Sponsored Post: Animated Child Programs for Fall

We are so thankful for all the businesses that support what we're doing at PwcMoms!! Animated Child is one of our fantastic sponsors, and we want to share with you more about a few of the programs they offer.

1. Before/After School Care:

Animated Child is the alternative to typical Before and After School Care.  Our program allows children to explore and learn while they spend  time in our Open Exploration area. Many parents have compared it to a children's museum! We ditch the traditional teaching model and learn science, technology, engineering and math in a completely hands-on environment.  Children can feed our animals in the Nature Smarts area and construct buildings in our Spatial Smarts area. Homework help is always at the ready and our S.T.E.M. room houses multiple computers for online learning. Join our program and receive 2-FREE Weeks of tuition! 

Call 703-763-0003 for enrollment information.

2. Classes in Language, Art, Social Skills, and STEM Topics

Animated Child is full service enrichment center offering classes in Spanish, French, Art, 2-D Gaming Design and P.E.E.R.S. social skills. Language classes are $200  for 1 class per week. $340 for 2 classes per week. Classes are in 8 week sessions. Enrollment is ongoing. Register any time!  Membership guarantees enrollment and great discounts.

3.  Open Play and Parents Nights Out

The Animated Child provides an integrated environment where children are encouraged to be curious and independent. Our setting is created for the inquisitive child. We aspire to develop a deep sense of self in our children.
Open Exploration Times: (Monday-Friday)
9:00am-10:30am                    Open Explorations are $9 ($7 for members)
11:00am-12:30pm
3:00pm-4:30pm
5:00pm-6:30pm 

Open Exploration Times: (Saturday)
10:00am-11:30am                   
The atmosphere is made to promote imaginative and creative problem-solving skills that generate intrinsic motivation. The Animated Child exists to bring into being an organic movement of emotionally balanced children that recognize abilities within themselves. Our innovative center is inspired by the multiple intelligences of Gardner’s theory, and we engage children in every element in order to highlight their unique way of learning. The vital element of emotional and social intelligence with a global perspective makes the Animated Child a leader in children’s education. The Animated Child recognizes the crucial value of a second language and provides a playful curriculum for complete immersion in language and culture.

4.  Birthday Parties

Various theme options available, including Minecraft!! Visit the website for details and options, as well as pricing. 

Giveaway: Game Truck of Woodbridge Party!

 Today's super fun giveaway comes to you from our sponsor, Game Truck of Woodbridge.  We're incredibly thankful for the businesses that support what we're doing here at PwcMoms, so that we can keep bringing you free events, ideas, and more!! Thanks, Game Truck! 

 Game Truck of Woodbridge will come to your event location and host an awesome party.  They run a state-of-the-art Mobile Game Theater featuring four flat screen TVs, dozens of video games, the latest consoles, climate control (yes, you can even party in the truck now that it's getting cold!!) and experienced GameCoaches who staff your party!!  

Whether your child is a gaming aficionado and would love a high-tech party, or you're hosting a larger event for your organization or business, Game Truck of Woodbridge has you covered! 

Here's what other parents have to say!
"I was amazed by it all and from beginning to end they made me comfortable with my decision to choose Game Truck for my son's birthday. He was so happy and is still talking about it I can't wait to do it again. We most definitely will be doing it again =) THANK YOU" 

"I have nothing to suggest! Game Truck was a wonderful addition to our Labor Day event for the staff and residents of SERVE. Thank you for sharing the day with us!" 

"Awesome awesome awesome! My son loved it as the birthday boy :) 

For Today's Giveaway, here's what they're offering!!

Enjoy an exciting party in comfort and style with GameTruck of Woodbridge. With our state-of-the-art Mobile Game Theater featuring five flat screen TVs, dozens of video games, the latest consoles, climate control, and staffed by experienced GameCoaches, we bring you the ultimate gaming experience. We handle schools, corporate events, private parties and birthday parties.

While supplies last all party guests get a Skylanders Swap Force poster and a Trash Pack toy collectible. The birthday VIP also gets Skylanders Swap Force figure. 

Enter Here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you don't win (or can't wait!) here's a bonus:
We would also like to make a special offer to PWCMOMS. Book a 2 hour party and save $40 when you mention coupon code (ZM42). Coupon is only good for the Woodbridge location and areas we serve. Offer expires Nov 15th Call Andrea at 703-946-5088 or email andrea.smith@gametruckparty.com to book your party today or get more information. 
www.gametruckparty.com
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Disclaimer: Game Truck of Woodbridge is a paying advertiser, and PwcMoms has not tried their services.  Prize is provided by Game Truck of Woodbridge, please refer to their materials for waivers/terms/conditions.  By entering, you agree to be bound by our rules for giveaways.  As always, our giveaways are not affiliated with Facebook/twitter/iTunes/Apple/GooglePlay or anyone who's raking in the cash with a forklift.  Good luck! 

