Summer Survival with Kids

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Summer Kids Theatre: The Big Friendly Giant Review

July 15, 2014

“Mommy, I am going to read The BFG next,” casually remarked my 8-year-old at the conclusion of Imagination Stage’s current stage production of Roald Dahl’s The BFG.

Could there be a better, more concise, or positive review of a play than those words? Especially coming from my not-overly-inclined-to-read-on-a-whim kid. It was music to my ears. One week later, she has officially cracked the book, further proving just how much she enjoyed the play.

The BFG (James Konicek) and Sophie (Megan Graves) celebrate friendship and bravery in THE BFG at Imagination Stage through August 10. Photo Credit: Imagination Stage

We recently took a much-needed break from the sun and pool to head indoors for Imagination Stage’s new production, Roald Dahl’s The BFG (Big Friendly Giant). Full disclosure: We are avid Matilda fans here, including a whirlwind 24-hour trip to NYC over spring break to see it on Broadway, but we weren’t overly familiar with the BFG plot.

In fact, I don’t even think I read The BFG as a kid.

I know, I know. A disgrace.

#Don’tTellMyDaughter

For anyone else who might not know, the BFG includes all the essential elements for kid theater-going success: farting jokes, enormous giants, a good-fighting-evil arc, a brave little girl and some explanation of where our dreams come from. In our house, my youngest shares a name with the show’s main character, Sophie, so we had that added perk. Also chez moi, zapping bad dreams from heads before bed-time is a nightly ritual, so any chance to learn how these dreams get in our heads is a win-win for my girls.

The play opens with little Sophie’s cold and unloving orphan existence. While she’s looking out the window one sleepless night, she happens to spot a huge giant. According to Dahl, the master of exploring kid fears and imaginations, mean giants roam the globe when humans are sleeping, and do horrible things like eat children.

#NomNom

Honestly, some might consider the Dahl stories too dark and morbid but I love them. Just as the children

The mean giants of Giant Country plot their next move during The Witching Hour in THE BFG at Imagination Stage. Photo Credit: Imagination Stage

are revolting in Matilda but they rise above their adult oppressors and prevail, the same proves true in The BFG. In this case, Sophie happens to spot the one giant who doesn’t eat children, so while he snatches her from her own bedroom (hello possible nightmares and kidnapping fears), he is nice and caring and hides her from the mean children-eating giants in his giant-land.

At this point, you might be wondering the right age group for the play? My 5-year-old came along and she never once was scared or upset by the plot. The only challenge we faced with her was the length of the play, especially because it includes a short intermission. Anyone who follows my theater reviews knows I loathe intermission for kid plays. I confess, I was disappointed they brought back the intermission for this play because Imagination Stage had eliminated it from the past few consecutive plays. Bottom line, Mr. WM and me both agreed that early Elementary through 6th grade is the ideal target for this one, my rising Kindergartener was questionable but it wasn’t inappropriate or outrageous to bring her along. She just understand it or appreciate it like her older sister did and it got to be a little long for her.

The Queen of England (Susan Lynskey) honors the BFG (James Konicek) for his courage in THE BFG at Imagination Stage. Photo Credit: Imagination Stage

In the end, Sophie and the BFG plan to save the world’s children from the mean giants by concocting a clever plan to get inside the Queen of England’s head. Along the way, Dahl successfully mixes farting jokes with the ever-proper Queen while good wins over evil.

If the kids in your house are Dahl-lovers, I’d highly recommend this summer play. It’s a great chance to escape the heat and explore your little one’s imagination. From my perspective, there is no greater marker of a wonderful theater experience than a child actively seeking out the book after the show.

Catch The BFG now through August 10th. Tickets are on sale for $10 and can be purchased online.

Disclosure: Me and my family were guests of Imagination Stage but my opinions here are all my own.

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Summer Bucket List 2013: A Mid-Summer’s Update

July 22, 2013

Anyone else cringing at the sight of “Back to School” commercials on TV? One wonders, is it necessary? Couldn’t they at least wait until August 1? Or do they start in July because we’ll start seeing Halloween decor coming out on August 1?

