Advent Calendar for a Pre-Schooler: Week One

My son really loves calendars.  Whenever we've got a lot going on, I make one up for him to help him keep track of things.  He was one that has struggled with transitions, and having the calendar helped him navigate when he would have things to do and when he could make up his own mind.  When the last one I made him for the week of Thanksgiving was such a hit, I knew I'd have to make him one for the busy month of December.  This year I really tried to cull some of our activities for the month and make sure we had a good balance of things going on so Theo won't think Christmas is just about presents.  With that in mind, I quizzed him for what Christmas is all about and basically, he explained that it is "to remember God/Jesus."

I'm only printing out a week at a time, as I know our advent activities will change based on weather, sicknesses, etc.  Here's our first week of advent!

Tomorrow we will also start our annual Christmas stories at bedtime routine, so I'll try to get our list of books up then.

And if you want more info on zoo lights and the tiny tot concert, you can see my post from last year on these events here.

Christmas Tree Farms: Old Stone Farm and Evergreen Acres

When we were little, my family almost always bought a real Christmas tree.  We picked it up from the stand the local men's group had in town, and somehow got it home each year.  Keeping in that tradition, Brian and I have always bought real Christmas trees each year we've been married.  In Arizona that meant going to a stand in the nearest shopping mall, and even in Delaware we shopped at the local Lion's Club that was so close we could just walk the tree home if we wanted.  But starting in 2011, we decided to start going to local tree farms in search of our Christmas centerpiece.  On the recommendation from someone at our church, we found a beautiful little tree farm, Old Stone Farm, in nearby Landenberg, PA.  This farm featured rolling hills full of trees, as well as some goats, horses, and small animals to visit.  I have such vivid memories of going last year to pick out Eli's first tree, as it was a beautiful but foggy day.  I highly recommend this farm if you are near enough.

Looking for a similar place here, we passed up some of the more touristy tree farms and instead went to Evergreen Acres in Nokesville, Virginia.  Though only a short drive away, I was surprised by how quickly we got into the country.  After passing lots of cattle farms, we pulled up at Evergreen Acres.  While Theo helped himself to the free cider, we checked out the map and learned about the three types of trees they offered (white pine, scotch pine, and Norway spruce).  We looked around for awhile, before finding our perfect, fat little tree.  The wagon ride to and from the far field, and sitting on all the tractors seemed to be the highlights for the boys.  It was great, though I wish I had brought gloves because we apparently picked the most prickly tree ever.

Sales Tax Holiday?

In Delaware, we couldn't buy beer or wine in groceries, but we had no sales tax at all.

In Virginia, we can buy beer or wine in groceries, but we have about a 5-6% sales tax on goods.

Too bad we can't combine the best of these things from each state!

This weekend we are apparently having a "sales tax holiday."  This is the first time I have ever lived in a state with such a policy.  This specific holiday (1 of 3 throughout the year) specifically removes the taxes from school supplies and clothing, at the time when people are getting ready to go back to school.  I may have to get out tomorrow and pick-up something for Theo to wear the first day of pre-school, just for memories sake. 

I know I shouldn't complain, but the whole idea seems a little silly. 

Claymont Steak Shop: Newark, DE Restaurant Week

While we would have loved to try several more new places on Main St, we limited ourselves to one tried and true restaurant (Café Gelato) and one newbie.  For that we chose Claymont Steak Shop.  Technically, it is on South Main St. (newly named), but it is pretty close and was participating in restaurant week as well.  This place is a DE original, and this is their second location.  They haven't been in Newark too long, and their original location is in northern DE almost at the PA line.

While you order at the counter, they do make food to order and they call your name from the counter when it is ready (think Panera Bread).

Waiting on our order.

 Restaurant Week Special:  "2 Large Cheese Steaks that are prepared with our classic fresh cut rib-eye and your choice of toppings Plus an order of Supreme fries that are smothered in melted cheddar, bacon, ranch and topped with freshly grated mozzarella cheese and finished in the oven."

Brian ordered his with peppers and fried onions.

 

 We didn't really look at their menu, since we were planning on getting the special for r.w.  Since they were voted best cheesesteaks in the state for 2012, we were expecting perfection.  They were pretty good, good buns and fried onions and meat.  However, there just wasn't quite enough cheese on the sandwiches to make it the perfect cheesesteak.  They were pretty good though.  The fries were pretty great-you know if you need a fork to eat them they are going to be tasty. 

Father-Son bonding:  How to properly eat a cheese steak.

 Theo had a 1/4 or so of my large sandwich, and of course loved the fries.  It wasn't hard to get him to eat here, but it would have been hard to change him had we needed it-there are no changing tables in the restroom.  Luckily, he's been a lot more interested in potty training this week, so we didn't need a changing table.  And Eli slept through most of the meal.  He woke up at the very end.

Can we come back once I'm eating table foods?

Caffe Gelato: Newark, DE restaurant week

So, one of our favorite times of year around here is restaurant week.  While most of the college students are still away, Newark entices us to leave our warm houses to try out new specials at Newark's best restaurants.  Today we visited one of our favorites for a cheap-er lunch than usual-well, it would have been if we had skipped dessert.

