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Kitsap
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Welcome to Macaroni Kid Kitsap


Happy Spring! The weather is warmer, the days are longer, and the flowers are in bloom. It's perked up our Macaroni Kid household some - how 'bout yours?
To celebrate the season, we offer this week a flower craft for any age and a bird nest cookie recipe. And did you know April is National Autism Awareness Month and the Month of the Military Child? A local military mom is donating all proceeds for her handmade hairbows this month to the Olympic Peninsula Autism Center.
Don't forget to enter our ticket giveaways! We have TWO family 4-packs to Sesame Street Live to give away, plus a family 4-pack to see Recess Monkey by Teatro ZinZanni. And on Facebook we have a FB Fan giveaway contest running for a pair of tickets, including swag bag and t-shirt to the Spring FAB party on April 22!

Baby Steps in Music Class Starts April 23


Affordable, research based

     Baby Steps in Music is a music class setting for children ages 3-12 months or 12-24 months and their parents taught by local music teacher Anna Hanks. The class will focus on the use of traditional American folk music, along with classical and folk music from world cultures, to develop a sense of steady beat and tunefulness in your child. Through bounces, finger play, clapping, moving and more, you and your child will explore songs and rhymes that American families have shared for generations.

     The class will be held at ...


"Mompreneur" Spotlight


Local mom supports Autism Awareness and offers Macaroni Kid Kitsap readers a special offer!

      My name is Elizabeth and I am a military spouse and a mum to two wonderful children. I enjoy making beautiful bows at affordable prices for others to enjoy! My ETSY store takes pride in using quality ribbon and handmade products as often as possible. I hand-sew my bows together during assembly for added durability. All of my clips, hair ties, and headbands are 100% handmade. Custom orders are welcome and all my items in my store are created in a smoke-free/pet-free environment. I would like to offer all ...

April Showers Bring May Flowers


What you'll need:

Paper Cups (one for each child)
Green construction paper (at least two sheets each, 3 for older kids)
Glue
Scissors
Tissue paper
Pipe Cleaners (2 per child)

Directions:

Cut out hand prints from green construction paper. How many will vary based on size of child. (3 to 4)

Glue Hand prints around base of cup to make "grass".

Poke hole in bottom of cup with a pencil

Twist two pipe cleaners together tightly, leaving about the last 1" untwisted.

Cut out 3 circles of tissue paper ...


Sesame Street Live Ticket Giveaway!


Coming to the Tacoma Dome and Comcast Arena

Sesame Street Live “Elmo Makes Music”

We have TWO family 4-packs to give away!

Tacoma, WA; Tacoma Dome
Friday, May 11 – Sunday, May 13, 2012

Everett, WA; Comcast Arena
Friday, May 18 – Sunday, May 20, 2012


     Mark your calendar for this once-in-a-lifetime event—monsters becoming musicians! Elmo, The Count, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Bert & Ernie and all their funny and furry friends are taking to the stage to share the magical world of music with children. When Jenny, the new Sesame Street music teacher, moves into town, her instruments get ...

Bird Nest Cookies


Macaroni Recipe

This recipe uses only three ingredients and will be ready to eat in 15 minutes or less. Use up some of those Easter jellybeans or M&M's and celebrate the return of all those birds that traveled south for the winter at the same time!

Bird Nest Eggs

  • 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips

  • 1 1/2 cups of twigs (use All-Bran cereal, crunchy chow mein noodles, or shredded coconut)

  • Leftover Easter jellybeans (can also substitute peanut M&Ms or any other oval candy)

Melt chocolate chips in the ...


Win Tickets to See Seattle's Recess Monkey!


High-flying circus performers will amaze and astound

Enter to win a Family 4-Pack of tickets to the show!