#EnoughAlready

I refuse to acknowledge any of it because we are still in the throes of summer in Wired Momma-Land and I thought it time to update you all on the status of my summer bucket list, to give you a bit of a distraction from the Great #RoyalBaby watch of 2013. I’ll address what I’ve knocked off my bucket list and the unexpected things I’ve added, taking the lead is dinner without pants. And with that:

The fearsome Captain Hook (James Konicek) in PETER PAN AND WENDY at Imagination Stage. Photo Credit: Margot Schulman

Children’s Theater

Earlier this summer, recall I vowed to head to Wolf Trap – both regular Wolf Trap for the evening shows under the stars – and the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods . That’s what I said. Here’s what I’ve done – I purchased three tickets to see a show at the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods and guess what? It poured rain all morning. Therefore, this item remains on my bucket list.

As for puppet shows, unfortunately we missed “Bathtub Pirates” at The Puppet Co., but my plan is to see the “Dinosaur Babies” puppet show, maybe even this week. (For anyone keeping score, I’m currently 0 for 2).

Ready to hit the carousel at Glen Echo Park after the “Cat in the Hat”

But wait….we did see “Cat in the Hat” at Adventure Theatre and LOVED IT. Here’s a link to my review and it’s still not too late for you to head there for some indoor summer fun!

We also saw “Peter Pan and Wendy” at Imagination Stage and loved that one too – here’s a link to my review! You still have a few more weeks to check that out as well.

But wait, there’s more on the outdoor entertainment front. Strathmore Backyard Theater has an ongoing outdoor entertainment series for kids that I haven’t yet been too – look for me there this summer…that’s what I said at the onset of summer. We haven’t yet been there either BUT my plan is to go on Thursday- fingers crossed for good weather.

Outdoor Fun

Earlier this summer, I said that Mr. WM wants to hit every water park he can find. So far, we’ve hit our fav water park on Fenwick Island in Delaware twice and I have a strong feeling we’ll be there again this coming weekend. So – check.

Paddle-boating ready at Cunningham Falls State Park

I noted that Mr. WM also wanted to hit Cunningham State Falls park. It’s absurd that we’ve never been and NOW I can say that we have been and enjoyed a lovely day of a short (again, emphasize short) hike and then frolicking in the lake, a picnic on the beach and then we took a paddleboat out for about an hour. I’d highly recommend this as a fun outing, however, I’d urge you to arrive early. When we left around 3pm, there was a long lineup of cars waiting to enter the state park.

Earlier this summer, I vowed to hit outdoor music. Thus far, I missed all the outdoor

Loving the butterflies at Brookside Gardens

concerts at Brookside Gardens in June BUT we did hit Brookside Gardens for a day-time outing and loved strolling around the grounds and visiting the butterfly exhibit. So much so that we are probably going back, possibly tomorrow.

The National Zoo is always on our bucket list – year round – and I loved the great red panda escape pulled off by Rusty earlier this summer. We haven’t yet hit the Zoo but we’ll get there, we always do, before school starts.

Earlier this summer, here was my vow: Given our proximity to the water and the youngest WM’ette’s love for all things pirates, hopefully we’ll hit up the Pirate cruise in Annapolis, Baltimore or the new one that just launched in Georgetown. Here’s my review of the Annapolis experience if you haven’t yet been. Update: haven’t done any pirate cruises yet BUT have done pirate mini-golf in downtown Bethany Beach a few times, does this count?

Requisite summer activites: fireworks, sparklers, corn on the cob and mini golf

Requisite summer activities: fireworks, sparklers, corn on the cob and mini golf

Outdoor Bucket List Promise from Early in the Summer: For a weekend day trip idea, I recently learned of the boat cruises from Annapolis to St. Michaels. We once had a weekend get-away without children to St. Michaels and it was lovely but that was almost seven years ago and we haven’t been since. Based on the reviews, it sounds like the kids would love the cruise from Annapolis to St. Michaels. Or better yet, maybe I need to ditch the kids and husband and instead hit the yoga cruise out of Annapolis with the ladies. Thoughts??

Update: Haven’t done any of the above yet but there is still time. I hereby declare summer extends through September. Seriously.

Outdoor Bucket List Promise: Beyond taking the girls to see a Nationals game, I think it’s time we hit a game at the Bowie Baysox, every year I regret not getting there because I hear the whole experience is really kid friendly and cheap. Update: We have tickets to go at the end of August to see the Bowie Baysox with friends!

Look at that smile….oh my

Movies

Earlier in the summer promise: We’re also really looking forward to “Monsters University” opening later this month and the Despicable Me Sequel! Update: My girls went to see Monsters U with their summer camp and loved it. They also went to see “Turbo” and loved it. I need to get them to Despicable Me 2 bc I also can’t wait to see it. But how could I possibly mention summer movies without a shout-out to my evening with Channing Tatum?? Who would have expected that to emerge from this summer, eh?

