Beltway Bambinos

(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children

A birthday party at My Gym Bethesda: A rare hands-off affair

We had a chance to celebrate our daughter’s 2nd birthday at My Gym Bethesda this weekend (Spoiler alert: You should book your child’s party there ASAP). Before you hear all about our birthday experience we wanted you to get to know the owner of the gym and learn more about it.

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                                                                                                                                              (Photo: Ball pit was a HUGE HIT!!)

Mandy Lemar has owned My Gym Potomac for 11 years and opened My Gym Bethesda 6 years ago. She is a member of the local community and had been taking her kids to My Gym for years and loved it so much she bought it! It has been an intricate part of her kids childhood and she’s so pleased that so many other kids have made My Gym a part of their childhood. Mandy met some of her best mom friends at My Gym and I know other moms have as well.

My Gym is such an amazing part of how kids grow and develop. Their goal is to teach kids how to be strong physically but also teach teamwork, cooperation and taking turns. They model kindness and thoughtfulness to all the families.

My Gym Bethesda and My Gym Potomac is family-owned and is an intrical part of the local community. There are My Gym teachers who have worked at these two gyms for many years. They have seen the My Gym families grow from 1 to 2 to 3 and more kids! And they love that keep coming back because My Gym is such an important part of the children’s and families lives. They make donations to local school auctions and charity events and strive to be an important part of the community and give back when they can.

They offer discounted pricing to members who book parties but non-members can and often do host parties at My Gym!

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                                          (Mr. Nick assisting the birthday girl and getting her used to the Gym before her friends arrive)

There are three available party packages, the Grand is the base and the other two packages offer more.

What was included in our Grand Package:

  • Exclusive use of the entire facility
  • 2 party specialists
  • 1.5 hour private party (Additional cost for 2-hour party-must be last party of the day)
  • Up to 20 children (Birthday child is FREE!)
  • Balloon decorations
  • Special My Gym gift for the birthday child
  • Service of cake, food and beverages
  • My Gym Evite invitation
  • One free class for the birthday child (Currently enrolled members receive a complimentary 2nd class per week)

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My experience:  Scheduling a date and time for the party took less than 5 minutes and the information above was re-iterated to me over the phone. My Gym Bethesda checked in with me 2 weeks prior to find out if I wanted to add anything to our package. A week prior to the party they contacted me again to get a final number and to remind me to arrive 10 minutes ahead of time. You read that right– 1o minutes ahead. I heard that and had some anxiety about not being able to bring in cute decorations and set up like I wanted to. But, we walked in 10 minutes prior to the party and tablecloths already covered the areas the children would eat at and where food would be placed. The 2 employees swiftly stepped in and started helping us plan, unpack, set the table, set up decorations and…voila in less than 10 minutes (with 2 kids in tow) we were set.

Mr. Nick and Mr. George were our My Gym employees and were absolutely amazing. Their energy and enthusiasm really showed how much they loved their job. They were engaging and fun while making sure everyone was safe. They had a plan and I was able to enjoy the party and actually play with our kids and socialize with guests while they ran the entire show. The kids enjoyed a fun stretch, circle games, swings, ball pit, climbing, bubbles, zip line, trampoline, songs and a lot more all to a fun, catchy soundtrack playing! Mr. Nick and Mr. George even put on sanitary gloves and served all of the kids plates and had them ready for when it was time to eat. They knew exactly how long before we should do cake so the kids didn’t grow tired of sitting and waiting. Once the food portion was over they assisted with wiping hands so the kids could get back out and enjoy the gym.

As a parent of the birthday child you usually are stressed out before the party begins because you’ve been juggling decorations, a menu, guest list and planning the itinerary of a 1-3 hour party that once the party actually begins you are ready for it to be over with. This party was SO much different. We showed up and My Gym took care of everything. I love you can add-on to each package which again the employees will take care of so you don’t have to. It was a fantastic party and everyone had a blast, including adults. I hadn’t ever been to My Gym so this was a great opportunity. We will be signing up for weekly classes as well as winter camps and parent night outs. Thank you My Gym Bethesda for an unforgettable and stress-free 2nd birthday party.

My Gym Birthday Parties for Children

  • Setup
  • Decorations
  • Service of Refreshments
  • Cleanup
  • & Much More!

Call or book your party online today!

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane at Imagination Stage

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What: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane at Imagination Stage

When: October 8, 2016 – October 30, 2016

Where: Imagination Stage  – 4908 Auburn Avenue  Bethesda, MD 20814

Why:
Have you ever loved a special doll or stuffed toy? If you have, this is the story for you! Abilene adores her china rabbit doll, Edward Tulane. But, Edward is spoiled and ungrateful until fate takes him on an emotional roller-coaster of an adventure through the 20th century. He is lost overboard on an ocean liner, fished up by a kindly villager, dumped in a heap of garbage, rescued by a hobo and his dog, turned into a scarecrow, and adopted by a little boy who gives him as a gift to his sickly sister. Little by little, Edward discovers goodness and humility. Inspired by the constellations, he learns to keep an open heart. Kate DiCamillo’s award-winning book translates beautifully to the stage. And, as in all good stories, even our reluctant hero finds a happy ending!