In Tents with Recess Monkey
Presented by ZICA, the educational outreach program of Teatro ZinZanni

     Bring the kiddos to Teatro ZinZanni's historic spiegeltent for an all-new family production featuring Seattle "kindie" rockers Recess Monkey. With live musical inspiration from Recess Monkey's upcoming circus-themed album "In Tents," this kid-oriented circus spectacular will feature performers from Teatro ZinZanni's renowned dinner shows as well as Seattle's circus stars of tomorrow.

     Teatro ZinZanni’s magical spiegltent will fill with ...


Local Summer Camps


Macaroni Kid Kitsap's 2012 Summer Camp Guide can be found here. Several camps and organizations in the area offer a variety of summer programs - you're sure to find the one that's right for you. There are great opportunities, including those at Camp West Sound, CRISTA Camps, Kid's Discovery Museum, Discovery Village, Imagination Station Enrichment Center, IslandWood, JUMP! Gig Harbor, and more to come in our Summer Camp Guide editions April 20 and May 18. Want to be in an upcoming Guide? Email us for details.


This Week's Picks:


April 14th through March 30th

Saturday, April 14 - Discovery Play Days

Discovery Play Days offer hands-on learning and outdoor fun!  Young children and their parents join trail naturalists in the "Big Red Barn" for stories and activities.  Then we hit the trail to explore nearby ecosystems. Come explore with us!  Tidelands featuring a low-tide beach walk will be the theme for this event. Celebrate Urban Birds will be the theme for this event.
Kickoff the Discovery Play Day Season with a Bird Extravaganza, plus come learn about birds through story time, a bird beak activity, and a bird walk.  Then make and take home various bird crafts offered until 1 pm.
Where: Clear Creek Trail's Interpretive Center, 9641 Levin Road, Silverdale
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Kids ages 2-10 and their parents
How: Get there at 10! Dress to explore.
Bring a sack lunch and partake in the activities until 1pm.
Cost: Free!
For more info: Click here.

Sunday, April 15 - Nancy Stewart Concert

Please join national award winning children's entertainer, Nancy Stewart, for a fun filled concert. Kids of all ages will enjoy a concert of sing along fun that is part of every Nancy Stewart show! All ticket sales will Bainbridge Cooperative Nursery School. Nancy Stewart has been writing and performing for young children and their families for twenty years. Fenefiting Bainbridge Cooperative Nursery School
Where: Treehouse Cafe 4569 Lynwood Center Road Northeast Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 (206) 842-2814
When: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Who: Anyone
How: Purchase tickets in advance at www.treehousebainbridge.com or at the door.
Cost: $7 per child and $10 per adult in advance or $10 per person at the door.

Saturday, March 30 - Kites Over Kingston

Fun for the family! A fun time with some kites, Kids, Food & Music. Bring a kite or we can help you make one. You are more than welcome to wear a fun costume even. This event is all about good fun together as a community.
Where: Port of Kingston's Mike Wallace Park
When: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: Everyone!
How: Stop by between 11 and 2!
Cost: Free to watch or fly your own kite!
For more info: Click HERE

This Week's Calendar:


April 13th through July 13th

Friday, April 13 through Saturday, August 25 - Kitsap Museums and Cultural Centers

** For a list of several local Museums and Cultural Centers that are in Kitsap County and open to families at little or no cost, please click this Museum link. **
Where: Local locations including Bainbridge, North Kitsap, Central Kitsap, and South Kitsap
When: n/a
Who: Everyone!
How: Check the link for details on each location
Cost: Free or Very Low Cost
For more info: Click here.

Friday, April 13 - Family Game Night!

Game night every Friday night.  Games  in the store or bring your own. Stop in before or after dinner with the kids or just come down and have some FREE fun. Games on hand- Banagrams, Spot It, Tell Tale, Spell It, Yamslam and more. 
Where: Liberty Bay Books, 18881 D Front St., Poulsbo
When: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: All ages!
How: Stop in!
Cost: Free!
For more info: Click HERE

Saturday, April 14 - Camp Sealth Open House

It's time to start thinking about camp! Camp Sealth is one of the oldest and most successful summer camps in Western Washington. Come to our Open House and check out what camp is like. Take a tour of camp, meet the Camp Sealth staff, and try out camp activities like archery, crafts, boating, pony rides and more.
Where: Camp Sealth 14500 SW Camp Sealth Road Vashon, WA 98070
When: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Kids, parents & families
How: No registration needed
Cost: Free!
For more info: Snacks are provided, but bring a picnic lunch if you would like. Please leave pets at home for the comfort of all guests. Driving directions and more information about Camp Sealth is available on our website: www.campsealth.org.

