This Weekend's Events - Dec 1-2

Every Thursday I will endeavor to list as many family-friendly happenings in the area for the coming weekend. Please come back and post comments if you attend any of these events.


Maryland

• Holiday Open House - Congressional Plaza - Dec 1, 12-4pm; Dec 2, 1-4; photos with Santa, face painting, balloon twisting, holiday entertainment, tatoos  http://www.congressionalplaza.com/events/
• Holiday Extravaganza - Glen Echo Park - Dec 1, 2-5pm, photos with Santa, raffles, food, entertainment, shopping
• Winter Lights - Seneca Creek State Park, through Dec 31
• Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination -  Dec 1, Sharpsburg, 6pm-midnight http://www.nps.gov/anti/planyourvisit/luminary.htm
• Mrs Claus Tea - Dec 1, 10:30am and 12:30pm, Strathmore, Bethesda, reservations required http://www.strathmore.org/eventstickets/calendar/view.asp?id=8752
• Bethesda's Winter Wonderland - Dec 1, 8pm, Imagination Stage, Winter Concert; Dec 2 - Veterans's Park  http://www.bethesda.org/bethesda/winter-wonderland
• 35th Annual Festival of Lights - Kensington, http://dctemplelights.lds.org/
• Winter Wonderland - Harbor East, Baltimore http://www.harboreast.com/events/window-wonderland-a-holiday-arts-exhibit-at-harbor-east/
• The Polar Express 4D Experience - National Aquarium Baltimore, http://www.aqua.org/visit/baltimore/calendar/showtime-4d-polar-express
• Power Plant Holiday Light Show Spectacular - Baltimore,  http://www.itsawaterfrontlife.org/?page_id=212
• Holiday Festival of Trains and Toys - B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore  http://www.borail.org/HFOT.aspx
• Fell's Point Old Tyme Christmas - Baltimore, http://www.fellspointmainstreet.org/2012_oldetymechristmas.html
• The Chanukah House - Baltimore, http://www.thechanukahhouse.com/
• 40th Annual Mayor's Christmas Parade - Dec 2, 1pm, Baltimore, http://www.mayorschristmasparade.com/
• Holly Trolleyfest - National Capital Trolley Museum, Colesville, http://dctrolley.org/events.php
• Rockville City Ballet's Nutcracker - http://www.rockvillemd.gov/events/calendar/event/2012-12-2/the-nutcracker-presented-by-rockville-civic-ballet/EE2C84BC06D4E755E90CE8272E8B6F3A
• Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella - Olney Theatre Center, http://olneytheatre.org/shows-a-events/cinderella
• Seussical - Imagination Stage, http://imaginationstage.org/shows-a-tickets/shows-playing-now
• The Nutcracker - The Puppet Co Playhouse, Glen Echo Park, 11:30am & 1pm
• Radio Disney Festival of Giving at National Harbour - Dec 2, 1pm, Oxon Hill, http://nationalharbor.com/event/radio-disneys-festival-of-giving/
• Harbor Holiday Festival - National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Dec 1, 10-7pm, http://nationalharbor.com/event/harbor-holiday-festival-3/
• Ice! at Gaylord National - National Harbor, Oxon Hill, http://nationalharbor.com/event/ice-at-gaylord-national/

Virginia

• 23rd Annual Model Train Display & Show at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum - Dec 1, 10-5pm; Dec2, 12-4pm
• 13th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade - Dec 1, Alexandria Marina to Washington Channel, 3pm
• Gingerbread House Decorating Class - Ritz Carlton, Tyson's Corner, 10am & 1pm, $70 (ages 3-12)
• Herndon Holiday Tree Lighting & Sing-a-Long - Herndon Town Square, 5-6pm
• Manassas Christmas Parade  - Dec 1, 10am, Mathis Ave to Center & Grant Aves
• The Nutcracker Tea - Ritz-Carlton, Tyson's Corner, 10am & 1pm, $75/person
• Wolf Trap's Holiday Sing-a-Long - Dec 1, Wolf Trap Filene Center, Vienna, 4pm
• Christmas at Mount Vernon - 9am-4pm
• Ornament Making Workshop for Families - Dec 1, 1-4pm, http://apps.alexandriava.gov/Calendar/Detail.aspx?si=5021
• City of Fairfax Festival of Lights & Carols - Dec 1, 10am-9pm, https://www.fairfaxva.gov/SpecialEvents/FLC/FLC.asp
• Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights - Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, http://www.nvrpa.org/park/winter_walk_lights

Washington DC

• The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg - Kennedy Center, http://www.kennedy-center.org/events/?event=KNTBA
• ZooLights at the National Zoo - 5-9pm

Paradise Cove Luau - Kapolei, Hawaii

You can't go to Hawaii and not go to a Luau.  We bought our tickets for the Paradise Cove Luau as a combo deal with the Ko-Olina Ocean Adventures tour (see my previous blog) and the luau takes place on the beautiful Ko-Olina Resort premises.

