Dinner date

To celebrate our 10th anniversary (still can't believe that time has gone by that fast!), my husband and I went on an impromptu dinner date to Sego in Ketchum.  The kids begged us to take them to the YMCA's Parents Night Out---seriously, they really did. So, my hubby and I were left with a few hours to ourselves. Since this is a rare occasion, we loved every minute of it.

After walking around town to see all the beautiful Christmas lights and to do a little window shopping, we headed over to Cornerstone for some drinks (water for me) and to check out the social scene.  Boy, that place is always packed--must be a good sign.

Then, we ventured down the street to Sego for a light dinner. Since we weren't too hungry, we decided to sit at the bar for the first time and experience what all of our friends were talking about. Even though we were "at the bar", we were still in a comfortable and private booth and had great service.  Everything from the warm rolls, to the hamburger condiments, to the mini donuts made my mouth water more and more.  After a delicious and healthy, once again, Sego proved to be my favorite valley restaurant.

Happy Anniversary dear!

Parent helpers for the holiday season

Happy winter break! 

 If you still need to work or get some last minute shopping (or even some skiing in), check out these great kid programs for the YMCA.  

NEW!  Winter Break Mini Kids' Camp tailored just for kids 3-5 years old! The week of Monday, December 23^rd-Friday, December 31^st, let us engage and play with your precious gems while you shop, ski, run errands, grab lunch with a friend or just relax!  Activities will include outdoor snow exploration, games, play, dancing, music, art-projects using imagination, gourmet cooking, bouncy castle, and much more!

Members: $40/day.  Non Members: $50/day (Sibling add-on for $25). Don't forget lunches and snow-clothes! Pre-registration required by calling 208-727-9622.

Holiday Special Parent's Night Out, December 22nd 4-9pm.  In conjunction with the Ketchum Santa Crawl! Kids ages 1-8 can enjoy a festive evening of games, Christmas crafts, a holiday movie, and cookie decorating while parents enjoy after-hours shopping and entertainment in Ketchum Town-square!  Dinner is included. Members: $45 Non-Members: $55 Sibling Discount: $35  Call 727-9622 to register.  To provide a quality program, pre-registration encouraged.

School's Out Days on Monday, December 20th and Tuesday, December 21st from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.  Activities will include swimming, climbing, visiting the library, gym games, art projects, and group fun!  Price is $35/day for Y members and $50/day for non-members.  Pre-registration is required by calling Emilie Wark at 208-727-9622, ext. 119.

Winter Camp from Monday, December 27th - Friday, December 31st from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm.  Activities include group games, playing in the snow (bring appropriate clothing for the outdoors), sledding, swimming, climbing, art projects, group discussions, storytelling, baking, completing a community service project, and activities that focus on the excitement of the new year!  Pre-registration is required by calling Emilie Wark at 208-727-9622, ext. 119.

YMCA Holiday Party

Friday, December 10th is the YMCA's 3rd Annual Holiday Party.  This FREE party is for the entire valley and runs from 3:30-6:30 pm.

If your child still hasn't paid a visit to see Santa, then be sure to mark your calendar for this special event. Santa will be at the Y from 4:00-5:30pm.

The party will also include:

*Bouncy Castle
*Face Painting
*Letters to Santa
*Cookie Decorating
*Make your own music
*Candy Decorating

Sounds like a fun time and after school, I may just have to take the kids for this wonderful event.

*above picture is of my young ones last year decorating our gingerbread house.  Yum Yum!

YMCA Giving Tree

Let me start by saying that this weekend's storm didn't quite produce as much as expected. Our 8-24 inches of expected snow turned into 1 inch.  Big difference!  Yet, we have many more months to excitedly wait for big storms.

It's glittermania at my house this weekend. We are having so much making and decorating the ornaments for the YMCA's Giving Tree.  This is the third year that the Giving Tree will take place at the YMCA and every year I am humbled and moved by the generousity of this community.

Starting on Wednesday, we will be putting up the Christmas tree and decorate it with the ornaments.  Each ornaments contains the wishlist of a local child from the Hunger Coalition and all presents should be returned to the YMCA by December 21st so the local families may be pick them up.

Please call the YMCA or email me at sunvalleyfamilies@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Wishing you and your family the most joyful Thanksgiving.   Hope to see you at the Turkey Trot or on the slopes.  Gobble Gobble!!