Fitness Standards in PWCS

Awhile back on Facebook (click on "Facebook" to read the conversation), I shared a news story about the new fitness program that took over for the Presidential Fitness Awards.  Now called "The Presidents Challenge" the program includes some things I considered questionable, including a pinch test to determine BMI. The article itself was about a girl receiving a letter that she was overweight- and looking at her, I'm not sure I see it.  In fact, I know I don't.

Anyway, we finished up the conversation with me promising that I would hound email PWCS and get some firm answers.  Took awhile, but I was put in touch with their head of Physical Education, who provided me with the following documents.  PWCS does not participate in the President's Challenge, but they do have their own similar program.  It DOES include a skin fold BMI.  Now, we had teachers respond that they did not believe PWCS would ever do a BMI on a kid, and that might be true at individual schools, but this is the policy I was provided, so I'm sharing it with you.

Here's the info:

Guest Post: Prince William Living Creative Halloween Drinks

This post is reprinted with permission from Prince William Living Magazine.  Be sure to check them out for more great ideas, and their fantastic "Family Fun" column, which I personally find to be both witty and enjoyable.  The author is a genius.  ;) 
You can find free copies at Wegmans, Prince William Ice Center and many other distributors.  Subscriptions are also available for a very affordable rate. 

Chillingly Creative Drinks For Halloween

If you’re planning a monster bash this Halloween, brew up drinks so frightfully delicious that it will spook the taste buds of every little ghost, witch and goblin.

The Spooky Smoothie is a flavorful combination of vanilla milk and Greek yogurt, which is blended with ice and topped with whipped cream. The fun is all in the orange-tinted Limited Edition TruMoo Lowfat Vanilla Milk, so make sure to serve it in a clear glass. And ghosts will rise from the dead for the chocolaty Monster Mash Mudslide. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/TruMooMilk.

Both of these tasty concoctions feature TruMoo, which is made with 35 percent less total sugar than the leading chocolate and vanilla milk competitor and has no high fructose corn syrup. That’s one thing that won’t scare you this Halloween season.

Spooky Smoothie

Yield: 4 servings

3          cups Limited Edition TruMoo Lowfat Vanilla Milk, orange color

1 1/2    cups lowfat vanilla Greek yogurt

5          cups ice cubes

1/4       cup fat free whipped cream

Candy corn for garnish, optional

In blender, combine vanilla milk, yogurt and ice cubes. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.

To serve, pour into serving glasses. Top with whipped cream and candy corn.

Monster Mash Mudslide

Yield: 4 servings

4          cups TruMoo Lowfat Chocolate Milk

10        chocolate wafer cookies, coarsely broken

1/2       cup frozen non-dairy whipped topping, thawed

8          mini chocolate chips or mini chocolate candies (orange/brown color recommended)

In blender, blend chocolate milk and chocolate wafer cookies until smooth. Heat mixture in saucepan or microwave until just heated through.

To serve, pour chocolate milk mixture into 4 glasses. For each serving, spoon a large, upright dollop of whipped topping to resemble a ghost. Insert chocolate chips or chocolate candies into dollop for eyes.

Note: To enjoy a cold mudslide, do not heat in saucepan or microwave.

Week in Preview: October 21-October 27, 2013

My fabulous Sister-in-Law, the very awesome Jordana Lorraine (in case you're ever in LA and need to look fantastic) is coming into town this week.  Unfortunately, for reasons I'm not quite clear on, we told our children this last week, so this week I will be hearing "IS SHE COMING TODAY????" despite the fact that I put it on the calendar.

It's gonna be like a week-long "are we there yet", but I'm still excited.

This means that I'll definitely be using my calendar this week to keep the kiddos busy and keep their minds off their impending Auntie visit!!

As always, our calendar is a free resource that you can add to! Include your church/community group events, open plays, classes without subscription requirements, and more! We'd love to hear from you.  Also, remember that this list is not complete, it's just a few events we want to feature this week, for no real reason, we just think they look fun.  Click "calendar" above to see all the events we know about, or to add your own!