Books

Earlier this summer, I noted how much I love to read, especially through the summer. I did download “Room” and devoured it. It is a disturbing book but what kept me going was not just the perspective of a very innocent 5-year-old but the fact that it really is as much a book about motherhood and resolve as it is about kidnapping and abuse. I have “The Interestings” downloaded but am currently reading the hilarious “Where’d You Go Bernadette?” which is a great change of pace after Room. Next up I’m going to read “The Tragedy Paper” which was recommended by the same friend who recommends most book titles to me and my sister is also reading it and is totally absorbed in it. Earlier in the summer I finished “The Kingmaker’s Daughter” and basically couldn’t put it down.

Date Night

Here was my pre-summer vow: I want to go on more dates this summer. One of my fav summer dates was the year we did the sunset kayaking and then ended up at Founding Farmers for dinner. Time to repeat that one or find another one that’s equally as fun and unique to summer time.

Update: We suck in this category. And frankly, I didn’t even realize it until just now. I’ve had a fabulous evening out to Le Diplomate with my BFFs. I had a great dinner out with Mr. WM and my sister and brother-in-law to celebrate a birthday but we haven’t had just a date night for us. Time to get that one sorted out, I’d say.

#Fail

#WhereDoesTimeGo?

#DoesMyDateWithChanningTatumCount?

Summer 2013 Bucket List Additions

Dirty Girl Mud Run

Unfortunately, prior plans are going to prevent me from participating in this one but I hope others will participate in the Dirty Girl Mud Run on Saturday August 10. It’s right up my alley and I hate that I am missing it – a mud-filled obstacle course – for women only – seriously – doesn’t that sound super fun??? It’s for women ages 14 and up and proceeds are donated to breast cancer charities. This one is a no brainer people. I hope you’ll sign up!

Dinner without Pants

And last but not least, Dinner Without Pants. I’d highly recommend this one. Otherwise known as spontaneous dinner out with friends and kids straight from the pool so you go in your swimsuit cover-up and it’s okay because it’s summer. There is nothing more fun, more summer-y and more relaxing than this, seriously. Do it.

Happy Summer Everyone. Feel free to add your summer favs in the comments, or on the WM Facebook page because that’s where all the fun happens, and join moi in WM-Land & keep ignoring those invasive “Back to School” commercials.

#IHatePackingLunches

#HappySummer

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DC Day Trips with Kids, DC Events with Kids, DC Parenting Blogger, Summer Outdoor Music, Summer Survival with Kids

A Journey to Neverland: Imagination Stage’s Peter Pan & Wendy

July 8, 2013

I briefly interrupt your lazy summer days to bring you this update on the status of achieving my summer time Bucket List: I am pleased to report on an excellent trip to Bethesda’s Imagination Stage on July 2. To cut straight to the chase: me and the girls are giving Imagination Stage’s Peter Pan & Wendy a strong two thumbs up after enjoying the performance last Tuesday morning.

Wendy (Justine Moral) and Peter Pan (Jonathan Atkinson) watch the mermaids in PETER PAN AND WENDY at Imagination Stage. Photo Credit: Margot Schulman

True mom confession time: I was a little nervous bringing my younger one because while I’ve always enjoyed past Imagination Stage performances, I’ve found them to be a little too long for the younger ones. Not this time!

C’est vrai.

Reason #1 topping the list – and what has long been one of my frustrations with productions at Imagination Stage – this time there was no intermission. I cannot tell you how relieved I was to figure this out around mid-way through the production.

Second, anyone who reads me regularly knows my little one is a hardcore Pirate lover – so the evil Captain Hook and his sidekick Smee easily kept her 4-year-old attention – which is no small feat, as anyone who has a 4-year-old knows. The set is beautifully designed to switch between Wendy’s nursery filled with large blocks and toys, and Neverland, complete with a forest, the Lost Boys and those scheming pirates. Tinkerbelle, much to our surprise, also had a dominant presence in the play, in the form of a twinkling light that beautifully bounces around the set and pixie dust sound effects.

