Cruising for Christmas Lights!

Take a breath… load up the kids…
and enjoy the holiday lights as 2014 wraps up!

Cruising For Christmas Lights in Lubbock

Our family tradition has always been to cruise the roads of Lubbock and enjoy Christmas lights… usually AFTER Christmas.  Now that we’re parents ourselves, we understand the real reason our parents started this tradition… it’s time!  They convinced us that after Christmas is the perfect time to look at the lights… it’s after baby Jesus was born and the Wise Men were on their way to meet Him by following the Christmas Star.  This story is still very convincing for our kids… but it’s also for selfish reasons:  it’s the time to sit back, relax and fully enjoy the cruise and the time along with our kids!

However, this year we made an exception and decided to do a mini-cruise the week before Christmas so we can take-in the lights at one of the newest treats on the Christmas Cruise list… Safety City!  This year they are kicking off their Christmas in the City: Holiday Lights at Safety City display from Sun. Dec. 14 – Sat. Dec. 20!

So we’re off!  In one hand we have the handy-dandy Christmas Light Map from Lubbockintheloop.com (including the additions from their readers at the bottom of the map!) and in the other hand we have the nice list on the Visit Lubbock blog.

Thermos of Hot Chocolate – check. Thermos of Hot Cider – check.  Non-spill travel cups – check.  Holiday munchies – check. Holiday music – check.  Time to Cruise!

Christmas LightsWe begin our journey by allowing the kids to select the first “Quadrant” to attack (too much xbox perhaps?!).

The winning starting point is Vintage Township (our favorite spot to run around the lights and warm up by the outdoor fireplace!), The Falls, Orchard Park, 3417 91st (off Indiana – pictured above), and 59th & Indiana (synchronized houses).   We swing over to 66th & Ave S (our daughter loved the Christmas Ferris Wheel there!),  run over by Safety City on 47th & Ave. U.  We then take I-27 to Mackenzie Park and Santa Land (we decide to take a tour of Santa Land in our next outing!) and then continue on to Tech and the Carol of Lights via Marsha Sharp Freeway.

We head west on 19th to the Rush neighborhood off Quaker and then continue north on Quaker to catch the synchronized light show at Wayland Baptist University at 801 North Quaker Ave. – just outside the Loop.  We then drive by 38th St. & Salem Ave. and head to Llano Estates (Marsha Sharp Fwy at Wolfforth) focusing on 8308 CR 6940 where the lights are synchronized.  We turn back towards Lubbock by heading east on 82nd and see the synchronized houses directly behind Tractor Supply Co. (turn south on Xenia Ave. to 84th).  Amazing!

The next wave….

After our loop around town, we try to determine if we have time to hit the next grouping of lights…. the backseat vote passes:  yes, we’re heading east to Ransom Canyon!  It was beautiful and well-worth the very short drive.  The kids only argued briefly (over the music choices of course!), and snoozed on the way home!

Our Christmas Light Cruise 2014 is complete…. or maybe, now that we know our favorites, we’ll take just one more excursion before the lights disappear for another year!  Or maybe we’ll take a little road trip and see other area displays like Santa’s Land Drive-through park in Tahoka or the Zoo Lights Safari at the Amarillo Zoo!  So many lights, so little time!  It’s hard to resist the call of the Christmas Lights!  Need more idea?  See our Holiday Lights section for more!

Do you have a favorite tradition for enjoying the lights of the holidays?  Share them with us!

This article was originally published in 2013 and updated for 2014.

 

FIFA Lubbock! 2014 World Cup for Kids

shutterstock_198596642_Cheering soccer

Like the rest of the world, kids in Lubbock are enjoying the excitement of the FIFA World Cup, especially with the great showing from our Team USA!  What a perfect chance for our kids to join in… learn the game (if they are soccer novices), learn about other countries, and enjoy being a part of something that is celebrated around the world!

Have a FIFA Party!

Get together with a few families, cheer on the teams, and enjoy!  The kids can printout the flags of the competing countries or have some fun with the games & printables that you can download from Activity Village - a great education website.  Have munchies with an international flair and you’ve got your own little slice of Brazil!

Cheer with Teams!

