Petite Picasso Camp

Spring break is over (for some) and hard to believe, but it is already time to start thinking about summer.  Especially with our beautiful weather this week, it has definitely put me in the summer mood.

I love everything and anything about Petite Picasso, so I just had to pass this along.  It sure makes me wish I was a little kid again. Thank goodness I can live vicariously through my own children.

June 13-16- Spa Camp (Cara Drougas)

Four fun filled days making lotions, lip balms, face scrubs, bubble bath, eye pillows, and more!  The last day girls get to enjoy their hard work with a spa day with manicures, face masks....

Ages 6-12

10am-2pm

June 20-34- Art of Music I (Mitzi Metcham)

Art means many things at Petite Picasso!  This great camp combines music and art in a harmonious way! Mitzi from Music n’ me We will combine singing, dancing and art culminating in a wonderful performance on stage.  Enjoy learning about music and performing while using instruments we make in class!

Ages 5-9

10am-1pm

June 24th (Friday only)- Cupcake Camp-1 day (Deida Runswick)

One of my favorite things about Petite Picasso is the popular birthday parties I host.  And my most favorite thing about the parties are making the cupcakes.  The batter is only the start as the toppings are so much fun to create.  Kids will learn piping techniques, easy fondant tricks, various batter and buttercream recipes and will take home pastry tips and bag kit to practice their new favorite hobby at home!  Limited spots available!  $55

Ages 8-12

10am-2pm

June 27-30- Culinary Camp (Deida & Duane Runswick)

Does your child love to cook AND create?  We will be making everything from Italian to Mexican, Asian to American and everything in between.  Dough from scratch, baking, healthy snacks, fun food, candy making.....painting, mixed media, custom plate and more.  Special restaurant field trip to see the inside of a local kitchen.   LUNCH INCLUDED, they are making it!

Ages 8-12

10am-2pm

July 11-14- Alternative Art (Deida Runswick)

For the serious young crafter, this camp will explore unique jewelry projects, collage with fabric, fabulous papier mache scultpure, eco-art, embroidery & fashion projects.    

Ages 9-14

10am-2pm

July 18-21- Art of Music II (Mitzi Metcham)

Art means many things at Petite Picasso!  This great camp combines music and art in a harmonious way! Mitzi from Music n’ me We will combine singing, dancing and art culminating in a wonderful performance on stage.  Enjoy learning about music and performing while using instruments we make in class!

Ages 5-9

10am-1pm

July 25-28- Disney Princess Camp (Deida Runswick)

Calling all Disney fans!  4 days if art and creativity with inspiration from Disney’s classic tales.  Painting, sewing, mixed media, create your own fairytale book....Dress up, tea parties, story telling, etiquette.

Ages 6-10

10am-2pm

August 8-11- Mud & Mixed Media ~ “An adventure in sculpture” (Sarah Long)

Sarah Long, owner of Bella Cosa studio in Bellevue, shares her creativity with kids in this great summer camp. Clay slab projects, painting ceramic bisque, sculpture and multiple mixed media projects.    

Ages 6-12

10am-2pm

August 15-18th- Junior Explorer Camp (Deida Runswick)

This one is for the little guys and gals!  We will explore bugs, plants, and the earth thru exploring, art projects, and cooking!  A fun summer treat for the little ones who want something fun and healthy.

Ages 4-5

10am-1pm

August 22-25- Back to School Fashion Camp (Cara Drougas)

A bit of fashion a bit of function.  Kids will make fun school supply projects, desk decor and fashion accessories. Let them make a statement starting off the year with cool custom made accessories and decor!  Too many projects to list!

Ages 8-12

10am-2pm

  Summer Camps are 4 days in length and are not available on a per day basis, except for Cupcake Camp.   Please bring a bag lunch for you child each morning or plan to drop one off by noon (except culinary camp).   Drinks and a small snack provided each day.  Cost $150 per 4 day session. Siblings receive a 20% discount on second child ($120). Cancelations within one week of camp forfeit deposit unless spot can be filled.  Cancelations more than a week before a camp starts get a refund less $20 processing fee unless another camp is rebooked.

Free ice skating

We are fully enjoying our Christmas break together as a family and hope you are doing the same! Since watching the Nutcracker on Ice and being honored by a surprise performance by US Gold Medalist and Dancing With Stars finalst, Evan Lysacek, we just had to take the kids ice skating.