(proof that I actually rock climbed to the very top!)

Yesterday, we went to the YMCA to help them celebrate their 3rd anniversary.  There were lots of various events going on and we honed in on the free rock climbing.  It was loads of fun rock climbing as a family.  My oldest son and I rocked climb on the big rock wall, while the two younger kids practiced their bouldering skills.  Fun physical activity for the whole family!

(rock climbing is perfect for little monkeys like mine!)

This is copied from the YMCA's webpage (for other rock climbing activities, click HERE):



Afterschool Climbers at the YMCA
Join us Mondays and Wednesdays from 3-4:00 for some climbing fun. Ages K-5th graders will learn about bouldering, climbing, knots and more with our excellent kid-friendly instructors. All equipment is included. There is limited space each month so sign up now!

Contact Kat for more information 928.6718 or kat@woodriverymca.orgMember: $60 per monthnon-Member: $75 per month

New kid class in Ketchum

I always forget how much I love fall and how beautiful fall is in Sun Valley!  With temperatures in the 70's (!!!) all weekend long, all of us should be wearing big smiles and bringing back our t-shirts.

Our YMCA has started a great new class for 3-5 year olds that explores movement, music, arts, tumbling, and more.  Tuesday and Thursdays from 12:30-1:45pm starting in October.  For more details and to register, please call Kat  928-6718.

Enjoy your great weekend. We plan to go to a soccer game, go to the park and perhaps even go swimming. Go fall!

Family BBQ at the YMCA

Every Wednesday this summer, the YMCA will be hosting an outdoor BBQ near the aquatic center.  From 6-8pm, YMCA staff will be grillin' hotdogs, hamburgers and veggie burgers so you can just chill with your family and enjoy with your family and other families.  This is the perfect pit stop before you head off to another Sun Valley adventure, or you can just spend evening swimming and eating. 

The cost is $5/person and includes food and drink.  Please call the YMCA for more information  (208) 727-9622.

A date night in Ketchum

Last night, my husband and I took advantage off the YMCA's Sitter Saturday and headed out with some friends for Gallery Walk.  The rain stopped, there was a rainbow and lots of locals and tourists enjoying our fine galleries, plus some wine.  In our two hour "walk", we only managed to make it to two galleries. We were too busy talking to many of our friends that we ran into.  It definitely was a social night and a great night!

Luckily for us, one of the galleries we stopped at was DeNovo and Jamie Lee Curtis just happened to be having a book signing there. Since I have young kids, love books and am slightly star struck, I just had buy a book and have Mrs. Curtis sign it herself.

Did you know that her "Where do Balloons Go" book was dreamed up at Atkinsons Park in Ketchum?  Once upon a time, Jamie Lee Curtis attended a birthday party there and they let all the balloons go up in the sky.  One little girl asked her mama, "Where do balloons go?" and voila!  a book was created.   Of course, I had to buy 3 of those books!

After admiring art and mingling with friends, we headed to Ketchum's newest restaurant, Cornerstone.  At 8:00pm, that place was PACKED.  Again, we ran into so many people that we knew. That is one of my favorite things about Ketchum, everywhere you go it's like running into "family" and you feel so welcome.  Cornerstone is a really cool (for lack of a better word) building.  This building is about 100 years and one of Ketchum's oldest buildings.  Cornerstone offers great food and it has only just begun.  In the near future, they will be offering family nights.  Can't wait to hear more details about family night and enjoy Cornerstone with my family and more friends!

We went home with huge smiles and big bellies.  It's going to be a great summer in the valley and I can't wait to experience it all.

Bike Safety Rodeo

Police are the good guys.  They are here to protect us and to teach us about safety. As part of a larger effort to reach out to the community more, the Ketchum Police Department has arranged a Bike Safety Rodeo for Saturday, May 29 from 11m-2pm at the YMCA.

This awesome family (and free)  event will focus on bike safety and fun.  They will offer very important bike safety checks, riding skills stations and helmet fitting stations.   Believe it of not, a large number of us, mainly children, don't wear our helmets correctly.  Plus, they will have a bike obstacle course for kids and parents.  Doesn't that sound like a fun family activity?

This is a big weekend in the Wood River Valley (Volleyball Tournaments, Gallery Walk, etc) and I will try my best to keep you updated on all the latest and greatest.