Find a family-friendly sports pub, like Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, to meet friends and cheer on the teams!  Can’t beat the excitement with a group (plus they are having a great Kid’s Coloring promo… freebies and prizes!).   Alamo Draft House is also showing the USA game on their big screen, which would be the next best thing to being there! (remember: no kids under 6).   And a friendly reminder to those of us just getting into the swing of the World Cup thing…. people are passionate about their teams… if your child is uncomfortable with loud places or an occasional “excited” word, may want to go for Option 1 :-)

shutterstock_198324455_world cup flags

Join in!

If the kids are getting into the spirit of the game and want more, there are several leagues and teams still forming.  Be sure to check our Soccer sports section on LubbockForKids.com for upcoming registrations… which include Upward at Southcrest Baptist, LCAA, and Lubbock Soccer Association (LSA).

Camp it!

There are still several soccer camps this summer offered through Texas Tech and Lubbock Parks & Rec. – great way to have some fun and receive top-tier instruction while continuing the excitement!

Lubbock may not have been know as a traditional, soccer-oriented town in the past, but thanks to all the great soccer leagues and resources now calling Lubbock home, we’re feeling the need to sing “Ole….Ola, Ole, Ola (We Are One)”  with the rest of the world and show our kids a positive, team-oriented world view!

Do you have a favorite way to enjoy the World Cup with the kids?  Know of another local, family-friendly World Cup event?  Great!  Share it with us here!

 

Graham Cracker A La Mode

Graham-Cracker-A-La-Mode-9

It’s time for another recipe from A Zesty Bite.  I don’t know about you but I am excited that Spring Break is finally here!  Many people are off visiting family members or they are on a family vacation.  The rest of you are like me and are staying home this week.  We just got back for a weekend vacation and decided to spend the rest of our vacation days during the summer.

This recipe is the perfect treat to spoil your kids while at home this week.  It’s a delicious ice cream recipe that can be altered to your children’s own personal choice of flavors.  I chose simple vanilla, chocolate and caramel because they just compliment each other very well in an ice cream sandwich.

This graham cracker a la mode can be a little messy so if you want you can put this dessert in a bowl or plate and have your kids use a fork to finish it off.  Either way it will leave them screaming THANK YOU and begging for more.

*Feel free to substitute ice cream flavors or graham cracker flavors.

Graham Cracker A La Mode-6

Graham Cracker A La Mode

Ingredients:

  • 15-16 chocolate graham crackers
  • 11 ounce package caramels
  • 5 fluid ounce can evaporated milk
  • ½ gallon vanilla ice cream
  • 1 cup crushed pretzels

 Directions:

  1. Set out the ice cream to soften.
  2. Lay 5 graham crackers on the bottom of a casserole dish.  (Break them up if you need to)
  3. In a small pot add the caramels and milk.  Stir on low heat until melted.  Remove and set aside to cool for 4 minutes.
  4. Scoop ice cream and layer it on top of the graham crackers.  Using a spatula level it out so that it is an even layer.
  5. Sprinkle crushed pretzels on top of the ice cream.
  6. Pour the caramel on next and then top with another set of graham crackers.
  7. Place in the freezer for at least 3 hours.
  8. Remove and cut into little squares.

*If ice cream gets underneath the bottom layer of graham cracker just flip it over when you remove it and top with the remaining graham crackers.  You can never have too many.*

If you want more recipes come check out my blog at A Zesty Bite or check out Lubbock restaurants at LBKFoodie.

ENJOY ~ Meagan

You can also find me on PinterestFacebookInstagram and Twitter.

Happy Campers - 35 Fun Spring Break 2014 Camps & Classes for Kids

shutterstock_152197886_Happy CampersWhat to do with the kids over Spring Break?  That’s the question gnawing at most parents this time of year!  If you’re not planning a big Spring Break get-away, or even if you are but not for the entire week, we’ve discovered some really fun, entertaining, enlightening, and active local options to help our kids have a great time and also provide parents some childcare options in the Lubbock area!   But better act fast… camps & classes are filling fast!

For up-to-the-minute updates on camps, check our Spring Break Camp section, where you can search by your child’s age, view in calendar format and create your own custom calendar with your favorite selections!  Or to see everything going on around town, visit our gi-normous calendar jam-packed with everything kidful on the South Plains!  Know about a fun camp or class for kids from March 14-23?  Share it with us!