Saturday, April 14 - Car Seat Check

Have your car seat checked for safety! Make sure you're 'lil one is buckled in properly.
Where:
Paul T. Nichol Headquarters Fire Station
26642 Miller Bay Rd NE, Kingston
When: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: Parents
How: Drop by
Cost: FREE!
For more info: Click HERE

Saturday, April 14 through Sunday, April 15 - Free Admission to Blodel Reserve

Second Annual Premier Plant Sale  
Where: 7571 N.E. Dolphin Drive, Bainbridge Island
When: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (10-3 on Sunday)
Who: Anyone!
How: Drop by and enjoy the Reserve! Also, various lectures
Cost: Free entry; fee to purchase plants.
For more info: Click HERE

Saturday, April 14 - The Rainbow Fish

Discover the magic of the beloved tale and learn a valuable lesson about friendship through live theater experience for the whole family, complete with whimsical sound effects, and featuring local adult and youth talent!
Where: Bainbridge Island Museum of Art auditorium,
100 Ravine Lane NE, Bainbridge Island
When: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM (AND 1:30 PM)
Who: All ages
How: Free tickets at KiDiMu. Seating is limited
Cost: Suggested donation: $5 in support of KiDiMu’s mission.
For more info: Info: (206) 855-4650 or www.kidimu.org

Saturday, April 14 - Got Dyslexia, ADD/ADHD?

COMMUNITY EVENT For parents, students, educators – anyone interested in learning more about the Arrowsmith Program -- a groundbreaking school-based, cognitive program for children with learning differences: ADD/ADHD, dyslexia. We are looking to bring this program to our area. Come hear about this AMAZING program and how it can help your child.
Where: Bainbridge Island Library, Community Mtg. Room 1270 Madison Avenue, Bainbridge Island
When: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Who: parents, students, educators
How: Come at 4!
Cost: Free - donations accepted
For more info: For more information visit: www.arrowsmithschool.org Contact person: [email protected] or [email protected]

Saturday, April 14 - Y Run for Kids - Tacoma

5K run/walk, 1K kids race, Diaper Dash; 79th Annual Daffodil Parade follows!
Where: Downtown Tacoma, 15th Street and Pacific Avenue
When: 8:00 PM - 10:00 AM
Who: Families!
How: Sign up here!
Cost: Registration Fees
$25 Before February 28, 2012 (Fees change at 10:00 pm)
$30 March 1 through April 8, 2012 (Online closes at 12:00 pm)
$35 Day of Race
Kids 1K and Diaper Dash are free.
For more info: Click HERE

Sunday, April 15 - IslandWood Afternoon: Little Buds StoryWalkâ„¢at IslandWood on on the Trails

Join IslandWood and the Bainbridge Island Library (KRL) for an afternoon of celebrating literacy and enjoying the outdoors. Stroll leisurely through the IslandWood forest following the pages of a children’s story laid out before you on the path. Perfect for the whole family!
Where: IslandWood
4450 Blakely Avenue NE
Bainbridge Island
When: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: Anyone!
How: *Pre-registration required
Cost: Ages 3 and under FREE. Everyone else is $5 per person
For more info: Register HERE

Monday, April 16 through Friday, June 8 - Library Storytimes

Kitsap Regional Library offers storytimes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and even Pajama Storytime and Bilingual Storytime at some locations.
Where: Most branch locations.
When: Times and Locations vary
Who: A variety of ages.
How: Stop in during a scheduled Storytime!
Cost: FREE
For more info: Check out www.krl.org and select your local library branch.