 This is my best attempt at taking a picture of Evan, but I was just so excited that I  wasn't able to capture the best photo.  Thank you Sun Valley for this wonderful Sun Valley Christmas gift.  What a great surprise!

Our little family skating at the Hailey ice rink at Roberta McKercher Park (across from the airport and the Senior Center).  Not only is this a fun family activity, but it is FREE!  You can go ice skating at any time and borrow the ice skates for FREE.  They have a large trailer full of ice skates of different sizes and completely on the honor system, you can pick out your ice skates, have fun on the ice and then return your skates when you are done.  This ice rink is well used and made me so happy that our town offers such neat family activities for everyone.

Great ski program for kids

Growing up in in Arizona has made me fully appreciate and honor the fact that my kids are already better skiers than I am...and I'm perfectly OK with that. I will just be their biggest cheerleaders as they zoom past me on the hill.

I have also come to realize that I'm not the greatest ski instructor for our kids, so I consider this ski program  a huge blessing and my son had the greatest time last year with the experienced instructors.  He never wanted to stop skiing.

Definitely check it out!

(all information obtained from the Sun Valley website)

Spud Sessions (formerly known as Blaine County Kids Program)

 

The total cost is $150.00 , which includes both lesson and lift tickets.  All instruction is provided by Sun Valley SnowSports School instructors.

 Parents must register their children in person at River Run Lodge. 

(Children do not need to be present at registration)

 

Session 1:

January 8/9, January 15/16, and January 22/23*

(Registration begins November 25^th and closes January 6^th at 4pm.)

 

Session 2:

January 29/30, February 5/6, February 12/13*

(Registration begins November 25^th and closes January 27^th at 4pm.)

 

Session 3:

February 26/27, March 5/6, March 12/13*

(Registration begins November 25^th and closes February 24^th at 4pm.)

 

Clinic Sessions are held on 3 consecutive weekends

Morning Sessions: 9am-11:30am

Afternoon Sessions: 12:30pm-3pm

 

 

Holiday craft project

School is out for the next two weeks and that means plenty of opportunities to take your kids skiing, make holiday cookies, relax, and do craft projects.

This is a simple craft project that kept my family entertained for quite awhile, even the two year old. Plus, it added a lovely addition to our Christmas tree.

Popcorn and Cranberry Strings:

You will need:
bowl of day old popcorn
bag of fresh cranberries (not frozen)
cheerios (optional)
string/thread,
tape
needle
Christmas music is a must-have as well.

String the food supplies onto the string. Voila!

Simple as that!! To make it easier for the kids, I tied a knot on one end and taped it too the table so the string wouldn't move around so much.  This is great fine motor practice for little hands.

The cheerios are completely optional, but make life a lot easier for little fingers

Merry Christmas!!

Sledding adventure

Isn't all of this snow amazing?  I think we are going to have a great winter season.  Just what this valley needs after Castle Rock fire and the recession.  Let it snow!

This weekend, after we stuffed our bellies full, we took the whole family sledding at Rotarun in Hailey.   Not being the biggest daredevil, I was always a little intimidated about sledding, yet have grown to  love it. So much fun! I can do it all day long with my kids.  Just make sure you are wearing proper clothing that will protect you when you face plant it in the snow.  

Not only is sledding loads of fun, but it provides a great workout as well.  I have to admit that I'm a little sore today from lugging the kids up the mountain over and over again on their sled. 

To get to Rotarun, turn at Bullion in Hailey and head out to Croy Canyon. The mini ski mountain will be on your right hand side off of Rodeo Drive.  A little hidden treasure in Hailey.

(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

Hemingway Halloween Party

(just another great excuse to show off my darlings in their costumes from last year)

If you love Halloween, then the Wood River Valley is the place for you!  So much to do during this holiday and so much candy.  Life couldn't be sweeter.

On Sunday, October 31st from 1-3pm, Hemingway is hosting its annual Halloween party.  This is a FREE event for ALL children.  

Pumpkins, games, spook alley, crafts, cookie decorating, candy galore and more fun, fun, fun!

Come dressed in your best costume and be prepared to have a great time.

It is a free event, but donations are accepted and appreciated.  

Happy Trick or Treating!  

Hailey Halloween Hoopla

This is yet another amazing community event that my family attends every year.  Boy, if feels like I keep saying that over and over again.  Thank goodness we live in such an active town!