Sitter Saturday + Gallery Walk

Gallery Walks are a lot of fun for locals and tourists. When the weather is nice, people can be seeing pouring down the streets of Ketchum, mingling, being seen and admiring our great galleries.

As a parent, it's sometimes hard to attend these fun events. You could either drag your child from gallery to gallery or pay for an expense babysitter or stay home.

Voila!  The Gallery Walks has partnered with the YMCA for the May 29th event.  The YMCA will be offering Sitter Saturdays (you can drop off your child at the Y and leave for the night) from 6:00-10:00pm. Your child will have a great time playing with friends and you can have a great time with your friends.

So, call your friends, get dressed up and be sure to call the YMCA by Friday to reserve your child's spot.  (208) 727-9622.

For a map of the Gallery Walk, click HERE

Summer camp for parents!!

Since it has a big potential of being cold and snowy this weekend (big, long sigh), I thought it would be nice to just think about summer and all the cool happenings.

The YMCA had the brilliant idea of offering Parent and Kid summer adventures.  As they put it, "why should the kids have all the fun?".  They are absolutely right! It's time for us to have some good old fashion Sun Valley fun this summer with our children.

Whitewater Rafting (all ages)---July 22nd and August 21st

Horseback Riding (6 and older)--July 17 or August 7  (This is one that I really want to sign up for!)

Fishing with the Pros--July 29 or August 12

Call the YMCA for more details and to fill up a spot before someone else does.  727-9622

YMCA fundraiser night at Ketchum Dry Goods

This post is long over due, but better late than never!

 Back in February, during the YMCA's successful Y Partners campaign, the good folks at Ketchum Dry Goods hosted a ladies to help the YMCA raise money. 10% of all proceeds went back to the Y.  The evening was packed with delicious food, beautiful flowers, the best clothing staff and some pretty fun gals.  They thought of everything to make ladies night special. OH, what a night!

This great staff (and owner) of Ketchum Dry Goods sure know how to fit clothes on any body.  Not only are they super fashion smart, but very helpful and friendly.  You can never go wrong with an outfit that you buy there.

A snowy night and white flowers makes for a great ladies night!  A huge YMCA thank you to KDG for raising $300 that evening.

hmmmm.... A trip to Ketchum Dry Goods might be the perfect gift for all the mother's out there this weekend.
 

Summer Camp Registration

I don't know if it will snow even more this week, but I do know that it's a great idea to start making your summer plans.

The YMCA has opened up their summer camp and summer program registration today.  Lots of really cool summer camp themes to help your kid have even more fun this summer.

Call them today for more information or stop by the Y to pick up a brochure.  727-YMCA

Deal of the day

During spring break, the YMCA is offering $1 swim lessons.  Yes, you read that correctly!  If you sign your child up for the entire week, your grand total for 5 swim lessons is a whopping $5.  How can you pass up that offer?

Dates;  March 15-19

Times:  3:30-4:15pm  for 6-8 year olds
             4:30-5:15pm for 9-12 year olds.

Please call the YMCA to register your little dolphins.  928-6707

Sego Review

This weekend, the hubby and I went on a double date to Ketchum's lastest and greatest restaurant---Sego.  We dropped the kids off at the monthly YMCA's Saturday Sitters and enjoyed the next 3 hours of adult time.

We have heard mixed reviews about Sego, so I was ready to experience it all and form my own opinion. We arrived at around 6:30  and the restaurant had about 5 other couples there.  Apparently, we beat the rush.  We were greeted promptly by several people--one to take our coats, one to pour our wine, one to pour our water and our waitress to tell us about the specials.  So far so good!  As of last night, Sego had not received their liquor license, but they were hoping that this is the week.  For the mean time, they charge a $15 cork fee per bottle.  

The men in our group started off with an appetizer and with each bite they took, they expressed that they were in Heaven.  According to them, it was the best meal ever!  

Shortly after, our meal arrived presented so beautifully. I ordered the Vegetable dinner and it came on a wooden slab.  I wish I could eat all of my meals like that.  The Vegetable dinner consisted of 3 different bowls composed of varying cooked veggies and grains.  I am a red meat eater, but wanted to try this healthy alternative and boy, I was not let down!  Delicious!!  My husband ordered a meat dish and let me sample his as well, barely though.  Every bite I took was wonderful and an explosion of flavor.  Completely unique and beautiful!  