Edward’s journey takes him through a series of misfortunes. I had read Kate DiCamillo’s novel years ago and found it to be a touching and intriguing story. Taking my son to the play however meant he was exposed to some of life’s uglier issues. While some of the tough situations and conversations went over his head, the plays ending brings a smile to everyone’s face. According to the little girl sitting behind us, “every play ends with a happy ending.” I’d advise taking children 6+ as Imagination Stage recommends.

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Details:
Running time is roughly 90 minutes with an intermission.

Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets are $15.00-$30.00.

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical at Adventure Theatre

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                                    (Photo credit: Michael Horan)

What: Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical

When: September 23, 2016 – October 23, 2016

Where: Adventure Theatre
7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. 20812

Why: Based on the book by Mo Willems. Six time Emmy Award-winner, Mo Willems wrote the script and lyrics while Grammy Award-winning children’s composer Michael Silversher wrote the music. You may recall the debut being in 2010 at The Kennedy Center.

Trixie and her father bustle through the streets of New York City down the block, across the park, past the school, to the Laundromat. But returning home, Knuffle Bunny is gone, and Trixie can’t tell her father what’s wrong.
[Read more…]

Anna Banana brings meaningful arts and crafts to Georgetown

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Anne Freeman, Owner of Anna Banana Art and Crafts opened her art studio for kids ages 2-8  in January of 2013.  Building on her Art History background, 20 years as an art dealer in D.C., teaching art privately and in preschools, Anna Banana Arts and Crafts is dedicated to teaching and encouraging the artistic process.  Children learn about The Masters such as Picasso, Matisse, van Gogh and Lichtenstein.  Art mediums such as painting, print making, sculpture and photography are presented in a child-friendly manner.  Children explore materials such as charcoal, graphite, pastels, watercolors, paint and markers to encourage creative art making.   Classes are for 2-8 year olds and Summer Camp for 4-8 year olds.

We were lucky enough to attend to a class in which the students were learning about Andy Warhol and creating a painting based on his work. Anne was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, engaging and just plain ole fun! The class began with kids free drawing and coloring, then followed the lesson and project. Once everyone finished at their own pace and cleaned their paintbrushes, Anne was eager to use her glow-in-the-dark paint she had just purchased hours earlier. Based on one little girls comment that she had a glow-in-the-dark rock at home, Anne excitedly found rocks and allowed them to paint their own on a whim. I love that she was so open to a last minute creation.

Classes fill up quickly, especially in the winter and summer camps. There are still spots available in the newest session (and she will prorate them), so check out the options and sign up today! Another perk: easy parking and for the older classes you can drop off at the doorstep! Anna Banana is also nominated for Red Tricycle’s Totally Awesome Award (in case you needed more convincing)!

Address: 3270 S Street, NW in Georgetown

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                                                                                                                            (Painting the rock with glow-in-the-dark paint)

Museum Based-Learning: Ordinary is Extraordinary at the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center

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Before being contacted by Cynthia Raso the Assistant Director of the Center for Innovation in Early Learning at Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC), I had no idea the school existed. The SEEC is a school located on the Smithsonian campus serving infants through kindergartners. What makes SEEC extraordinary? First, it utilizes the Smithsonian and surrounding community as part of its classroom. Students make daily trips to museums, parks, libraries, shops, and monuments and integrate these visits into what they are learning. SEEC is more than just museum-based learning; it is also a school that thinks carefully about educating the whole child. From social-emotional learning to practicing fine motor skills, SEEC classrooms are invested in nurturing young children by employing a range of techniques that we believe will support a child’s growth and development. SEEC utilizes their almost 30 years of experience as a school to shape their family programs while taking into account the role of the parent. SEEC wants to help parents understand how best to engage with their young child at home and in museums.

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At the beginning of the summer I had the opportunity to visit Smithsonian’s Center for Innovation in Early Learning for a Preschool Pioneer class with my then four year old son. The class was focused on learning about light and colors. We met in the Smithsonian Early Education Center found in the Natural History Museum where children were allowed to wander, touch and interact with the various stations that were set-up. Each one being carefully selected and relating to the class lesson of light and color. The teacher began class with a small group lesson introducing the concept of light using CD’s and talking about colors. The group then took a “field trip” out into The Natural History Museum where we found a display on the color wheel. Kids learned Sir Isaac Newton created it and what it meant by allowing them to place various colored plastic sheets on top of one another to create a new color.   Class ended with a hands-on activity of mixing paint and creating colors. It was a great chance to have my son see the museum in an up close and personal way with a sense of purpose. Research has shown that museum based-learning has many benefits for children and promotes the value of museums for kids. One of SECC’s goals is to help educate families on how to utilize museums in fun ways with their young children and I clearly saw this first-hand.