The fearsome Captain Hook (James Konicek) in PETER PAN AND WENDY at Imagination Stage. Photo Credit: Margot Schulman

Third reason – the show encourages audience participation and actually treats the audience as part of the production, with the characters asking one another what the audience told them to do (hint: the daft Smee especially needs a little lifeline help from audience friends to keep things straight). Kids LOVE to shout and interact – hell – they do it anyway during shows even if it’s not encouraged, so if you can’t beat ’em, you mine as well join ’em, right? Much to their credit, the audience participation flows naturally with the production and doesn’t interfere or make it seem choppy or forced, which is not necessarily something easy to pull off.

The story line itself follows the basic arc of the Peter Pan movie the kids are all used too, which I always appreciate because the kids tend to find comfort in familiarity. The Indian Princess, Tiger Lily, however, has a bigger role in Imagination Stage’s production and she quickly emerged as the fan favorite in our house. My girls adored her costume and are obsessed with recreating it for Halloween: it was the perfect combination of whimsical and feminine with strong and brave (hint: a pack of arrows strapped to your back will lock in the strong and brave brand every time).

The Lost Boys are a pack of 2 in the Imagination Stage production, one is a wolf and the other a very

(L to R) Wendy (Justine Moral), Tootles (Matt Dewberry), Slightly (Dan Van Why), and Peter Pan (Jonathan Atkinson) find a cake in the forest in PETER PAN AND WENDY at Imagination Stage. Photo Credit: Margot Schulman

funny chipmunk. Speaking of animals, Tick Tock the croc also emerged as a fan favorite in our house, I marveled over her costume and my girls eagerly awaited the croc’s chance to get another taste of the scallywag, Hook.

Here’s my one complaint – the stereotypical gender roles, particularly those reinforced by Peter and Wendy – really annoyed me at times. Did Wendy really need to come in and play the role of “mother” to the Lost Boys? Did she need to be the practical and smart character? Did the boys in the play need to be bumbling and lacking will power, unable to make logical or smart decisions without the guidance of the “mother” figure (in the form of a young girl)? Further, did we need to continue to perpetuate female competition by encouraging Tink’s threatened feelings towards Wendy? I understand these plot lines are carried through the storyline we all are used too – but I couldn’t help but wondered if they really needed to be repeated again. It wasn’t enough to taint my overall reaction to the play but it absolutely annoyed me at times.

Smee (Michael John Casey – front) has met his match in Tiger Lily (Angela Miller) in PETER PAN AND WENDY at Imagination Stage. Photo Credit: Margot Schulman

Conversely, and probably another reason why Tiger Lily emerged as a strong fan favorite for our group, her role was more evolved and she absolutely represented a strong female character not bound by traditional and frustrating gender stereotypes. If anything, it prompted me to talk further with the girls after the play about what we liked about the characters, what we liked a little less, and why we liked Tiger Lilly so much.

At a running time of about one hour and 15 minutes, we thoroughly enjoyed this musical performance. I would absolutely encourage you to add it to your kid summer bucket list and bring the 4-year-olds without fear that they will grow weary. It’s an excellent production put on by Imagination Stage and now I am off to hunt down Tiger Lily costume options for Halloween, albeit a wee bit early. Catch the show before it ends on August 11. Show times and ticket prices are below.

Show Information:

Peter Pan and Wendy

A musical by Alyn Cardarelli and Steve Goers; directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer.

June 26 – August 11, 2013 Show Schedule:

· Public performances on Tuesdays-Fridays at 10:30 a.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., select Saturdays at 11 a.m.

· Special Friday night performance on July 12 at 7 p.m.

Tickets: $12 – $25; best for ages 4-10

Disclosure: Imagination Stage provided tickets for me to see the show. My opinions here are all my own.

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Summer Survival with Kids, Theater for kids

Summer Fun 2013: The WM Bucket List

June 10, 2013

I measure my phase in parenthood by the ages of my kids in the summer. I learned this the hard way that first summer I was home full-time with two kids. Does the phrase “rude awakening” come to mind? They were 7 months and 3.5 years old.

It was hard. It was really hard. I later likened my children to a lion tamer and Godzilla. Since that post, I quite enjoy seeing how many people search the term “Lion Tamer” and land on my blog, only to be disappointed that I have no experience in actually taming lions.

Unless you would consider a three-year old a lion.

In which case, get my whip and top hat out – I am a verified expert.