Tuesday, April 17 - Water Festival

Water is the most precious resource on our planet. Without it nothing survives. Having abundant, clean water is both a privilege and a responsibility. To protect our water for future generations, we must instill in our youth an awareness of its benefits and promote stewardship of our environment.
Where: Kitsap County Fairgrounds and Event Center
When: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: Everyone!
How: Stop by!
Cost: Free!
For more info: For info and a presentation schedule, Click HERE

Wednesday, April 18 - Wacky Wednesday at Sylvan Way Library

Come have some fun at the library! Different activities each week.
Where: Sylvan Way Library branch
When: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Who: Kids in Elementary School
How: Stop by!
Cost: Free!

Thursday, April 19 - Bainbridge Preschool Fair

An island of possibilities under one roof, and all in one evening! Families are invited to an informational, after-hours event featuring Bainbridge Island preschools. Meet teachers and learn about different programs. And, since it is at KiDiMu, attending families will get to play together, too!
Where: Kids Discovery Museum, 301 Ravine Ln., Bainbridge
When: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Drop by!
Cost: FREE
For more info: Info: (206) 855-4650 or www.kidimu.org

Friday, April 20 - Tots on Turf Recess Time

Running, jumping, ball play, soccer, noodle wars, rope climbing, matts, and lots of toys to play with! Come check out all the fun everyone is taking about.  PRESCHOOL RECESS!    
Where: Family Mixed Martial Arts Academy 7865 NE Day Road #206, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110  
When: 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Who: Young children and their caregiver
How: Drop by!
Cost: Only $5 a child, $3 for each additional sibling.  Under two FREE!
For more info: Click HERE

Thursday, May 17 - Anime Club on Bainbridge

Are you a fan of anime or manga? Join our club just for teens! Light snacks provided.
Where: Bainbridge Library
When: 3:00 PM - 5:15 PM
Who: Grades 7-12
How: Stop by!
Cost: Free!
For more info: Click here.

Thursday, May 24 - Tolling the Boats Memorial Day Observance

The Navy Band Northwest's Brass Quartet will perform in the annual "Tolling of the Boats" Memorial Day Observance.
Where: Naval Undersea Museum auditorium, 1 Garnett Way, Keyport
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Anyone!
How: Starts at 10!
Cost: Free!
For more info: For more information, visit the Navy Band Northwest website at http://www.cnic.navy.mil/cnrnw/about/navyband/index.htm or our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/NavyBandNorthwest.

Saturday, June 9 through Sunday, June 10 - Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics

Kids can build a Madagascar movie monkey powered plane!
Where: Lowe's stores.
When: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Sunday, June 10: 2-3 pm)
Who: Kids ages 3 and up, but recommended for grades 1-5.
How: Sign up at the Lowe's website, then print out a Clinic Waiver Form and take it with you to get your kit, apron, and goggles.
Cost: Free! While supplies last. Reserve your spot early!
For more info: Lowe's website

Saturday, June 9 - Planetarium Show

All Things Saturn The most distant of the planets visible to the naked eye, second-largest planet in the Solar system, Saturn will be high in the sky during the month of June. The gorgeous gas giant boasts conspicuous rings, 62 known moons, including a few with atmosphere, and hundreds of moonlets. The Cassini mission, orbiting since 2004, continually makes new discoveries like the seasonal rains on the moon Titan and an electrical link between the planet and the moon Enceladus.
When: 8:30 PM
Who: Anyone!
How: Get a seat by 8:30
Cost: Free to members, $2.00 donation suggested to non-members, $5.00 for families.
For more info: Click here.

Thursday, June 21 - Art Lab

Come on over to Silverdale to experiment with arts, crafts, and making fun stuff! Art Lab is the third Thursday evey month.
Where: Silverdale Library
When: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Who: for kids in elementary school
How: Drop in
Cost: FREE

Wednesday, January 23 - Storytime at Barnes and Noble

Storytime is a fun time!
Where: Barnes and Noble, Kitsap Mall
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Kids!
How: Get there at 7!
Cost: Free!
For more info: Click here.

