Good weather!

This picture is Allen Pond in 1955!


Woo Hoo! Tomorrow's forcast is sunny and 72 degrees.

Jillian and I will be at the playground (Allen Pond Park) tomorrow afternoon at 12:30 if anyone would like to join us. We will bring a blanket with us and set up camp in the grass near the swings on the "big kid" side. I'll have my jogging stroller too if anyone wants to take a stroll around the pond.

Hope to see you!

Nancy

Six Flags

Hi Buddies-

I just wanted to remind everyone that the season pass special for Six
Flags is only available until May 26th. After that, they go from being
50 bucks, to lots more! Just thought you might want to know! Also,
kids 2 and under are free so those of us with little ones will be able
to enjoy the park (AND water park area!) for pretty cheap this summer!
I just got my pass for Jillian and I, and hope lots of you do too!

www.sixflags.com

Link for Bowie Meetup

CLICK HERE to visit a Meetup group in Bowie!


Long time no post... sorry guys!

Here is some info I got about a Meetup group in Bowie. Check it out!

Also, I hadn't seen all the votes for the weekly play date- THANKS!!! Looks like we are all over the place with the time that would be best for everyone... I'll take another look at it and see if we can pick something that might be a good compromise... Now that the weather is so nice, I'm looking forward to seeing more of you out and about at the park and such!

Hope everyone is doing great!

Nancy

Set Play Date Time?!?

Hi Buddies-

Okay- I've been thinking... Story time at the Library is so successful as far as participation is concerned. I was wondering what the secret is. I THINK it is the fact that it takes place every week, at the same time, on the same day.

So- how about this idea? Let's set up a weekly play date and rotate the places we have it. (ie- for now, with the great weather, it could be Allen Pond, but if it rains, or if we need a break from the great outdoors, we could rotate between our houses).

I want to find a good day and time for everyone. I think Tuesday and Thursday afternoons are out because that is the 0-12 and 12-24mo story times at the Library. What else is going on on other days that we should work around?

PLEASE! Post a comment, and/or make a vote on the polls above and let me know what day/time would work best for you... I think this could be really cool.

I'll start: My vote would be for Wednesday's or Friday's, at 11:30.

Hope to hear from you!

Nancy

Park day?

Hello everyone!

Looks like the nice weather is supposed to hold out until the weekend (the extended forcast is saying no rain 'til Friday night) so how about we take advantage of the predicted 70 degree weather that afternoon, and have a park day?

Friday, April 11th
Allen Pond Park (we will be on the "big kid" side... by the swings)
12:30pm-Jillian is sick of swinging

I'm probably going to pack a little picnic too, and eat there... If anyone else is interested in that, we can maybe coordinate a pot luck picnic? Email me! bowiebuddies@hotmail.com

Hope to see you there!

Nancy

Book Sale!!!

-
Just an FYI-

There is a used book sale going on at the Bowie Library on:


Saturday April 19th,
from 10:00-3:00pm

Get out there and find some good deals! I hear there will be quite a selection of children's books!

Thanks Marlyn, for the heads up! ;)

Play date!

Hello all!

Our friends Abbie and Leo (he is almost 15 months old!) would like to host a play date at their house this coming week. Abbie and Leo live in Bowie, near the Town Center...

Here is all the info:

Wednesday, April 2.
2 pm
Please RSVP to Bowiebuddies@hotmail.com and I will send you their address.

There will be snacks, and in case of allergies, they DO NOT have pets. :)

Same play date rules as always- you have to have met Abbie in person before I will send you her address, OR know someone (me, me!) who can vouch for you.

Hope to see you there!

Nancy (and Abbie and Leo)

P.S.- I'd like to give Abbie a great big THANK YOU! for hosting a play date, and getting the word out through Bowie Buddies! This is exactly what this site is about! I welcome other people to take a look at your calendar, and find a time that you can host a little gathering too! It's so fun to watch your child interacting with other children, and important for their development too!

Who wants to play???

Tomorrow afternoon, Jillian and I would love to have some kids over to play! If you're interested, please email me at nancykules@hotmail.com for directions. RSVP via email, or by phone if you are going to make it... I hope to see you!

Same play date rules as usual- either I have to have met you, or someone I've met needs to vouch for you before I give you my address!

Tomorrow (Thursday, March 27th) @ 3:00.

See you tomorrow!

Nancy

Pump It Up

PUMP IT UP WEBSITE

Looks like fun!