Then, it came time for dessert.  We still had some room in our bellies and had heard that their dessert was a must try.  My husband and I split the Chocolate x3.  Homemade hot chocolate with chipolte and homemade marshmellows, homemade ice cream that was the best ice cream I have EVER tasted, plus a chocolate mouse that was so divine and so rich.  

We were all very pleased with Sego and proud that it is in our town.  We will be back again and again to try their local and fresh food!  Can't wait to try their summer menu.

Well done Sego!

http://www.segorestaurant.com/

They are open for dinner Tuesdays through Sundays starting at 5:30

Reservations are highly recommended  208.928.7878

Weekend plans

Hmmmmm....

What do to this weekend?
or
Take the family out for some beautiful spring skiing?
or
Sign the kids up for the YMCA's Saturday Sitters so I can go on a date to Sego with my hubby?   Click here for more info on Ketchum's newest and finest restaurant.
or
Watch the annual Paw n' Pole?
or
Take 5 year old son to the Children's Arts Festival.  http://www.wrartsalliance.org/Site/Childrens_Arts_Festival.html

Yes, please!  I'll take all of the above.

Happy weekend!!  We got some well needed snow yesterday, now it's nothing but blue skies.

YMCA FUNdraiser

The folks at the YMCA sure know how to raise money, the fun way!  Join the fun in these fun events that raise money for our fun YMCA. Do I mention that they are fun?

Fun event #1:  Ladies Night at Ketchum Dry Goods on Saturday, February 27th from 6-9pm.  Grab your friends for a night of shopping, drinks, snacks and yummy chocolate.  Staff will be on hand to help you with every style desire and need that you may have. The best part???  Ketchum Dry Goods is donating 10% of all sales to the YMCA's Y Partners Campaign!  Shopping for a good cause...it doesn't get any better than that.

Fun event #2:  After you have picked out a new lovely outfit, then head over to the Roosevelt on Sunday, February 28th starting at 5:30pm for dinner and a night of disco.  Generously, they have also decided to contribute 10% of all sales to the YMCA.  Just another great excuse to have dinner with some friends--all while supporting the Y.

Will I be at both events? You betcha!

One stop shop

It was a great day for me and my children at the YMCA.

We accomplished many goals that put smiles on our faces.

1.  I finally worked out. The first of the year, so it's a big deal! The kids happily played with their friends in Childwatch.

2.  After my hour of sweat, we joined other families in the Y's free Bouncy Castle Thursday.  We don't always last long in there, but it's still fun for them and fun for me to socialize with other mommies.

3.  We then played in the pool with some other mommies and their kids.  I'll be honest, once upon a time, we use to avoid the pool because it was rather chilly, but with the new raise in temperature, it was perfect.  After swimming, we laid on our towels next to the big windows and felt the warm sun on our skin. We thought it was summer until we looked outside and saw the snow!

4.  Swimming makes us hungry, so we then enjoyed our snack by the fireplace and watched the little 3 year olds practice ballet with Sun Valley Ballet.

A whole 1/2 day of fun activities in one spot.

  The YMCA is the place to be!

Stuff for tots

A few favorite items to do with toddler/preschooler throughout the week..

Monday:  Children's Discovery Corner at The Sawtooth Botanical Garden

Tuesday:  Indoor Playground at The Community Campus

Wednesday:  Hailey Library Story Time

Thursday:  YMCA Bouncy Castle

Friday:   Parent and Me Music with Tom Nash at the YMCA

Saturday:  Sledding at Penny Hill

Sunday:  Swimming at the YMCA

SMAS joins YMCA

Starting today, the Spirit 'n Motion Athletic School will be teaching gymnastics at the YMCA in Ketchum and their current gym in Hailey.   Classes vary from Buddy and Me, Preschool/Kinder, and Beginning/Intermediate classes.  For more information and to register your child, contact Amanda.

Amanda Norton

Spirit n' Motion Athletic School
4031 Glenbrook Dr. Unit B, Hailey

PO Box 877

Bellevue, Id 83313

www.smascheer.blogspot.com 

www.spiritnmotion.shutterfly.com (for students/parents)

smascheer@hotmail.com (email)