Friday, March 8 - Rookie Readers at Port Orchard Library

Early literacy games and activities. Snacks provided.
Where: Port Orchard library
When: 5:00 PM
Who: geared toward your 5 to 7 year old new reader
How: Stop by at 5!
Cost: Free!
For more info: www.krl.org

Saturday, April 13 - Y Run for Kids - Tacoma

5K run/walk, 1K kids race, Diaper Dash; 79th Annual Daffodil Parade follows!
Where: Downtown Tacoma, 15th Street and Pacific Avenue
When: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Who: Families!
How: Sign up here! Registration closes at 8 pm on April 12
Cost: Registration Fees
$30 preregister, $35 Day of Race. Kids 1K and Diaper Dash are free.
For more info: Click HERE

Wednesday, May 15 - Lego Club, Manchester

Join us for mad Lego building around a different theme each month! Display what you make at the library!  Snacks too!
Where: Manchester Library
When: 6:00 PM - 6:50 PM (Also at 7-7:50)
Who: Kids and Tweens
How: 15 person limit for each section, so call 360-871-3921 to sign up.
Cost: Free!
For more info: Call 360-871-3921

Thursday, May 23 - Storytime at Liberty Bay Books

Fun storytime for kids and families!
Where: Liberty Bay Books, 18881 D. Front St., Poulsbo
When: 10:30 AM
Who: Everyone!
How: Arrive at 10:30
Cost: Free
For more info: Click HERE

Saturday, June 29 - Barnes & Noble Storytime

Stop by the children's section for storytime! Meet Clifford the Big Red Dog!
Where: Barnes and Noble, Silverdale
When: 11:00 AM
Who: Kids and Families!
How: Get there at 11!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: Click here.

Saturday, July 13 - Kitsap Live Steamers -train rides

Kitsap Live Steamers is a group of scale outdoor railroad enthusiasts operating a non-profit 7 1/2 inch gauge railroad at South Kitsap Regional Park. Rides are given to park visitors on a donation basis and are handicap accessible. This facility has given the community and the Puget Sound area a unique educational and recreational opportunity that is not otherwise available nearby.
Where: South Kitsap Regional Park, Port Orchard
When: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Everyone!
How: Come by anytime between 10AM and 4PM!
Cost: Free! Donations accepted.
For more info: Click here.

Teen Scene:


April 13th through July 1st

Friday, April 13 - Teen Late Night at the Bremerton YMCA

Bring your friends and experience a night filled with many fun activities. Teens are able to swim, use the hot tub, play basketball, wallyball or board and table games, plus more. Refreshments, including pizza, are served.
Where: Bremerton YMCA, 60 Magnuson Way
When: 8:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Who: For teens, ages 13-19
How: Stop in at 8:30!
Cost: There is no cost for Y members and non-members pay only $6 per person.

Friday, April 13 - Teen Late Nite at Haselwood YMCA

Bring your friends and experience a night filled with many fun activities including basketball, climbing wall, dodge ball, pool, weights, and more!
Where: Haselwood YMCA, 3909 NW Randall Way, Silverdale
When: 9:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Who: High school aged students!
How: Get there at 9! Waivers available here
Cost: Free for all high school students grades 9-12 - members and non-members!
For more info: Click here.