Updated 3/15/2014

Arts & Crafts Camps:

Fri. 3/14 from 7:30-8:30pm
American Girls “Truly Talented You” Event @ Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble at South Plains Mall (60th & Slide Road)
FREE for Girls ages 7-12.
A special American Girl Event that features fun activities, puzzles and crafts inspired by the newest Girl of the Year. Great way to kickoff Spring Break!

Sat. 3/15 from 1-3pm
“Magical Horse” – Spring Break Canvas Class @ Art & Company
2811 S. Loop 289
$20 / child.
For kids Grade 2 & Up.

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21
Spring Break Art Factory Camps @ The GAC
4215 University Ave., Lubbock Municipal Garden & Arts Center
All Day 9am-5pm: $100 for the week.
Morning 9am-12:30pm: $65 for the week.
Afternoon 1:30-5pm: $65 for the week.
Ages 6-12.  Pre-registration required!
Treat your children to a week long art adventure at our Art Factory Spring Break Camp!

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21 from 1-3pm
Spring Break Kids Camp @ The Mud Room
3302 82nd Street
$25 / day or $100 / week prepaid. Reservations required one week in advance.  Includes snack and fun activity including painting canvas, pottery, mosaic, t-shirt & more.
Ages 5-12.

Mon.-Wed. 3/17-19 from 2:30-4:00
Spring Break Kids’ Camps @ Clay Café
5102 60th Street Suite H
$25 / child.  Reservations required.
Ages 5 years & up.  Includes snack and creative activity.

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21 from 1-3pm
Buddy Holly Center Spring Break Staycation
1801 Crickets Ave., The Buddy Holly Center
FREE for children (but must call to reserve space!)
Ages 9 & up.  Children 8 & under require adult supervision.
Making spring-related crafts.

Mon. 3/17 – Thurs. 3/20 daily 2-3pm
Spring Break Programs @ Patterson Library
1836 Parkway Drive, Patterson Branch Library
FREE for all ages.
The theme for Spring Break is “Harness the Wind.”   Different stories and crafts will be featured each day.

Mon. 3/17 St. Patrick’s Day! from 10:30-11:30am
Top of the Morning to You Party @ Mahon Library
1306 9th St., Mahon Library Community Room
FREE for children.
Join us during spring break for St. Patrick crafts, refreshments and activities.  Don’t forget to wear green!

Mon. 3/17 from 10am-noon
Pot of Gold – Spring Break Canvas Class @ Art & Company
2811 S. Loop 289
$20.00 / child.
For kids Grade 1 & Up.

Mon.-Wed. 3/17-19 from 1-5pm
Come & Go Pottery Painting – Art & Co. Kids Spring Break Class
2811 S. Loop 289
$5 / child.
For kids Grade 2 & Up or younger with parent.

Tues. 3/18 from  3:30-5pm
Spring Into Fun @ Groves Library
5520 19th Street, Groves Branch Library
FREE
Ages 2-12.
Spring crafts, games, and a book walk.

Wed. 3/19 from 1:30-3pm
“Pandaisy or Pandy” – Spring Break Canvas Class @ Art & Company
2811 S. Loop 289
$20 / child.
For kids Kinder, 1st & 2nd Grade.

Thurs. 3/20 from 10am-noon
Teacup Poodle – Spring Break Canvas Class @ Art & Company
2811 S. Loop 289
$20 / child.
For kids Kinder, 1st & 2nd Grade.

Thurs. 3/20 from 1-3pm
Neon Animal Print Initial – Spring Break Canvas Class @ Art & Company
2811 S. Loop 289
$20 / child.
For kids Grade 2 & Up.

Science Camps:

Mon. & Tues. 3/17-18 from 9am-noon
Digging for Dinos Spring Break Camp @ Science Spectrum
2579 S. Loop 289, The Science Spectrum
Members $36/Non-members $40.
Ages 4-6.

Mon. & Tues. 3/17-18 from 10am-3pm
Penguin Plunge Spring Break Camp @ Science Spectrum
2579 S. Loop 289, The Science Spectrum
Members $52/Non-members $60.
Ages 7-9, 10-12.