Pre-Register For:
Zombie Zumba on the 26th- Prizes for the best costume! Call 703-670-7112 for more details! Ages 13+


"Not so Scary Halloween Bounce" at Pump it up on Wed, Oct 23, 6-8:30pm & Thurs, Oct 24, 6-8:30pm includes costume contest and Halloween craft, balloon drop as well as fun activities throughout the store and a treat for each child! This event will not be too scary and is appropriate for all ages. (Must be at least 34" tall and 2 years old to play on our equipment.) Tickets: Regular sale - 10/7-10/22 - $12.95 per child At the door - 10/23 & 10/24 - $14.95 per child (if not sold out) Adults may purchase pizza/drink separately. Costumes are welcome and encouraged, but please NO facepaint, face masks, weapons, or other sharp objects.Registration is non-refundable, but may be transferred to another Pump It Up Special Event, 1 time, provided space is available and notice is given to us by 10/21/13.


Girls Lock In and Sleepover (3rd-5th Graders) Code 310204
Join us for a night full of fun.  Snacks and Breakfast will be provided.  Come dressed in your favorite PJs and fuzzy slippers.  Pre-registration required by November 1.  For girls only in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade.  $30, CAFC November 16th 7pm-7am

Reptile World will be at Central Library on November 4th from 7-8pm, Third Annual Janice Eisenhart Memorial Program. Learn about the facinating world of reptiles during this captivating program with LIVE animals! (please note: this program will last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.) For students in grades K and up and their parents. Free tickets are required and will be available beginning October 28.

11-7 Class- Dr. Suess (Ages 3-5) Code 310401
Let your imagination run wild with Dr. Suess. Join us as we read several of his books and explore them through various projects and activities. $15 SBDCRC November 7th at 9:45am *Note: Let’s Celebrate Fall and Dr. Suess have the same ID Code in the magazine, so confirm you are registered for the correct class when calling.


Snow and Story @Prince William Ice Center- Our popular Snow and Story Hour is designed to provide toddler and pre-school age children with a safe and fun time playing on our ice, with snow and a variety of toys.  The on-ice session is followed by cookies, hot chocolate and a story.  The cost is $7 per child.  Email mbrennan@pwice.com to reserve you spot.  Space is limited.
Drop-In Snow and Story will take place on October 9th and 22nd, November 6th and 19th, December 4th and 17th, January 8th and 21st, February 5th and 18th, March 5th and 18th.




Monday, October 21
Don't run out of time on the pumpkin patch! We've got our list of Fall Fun up here, and it includes pumpkin patches, trunk or treat, and more!!

Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway from our sponsor, Max Muscle Sports Nutrition Manassas!

Tuesday, October 22
10:45am- Play Gym at Novak's Gymnastics is a fun way to introduce the sport of gymnastics to children 5 years old and younger. Play gym is a non-structured play time for you and your child to get an opportunity to explore and play in the gym. A coach is present to assist and guide you and your child. A brief 5 - 7 minute warm-up is led by the coach to familiarize your child with the basic positions and terms of gymnastics. $5.00 each visit per child. First time is FREE!  Although there is no registration fee for this activity, parent must fill out a Novaks' registration form for children to participate.

7pm- The ARC of Prince William County facilitates an Autism Parent Support Group that meets the 4th Tuesday of each month. This parent-run group offers support, education, and social opportunities for families who have children (of any age) on the Autism spectrum. Child care is available. Call 703-730-3124 or email jrussell@arcgpw.org for more information.


Wednesday, October 23
10:45 at Central Library- Music & Motion alternating with Storytime. Music & Motion is held every two weeks. It is a chance for you and your child to shake, wiggle, move and groove while you're both singing, dancing, and playing with rhythm sticks, scarves and more! Storytime is also held biweekly. Each time there are stories, songs, fingerplays, flannel boards, and a craft or a movie. If your child wishes to do the craft, please pick up a craft stick at the Information Desk before the program. Craft sticks are limited to the first 24 children. For ages 2-5 with an adult. Drop in; no registration required. Oct 23 - Storytime - Falling Leaves

3pm at Dale City Neighborhood Library- "Library Baby" We sing! We play! We read! Stories, songs and fingerplays for moms and babies. Ages 0 to 2. Drop in!

Thursday, October 24
4-5pm at Chinn Library Children ages 6-10 can have fun reading to a PAL (People Animals Love) registered therapy dog. Drop in; No registration required.

7-8:30pm at Chinn Library This not very scary, spooky spirit that has tissue paper streamers fluttering in the wind. This is a free, drop-in family program. One craft per child.

