.

National Zoo – Yes, much of the Zoo is outside, but there are lots of indoor exhibits too.  Cameron’s favorites are the Bird House and Amazonia.  Check the Zoo website for more info on exhibits and hours.

Palisades Library – Did you know the Palisades library has a train table, and a whole floor devoted to the kids section?  It’s the best kids library I’ve ever encountered.  The library isn’t open Sunday, but it’s a good option for this Saturday (or any other rainy day!)  Check out the Palisades Library page on the DC Public Library website for more info.

Those of you who read Mommy For The Win regularly know that Cameron loves to read, and I try to encourage this by always getting him new books.  I’ve become a huge fan of the D.C. Public Library because really, who has the money to buy all these books!

When I first started going to the Library I would aimlessly search the shelves and pull out what seemed like it would interest Cameron.  Occasionally I would find something good, but it was hard to really get in there to look for specific things while wrangling a toddler and a newborn.  So, with the encouragement of the DCPL on twitter (@dcpl) I checked out the D.C. Public Library website, and learned how to place books on hold for pick up at whatever library I wanted.  It’s really easy – Here’s a step by step guide:

1)Figure out what book you want to check out – this can be the hardest part.  If you are short on inspiration, use Amazon.com to help you.  Today I started by typing in “Truck Book” to the search box.  One of the suggestions that came up was “Little Blue Truck” by Alice Schertle.  The reviews seemed good, so I thought I’d see if the Library had it.  (Honestly, I would say 8 out of 10 times they do have the book I am looking for!)  FYI, another great resource is the “Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought” suggestions box.  It’s full of other great ideas for similar books.  If your toddler has a favorite book, search for it and see what Amazon suggests in this area.  It’s really helpful!

Use this suggestions box to come up with ideas

2)Go to the D.C. Public Library website and search their online catalog.  The website is catalog.dclibrary.org – just type the title of the book (or if you have an author you like, you can try that as well) to find your book.

Search the online catalog

3)Place the book on hold.  Click on the book – when looking at the book information page you will see there is an option to “Place Hold” – this means that they will fetch the book for you (from any DC Library branch) and bring it to whichever Library branch you ask.  Yes.  THEY DELIVER IT!! If the book is checked out, they will get it for you once it is returned.  Usually it takes a few days if the book is not checked out.  They will email you when the book has arrived at your requested library.

Place your book on Hold - you can choose your pick up branch

4)Pick up your book.  Once you get your email, go and pick up your book – it will be there waiting for you under your name.  It’s so easy.  You will never aimlessly browse the Library again!

You can manage your holds and see what the status is as well.  If you decide you don’t want a book after all, you can cancel the hold.

Manage your Holds using the "My Requested Holds" button

Of course to do all this you need a library account.  If you don’t have one of those, sign up.  It’s quick, easy, and FREE!

Not in D.C.?  Don’t worry – I know other Libraries have a similar system.  Stop in to your local branch and ask them how to place a hold for a book and if they have an online catalog.  You will be so happy you did!

Hooray!  Today I received an eye witness report that the sprinklers at Chevy Chase Playground (aka Livingston Playground) are finally up and running as of 1130am this morning!   The hours of operation will be 11am til 7pm DAILY – this sprinkler park is in fact open on SUNDAYS! The water comes on in ten minute cycles (on for 10 minutes, off for 2 minutes) but the button on the top of the red “hydrant” in the middle of the spray ground will keep it on continuously (see picture).  See you there!!

A picture from the testing phase - note the red hydrant in the middle which keeps the water on.

Chevy Chase Playground (often called Livingston Playground because of its location) is located at 4101 Livingston Street Northwest, Washington D.C. It is within walking distance from the Friendship Heights Metro Station (on the Red Line) and, there is also plenty of street parking.  For more pictures and information on the rest of Chevy Chase Playground (which was just renovated) check out my earlier post.

Update on Tuesday August 2nd – the sprinklers are ON!!

Update on Wednesday July 27th – DPR announced at the meeting Tuesday evening that they are working on the drainage problem at present and hope to re-lay the concrete/cement on Thurs/Fri this week. They hope to turn the sprays on again on Monday August 1st to test whether the problem has been fixed.

Original post – It seems like all the moms in NW DC are asking “When are they going to open the spray park at Chevy Chase Playground?!”  It’s so hot out, and it’s hard to be patient.  Today I sent a tweet to the Mayor (@mayorvincegray) asking if he could help and at least get some information about when they plan to fix the drainage issue.  I just got his response: DPR tells me that work to repair should start Monday and take a couple of weeks. I understand impatience in this heat!