After a day of snorkeling, we quickly showered and changed into our tropical luau garb and headed over to Paradise Cove. After checking in, we noticed that there were different levels of packages you could purchase. The basic Hawaiian package (which is what we got) which included a shell lei, a Mai Tai upon greeting plus 2 standard drink tickets, luau buffet, wing seating and show.  The Orchid package gets you the same thing except a flower lei, 2 premium drink tickets and middle seating.  The Deluxe package got you a flower or Kukui Nut lei, 3 premium drink tickets, front row seating and table service. I think the deal we got was just fine. We had a great view of the stage and didn't mind getting our own food from the buffet.

The Luau lasts about 4 hours from the time the gates open to the end of the show. Upon arrival, pictures are taken with the hula girl and you get "leid", then you get your MaiTai and are free to roam around and take pictures in the gardens with the spectacular sunset. There are free activities for the kids (and adults too) such as spear throwing, a rolling ball game, braiding palm fronds into head-wreaths, hand-drawn tatoos and outrigger canoe rides in the lagoon.

 

 

The show started with locals showing ways to tie sarongs (men's version is hilarious), then audience members were chosen to put on hula skirts and learn how to do the hula. Moving to another area, a local raced up a coconut tree and fishermen in the lagoon showed how to cast the nets (while several male guests in hula skirts improvised a comedy skit). This was followed by the Royal Court explaining the Imu Ceremony (putting the pig in the ground for cooking and removing it) and a short dance show. We then took our seats as the real show began and the luau buffet opened. A nice selection of dinner and dessert items were provided and although the pork was the highlight, the fish was my favorite. Of course, no luau is complete without the famous "poi", made from taro root, but I wasn't brave enough to try it. The show was excellent - brightly colored costumes, dances from various islands including Samoa and Tahiti, fire-dancers and lots of audience participation. It was a fun experience!

Kid's View:  "It was lots of fun, especially the spear throwing and the rock game. They called all the birthday  people up on the stage to learn to hula dance so I got to go up there with a bunch of people. I got a turtle tatoo and a cool tribal tatoo."

 

 

http://paradisecovehi.com/Luaupackages/hawaiianluaubuffet.htm

Washington Harbour Georgetown - Outdoor Ice Skating Rink

I love Georgetown, DC. The shops, the restaurants, and just walking up and down the streets people watching (very interesting people from all walks of life can be seen). Down at the waterfront, there are restaurants where you can dine al fresco with a lovely view of the Potomac River. At the center of it all is a large fountain, which as of this winter, has been transformed into an outdoor ice skating rink, and will be reopened annually from November until March, every day including holidays. They say this rink is larger than  the one at Rockefeller Center in New York City, but I'm not so sure. It is the largest one I've seen in the area so far though.

I haven't been ice skating in 15 years or more, but I was determined that we were going to go and I was going to skate! The kids and I were excited about going, the husbands...not so much. Parking on the street is always an ordeal so we went straight to a garage ($8 for the evening).

The whole area was lit up for the holidays with shimmering, white lights everywhere. The weather was chilly but not uncomfortable. People were milling around, strolling, dining, having drinks at the outdoor bar, and quite surprisingly, the rink was not too crowded. The Zamboni machine was just finishing up on the ice as we got there, so we got our skates on and headed out to the rink. (One plus....new rink, new skates! Not a fan of wearing the rented skates) My husband and sister-in-law who decided to sit out the skating party, grabbed a couple of drinks and a spot to watch the gang. The kids were gone in a flash while my brother-in-law and I took a few laps to warm up before we put our feet (and bodies) to the test. After a few minutes our ankles were killing us and on the tip of my tongue were the words "What the heck was I thinking?", but after a few more rounds we were feeling more confident and adventurous.