Wed.& Thurs. 3/19-20 from 9am-noon
Penguin Plunge Spring Break Camp @ Science Spectrum
2579 S. Loop 289, The Science Spectrum
Members $36 / Non-members $40.
Ages 4-6.

Wed. & Thurs. 3/19-20 from 10am-3pm
3,2,1 Liftoff! Spring Break Camp @ Science Spectrum
2579 S. Loop 289, The Science Spectrum
Members $52 / Non-members $60.
Ages 7-9, 10-12.

Tues.- Thurs. 3/18-20 from 10am-noon
T-Rex and Triceratops and Raptors… Oh My!
Spring Break Fest Camp @ The Texas Tech Museum
3301 4th Street
$15 / child, reservations required.
Ages 5-7.

Tues.- Thurs. 3/18-20 from 1-4pm
Architecture at the Museum
Spring Break Fest Camp @ The Texas Tech Museum

3301 4th Street
$15 / child, reservations required.
For kids Grades 3-5.

Sat. 3/22 from 10am-12pm
“At the Scene of the Crime” Mystery @ Hodges
4011 University, Hodges Community Center
$15 / child.
Ages 6-12.
Grab your detective hat and help solve this fun-filled mystery!  Use problem-solving skills to follow the clues of this kid-friendly mystery.

Nature Camps:

Mon.- Fri. 3/17- 21 from 9am-noon
Gardening Camp for Kids @ The Arboretum
4111 University Ave., Lubbock Memorial Arboretum
$50 / child.
Ages 6-12 yrs.
Nurture your child’s love of nature!  Enroll them in this exciting hands-on gardening camp at the Arboretum.

Tues.-Thurs. 3/18-20 from 1-3pm
Lubbock Lake Landmark Spring Break Fest: Dig-in to Nature 
2401 Landmark Drive, Lubbock Lake Landmark
FREE for children age 5-11 (but pre-registration is required and space is limited!)
3 days of Adventures in the Garden!

Music Camps:

Mon.-Thurs. 3/17-20 from 10:00 am – 2:45 pm
School of Rock “Build Your Own Guitar” Spring Break Camp
7802 Indiana Ave.
$495.00 / child.  Deadline to register: 2/23. (Registration closed).
Ages 10-18.

Active/Sports Camps:

Mon.-Thurs. 3/17-20 from 12:30-3:30pm
Jump N Jungle Spring Break Camp
12209 Geneva Ave., Off Indiana and 122nd Street
$60 / child ($10 off for siblings, and $15 for drop ins).
Ages 9 & under (must be potty trained).

Mon. 3/17 from 9am-12pm, Tues. 3/18 from 1-4pm, and Fri. 3/21 from 1-4pm
The Little Gym’s Super Kids’ Quest Spring Break Camps
5217 98th Street
members / non-members.
Ages 3-8.

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21 from 9am-4pm
Spring Break Tennis Camp at Burgess-Rushing Tennis Center
3030 66th Street, Burgess-Rushing Tennis Center
$125 / child.

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21 from 8am-4pm (extended hours available)
D-Bat Spring Break Baseball Camp
6104 45th St., Lubbock, Texas 79407
$100/day or $225/3days or $300/week.
Ages 4-13.

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21 from 9am-2pm
Safety City Open for Spring Break! 
4500 Avenue U (just West of Clapp Pool)
FREE
All ages.  Bring your own bikes, trikes, or scooters or rent one there for only $2. Also don’t forget a helmet!

Spring Break Movie Events:

Tues.- Thurs. 3/18-20 from 10:30am-noon
Spring Break Morning Movietime @ Mahon Library
1306 9th St., Mahon Library Community Room
FREE
Come enjoy refreshments and a new movie each day!
Tuesday: “Frozen.”  (rated PG).
NOTE:  Tickets will be given out for seating to “Frozen” starting at 9am at Mahon.
Wednesday: “The Jungle Book.” (rated G).
Thursday: “Wings.” (rated G).

Tues.- Thurs. 3/18-20 from 10:30-noon
Texas Tech Museum Spring Break Movie Fest
3301 4th Street, Museum of Texas Tech University
FREE
All ages.  Family friendly films:
Tuesday: “National Velvet”
Wednesday: “Seabiscuit”
Thursday: “Secretariat”

Thurs. 3/20 from 3-5pm
Spring Break Teen Movie @ Groves Library – “Thor: The Dark World”
5520 19th Street, Groves Branch Library
FREE for teens (rated PG-13).
Refreshments provided!