Friday, June 21 - Tween/Teen Gaming in Little Boston

Come and play video games and board games. All games are rated Teen and under. Snacks provided.
Where: Little Boston Library
When: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: Ages 12-19
How: Stop by!
Cost: Free!
For more info: www.krl.org

Monday, July 1 - Teen Movie at Port Orchard Library

Pitch Perfect: Beca is that girl who’d rather listen to what’s coming out of her headphones than pretty much anything... or anyone else. At her new college, she finds herself in a motley clique whose only thing in common is how good they sound when they sing together. This could wind up either the coolest thing they’ll ever do or the most insane. 
Where: Port Orchard Library
When: 6:00 PM
Who: Teens
How: Get there by 6!
Cost: FREE
For more info: www.krl.org

Plan Ahead:


April 21st through June 21st

Saturday, April 21 - Discover the Gift in Your Child

South Kitsap School District presents Parent Academy 2012
Where: Hidden Creek Elementary, 5455 Converse Rd. SE, Port Orchard
When: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: Parents
How: ACOS (Academic Challenge in Our Schools) website: www.4acos.weebly.com   look under 'what's happening' for a printable form
Cost: $10 pre-registration (by April 6), and $15 at the door
For more info: For details, visit their website: www.4acos.weebly.com

Saturday, April 21 - Kitsap Youth Expo

The Kitsap Youth Expo has been organized to raise awareness and help educate Kitsap community families on positive opportunities for youth. Over 100 Businesses & organizations from in and around Kitsap County will showcase a variety of interests for children and teens.
Where: Kitsap Fairgrounds Pavilion
When: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Parents in search of the best youth opportunities in Kitsap County!
How: Drop in, and circulate among the various booths while enjoying live entertainment!
Cost: 17 and under are FREE, Adults 18 and over are $5
For more info: Click HERE

Saturday, April 21 - Make It/Take It at Michael's!

Have some fabulous fun with body paint.
Where: Michael's stores
When: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: Ages 3 and up!
How: Stop in! Available while supplies last.
Cost: Free
For more info: Click HERE

Sunday, April 22 - Spring FAB Party

Presented by The PerfecT Place: Join us for an afternoon of workshops featuring The Kooky Baker, Sugar Studios, & crafter Cindy Kleinfelter. Plus FABulous Shopping, a little Pampering & Appetizers!
Where: Oxford Suites, Silverdale
When: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Who: Women!
How: Purchase tickets online or at the door.
Cost: Tickets $25.00
Free SWAG Bag & Tee with advance purchase

Friday, July 20 - Art-A-Palooza

Read about a different artist and try your own masterpieces. Supplies are provided.
Where: Port Orchard library
When: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Who: School age children
How: stop by!
Cost: Free!
For more info: www.krl.org

Friday, June 21 - Pacific Planitarium Third Friday Astronomy Talk

Welcome to Earth! Explore the family friendly astronomy exhibits after the show in the Exhibition Hall and talk with an amateur astronomer from the Olympic Astronomical Society. Every month on the Third Friday, the Pacific Planetarium hosts special topics about the Earth and space in its 28 seat dome. This is the big-brother of our First Friday talks where we spend 40-50 minutes discussing various advanced topics in astronomy.
Where: 817 Pacific Ave in Downtown Bremerton
When: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Showtimes at 5, 6, and 7)
Who: Anyone ages 6+
How: Buy tickets at the door, or call ahead (360.362.7049).
Cost: $5 per person
For more info: Click HERE
For more information about the planetarium and our regularly scheduled shows, please visit http://pacificplanetarium.com or call 360-362-7049.

A Story of Autism


Macaroni Cares

   Did you know that April is Autism Awareness Month?

   Many of you may not know that I am the mom of a child with autism.  I would like to share a little bit about our story with all of you.

   We were blessed to have the opportunity to adopt a beautiful little girl back in 2001.  We knew that with her history of exposure to drugs that she may have some learning difficulties, but we weren’t sure if and what they might be. Now, I want to make it ...


April is the Month of the Military Child


Macaroni Celebrates

     The Month of the Military Child is a time for our nation to rally around our military kids and show them our support. It is a time for us to acknowledge, celebrate, and recognize the sacrifices these children make. So often, when one thinks of service and sacrifice, one tends to think of soldiers and spouses. But, our military kids sacrifice, too, and we need to let these children know that they are remembered.

     Military children do not have easy lives. Their childhoods are constantly disrupted, with frequent moves and ...

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