The Hailey Halloween Hoopla will take place on Friday, October 29th from 3:00-7:00pm.  This is a fun family event and caters to the young and old.  Dress up your kiddos and yourself (if you desire) and enjoy Trick or Treating all over downtown Hailey.  While collecting goodies and checking out all the adorable costumes, you will probably run into everyone you know.  It's the cool thing to do!  Plus, I get a quick peek into all the stores while my kids are filling their Halloween bags. Fun for the whole family! See you there!

Bike specials

One of the many things that surprised me about being a parent is how many bikes one kid goes through by the time they are 7 years old.  It seems like every year we are buying our oldest son a new bike because he has outgrown his old one.  Thankfully, we have three kids, so the bikes get a lot of use!

If you are in the market for a new bike, then definitely check out Formula Sports in Ketchum as soon as possible. Every time we need a new bike, we wait until September or early October and score some great deals on their old rental bikes.  They use the bikes as rentals for tourists throughout the summer and then come fall, they sell them for a great discount.  All the bikes we have purchased are in great condition and seem barely used.  

We still have plenty of bike riding days ahead of us, so enjoy!

Kid Models needed

Do you have the cutest kids ever? I know that I sure do! 

Jennifer Diehl Production and Talent is still looking for great kid models ages 2-12 in the Ketchum, Hailey and Bellevue areas.  All ethnicities are welcome and encouraged.  Please email Jennifer a good headshot of your child and include your child's age, size and contact information.

jendiehl@jdptsunvalley.com

For more information on our very own local talent scout, click HERE.


Happy weekend and happy 80 degree weather in the fall!  Woot Woot!!!

UPDATE: Family friendly bike criterium at Old Cutters

Please note that the September 1st bike race has been cancelled, but the rest of the races are still on.

Just because school is about to start, that doesn't mean our summer fun has to stop!  On September 1st, 15th, and 29th, Powerhouse Restaurant will run a series of bike criteriums in the new Hailey neighborhood of Old Cutters (beautiful and peaceful neighborhood).  The kid race begins at 5:30pm, the novice race begins at 6:10pm and the adult race beings at 6:40pm.  Registrations begins at 5:00pm and is FREE for children (woot, woot!) and $15 per adult.  That is dinner time, so thankfully, Powerhouse thought ahead and there will be food and beverages for sale at the park.

On your mark, get set, GO!!!  Start practicing now and we will see you at the big race, at least at the kid race!

Soccer and Gymnastics

Fall is almost here.  After this weekend, it sure will feel like fall is fully upon it. I'm still mourning our short summer, but am holding out hope for an Indian Summer!

With fall, comes school and fall sports.  Here are few sports offered throughout our valley:

SOCCER:
The BCRD offers soccer in Hailey for 3 -5 year olds, Kindergarteners, and Youth. Practice and games are from September to October.  For more info., click HERE.

For those of you in Ketchum, the best bet is Atkinsons Park. They run soccer programs for Grades 1st-5th. Practices and games also run September to October.  For more info., click HERE.  Then go under "City Departments" and click on "Recreation".

GYMNASTICS:
The SMAS program has two locations--one in Hailey and one at the YMCA in Ketchum.  They offer gymnastics, tumbling, cheer and dance for ages 3 and up.  For more information on times, dates and fees, please call Amanda 720-4306.

The Wood River Gymnastics Academy in Bellevue teaches a wide variety of classes for toddlers on up.  There current schedule is not yet posted on their website, but should be soon.  Click HERE to view their website.

 Now is the time to sign up for a fall classes at Petite Picasso.  At Petite Picasso, you know that your child will have a great time expressing his/her creative side.  Deida recently sent me the list of fall classes and they sound better than ever! 

Hands On Art with Sarah Long

K-5th graders. 3:00-4:30    Tuesdays  from October 5th- December 14th

Sarah shares her talents with kids during this great after school activity. Class is highly focused on ceramics but also includes painting and other fine arts. Tuition $250 for session

Afternoon Zen Art  with Deida Runswick
Ages 6-12.   3:00-4:30    Wednesdays  from September 22nd-December 8th (no class November 24th)
Eco-crafts, collage, mosaics, papier mache, holiday crafts, gifts, nature projects, painting and last but not least, culinary art. One class per month will focus on cooking in our mini kitchen or full commercial kitchen. Tuition $275 for session


Tiny Tot Art  with  Kathryn Thomason
 Ages 2-5. 12:30-1:30 Mondays
Session I: Sept.13th-Oct.18th
Session II: Nov. 8th-Dec.13th

Great activities for toddlers who want to explore their creative sides. Parents welcome to stay or drop off. Little ones are introduces to a variety of media including painting, beading, cooking and crafts suitable for their age. Leave the mess to us! If you are from out of town and want to schedule one class, this can be arranged, please contact us. Tuition $95 per session.