Now that mine are 4.5 and 7.5, I am approaching this summer with a new lease on life. I no longer feel like I am trapped behind the looking-glass, gazing at the parents who can actually sit by the pool and relax a bit; staring longingly at the parents who have the nerve to bring a book or magazine to the beach. We have arrived. I am not naive enough to think we fully over the liberation threshold. No No. We are knocking gently at the door, arriving ever so timidly, eagerly awaiting to see that summer can be relaxing, lazy and slow….sometimes…briefly…on some days. All the while, worried that some set back will put us back to the days of the lion tamer and godzilla.

The thing is, I really do expect that this summer, I can actually catch a minute by the pool and enjoy the wide open freedom that comes with no nap schedules. Therefore, I am actually building a summer bucket list. I will continue to maintain the work that actually pays me but that said, topping off my bucket list is to spend less time worrying about my blog, writing on the blog and generally keeping it up.

I am on summer break from Wired Momma.

I trust it means you won’t leave me. I trust it means you will come back in the fall and of course, I”ll still post over the summer, but sporadically. I can’t fully let go, naturally, so keep up with the fun on the Wired Momma Facebook page.

With that, here’s a peek at what I plan to do this summer – in no particular order – and the beauty of my bucket list is I don’t have these things carefully planned out and written on the calendar, the calendar is being kept open, so we can decide somewhat whimsically when we’ll head out on an adventure:

Wolf Trap – both regular Wolf Trap for the evening shows under the stars – and the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods. We lived in this area briefly when I was a kid and I have really fond memories of the Children’s Theatre. I want to be sure my kids do too. I also love sitting out on the lawn on a hot summer night, enjoying a picnic and the sounds of live music.

Speaking of live music, during the month of June, Brookside Gardens has free outdoor concerts on Tuesday nights. It can be tricky to get there after work but it’s always fun and relaxing and the kids love searching for turtles and fish in the pond.

On rainy days, maybe some bowling or roller skating? We’re also really looking forward to “Monsters University” opening later this month and the Despicable Me Sequel! Spoiler Alert – my dad took advantage of the chance to get a sneak preview of “Monster’s University” while we were in Disney for the Disney Social Media Moms conference and all he can say is he loved it.

My husband wants to hit every water park he can find. He also wants to hit Cunningham State Falls park. It’s absurd that we’ve never been.

I want to go on more dates this summer. One of my fav summer dates was the year we did the sunset kayaking and then ended up at Founding Farmers for dinner. Time to repeat that one or find another one that’s equally as fun and unique to summer time.

You better believe I will be hitting the “Bathtub Pirates” puppet show at The Puppet Co., “Cat in the Hat” which opens in two weeks at Adventure Theatre and the upcoming “Peter Pan and Wendy” at Imagination Stage. These could be rainy or sunny day activities, especially with the carousel and park at Glen Echo and all the fun lunch spots in downtown Bethesda.

Beyond taking the girls to see a Nationals game, I think it’s time we hit a game at the Bowie Baysox, every year I regret not getting there because I hear the whole experience is really kid friendly and cheap.

The National Zoo is always on our bucket list – year round – but we especially love the new America Trail and all the seals swimming around. Frankly between the

Loving the carousel at the National Zoo this past spring

indoor and outdoor exhibits and the super fun new carousel, the zoo is a great hit rain or shine – so long as you go early in the summer time.

Given our proximity to the water and the youngest WM’ette’s love for all things pirates, hopefully we’ll hit up the Pirate cruise in Annapolis, Baltimore or the new one that just launched in Georgetown. Here’s my review of the Annapolis experience if you haven’t yet been.

For a weekend day trip idea, I recently learned of the boat cruises from Annapolis to St. Michaels. We once had a weekend get-away without children to St. Michaels and it was lovely but that was almost seven years ago and we haven’t been since. Based on the reviews, it sounds like the kids would love the cruise from Annapolis to St. Michaels. Or better yet, maybe I need to ditch the kids and husband and instead hit the yoga cruise out of Annapolis with the ladies. Thoughts??

Finally, in the summer time, I always resolve to read more – it’s more of a resolution than I make in January. Right now, based on some great recommendations, I’ve got “Room” downloaded as well as “The Interestings” — which my friend is predicting will be the breakout summer hit of 2013 much like “Gone Girl” was last summer. I just finished reading “The Kingmaker’s Daughter” and basically couldn’t put it down.

Doesn’t this seem like a robust summer bucket list? What did I forget? Add it here or on the WM Facebook page.

Happy summer everyone….I hope you find yours relaxing, lazy and spontaneous.

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Summer Outdoor Music, Summer Survival with Kids, Theater for kids