I first mentioned Caffe Gelato on my blog over four years ago as the first restaurant we ever visited on Newark's Main Street.  Their specials today for restaurant week were:

French Onion Soup au gratin

or

Roasted Cauliflower Bisque with aged Vermont Cheddar garnished with crisp pancetta

and

House-crafted sun dried tomato gnocchi ‘gratinati’ with caramelized onions, radicchio, roasted garlic béchamel and smoked mozzarella 

or

Prosciutto Panino with sliced apples, Manchego, fig jam, arugula and caramelized onions

I had the cauliflower bisque and gnocchi, while Brian enjoyed the French onion soup and panino.  All four courses were delicious.  My dishes were both very fragrant and delicately seasoned, and perfect on this cold January day.

 Their children's menu is pretty typical, but Theo enjoyed his sweet potato fries and chicken tenders. 

He was just being good the whole time to get his gelato at the end.  He immediately picked out his Strawberry flavored dessert when we walked in and were waiting to be seated, since the gelato selections are right inside the door.  He almost went for "green" (mint chocolate chip), but decided he "doesn't like" chocolate chips-which is the biggest lie I've ever heard.  Two year olds...

Cheeburger Cheeburger (Newark, DE)

After having the Chuckbox as our go-to-burger-place in Tempe, we were quite spoiled when it came to finding the perfect burger.  Chuckbox is absolutely the perfect place for college students to get a burger, beer and onion rings (or fried zucchini in my case).  This one-of-a-kind (and location) restaurant cooks the burgers to order on their huge fire pit, and lets you dress it yourself at the fixin's bar.  We pretty much took everyone who ever came to visit us there.

(couldn't find a pic of us there, but here's my brother-in-law and sister-in-law there)

There is really no comparison to it here in Delaware.  And the first few years we were here there were really no burger places at all on Main St. (though there is a Jake's just out of town).  But, as luck would have it, when we crossed the line from needing a college joint to a family atmosphere, Cheeburger Cheeburger came to Main St.  This is a chain restaurant, that seems mostly to be in our area and some of the south.  Some random airports across the country also have a location.  With a 50s décor, their shtick is to have you "invent" whatever you would like to eat.  Their menu boasts over 1.285 million milkshake combinations, and there are about 30 different toppings to choose from for your burger (I like the black olives!).  They have regular French fries, sweet potato fries, and really thin delicious onion rings. 

We took Brian's parents there last weekend, and it was probably our third visit to the new restaurant.  We have yet to be disappointed. 

You get your picture on the wall with this burger if you eat their big burger in one sitting.

Theo loves the car that his meal comes in, it keeps him occupied for a while. 

 Even Eli had a good time!

Delaware Bucket List: DogTown

After we packed up my classroom, we decided to check one place off of our Delaware bucket list.  We aren't really sure how much longer it will take before we make the official move to DC, but hopefully Brian will start commuting before we have made the physical move.

 But back to the bucket list.  Though I taught in a school very near Middletown, DE, I haven't been to very many places in the actual town.  One that I have driven by numerous times and always wondered about is DogTown Hot Dogs.  Located right on the busiest corner in the town, in the quaintly redone "downtown" area, this little place is small enough to contain Theo.  It was pretty packed for a Sunday afternoon, so we chose a high table rather than putting Theo in a high chair (though they had two). 

Their menu features many different styles of hot-dogs, and a few other things, see at left.

I really liked that their kids menu actually had different size items, rather than all one size.  Most of the time the kids meals are too big for Theo, and too expensive for what he'll actually eat.  I appreciated that the meals were smaller and cheaper for toddlers.  The best part was that the hot dog was already cut into bite size pieces in the " Little Toddler " meal!  Add some ketchup and he was ready to eat.  They also have JUICE BOXES!  One of Theo's favorite thing on earth (thanks to Chipotle). 

I enjoyed my No-Dog burger that was on a great not-soggy yet not too thick bun, and the fries were crispy with an almost breaded taste, plus a side of cheese. 

Brian enjoyed a Miami Dream and Fly' N Hawaiian dog on this January coat-less day, and Old Bay tater tots.  Only in the Delmarva region can you get Old Bay on just about anything. 

But Theo's favorite part was the "Big Dog" statue! 

Discounts for Local Attractions: Northern Delaware

Now that we're not paying for daycare, I feel the need to take the toddler out as much as possible for enrichment activities and to spend time with other kids.  I'm trying to find all the possible discounts and best days to go to the local attractions.  This is what I've found:

Discounts in Delaware

The Brandywine Zoo (Story Time Thursdays:  10:30 or 11:30) (Aug. 16^th, Family Fun Night $1)

DE Children’s Museum (June 20^th, July 11th, Aug. 15^th are the $2 nights from 5-7)

Nearby in Philly

Please Touch Museum:  Has a “First Wednesday” program where those nights, from 5-7 you can pay just $2!  July 11^th, Aug 1^st, Sept 4^th

Franklin Institute:  “Third Wednesday” program where there is FREE Admission from 5-8.