Well, you know the night could not be complete without at least one of us wiping out.  The kids took a few spills and have a couple of bumps and bruises to show for it, but that's all part of the fun, right? I managed to make it through most of the night without falling but alas, I eventually hit the floor....with a very loud thud,  skates banging into the glass sides of the rink, and shattering my ego. Feet up, derriere down, in one swift move. I got up, shook it off and felt fine...or so I thought at the time. (As I type this, I have a large bruise on my rear end and my neck feels like I have whiplash.) Of course, no outing in Georgetown is complete without ice-cream so we turned in our skates and headed for Haagen-Dazs before heading home.  It was a fun night out, even with the bumps and bruises!

Prices are comparable to other rinks, $7/kids, $9/adults plus $5 if you need to rent skates. http://thewashingtonharbour.com/skating/

Kid's View: "I love ice-skating! It's a big place and not a lot of people cutting you off and causing you to fall, even though that did happen to me once. I fell on my knee and now I have a huge black and blue there but I still had a great time. Towards the end, my cousins and I scooped up the ice shavings off the ice and had a snowball fight. That was fun but sometimes it hurt. Oh, and the ice-cream was good too....the winter is the best time to eat ice-cream. I wanna do it again!"

This Weekend's Events - Nov 24-25

Every Thursday I will endeavor to list as many family-friendly happenings in the area for the coming weekend. Please come back and post comments if you attend any of these events.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Maryland

• The Nutcracker -  The Puppet Co, Glen Echo, http://www.thepuppetco.org/
• Cinderella - Olney Theatre Center, http://www.olneytheatre.org/
• The Garden of Lights - Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, http://montgomeryparks.org/brookside/garden_lights.shtm
• 17th Annual Winter Lights Festival - Gaithersburg, http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/winterlights/12_main.html 
• Ice! Shrek the Halls - Gaylord Hotel, National Harbor, https://www.gaylordnationaltickets.com/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=7B72226B-6CF5-4E06-997D-CCE74ACE2866
• Maryland Christmas Show - Nov 24, Frederick, http://marylandchristmasshow.com/
• Festival of Trees - Timonium, http://festivaloftrees.kennedykrieger.org/
• The Holiday Train Garden - Lutherville, http://firemuseummd.org/
• Frederick Festival of Greens - http://frederickartscouncil.org/index.php/programs/festival-of-greens
• 13th Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Show - Upper Marlboro, http://www.pgparks.com/Things_To_Do/Calendar_Events/13th_Annual_Gingerbread_House_Contest_and_Show.htm
• Holiday Festival of Trains & Toys - Baltimore, http://www.borail.org/HFOT.aspx
• Winter Festival of Lights - Upper Marlboro, http://www.pgparks.com/Things_To_Do/Calendar_Events/26th_Annual_Winter_Festival_of_Lights.htm
• Shadracks Christmas Wonderland @ Adventure Park USA, New Market
• S'mores Lights - Nov 25, Seneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg, 5-9pm

Virginia

• Christmas at Oatlands Plantation - Leesburg, http://www.oatlands.org/Events/43/
• The Bull Run Festival of Lights - Centreville, http://www.nvrpa.org/park/bull_run_festival_of_lights
• Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights - Vienna, http://www.nvrpa.org/park/winter_walk_lights
• Christmas at Mt Vernon - Mt Vernon, http://www.mountvernon.org/calendar/view/2012-11-23/5039
• A Broadway Christmas Carol @ MetroStage - Alexandria, http://www.visitalexandriava.com/events/-A-Broadway-Christmas-Carol-at-MetroStage/3535/#.UK0QLIeX-So
• Santa Claus comes to Old Town - Alexandria, http://www.oldtownboutiquedistrict.com/santaclaus
• A Magical Christmas - Nov 24, Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, http://www.workhousearts.org/events/performing-arts/childrens-theatre-magical-christmas
• The Nutcracker - Joan Bedinger Auditorium, Fairfax, http://nutcrackerfairfax.brownpapertickets.com/
• The Nutcracker by Classical Ballet Theatre - Nov 24, Ernst Theater Community Cultural Center, Annandale, 12pm http://www.nvcc.edu/wdce/annandale/facilities/cultural/theaterinfo.htm

Washington DC

• Yes, Virginia Family Day @ The Newseum - Nov 24, 11-5pm, http://www.washingtonian.com/events/2012/11/06/yes-virginia-family-day.php
• Capitol Holiday Parade - Nov 24, 11am, http://capitalholidayparade.com/
• Zoo Lights - National Zoo, 5-9pm

Ko-Olina Ocean Adventures - Oahu, Hawaii

Once in a while my posts will be for something to do outside of the MD/DC/VA area and here's one of them....