Check it out---

:) Nancy

New Link

Kids Club

Check out this link for a cool group in the DC area! Thanks Dave!

(P.S. Without Dave, I'd be running out of new material to post!!! What are some kid friendly things in the area that YOU know about??? Send me an email, or post a comment! Can't wait to hear from you!)

Cooking in Crofton...

Check out this link for an activity in Crofton...

Super Suppers

Have a great day!

Nancy

Play date today?!?!

Hi guys-

I know this is last minute, but I wanted to extend an invitation to my house for this afternoon.

I'll be expecting people to arrive around 2:00-2:30. We can hang out 'til around 4:00.

Please email me at bowiebuddies@hotmail.com for directions if you are interested in coming.

Same rules as before for this play date- In order to give you my address, I need to have met you and your child before in person, or someone I have met before needs to vouch for you. Rather be safe than sorry, right??

P.S.- Just so you know, I'll have a few little snacks, but not a ton of food... Also, (in case of allergies) I do have a dog, but I'll put her away while the kids play. I also have a swing set so there could be some outside time too... :)

Hope to see you!

Nancy

New Subscription Option!

I've added a new feature to the site- on the top left hand corner, you'll notice an area where you can subscribe to the blog. Now, when new posts are added, they can come directly to your email box! Hope everyone had a great weekend, and is planning to join us for a walk tomorrow!

Going for a walk...

Hi Bowie-

Based on the comments about the park, a few emails I got, and the extended weather forcast, I'm going to post our walk for:

Monday, March 10th.
Safeway Starbucks (in the Town Center) to Allen Pond Park
Meet up between 1:30 and 2:00.

We will head out for our walk at 2:00 and travel over to Allen Pond for a little park fun. If you can't make it/don't want to walk, feel free to meet us at the park around 2:30! We will be at the 'big kids' playground area. Anyone wanting to extend their walk can also do a few laps around the pond.

This walk/park date will be on as long as there isn't rain or snow!!!

Hope to see you there!

Walk Anyone?, and Easter fun!

Hello friends-

Dave pointed out that we might have some good weather this coming week... anyone up for a walk to Allen Pond? Last time we met at Safeway (Starbucks) and walked over there and I thought it went well. It's a decent little hike, but it felt good. Leave a comment on this entry with times/days that would work well for you and we will get something on the calendar!

Also, (thanks, Jen) this is the link for the egg roll at the White house. I hear it is a pretty cool event! The annual White House Easter Egg Roll will be held Monday, March 24, 2008, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the South Lawn of the White House.

Check it out if you are interested!

LINK: White House Egg Roll

Play date at my house!

Come play at my house!
Monday, Feb. 25th @ 12:30

Come on over for a play date! (301 and Mitchelleville)

My daughter is 9 months old so our house is child friendly and I have a variety of toys... You can bring a couple toys too if you want.

In case of allergies, I do have a dog. I will put her "away" while the kids are playing but wanted to let you know...

For my own personal comfort (and the safety of our kids) I'll restrict this playdate to people that I have met in person, or someone else that I've met can vouch for. Rather be paraniod than sorry, right?

I'll have finger food for the adults (and little munchies for kids) so feel free to come hungry!

This playgroup will be geared toward children of similar age to my daughter... Newborn-18ish Months prefered!!

Please email Nancy at bowiebuddies@hotmail.com for directions to the house.

Our walk today...

-

Abbie, Dave and I had a great time on our walk today. We bundled up the babies, and went from Safeway to Allen Pond. It was a little chilly out, but the time outdoors was great for all of us, and felt good!

Look for more park/walk postings in the future... We would love to expand our little group!

Nancy

Let's Go For a Walk!

-
Interested in meeting up with some other local parents to go for a walk?

Join us this Thursday (Feb. 21st)(as long as there is no rain, or snow!)inside Bowie Town Center's Safeway at the Starbucks between 1:30-2:00. We will take off for the walk at 2:00. (We're still debating about where we will walk to... the park... somewhere near by!)

If you are running late, or having trouble finding us, call Nancy at 480) 332-0652.

While an RSVP is not required, it would be great for us to get an idea of participation-- Please make a comment on this entry if you plan to attend!

Thanks!

Nancy

Hoping to see you there!

The Bowie-South, MD chapter of the MOMS Club ®

Hi Bowie-

I just wanted to post about this group... I attended a meeting the other day and met a nice group of women and children. Here is the info that I have!