So there you have it – I wish I had better news to report!  In the mean time, check out the other DC sprinkler parks – I posted a list just the other day.  And, don’t forget about the Wilson Aquatic Center.  It’s a great way to beat the summer heat.

Still not open - and it sounds like it will be awhile.

FYI – There will be a community meeting with DPR regarding Livingston Street Park on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 6:30 PM. During this meeting DPR will review the additions to the park, areas that need attention, and the timeline for repairs or remaining installations (spray park, sand box, benches, etc.).

Who: DPR Staff, Director Aguirre, CM Mary Cheh and Community
When: Tuesday, July 26, 2011
6:30 PM
Where: Chevy Chase Community Center Multi-Purpose Room
5601 Connecticut Avenue, NW

I was pretty bummed last fall when I learned that Chevy Chase Playground (Livingston Playground) was closed for renovation.  But, now that the playground has re opened and everything is brand new (and totally awesome!) I’ve decided it was worth the wait!

One of the big draws of the new space is the water feature (sprayground / sprinklers), but unfortunately, we will all have to wait a little longer for this to open – there seems to be a drainage issue that is still being worked on.  But from what I saw of the water area it looks pretty great.  All the kids were staring at it longingly!  The DPR employee I talked to said he thought it would be ready to go in about a week.  UPDATE – as of 8/2/11 the sprinkler park is open!!

But, let’s cover what is there – There are 4 play structures of various sizes which are perfect for the toddler set. Cameron, at 2.5 could navigate pretty much all of them on his own.  Certainly some of them are made for the littler kids (but he had just as much fun on these).  I tried to include lots of pictures so you could get a feel for the place.

I think his favorite thing was the climbing wall / mountain which after a few attempts he was able to do on his own.  The whole playground surface is covered in soft rubber, which makes for easy falls.  There’s plenty of space to run in between each play area, and lots of trees around (to be fair it was a cloudy day so it was hard for me to really evaluate the amount of shade).  There are a few benches for sitting, although more would be nice.  I didn’t see many trash cans, though there are some.  There are 2 toddler swings and 2 big kid swings.  The toddler swings were in high demand.  There is also another separate playground area for bigger kids which I didn’t check out yet.

If you’re near by, its definitely worth a trip!  There’s plenty of street parking, and once those sprinklers are fully operational I think this will be a favorite summer spot for us (and lots of others too!)

Chevy Chase Playground (often called Livingston Playground because of its location) is located at 4101 Livingston Street Northwest, Washington D.C. It is within walking distance from the Friendship Heights Metro Station (on the Red Line) and, as I said, there is also plenty of street parking.

Lots of moms in the DC area have mentioned to me that I really need to check out Clemyjontri park.  Every time someone said it, I had no idea how to spell it so I didn’t look it up online.  I also knew that it was in Virginia (I wasn’t sure where) so I assumed it was a trek from my house.  I’m so happy that earlier this week a friend from out of town sent me a message on facebook saying she wanted to meet there with the kids.  Now I had the spelling – and a reason to go!  As it turned out Clemyjontri is just over the river in McLean VA – which happens to be only about 15 minutes from my house.  Cameron, Violet, and I headed over and had an amazing time!  I took some pictures, but they really don’t do it justice.  You might also want to check out a google image search for Clemyjontri Park to see more pictures and get a better feel for it.

Clemyjontri park was given by the Lebowitz family and named after their four children: Carolyn (CL), Emily (EMY), John (Jon), and Petrina (Tri).  Clemyjontri playground is designed to be a place where children who use wheelchairs, walkers or braces, can have a parallel playground experience of fun and exploration – because of this, there are lots of ramps everywhere which makes it really easy for kids to play (and moms like me to follow with their strollers!)  Aside from this great accesability, what really makes the park is it’s size.  It is HUGE.  The best way to describe it is basically as an amusement park for toddlers.  I have never seen a playground so large.  There are lots of little sub sections with themes – vehicles, trains, music, a maze, the list goes on. It even has a carousel in the middle ($1.75 a ride).  The only things I was wishing for were sprinklers and more shade (it was hot out!!) but really, given the totaly awesomeness of the park, I can’t really complain.  FYI – there’s plenty of parking, and bathrooms for potty breaks.

Clemyjontri park is located at 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101.  For more information on the play structures of the park, and the donors, check out the Fairfax County Park Authority website.