On our recent trip to Oahu, Hawaii, we wanted to do something special and memorable for our daughter's 10th birthday. I searched the Internet and came up with a list of Disney approved things to do and Ko-Olina's Ocean Adventure was one of them.  The Adventure is a snorkel trip which includes a boat ride to three stops - a fish reef, a turtle cleaning station and a wild dolphin area - where you will be amazed at the wonderful undersea world.

Located on the west coast of Oahu in Kapolei, is the beautiful Ko-Olina Ocean Resort. (There's also a Disney Hotel on the premises.) The adventure begins at the marina at Lagoon 4 where you register, rent wet suits, underwater cameras, buy fish food, and pick up snacks. (We didn't rent the wet suits but I highly recommend them as the water is very cold.) The trip is about three and a half hours long and ends back on shore with lunch.

Once we registered, we bought fish food, rented an underwater camera ($40 which includes an 8GB disk that you get to keep and can be used in regular cameras) and picked up our complimentary snacks (chips and soda or water). I was initially disappointed when I saw the pontoon boat (I thought it would be a catamaran or something nicer) but later on I realized why it was necessary to have this type of vehicle.

Before leaving dock we were briefed on safety procedure, fitted for flippers, life vests and snorkels. (They even had prescription masks for the blind people like me and my husband!!!)  As we left the dock, and the breeze began to hit us, it became all too clear that we should have rented the wet suits....but alas, it was too late and we were just going to have to suck it up and take the plunge.

Our first stop was the fish reef. We put on our gear, made our way to the back of the boat and the chicken that I am, sent my husband and daughter off into the water while I was still trying to convince myself that there were no sharks in the water. Eventually I made it in and after a quick look around, began to feel more comfortable and we ventured out in search of fish to feed. There wasn't a huge variety of fish but there was still plenty to see on this reef including starfish, sea urchins and anemones. (and no sharks!)

The second stop we made was to a turtle cleaning station or turtle "car wash" where the turtles sit on the sea floor and let all the fish clean their shells. Every once in a while, the turtles have to come to the surface for air and we actually got to see one up close which was so cool. There was a different variety of fish here and as my daughter released the fish food she was so excited (and terrified at the same time) to see the fish come charging at her all at once. 

Turtles on ocean floor getting shells cleaned by fish

Feeding the fish

Turtle coming up for air

The last stop on the adventure was to see the dolphins. We were very lucky to find a pod of wild spinner dolphins resting in the area. It's illegal to swim with wild dolphins in Hawaii so we were allowed to get in the water with them but not allowed to kick or swim. While the boat was moving, we quickly slipped off the pontoons into the water, one by one, and floated quietly while we waited for the dolphins to come by. The first jump was uneventful and my daughter and husband were freezing so they decided to just watch them from the boat. I, on the other hand, said I hadn't come all this way to give up so easy. Doing the second and third jump without them was a little scary, and even though there were other people in the water with me, I couldn't help but hear the music to Jaws playing in the back of my head.... as I floated on the water like an unsuspecting baby seal about to be dinner. And then it happened...the pod of dolphins swam right under me!

That was sooo amazing! My day was made, and freezing my butt off was worth it.  After we all got back in the boat, the captain let us hang out and watch the dolphins for a while (who took the opportunity to show off their spinning, flipping and tail slapping skills), and then took us on a short boat ride before taking us back in to port. Once we docked, we were given a yummy lunch (choice of 3 hot sandwiches, chips and a soda) and sent on our way.

Pod of dolphins swimming under me

Dolphins next to our boat

I highly recommend this trip if you are ever in Hawaii (Oahu). It helps if you are a good swimmer but they will provide a board for you if you are not. The crew are very friendly and make the experience even more enjoyable. It's not cheap but it's worth every penny! http://www.koolinaoceanadventures.com/

Kid's View: "It was so much fun! I loved watching the dolphins do their tricks and I liked feeding the fish. It was a little scary having them come at you and surrounding you all at once though. The turtle car wash was really cool and we got to see one come to the top right by us. It was really cold but I would like to do it again when the water is warmer."

This Weekend's Events - Nov 10-11

Every Thursday I will endeavor to list as many family-friendly happenings in the area for the coming weekend. Please come back and post comments if you attend any of these events.