Fri. 3/14 – Thurs. 3/20 open at 6:30pm
Stars & Stripes Drive-in Open Spring Break
5101 Clovis Highway / Hwy. 84
$5 for kids 4-11; $7 for adults 12 & up.
Movies include:  Mr. Peabody & Sherman / The LEGO Movie and Need for Speed / Ride Along.

Discounts / Deals:

2/20 – 3/31 from 9am-4pm
Main Event Spring Break FUNPass
6010 Marsha Sharp Fwy,
$15.95 / person.
Opening early through March at 9am every day!

Wed.-Sun. 3/19 – 3/23 from 2pm-8pm
Joyland Amusement Park Spring Break Special
500 Canyon Lake Drive in Mackenzie Park
Bring 2 cans of food for special discounts!
Now Open Saturdays & Sundays till Summer!

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21 from 1-3pm (Open Daily for Spring Break at 1pm)
Dave’s Need 4 Speed/Thunder Zone Family Fun Spring Break Special 
2769 N. Frankford Ave.
$30 / person.
It’s the Spring Break Special @ Dave’s Need 4 Speed! (soon to be called Thunder Zone Family Fun):  Unlimited Wristband:  $30/person. (includes unlimited Go-Karts, Laser Tag & Golf!).  1pm-5pm OR 5pm-9pm.

Spring Break Childcare:

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21
Spring Break Camps @ Lubbock Parks & Rec. Community Centers 
Fun-filled camps with activities including games, crafts, and more!  Snacks included.  Bring a sack lunch.
Locations:
Hodges & Maxey Community Centers:  7:30 am-5:30 pm.  $85 for the week.
Rawlings & Simmons & Trejo Community Centers:  7:45am-5:30pm.  $35 for the week.

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21 from 7:30am to 5:30pm
Bodyworks Spring Break Kids Camp @ 82nd & 4th St. locations
5105 82nd St and 5402 4th St.
$125 members/$135 non-members.  Lunch and two snacks provided daily.
Ages 6-13.
Kiddos will have a splashtastic good time at the 82nd Street Water Park and Pool, or have a blast in 4th Street’s Trampoline Park, Turf Field, Laser Tag, and Ropes Course.

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21 from 7:30am-6pm
Spring Break Camp @ Tega Kid’s Superplex
7621 82nd Street
$165/wk. for ages 6 weeks -17 mos.   $35/day or $135/wk. for ages 18 mos – 12 years.
Ages 12 weeks to 12 years.
A week of fun, flips & friends!

Mon.- Fri. 3/17-21 from 7:30am-6pm
YWCA Spring Break Camp
3101 35th Street, 35th & Elgin
$22.50/day per child or $115/week.

 

 

2014 School Open House Roundup for the Lubbock Area

2014 Lubbock Schools Open House Roundup
Searching for your child’s door to the future?  Attending area Open Houses can make your choice (a little) easier.

“It’s not like it was when I went to school.  I attended the school down the street and that was it!”  You know you’ve said it… or at least thought it!  The increasing number of school options now open to our kids is a great opportunity for them, but can be a bit overwhelming - and frustrating when we can’t find the info we need to make the best decision for our child.  Even simply finding out when all the Open Houses are scheduled can be a challenge!

To help us all save some time (so we can read through all those school flyers!)… we’re excited to share our new Open House Roundup.  A handy listing of all the Open House events in the Lubbock area that allow new students and incoming students to take a peek at what each school offers.

It’s a great opportunity to see each school with their best foot forward and to perhaps uncover areas of interest that your child may not have considered before.  And because there are changes made to the school curriculum every year, it’s the perfect chance to see what is truly offered at the school – just because at program was offered at a school this year, don’t assume it will be offered next year!

Plus it’s a fun way to get our kids excited about making a big move to a new school (even if it’s not next year) and see the real personality of other schools in the area.

Be sure to check back frequently for updates - or for up-to-the-minute information, checkout the
Open House Roundup tab on LubbockForKids.com where you can search by your child’s age, view in calendar format and create your own custom calendar with your favorite selections!  Did we miss your Open House?  Share it with us here and we’ll add it to the list!