No school mini camps:

Hemingway Elementary & Pioneer Montessori-

Thursday/Friday October 7th & 8th

Fashion Camp- Accessories, room decor, clothing!

Grades K-5th. 10:00am-2:30 pm Tuition $100, bring a bag lunch



Pioneer Montessori-

Thursday/Friday November 11th & 12th

Bed, Bath & Beyond Camp- Candles, soaps, lip balm, lotions, teas, and more!

Grades K-6th. 10:00am-2:30 pm Tuition $100, bring a bag lunch

Bella Cosa Studio in Bellevue

Maybe my family is the last to know about this cozy niche down in Bellevue. Maybe families congregate there all the time and forget to tell my family.  Yet, today we discovered Bella Cosa Studio and had an intimate family morning.  We were greeted by a blossoming and inviting garden and a few chickens running around.  This distracted my kids for awhile before I could finally get them into the studio.

The beautiful and calm Sara owns the studio outside of her home and has created a family friendly and creative atmosphere both inside and outside.  We felt like guests at a friend's home.

The kids were able to pick from a large variety of pre-made pottery. I had big goals for our painting session, so I was strict in telling them that we were only painting ice cream/cereal bowls.  Next time, I will let them choose the puppy, piggy bank or horse.

Sara prepared our table with water, paint brushes and whatever paint colors the kids chose, then we were left on our to prepare our masterpieces.

Whenever the kids needed a creative break, they were free to roam the garden or check on chicken eggs, then come back to complete their bowls.  In about one week, we will be able to return to Bella Cosa Studio to pick up our masterpieces. In the meantime, Sara will fire them up which gives them a nice glossy look and allow our bowls to dishwasher safe.  Perfect!

Bella Cosa Studio is available for birthday parties, family nights, mommy and me classes, ladies night outs and much more.  We were very impressed with the entire studio and how sweet Sara is towards everyone.

The studio is located at 108 S. 2nd St. in Bellevue. Right off of the back path and behind South Valley Pizza.

For more information on this amazing place, call 208.721-8045 or click HERE   A new fall schedule will be created soon. Highly recommend that you check it out!

The kid friendly Sawtooth Botanical Garden

All summer long, the kids have been begging me to take them to the Sawtooth Botanical Garden (mid-valley, off of 75).  I had forgotten that an afternoon at the Garden is a wonderful experience for the whole family.  So much to see and do.  Our Sawtooth Botanical Garden is a small, intimate garden with 360 degree views, a running stream and plenty of beautiful flowers.

Yet, many don't realize that the Garden is actually very kid and family friendly.  Inside the main building, there is a new children's corner where kids can read books, learn more bugs and nature.  It's a beautiful, cozy corner that my children love to explore.  The staff is very friendly and love to answer questions from the kids.

Their favorite part of the Garden?  Exploring the stream outside.  The Garden provides backpacks loaded with bug catchers, magnifying glasses and nifty bug things.  We then trek over to the stream where the kids can spend hours catching water skippers and slugs.  It's every kid's dream!

As for me, I enjoy getting ideas for my flower and veggie garden!  Come late summer, the Garden opens up their raspberries bushes and what a treat it is to pick and eat fresh raspberries.  When that time comes, I will definitely be writing a post about it!

A few years back, Sun Valley was graced by the Dalai Lama.  He brought over this gorgeous Prayer Wheel which sits in a peaceful and enchanting location of the Garden.

We still have almost 2 more months before school starts (still loving our summer break!), so we will definitely be back to explore the Sawtooth Botanical Garden.  Next time, we hope to ride our bikes there!

For more information on the Garden, click HERE

Family volunteer opportunities

Last week it was the dogs.  This week, it was time to give love to the cats.  This morning, our family volunteered at the Animal Shelter in Hailey.  We were able to spend some time petting, playing and interacting with the cats.  The shelter has large cages/homes for the cats that you can actually step into and be with the cats. About 3 staff members were there thoroughly cleaning each cat cage/home and I was very impressed with the quality and condition of the facility.

Not only did this opportunity help teach my children about giving back to the community, but also helped squelch their desire to have a cat (well, at least for a little while).