-----------------------------------------
Membership in the MOMS Club® of Bowie-South, MD is open to any mother residing in Bowie, Glenn Dale, or Mitchellville south of Route 50 and with Zip codes 20716, 20717, and 20721.

South Bowie MOMS holds business meetings the second Monday of every month, 9:30am at the Bowie Gymnasium. (corner of North View and Health Center across from the Bowie Town Center SAFEWAY.)

At the business meetings they plan play groups, field trips, group activities, mom's night out, family events and service projects. Children are welcome to attend these meetings as well.

Prospective members are invited to two public functions and the meeting with no dues so that you can get a feel for what we are about and mingle with our mothers and children before you decide you would like to join. If you decide to become a member, your annual dues are $20.00. The money is used exclusively to help our organization cover the cost of national dues, newsletters, office supplies, copies and other operational type expenses.

For more information about the SOUTH BOWIE MOMS CHAPTER, contact Heather @ bowiemoms2002@yahoo.com

FYI- If you do not live in the zip codes for South Bowie, the Bowie-North, MD chapter of the MOMS Club® was founded in 1999 for those living within the zip codes of 20715, 20718, 20719, 20720 and 20769. The NORTH Bowie chapter can be contacted at momsclub@aol.com

Story Time at Borders!

-

I just talked to the people over at Borders in Bowie, and found out that they do a story time for young children a few times a month.

I guess the story time are always TUESDAY'S at 10:00am but vary from month to month (ie. Feb might be every Tuesday, while March is every other Tuesday...)

Borders is located at:

4420 Mitchellville Road
Bowie, MD 20716

I suggest calling to make sure the story time is scheduled (since it does vary...)Phone: 301.352.5560

The next one is set for Tuesday, Feb. 26th @10am.

Swimming at Sport Fit

I just heard (thanks Cara) that Sport Fit offers swimming classes for children as young as 8 months old. The sessions just started last week, and are already full for the 8-24 month age group but I thought I would mention it for next time...

Classes for 8-24 month olds meet one day a week and cost $55 for Sport Fit members and $75 for non-members. These classes are Caregiver & baby so you're in the water too!

There is another class for 24-35 month olds as well. I just called and there ARE still spots for this age group.

Happy Swimming!

You can contact Sport Fit at:
(301) 262-4553
or
www.sportfitclubs.com/bowie

Bowie Ice Arena

Hi Bowie-

Just heard that the Bowie Ice Arena has ice skating lessons for children as young as 18 months old!

It's located at 3330 Northview Drive
and their phone number is 301-809-3090

It is a year round ice skating facility that is open for skating July through April of every year.

Just thought you might want to know.


(Thanks for the info Dave!)

Skate Zone- Tomorrow!

Skate Zone Website

Hi Friends!

I just got an email from a friend with the following information about an event at Skate Zone tomorrow (Monday, Jan. 21st):

From 10-12 they have a "tot rock and roll" session for $4 (includes a soda) where young kids can come and crawl, run, ride scooters, bikes etc. They play kid music and they have a little skate lesson after the hoky poky.

Check out the link to their website, and come out and meet some new people! This is a weekly event... Thanks Allison!

Local OB?

-
I'm posting a question on behalf of a woman (Karen) who is moving to Bowie very soon.

Does anyone have a good suggestion for an OB in the Bowie area?

She's looking for recommendations and would appreciate any advice! Make a comment on this entry and help her out!!!

I'm going to Library time tomorrow... hope to see you there!
-

Little Gym

I brought Jillian for a free trial class at the Little Gym in Bowie today. Jillian had a great time, and I enjoyed meeting other Mom's with babies under the age of 1.

There is a new class for 4-10 month olds that starts on Jan. 21st! The class meets every Tuesday at 10:15.

Right now I think there are 2 or 3 babies enrolled, and I'm planning to attend with Jillian. The more the merrier! Join us! I would love to share this experience with as many people as possible!

Jillian playing with the bars

Me and Jillian using the balance beam.

Story Time!

I went to my first Bowie Library read aloud yesterday and had a great time!

.

The group I attended is for children under the age of 1, and meets every Thursday at 11:30. There were 6 children in attendance yesterday and everyone really enjoyed themselves.

-

There are other classes (for other ages) available as well... you can find more info on the Bowie Library Link in the left margin of this blog.