Friday, October 25

Beginning at Dusk, St. Paul UMC will show a fall movie on the outdoor screen.  Bring blankets and enjoy a night out under the stars.  1334 and 1400 G Street Woodbridge VA 22191


6:30-9pm $5 per person, costumes encouraged! Join us for Haunted Mini Golf at Lake Ridge Park!

Saturday, October 26
"Haunted Happenings" Grab the family and your dog and join Historic Manassas, Inc. and the Old Town Business Association for a wickedly good time in Old Town Manassas on Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m


11am – 4 pm; $5 per child, children under six free
Where did the tradition of Halloween come from? Pumpkin carving? Trick-or-Treating? Join us for a kid friendly trip to All Hallow’s Eve past and present. Tour the scarecrow display that will decorate Rippon Lodge. Play old fashioned games and enjoy traditional treats. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, 703-499-9812


Family Day — Halloween Special Event
Crafts, games and a costume parade are just the beginning of this annual fun, festive (not the least bit spooky) event for ages 2-10.
12:00 pm – 2:00



Sunday, October 27
In DC @National Building Museum- Haunted Halloween Pop-Ups
Per child: $10 Member | $15 Non-member. Ages 6 and up with adult supervision.
Learn to make a pop-up Halloween decoration from guest artist Carol Barton, then create a spooky
haunted house scene of your own. Festivities include crafts, treats, and ghost stories (more silly than spooky) about the Museum.

Trunk or Treat at Park Valley (Haymarket), First Presbyterian (Dale City), and Haunted House at Lake Jackson VFD (Manassas)

The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner

I feel like something of a hotel aficionado after spending six weeks in hotels during my radiation treatments at Duke.  We stayed in a super sketchy Homestead Suites for the first two weeks and switched to a La Quinta that was awesome, but still, you'd think after over a month of hotel, I'd be all stayed-out.

Incorrect.

When we received and invitation to come and enjoy a night at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, we rallied.  A "staycation" can be a really fun change from your regular date-night routine, and we were excited to check it out!

We hear that the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner has fantastic suites for families, as well as children's teas, too, but we opted to go child-free and enjoy a date night/hotel stay that didn't involve children OR doctors.

Magic.

While the Ritz-Carlton isn't the most modern of hotels, its reputation for elegance holds true.  Classically decorated, the details are what makes the Ritz-Carlton a destination hotel.  The staff are professional, courteous, and attentive.  The hotel is attached to the Tysons Galleria, which is known for its upscale and designer shopping, and the restaurant is delicious.  Little touches like being able to text the valet staff and have your car waiting make a big difference.

Okay, fine, and there are phones in the bathrooms, which my husband yelled out to me, and totally made me laugh about Pretty Woman all night.

 We started our evening with dinner at the Entyse Bar and Lounge which offers an extensive wine list as well as a varied menu for all tastes.  Case in point, I had Pad Thai (which typically comes with shrimp but I ordered vegetarian) while hubby enjoyed Filet Mignon with whipped potatoes and asparagus.

 For an appetizer, he ordered clam chowder and I had a mezze platter with hummus, tabbouleh, and baba ghanoush.  I have no clue how middle eastern food and pad thai go together, but I really love eggplant, so I was happy :)

 Again, the little touches are so enjoyable- our dinner was followed with a plate of small, sweet bites, which we enjoyed before our creme brûlée.  The meal was quite good, and the service was excellent- our waiter Luis was friendly and attentive.  Friday nights also feature live jazz, which we enjoyed quite a bit! Entyse has two dining areas, which allows for large groups (there was one in the bar area celebrating a birthday and having a great time), as well as more intimate dining, including the area we were in, which had several tables as well as stuffed-chairs/sofas with tables, as well.

The hotel offers many amenities, including a business room, spa, pool, lounge, and more.  We decided, however, to walk off some of our dinner in the attached Galleria mall.  Austin (my husband) wound us right through to the mall thanks to his years working at Booz Allen, which frequently rents space for larger hiring events, meeting and off-sites at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner.  Their wedding room looked lovely, as well.  I notice these things since my baby brother is getting married in September.

We had a lovely evening at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner.  Having a quick "staycation" was a great way to switch up our date night routine, and being in the heart of Tysons allowed for plenty of options for fun, with shopping, movies, and more all located either within walking or courtesy shuttle distance of the hotel.  To plan your own staycation at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, or to enjoy one of their many events, including pumpkin carving, Nutcracker Teas, Princess Teas, and more, check out their events calendar, located here.