Spring 2014 Open House Roundup in the Lubbock Area

January

Christ the King Cathedral School Winter Open House
Wed. 1/29 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm
4011 54th Street

All Saints Episcopal School Open House
Thurs. 1/30 from 6:00pm-7:30pm
3222 103rd Street

February

Estacado High School Open House
Mon. 2/3 from 6-7pm
1504 E. Itsaca Ave.

Monterey High School Open House
Thurs. 2/6  from 5:30-8pm
3211 47th St.
Lubbock’s specialty magnet campus Pre-Engineering program “Project Lead the Way.” Magnet-specific meeting at 5:30pm in the Auditorium.  General Open House starts at 6:30pm

Institute for Creative Learners Open House
Fri. 2/7 from 5-8pm
1614 Ave M.
Art, refreshments, and fun!  The Institute for Creative Learners offer a unique opportunity for students with learning differences with a mission is to help students reach their full potential.  Through art, science, technology, and direct instruction students …

Lubbock High School Open House
Mon. 2/10 from 6-7:30pm
2004 19th St.
Home of the Lubbock Exemplary Academic Program (LEAP).
Extracurricular Showcase:  6-6:30pm.
Academic Information:  6:30-7pm.
Teacher Visits:  7-7:30pm.

Cavazos Middle School Open House
Tues. 2/11 from 6-7:30pm
210 N. University

Coronado High School Open House
Thurs. 2/13 from 6-7:30pm
3307 Vicksburg Avenue

O.L.Slaton Middle School Open House
Tues. 2/18 from 6-7:30pm
1602 32nd St and Ave. Q.

LISD Pre-K Roundup
Thurs. 2/20 from 8-9am or 5:30-6:30pm
Lubbock Independent School District will host the Pre-K Round Up for the 2014-2015 school year on February 20, 2014 at all elementary campuses that offer the Pre-K program.  Children who will be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2014 may be pre-enrolled for Pre-K at their home school or host school campus on that date.
Host campuses:
- Roy Roberts families may attend Pre-K Round Up at Parsons Elementary, 2811 58th Street.
- Stewart families may attend Pre-K Round Up at Overton Elementary, 2902 Louisville.
- Williams families may attend Pre-K Round Up at Smith Elementary, 8707 Dover.

Evans Middle School Open House
Thurs. 2/20 from 6-7:30pm
4211 58th St.
“Project Lead the Way” Pre-Engineering Program

Irons Middle School Parent Info Night
Mon. 2/24 from 6-7:30pm
5214 79th St. and Slide Road

Southcrest Christian School Open House
Tues. 2/25 Pre-K through 1st grades @ Cumberland Campus (7702 Indiana Ave.).
Thurs. 2/27 2nd-12th grades @ Southcrest Campus (3801 South Loop 289).

LISD Kindergarten Orientation Open House
Thurs. 2/27  from 8-9am or 5:30-6:30pm
All Lubbock Independent School District elementary schools will have Kindergarten Orientation on Thursday, February 27.  There will be two sessions to choose from.  The first session will be from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. and the second session will be from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Hutchinson Middle School Open House
Thurs. 2/27 from 6-7:30pm
3102 Canton Ave.

April

Pre-K and Kindergarten Open House @ Lubbock Christian School
Wed. 4/2 from 3-4:30pm
Please RSVP to Kelly Rogers at 796-8700 or krogers@lubbockchristian.org.

A Zesty Bite for Lubbock Kids!

Hi, Lubbock for Kids readers!  I’m so excited to be contributing fun kid and family recipes over here each month with this being the first post.  My name is Meagan Wied and I am the blogger behind A Zesty Bite.  I am a stay-at-home mom to a 13 month old baby girl.  My website features all kinds of recipes ranging from healthy to the not-so healthy dishes.  You will also find other posts including travel, beauty and life updates with our family.  I started the blog a little over 3 years ago for family and friends to showcase recipes that I made.  Little did I know that I would be staying at home with the little one to blog full time and to sell Nerium.

I will be sharing kid/family friendly recipes on Lubbock for Kids each month and will also be showcasing kid friendly restaurants as well for the Lubbock area.  Our family tends to step outside of the box sometimes on food choices and we want our baby to try all sorts of foods and flavors.