We couldn't leave the shelter without playing with our favorite puppy Mack.  We were able to take him in the gated agility field and just let him have some free time playing with us.

I'm very thankful that our family can be a part of such a fun volunteer opportunities. It is especially helpful that the shelter is very accomodating and allows us to arrive whenever we would like.

For more volunteer options at our great Animal Shelter or to look into adopting a pet, check HERE,

Kids Zone and Marafun this Saturday

As last weekend showed, everyone is ready to get out, get active and have a great time in the community.  Saturday, June 5th from 10:30am-12:30 is the first annual Kids Zone at the Sun Valley 1/2 Marathon located at the SV Resort Pavilion Lawn. This is where the party is!  Bring your friends, bring your family, bring everyone you know for a great morning of food, music, a bouncy castle, games, crafts and activities.  Music and Me, Soldier Mountain All Stars, Tae Kwon Do and Sun Valley Ballet will all be doing mini-performances. 

Just to make the kids more excited and to wear them out a little bit, there will also be 3 kid races.

EVERY child is a winnner and will recieve a bib, medal and ice cream sandwich. 

Tyke Race (3-5 year olds):  dash at 11:45am

1/2 Marafun (5-8 year olds):  1/2 mile run at 12:00pm

Marafun (ages 8-11 year olds):  1 mile at 12:30pm

The Kids Zone is FREE to everyone.  There is a $5 race fee if you register before June 4th.  The race fee increases to $10 after June 4th.  Please call the YMCA to register  727-9622 or call Suzanne for more information  928-6712. Registration IS allowed on the race day, just look for the registration booth at Kids Zone.

See you at the family and community PARTY!

Zenergy and YMCA Summer Camp Discounts

March on up to Zenergy after running the Girls on the Run 5K and in between Soccer in the Sawtooth games.  Zenergy is hosting their Summer Kids Camp Open House this Saturday, from 11:00am-1:00pm.

May 22nd is also the last day to save $100 on a 20 pack of days.  Call them for more info (208) 725-0595 x 170

Zenergy Summer Camp funs June 14-August 27 and is for 4-10 year olds.

May 31st is the last day to receive the YMCA Summer Camp discount.  Weeks are slowly filling up, so call the Y today (208) 727-9622.  Each week is filled with fun and active themed activities within the Y and within the community.  Bring 'em in tired, we will send them home tired.

Hailey Library Summer Reading Program

For all of you with young book worms at home, head straight to Hailey's Library and sign them up for the 2010 Summer Reading Incentive Program.  The program is for children entering 1st-8th grade in the fall.

Registration dates are from June 7-12 and the program will run from June 14-August 4.  Do you remember doing this as a child? I sure do and am really excited that my child is now old enough to participate in such a great reading program.

Prizes will be earned for completing reading goals.  Plus, a Wet & Wild Finale will be held at Cutter's Park (Hailey's coolest and newest neighborhood) on August 6th!

See you and your young book worms at the library this summer.

Great hikes with the kids

I love to hike. I can literally hike everyday, so it's a good thing I live somewhere where there is abundance of hiking trails that I could never get tired of.  Some days, I like to hike to clear my head and just get quality "me" time.  Yet, other times, I love to hike with my family.  My two oldest kids are are at that age (no longer need to be carried in the backpack) where they enjoy hiking with me.

A few of my favorite trails with the kids:

Carbonate --this will get the blood going as you climb straight up the mountain, then run the switchbacks down. It's also so much fun to point out different parts of Hailey from way up high.  Right now, there are some beautiful wildflowers popping up.

SV Golf Course Trail (across from Penny Hill and the Resort)---not sure if that is the official name, so if anyone knows the official name, please let me know.  This is a relatively easy hike to do with kids and offers a big reward in a short time.  The view on top of the hill is breathtaking and makes you literally jump for joy that you live here.

Quigley---great for the dogs and the kids.  It's a straight up and back trail.  Not too scenic, but you could also bring the bikes.

Adams---this one is always a winner.  Beautiful during every season and lots of different trails. The "parking lot" might overwhelm you since there will be a lot of cars, but somehow you will never run into a crowd of people. As a bonus, there is a small creek that kids love to play in.

When hiking with kids, be sure to bring lots of water, snacks and a hat.  Also, remember that the hike will probably take you twice as long since kids get easily distracted by rocks, bugs, flowers, birds, etc.  Enjoy the great outdoors with your child. It will amaze you how much your child will talk during this one-on-one time.  A simply perfect way to spend the day.