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SEEC’s outreach arm, the Center for Innovation in Early Learning, provides the community with opportunities to learn at every age. SEEC’s programs include both weekly workshops, weekend workshops for children 5 and under and a monthly art studio for children in K-3rd grades. On weekdays, they offer a part-time program for families with children aged 18 – 24 months that meets in the National Museum of Natural History. In January, they will roll-out a new program for adult caretakers of infants that will feature coffee and conversational tours. There are several options and you’re sure to find a program for the Bambinos in your family. Check them out below:
Community Programs you can enroll your child in:

Inside Out– an interactive theatre experience at Imagination Stage

inside out

What: Inside Out at Imagination Stage

When: June 25, 2016 – July 31, 2016

Where: Imagination Stage  – 4908 Auburn Avenue  Bethesda, MD 20814

Why:
The My First Imagination Stage theatre series offers intimate, interactive performances designed for the very young in our Reeve Theatre.

It’s bedtime! But instead of getting ready, two children use their imaginations to turn their room into a wonderland of mess! While playing dress-up,  a  glove becomes a dancing fish, a shirt becomes a fantastic creature, and a sock dance rocks the closet. In this interactive show, discover the joy of  turning things inside out!

My 19 month old and 5 year old were involved and entranced throughout the entire show. It is the perfect show and series to bring the younger audience. You sit on the floor and children are encouraged to participate. This particular show allows kids to sort, match, count and follow directions in a friendly way. At the end, the audience is encouraged to play with the clothing and hang out on the stage. 5 stars for this show! We all want to go back and see it again!

Details:
Running time is roughly 45 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets are $14.00.

Recommended for children 1-5.

The Little Mermaid at Imagination Stage

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(Photo credit: Margot Schulman)

What: The Little Mermaid at Imagination Stage

When: June 22, 2016 – August 14, 2016

Where: Imagination Stage  – 4908 Auburn Avenue  Bethesda, MD 20814

Why:
In this faithful re-telling of the Hans Christian Andersen original (not your well-known Disney production), the Little Mermaid falls in love with a human Prince, and longs to join him in his world above the waves. Despite the warnings of her Mer-family, the Little Mermaid seeks out the Enchantress who trades her pair of legs for the mermaid’s beautiful singing voice. A follow-up to the highly acclaimed The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (2012), this collaboration between Imagination Stage and The Washington Ballet features dance, puppets, music, and singing in a highly theatrical and epic style of performance. A highlight for us was the fantastic ballerinas and peaceful, serene music that went along with the play. My five-year old was entertained throughout the show. It is not your typical Disney Little Mermaid therefore he was wondering what was next and constantly seeing new things and hearing different songs he wasn’t used to.

 

 

Details:
Running time is roughly 90 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets are $10.00-$35.00 each with group and field trip rates available.

Recommended for children 4+.

Jumanji 4D at Adventure Theatre

Billie Krishawn as Judy, Ryan Carlo as Peter, and Elan Zafir as The Guide

                                    (Photo credit: Michael Horan)

What: Jumanji

When: June 17, 2016 – August 28, 2016

Where: Adventure Theatre
7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD. 20812

Why: Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg
Adapted by Sandra Eskin & Michael J. Bobbitt & Directed by Serge Seiden

On a dull day, Judy and Peter find a mysterious old board game. One live lion, an erupting volcano, and some destructive monkeys later, the children are plunged into an experience they’ll never forget. Will they ever finish this mysterious magic game and claim Jumanji?! The Guide is by far the icing on the cake for this show. Just you wait and see!

I’ve never been to a live theatre that has been in 4D, with the exception of being at a theme park. Your Bambinos (and yourself included) will be on the edge of your seat waiting for what’s next. I don’t want to give away all of the surprises but here’s a preview. Expect wind, bubbles and mist with many more surprises. The puppets were made in such a creative way and are accompanied by amazing noises, colors and voices that make them seem real. This is truly a can’t miss theatre experience. I was either laughing or had a smile on my face the entire time and my kids were staring in awe. Jumanji is now my all time favorite children’s theatre shows I’ve seen in Washington, DC. Get your tickets ASAP!!! Our household has now read the book and is planning to watch the movie soon and go see Jumanji once again before it ends.

Theatre Note: This show features strobe lights, and wind, water, and rumble effects. It is approximately 60 minutes long and late seating may not be guaranteed. Please plan accordingly. We encourage parents with young children to use the restrooms prior to entering the theatre and familiarize their children with the plot of the show for the best experience.

Billie Krishawn as Judy 3

  (Photo credit: Michael Horan)

Details:
Running time is 60 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets are $19.50 each with group and field trip rates available. Children under the age of 1 are free.

Jumanji is recommended for ages 4+. However, I took my 19 month old and it was the perfect show for her. There was so much for her to watch and the 4D really allowed there to be so much stimulus that she was constantly looking around for more. I kept whispering to her that she was seeing puppets and she didn’t make a peep the entire time. Take the entire family.

Jacob Yeh as Puppeteer, Ryan Carlo as Peter, Julia Klavans as Puppeteer  (Photo credit: Michael Horan)

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