She may not like a certain food but we keep letting her try it just in case she changes her mind.  A baby may try a food up to 13 times before they realize that they like it.

A while back I had made some bacon cauliflower pancakes on the blog.  They were super easy to make and now that we have a kid I wanted to incorporate some other vegetables into the mix.  I added zucchini and cauliflower along with some cheese.  You’ve got to love the cheesy goodness in these pancakes and it helps the kids eat it as well.  You can also refrigerate the left over pancakes for an afternoon snack the next day.

If you want more recipes come check out my blog at azestybite.com.  Also, my husband and I will be starting a new blog in the next month.  I will be sharing updates on that the next time I post.  What types of recipes would you like to see here on Lubbock For Kids?

ENJOY ~ Meagan

You can also find me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Zucchini and Cauliflower Cheese Pancakes

YIELD: 8-10 servings

PREP TIME: 10 minutes

COOK TIME: 10 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes

ingredients:

1 zucchini, julienne sliced
1 cup riced cauliflower
2 large eggs
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all ingredients into a large bowl. Use a large cookie scoop to place the pancakes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently smash the pancakes with the palm of your hand.

Bake for 8 minutes and then broil for an additional minutes and a half.

*I used a Microplane Adjustable Slicer with Julienne Blade for the zucchini – you can also just cut it into thin strings with a sharp knife*

2013 Holiday Camp Guide: Camps & Classes for Kids in the Lubbock area during the Holidays

 

Kid-approved Holiday Camps & Classes offer fun & learning for kids and valuable time for busy parents!Winter Camps get 4 thumbs up!

What to do with the kids over the holidays?  With all the hustle & bustle of the season, be sure to take advantage of all the classes and drop & shop events in the Lubbock area.  Many of them provide artistic fun for the kids AND a handmade craft or work of art that will make a priceless gift for someone special!  We’ve gathered a sleigh-full of area winter classes, camps, drop & shops, and holiday childcare options from our Holiday Camps section of LubbockForKids.com for our nifty 2013 Holiday Camp Guide.  Classes and camps fill up quickly so click their link to register or check availability asap!

Note that events are in order by date in each category.  Check back frequently for new additions to the list and see our Holiday Page for dozens more ideas for winter fun – search by child’s age, interests and dates!  And if you know of a camp for kids, let us know or add it to the online listing on LubbockForKids.com!
(updated 1/1/2014)


Arts & Crafts Camps:

Kids’ Paint the Day Away class @ Art & Co.:
Thurs. 1/2 & Fri. 1/3:  1-3pm:
Grades: any age if parent stays with children. Grades 1st & up without a parent.
$20.
Kids can select a pottery piece to paint or take a blank canvas and design and paint their own masterpiece!  $25 per child without parent/adult staying with children or price of the piece/canvas if parent/adult stays with children.

Science Camps:

Go 4 Gold! Camp @ Science Spectrum:
Thurs – Fri, Jan. 2nd-3rd, 1-4 PM.
Ages 4-6.
Members $36/Non-members $40.
Get in the Winter Olympic spirit!  Learn about the different sports & games played during the Winter Olympics and the science behind how they work.  They’ll enjoy an “Olympic Day” on the final day of camp where students compete in fun Olympic-themed challenges.  Come a camper, leave a champion in Go 4 Gold!

Winter Wonderlab Camp @ Science Spectrum:
Thurs – Fri, Jan. 2nd-3rd, 10 AM – 3 PM.
Ages 7-9.
Members $36/Non-Members $40.
Walkin’ in our Winter Wonderlab, you will have the chance to do tons of fun and exciting experiments! We will take on icy investigations, explore candyology, study of science of toys, light up the world, and so much more.


Holiday Child Care:

New Years Week Camp @ Rawlings, Trejo & Simmons Community Centers:
Mon, Tues, Thurs, & Fri. of New Year’s week: Open 7:45am-5:30pm daily 12/30/2013, 12/31/2013, 1/2/2014, & 1/3/2014.
Ages 6-12.
$28 for the week.
While school’s out New Year’s week, the kids can play all day! Crafts, games, sports, and more! Children must provide lunch & drink.

