Spring, where art thou?

I was so happy to have a glimmer of spring this past Monday when after it rained all day it finally cleared and it was gorgeous outside. I quickly gathered up the kids and let them stomp in mud puddles and dig in dirt. While we explored outside we also saw daffodils budding up from the ground. Now that is something to be happy about.

Here are more wonderful happy things:

Choo Choo Barn - 6 family passes - $20 each

FIT Studio - 2 months unlimited fitness classes. They offer aerobics, yoga and pilates. Exp. 9/10 $86

Grand Slam USA - 4 rounds of mini golf - $24

Philadelphia Zoo - 2 tickets, exp 12/22/10 - $36

Seven Stars Inn of Phoenixville, PA - $25 gc towards dinner (not valid on Saturdays or holidays)

The Grand Opera House - 2 tickets to a Grand performance. Certificate good for Grand Opera House produced shows only; rentals, Opera Delaware and Delaware Symphony are excluded; some in house restrictions may apply. Exp. 4/24/11. Approximate value $150

Tyler Arboretum - 4 garden passes - $28

Wilmington and Western Railroad - 2 coupons to have kids ride free with a adult purchased ticket

Magical

Even with these cold and blustery days my 4 year old has been able to find bliss. She pretends to be a Pegasus flying thru the sky. She looks so content and unbothered by the cold wind as long as she is able to "fly." It is priceless to watch her flap her wings and gallop along as I quickly walk to get from point A to point B. Maybe I should take a step back and find the magic with these cold winter days.

Here are some things to help you dream of warmer days ahead.

Build A Bear - $10 gc

Dutch Wonderland - 2 tickets - $63.90

Hard Rock Cafe - $25 gc, expires 12/31/10

National Constitution Center - 4 tickets to The Story of We the People - $48

New Hope and Ivyland Railroad - family 4 pack towards a regular excursion - $60

Winter Wonderland

I really enjoyed watching all the snow fall this past weekend. It was perfect to just lounge around and get some things done before the holidays. We wrapped some presents, baked and even made a gingerbread house. Have a wonderful Holiday and I wish you all the best for 2010! Here are some treats for the holiday.
Dick's Sporting Goods - $20 gift card expires 6/30/10
Kindermusik - $40 gc towards a class, located in West Chester or Lionville

Oasis Family Fun Center - 5 combo passes for Ballocity and the soft playground - $50
Panera Bread- Bread for a Year certificate - $60

The Bowling Palace- 2 hour party for 5 people (includes - unlimited bowling, shoe rentals, 1 large cheese pizza and 1 pitcher of soda) - $75

Meet Fred - Our Elf

This year I introduced The Elf on the Shelf to the family. We named him Fred so that he may begin his Christmas magic. He is really cute and reports to Santa each night as to whether the kids have been naughty or nice. Then when you wake up the next morning Fred is in a new place to watch what happens in the house. The kids really enjoy this part as they race downstairs to see who can find Fred first. Only a few times have I had to run down before them to help Fred "fly" to a new spot before they got to him. So that part may be taxing to remember to do each day, but it's worth it.
Here are some donations that have flown our way for the auction.
ACAC Fitness and Wellness Centers - Two month individual membership (childcare options available) - $199
DoubleTree Hotel Wilmington - dream deal package for two, valid for a weekend night stay(Friday OR Saturday night) including buffet breakfast the following morning. (Gratuity not included) - $150
Knoebels - 2 All Day Handstamp" Ride Pass, Valid Monday-Friday 6/14-9/3/10 - $59
Thorndale Dental Associates - Sonicare Gift Basket; Zoom! Whitening Session with trays; $1000 gift certificate - total value $1,850

Happy Thanksgiving

I'm thankful for the wonderful group of volunteers that are helping with the auction. Plus, the donations are great too! Here are some more goodies that have come in:
American Helicopter Museum - 1 year family membership - $75
Arden Theater - 2 tickets to any performance (excluding opening and Saturday nights); expires 7/4/10
Family Martial Arts Center - 3 one month memberships, plus uniform (new students only) -$176 each
Healing Hands Massage - $35 gift card
New Hope and Ivyland Railroad - family 4 pack $54
Philadelphia Chamber Music Society - 2 tickets for a May 2010 concert - Soovin Kim, violin 5/4/10; Musicians from Marlboro 5/10/10 OR Ensemble ACJW - John Adams, conductor 5/9/10 $54
Reading Phillies Baseball Club - 6 General Admission tickets - $48
The National Toy Train Museum - 4 tickets (kids under 6 years old are free) $24
Winterthur Gardens - 2 tickets - $36
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Get Ready, Get Set, GO!

I'm so excited we already got some donations in for the Silent Auction. It's like Christmas has come early. Here are some things that we got:

Animal Clinic at Thorndale - pet exam $44

Brandywine River Museum - 4 tickets $40

Chanticleer Gardens - 2 tickets $10

D & D Family Billiards - 2 $25 gift cards

Eastern State Penitentary - 6 tickets - $72

Max and Erma's of Downingtown - $25 gift card

The Insectarium - 10 tickets - $70

The United Sports Training Center - A birthday party package - $225, exp 11/10

Fall into Fun

It's that time of year again, fall. It brings so many beautiful things such as fall leaves, cooler temperatures and outdoor fun. For me at Copeland Run Academy it also brings about planning for the Spring Fair and Silent Auction. It is my 4th year in chairing the auction so it seems like second nature for me now. And of course I wouldn't be able to do it without the amazing group of parent volunteers. Right now we are in the midst of assembling donation request letters. If you know anyone who would like to make a donation to the silent auction please contact me at radon71@yahoo.com. Put "auction" in the subject line. It could be your company, family member, friend or neighbor. All items are then auctioned off at the Spring Fair and Silent Auction on April 24, 2010 at the United Sports Training Center. Everyone wins, as the Copeland Run Parent's Association gets 100% of the proceeds and the highest bidder gets a terrific item. This years fundraising goal is raise money towards updating the existing playground equipment.