Philadelphia Zoo:  Teachers get free admission when registered by the end of June.  (Parking and rides will still be expensive.)

Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport-good through September 5^th

$35 for individually, $75 for a family pass.  I’m considering just getting the individually pass for myself, since 2 year olds are free at most of these places. 

Works at:
Delaware Art Museum (6 and under free)  Stroller Tours monthly, and story times.
Delaware Museum of Natural History (under 3 free)  Great Nature Nook for the little ones (see previous blog post).  Some classes for little ones.  May have $1 Tuesdays in August.
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Under 2 free)  Terrific Tuesdays in July/Aug

These first three are part of BOA’s free first weekend for cardholders.

Delaware History Museum & Read House (under 3 free)

Brandywine River Museum (under 6 free)  Has some classes for older kids.

Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts  (Free Admission)
Hagley Museum and Library (under 6 free)
Longwood Gardens (4 and under free) Firework & Fountains displays, July 3, 21, Aug 11, Sept 1, 29; Light Nights July 13, Aug 10, Sept 14  They also have story times for older kids.
Mt. Cuba Center (tours must be scheduled-has some classes for older kids)
Nemours Mansion & Gardens (Children under 12 not permitted!)
Rockwood Museum (6 and under free)  Ice Cream Social July 7^th and 8^th

Nation Wide

On the first full weekend of every month, Bank of America cardholders can get free admission at museums!  July 7-8; Aug 4-5; Sept 1-2

Pea Patch Island (Fort Delaware State Park)

One thing I've been meaning to blog about for a view long time now was a local excursion we went on a few month ago.  Brian's brothers came out to visit, and one mentioned visiting Fort Delaware.  Though it is within about ten minutes of my school, I've never heard of Fort Delaware. 
Apparently, Fort Delaware is one of a few forts in the area, and is located on Pea Patch Island.  So on probably the hottest day of the year, I boarded a boat with four Eddie boys to visit this historical venue. 
 
It was a pretty neat "living history" attraction with re-enactors and tour guides.

Here are some photos:

Activities for 18 month olds in Newark, Delaware

So lately, I've been wanting to get the little one into some more regularly schedule activities now that the year is started.  We had a blast during the summer going to the Brandywine Zoo, swimming pool, Milburn Orchard, Kilby Creamery, down to the beach, and playing at the park-but now mama's going back to work and needs a little more help in keeping activities going.

I started researching and little by little, found the following list of activities.  I think we're going to pick out about four of these to try.
Toddler Tales:  At the Newark Free Public Library.  Story time for 18-35 month olds.
Swim Lessons:  We are thinking of becoming Y-members, (Sept. there is no joiner fee!), and if we do we may put T. in the Perch class!  19 months-3 years. 
Swim Lessons 2:  A little farther away in Elkton, there are also swim lessons available here.
Itty Bitty Fall Sports:  At the Kirkwood soccer club.  An athletic activity for 18-35 months.
First State Gymnastics:  Just a couple miles from us (within biking distance) is this facility.  They offer classes, or just open gym time. 
Nature Babies:  Local program at a White Clay Creek State Park, looks promising.  Once  a month on Saturday mornings. 
We Kids Rock:  Music classes, mostly held in Wilmington but there is a Newark class.
Yoga:  This says they are starting baby classes this fall.  Crawlers-4 years.
Delaware Nature Society:  More classes for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 year olds.
Roller Skating: and Figure Skating:  Not sure when T. will be ready for this class, but it looks fun!
Gymboree: and The Little Gym:  Have all sorts of classes for pre-schoolers, located up in Wilmington.  I'm not sure about the prices though, these may be expensive.

I'll be sure to update which ones we try, and what we think of them.  Most are accepting registrations now and start SOON!

Newark, Delaware Fall Festivals and 5k runs (2011)

I have this idea that I might want to get interested in walking/running 5ks this year.  Maybe... we'll see.  I found a few around here, and some other festivals for the Newark area. 

Sept. 18:  Stroller through the Park (5k walk, and visit to the Please Touch Museum)
Oct 1:  Main Street Mile (not a full 5K, just a one mile race down Newark's main street)
Nov. 19:  Newark's Turkey Trot (10k and 5k races)

Dec. 2:  Reindeer Run (or romp, which is what we'll probably be doing.  This is on the night of Newark's Winterfest)

Other Festivals:
Sept. 17:  Day for Kids in Wilmington
Sept. 18:  Newark Community Day
Oct. 2: Coast Day
Oct. 30:  Halloween Parade and Main Street Trick or Treat
Nov. 5-7: Punkin Chunkin (quadratics in action, this festival is featured in both of my math textbook series)

August was a fun month!

Theo got to revisit some of our favorite places this month, as we started looking toward another busy fall semester.  With the hurricane and earthquake added on, he had quite a few learning experiences this month!!

http://www.woodsidefarmcreamery.com/  (DIRT Sundae!)

http://www.brandywinezoo.org/ (The tiger is back!)

The Pool! (sorry, no pics)

Kilby Cream (I love the glass milk jugs!)

http://www.milburnorchards.com/(Grape picking!)

And daddy's birthday!  (The last one where Theo has young parents!)