-

This 30 minute (or so) meeting included a couple of books, some singing, movement, and visual story telling (using stuffed animals). I thought it was a nice mix of things for the little eyes to look at. The story teller was very sweet and did a nice job engaging the listeners and encouraging participation.

My only cons for the class would be that the egg shakers used by the children were not sanitized afterwards (yuck- they went straight into every baby mouth!) and the room that the class is held in could use a little pizazz... I'm thinking about working on that somehow- maybe a community project to spruce it up and add some color! :)

I'd love to know about other community activities you have attended! Write me an email and share what you're up to!

Happy New Year!

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."

~Anne Frank

I think this quote is great. One of my resolutions this year is to get involved with volunteering- I'm planning to do some work at Walter Reed, and would love to help with charities involving children either in the US, or in other countries.

What are your resolutions this year?

-

Here is an easy way you can help a little- if you have your own blog, you can have your page stylized by a girl named Nikki for $20. I found her services through a friend that had her blog designed- it looks great! $5 of your money will go toward the charity of her choice for the month, and the other $15 goes toward funding her personal humanitarian trip to the Dominican Republic this July.

-

Pretty cool if you ask me!

Santa Claus?

Hi Bowie-

Anybody been out to get the kids photos with Santa? I'm avoiding stores as much as possible, but was wondering if anyone has found a slightly less crowded spot, with a decent looking Santa (read: preferably real beard) haha.... I know it's late in the game, but I'm thinking I might regret not having a picture of her at this age with Jolly-Old-St. Nick.

Hoping to hear from you!

Newspaper Article...

If you're new to the site it's probably because of the story on the front page of the Bowie Blade today. Welcome! When we discussed doing an article, I decided that would be a great time to get the word out to some local people about this site... And here you are! :)

I hope that you will introduce yourself- make a comment, or email me. There are also two polls on the side of the page about how old you/your child(ren) are. Feel free to submit your answer!

My vision for this site is not something that I am maintaining individually, but rather a community board where we can share news, plan play dates, etc. So get involved! We would love to meet you and your kids!

Happy Holidays!

P.S. Sean, (comment from the post prior to this) Thanks for posting! I actually ordered some cheap business cards a little while ago with this web address on them! Haha... great minds think alike. Once they come in I'll just have to convince my husband to be seen with me as I randomly approach people to pass them out. :) I'm on a serious mission to build a community here!

Happy Holidays!

It's been a bit since a post, but to be honest... I'm losing steam without any comments or local participation. Without my friend Heather in VA (Fort Belvoir) I think I'd give up!

Honestly, after the holidays I'm going to start randomly approaching people in our area,(shoppers of Target, watch out) starting up a conversation, and giving them the link for the blog. Haha. So... If you happen to have been one of those people, sorry! I swear I'm not crazy, just looking forward to some play dates!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!

Blog Participation- come on comments! :)

I'm looking for some advice from experienced Mom's...

I'm full of ideas on how to entertain preschool aged+ kids, but what do you do with a 6 month old during the winter months? Right now my daughter is pretty content hanging out inside, but as her independence continues to develop, I'm thinking she will be anxious to explore more than just our house...

Is anyone more familiar with the Bowie area (than I) and know of indoor places that are fun for little ones?

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!

Songs

I'm hoping this posting will generate some responses in the guestbook... I'm creating a DVD of my daughters first 6 months and need some appropriate songs to go along with the slide show. A lot of songs I've found seem to have some thread of negative message (dad leaves, illness...) I'm looking for happy, fun, upbeat songs about kids/parenting...

Here's what I have so far... I hope you will add your ideas!

- "My Darling" by Wilco
- "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder
- "When You Dream" by Barenaked Ladies
- "I'm Counting On You" by Chris de Burgh
- "Just the Two of Us" by Grover Washington
- "Return to Pooh Corner" by Kenny Loggins
- "Kooks" by David Bowie

Also, I've noticed some new traffic on the site- I hope you'll email and introduce yourself!

BowieBuddies@hotmail.com

I'd really like to find another baby/Mom in the area for my daughter & I to hang out with. She will be 6 months this Friday!

Fall Fun!

After searching around online for some time, I found a great pumpkin patch nearby. It's called Queen Anne Farm and it's a great place to pick up a pumpkin, fresh fruit, veggies and enjoy the fresh air. We got some great pictures of our family with a full field of pumpkins in the background!

LINK: QUEEN ANNE FARM WEBSITE