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Disclaimer: We were offered a free night's accommodations and meals at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner.  All opinions, however, remain my own, and only links to the calendar and the requirement I include pictures were dictated by the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner.  All writing is my own.

Featured Organization Friday: Keep Prince William Beautiful

Helping Our Kids to Love The Environment

By Keep Prince William Beautiful, www.kpwb.org

It is essential to the future of our planet and to the future of our young people that they learn to value our natural resources. Therefore, providing opportunities for our youth to learn about and care for our environment becomes a vital step towards maintaining and protecting our planet. With America Recycles Day around the corner (November 15), below are some free and fun ideas to turn loving the environment into family fun!

Things to do inside

1.     Make a game of conserving resources

a.     Flip that Switch! Have you kids practice turning the light switch on and off.  Put glow in the dark stickers on the light switch so that kids look forward to turning the light off when they leave the room.  Placing a portable stool near the light switch will help children that can’t reach the switch on their own.

b.     Beat the Ding! Use a timer in the bathroom and challenge your kids to beat the ding by cutting their shower and tooth brushing time to be complete before the timer sounds off.  Make it a whole house competition by tracking who is the fastest each week.

2.     Read environmental books at story-time.  

The following books, and MANY MORE,  are available through the Prince William County Library System:

a.     Crinkleroot's guide to giving back to nature By: Arnosky, Jim. 

b.     Katie saves the Earth By: Manushkin, Fran. 

c.     Recycle! : a handbook for kids   By: Gibbons, Gail.

3.     Checkout some of these safe online resources for games and activities.

a.     http://www.wasteinplace.org

b.     http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=U12qiau3DaQ (a PWC video)

c.     http://www.epa.gov/recyclecity/

4.     Take THE PLEDGE to recycle: http://www.americarecyclesday.org/take-the-pledge

Things to do outside

1.     Organize a community cleanup.  http://www.kpwb.org/Community-Cleanups.html

2.     Adopt-a- Spot http://www.kpwb.org/Adopt-A-Spot.html

3.     Carry a plastic bag on walks, pick up litter along the way.  Keep track of the types of items collected and discuss better ways to dispose of these items and/or how to decrease these types of waste. http://www.longwood.edu/cleanva/images/data_form_volunteer_icc.pdf

Things to do on the go!

1.     Carry reusable containers when traveling to cut back on disposables that will increase landfill waste. 

2.     Create a car recycling bag to ensure recyclables make it home and into the curbside bin.

3.     Spot That LITTER! Write down the intersection or address where you see litter in Prince William County and email KPWB at info@kpwb.org.  Snap a few photos and send those along to help KPWB evaluate the level of litter for cleanup needs.

4.     Join KPWB on a Litter Survey by riding along with other volunteers in a van to grade the litter situation in Prince William County.  Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. http://www.kpwb.org/Litter-Surveys.html

5.     Remember your reusable shopping bags.  

*BONUS – sign up to volunteer with KPWB at PWC Recycles Day (or any event where we are present with a booth) and receive a free KPWB tote.

ABOUT KPWB

Keep Prince William Beautiful (KPWB) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit environmental organization that serves Prince William County. With a focus on partnering with residents, businesses and government, KPWB aims to educate and inspire residents to be environmental stewards in order to keep Prince William beautiful.

Currently KPWB has seven programs with volunteer opportunities. Many programs have ongoing volunteer opportunities for groups and families of various sizes and ages. No matter what program a volunteer chooses to pursue, ALL of  these great programs have a lasting effect on keeping Prince William Beautiful.

Along with the ongoing programs and volunteer opportunities through KPWB, fun events and opportunities to assist KPWB present themselves throughout the different months of the year.

Specifically, in the month of October, KPWB is having a fundraiser through the restaurant, Not Your Average Joe’s, in Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center in Woodbridge, Prince William County.  Every TUESDAY throughout October KPWB will receive 15% of your purchase when you mention you are there for the cause and KPWB.

As already mentioned by an earlier PWC Moms’ blog post, Prince William County Recycles Day and Paper Shred is taking place on Saturday, October 19^th, 10 am – 2 pm at the Landfill (14811 Dumfries Road, Manassas). KPWB, along with its current staff, volunteers, and Celebrity “Buster Bear” will be present and taking part in all of the fun expected for this event. If you’re planning on attending Recycles Day, definitely stop by and meet your friendly Prince William County environmental non-profit, KPWB!

Keep Prince William Beautiful 4391 Ridgewood Center Drive, Suite F,  Prince William, VA 22192

info@kpwb.org  *  http://www.kpwb.org