New Years Week Camp @ Hodges & Maxey Community Centers:
Mon, Tues, Thurs, & Fri. of New Year’s week: Open 7:30am-5:30pm daily 12/30/2013, 12/31/2013, 1/2/2014, & 1/3/2014.
Ages 6-12.
$64 for the week.
While school’s out New Year’s week, the kids can play all day! Crafts, games, sports, and more! Children must provide lunch & drink.

TEGA Kid’s Superplex:
Day camps are offered on most school holidays:
From 7:30 -3:00pm or 7:30-6:00pm.
$45 per day.
Currently enrolled afterschool care students:  Full-Day (7:30-6:00) = $40 per child.   Non-enrolled students.

 

Feeling organized with kids!

Feeling Organized with Kids… Seriously?!

Anyone with kids knows… it’s the one inside joke we all get:

The epic battle of ALL toys from the toy box is set to begin in 3 - 2 - 1...

The epic battle of ALL toys from the toy box is set to begin in 3 – 2 – 1…

“When was the last time you saw your tween’s floor?”

“Hey, if I could find my kitchen table through the art projects and homework papers, I’d be a happy soul!”

“My Little Ponies and Littlest Pet Shops have joined forces and established an encampment in my daughter’s room …and there is an epic battle raging in my living room… they are taking no prisoners!”

To help us navigate our way through all the stuff of families, we are so excited to announce that Lubbock-area organizing expert  Lori Martin,  owner of Consider It Done, has agreed to be a frequent contributor on our blog!  She’ll share her professional organizing tips and insight specifically in dealing with kids and organizing topics that are helpful to growing families.  Lori has been a member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) since 2003, and has recently become a Golden Circle NAPO member.  Check out Lori’s blog on her website for more great tips and ideas…

 

Love Lori’s 9/5/2013 post titled “Congratulations” that congratulates families on surviving back-to-school and getting back into routines for the fall…  she offers some very specific ideas on being able to accomplish a few things on our to-do list in order to not fall further behind – and enjoy our lives!

 

Great idea!  Use a photo frame as a dry erase chore chart!  Photo: Consider It Done

Great idea! Use a photo frame as a dry erase chore chart! Photo: Consider It Done

Because we are smack-dab-in-the-middle of photo frenzy time – first day of school, fall festivals, Halloween, school activities, sports, upcoming holidays… we really like her ideas on how to stay sane and more organized with photographs.  She also has some neat ideas on how to get a handle on the pile of charming, but bulky, works of art from our little Picassos.   Some really good reminders too on organization … like color coding your children… like everything… from towels to notes on the calendar!

 

 

 

Ideas on organizing those treasured First Day of School pictures.... priceless!

Ideas on organizing those treasured First Day of School pictures…. priceless! Photo: Consider It Done

Her parting comment really hits home:      “…during this time of year, as hectic as it is, you are making memories good, or bad. Our children learn by our example and we open a world of new and exciting things to them every day… Look and realize this is “the life”…”

Can’t wait to hear more from Lori – goodness knows we need all the help we can get!  Seriously.

Thanks for joining us as we embrace and celebrate everything kidful in Lubbock and beyond!

 

Looking for things to do in Lubbock for kids? It's all here!

Welcome!  We’re so excited to launch the LubbockForKids website Blog!

LubbockForKids.com-Blog

We’ve been working like crazy loading the website with all the wonderful things that Lubbock and the South Plains area offers our kids and have been having a blast sharing some of our top Kid Picks for events and activities through our Facebook page.  And you know what we discovered?…  there’s a brilliant amount of stuff for kids in Lubbock!  So much that we need a Blog to dig deeper into some great local opportunities for our kids to soak up!

You’ll notice our theme… it’s local & it’s kids!

From time-to-time we’ll share posts and info from national contributors or resources, but our intent is to uncover local events & activities for kids and share insight from local experts.

Here on our blog, you’ll find special top picks for activities and events, guest posts from contributors (our local experts!) on helpful topics, tips on how to save even more time when using the site, and probably some special thoughts from us as well!

Thanks for joining us as we embrace and celebrate everything kidful in Lubbock and beyond!  What an amazing trip we’re on together – parenting our precious kids through the magical time of childhood here on the South Plains!

Are there things to do in Lubbock for kids?… Oh Yeah!