**All 398 U.S. National Parks offering FREE admission on Veterans Day Weekend! (Nov 10-12)

Maryland

• Rockville Town Square Outdoor Ice Skating Rink Grand Opening - Nov 9, 6:30-10pm
• Fall Festival at the Village of Rockville - Nov 10, 9:30am-2pm, 9701 Veirs Drive
• The Puppet Co. Playhouse - Second Hand Stars - Nov 10, 10-10:30am, Glen Echo
• Czechoslovak Christmas Bazaar - 12-4pm, 6302 River Road, Bethesda
• 42nd Annual Waterfowl Festival - Easton, http://www.waterfowlfestival.org/
• Colonial Craft Day - Nov 10, Mount Clare Museum House, Baltimore, http://www.mountclare.org/index.html
• Maryland Irish Festival - Timonium, http://irishfestival.com.s141542.gridserver.com/
• Fells Point Ghost Walk - Baltimore, http://www.baltimoreghosttours.com/
• Beauty & the Beast - Nov 10, 11:30am, Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park, $10
• Free Introductory Horseback Riding Lesson - Nov 10, 1:30pm, 1701 Ednor Rd, Silver Spring
• Chocolate Factory Tour - Nov 10, 2pm, 360 Main Street, Gaithersburg

Virginia

• Family History Day/Native American Day - Nov 10, 11-4pm, Rippon Lodge, Woodbridge http://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/publicworks/hp/Pages/Rippon-Lodge.aspx
• Super Science Saturday, To the Moon and Beyond - Nov 10, 10-3pm, Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly
• Lee Fendall House Museum & Garden - Free in November, http://www.leefendallhouse.org/
• National Museum of the Marine Corps, Family Day - Nov 10, 12-3pm, Free, Triangle, http://www.usmcmuseum.com/index.asp (ceremonial sword cake-cutting at noon)
• The Sugar Cube Kids Class - Truffles - Nov 10, 10am-Noon, Alexandra http://www.sugarcubesweets.com/events/kids-class-truffles-1-0/
• Veterans Day at Mount Vernon - Nov 11, 9am-4pm, free ro active and retired military personnel, http://www.mountvernon.org/calendar/view/2012-11-11/5035
• Alexandria-National Harbor Water Taxi Tour - http://www.potomacriverboatco.com/national-harbor.php
• Great Falls Farmers Market Cooking Demonstration - Nov 10, 9am-1pm, 750 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA (demonstrations at 9am and 10am, tastings open until 1pm)
• Shaolin Warriors: Voices of the Masters - Kung Fu, acrobatics and more!, Nov 10 at 8pm, Nov 11 at 4pm, George Mason University Center for the Arts,  Fairfax, http://cfa.gmu.edu/calendar/1093/
• Ethan Allen's Holiday Decorating Workshop - Nov 11, 11am, 8520 Leesburg Pike, Suite A, Vienna
• American Freedom Festival - Patriot Center at the George Mason University, Fairfax
• Arlington National Cemetery - Nov 11, 11am,, Wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• Manassas Veterans Day Parade - Nov 10, 11am

Washington DC

• Kids Euro-Festival - Various locations,  http://www.kidseurofestival.org/
• Tea with Mrs B. - Ettiquette & Tea Party for the whole Family - Nov 11, 1pm, The Fairfax at Embassy Row, http://www.washingtonian.com/events/2012/10/16/tea-with-mrs-b-holiday-etiquette-and-ta-party-for-the-entire-family.php
• DC TV and Movie Sites Tour - Nov 10, 10am -12:30pm, Union Station,  $36
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial - Nov 11, 1pm, Speakers & wreath-laying
• World War II Memorial - Nov 11, 9am, Wreath-laying ceremony
• Navy Memorial - Nov 11, 1pm, Wreath-laying ceremony
• Air Force Memorial - Nov 11, 11am, Wreath-laying ceremony

More Veterans Day Events...

• http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/veterans-day-events-to-be-held-across-dc-region/2011/11/09/gIQA18fI6M_story.html
• Parades - http://www.vetfriends.com/parades/directory.cfm?state=MD

This Weekend's Events Nov 3-4

Every Thursday I will endeavor to list as many family-friendly happenings in the area for the coming weekend. Please feel free to add any I may have missed.

Maryland

• Rockville Town Square Outdoor Ice Skating Rink Grand Opening - Nov 2, 6:30-10pm
• Geology Walk - Nov 3, 12:30-3:30pm, C&O National Park, Great Falls Tavern entrance, Falls Road, Potomac
• American Girl Fashion Show - Nov 4, 11am, The Bolger Center, Potomac $55-$75
• Howard County Crafts Spectacular - http://atozcrafts.net/
• OysterFest -  Nov 3, St Michael's, Eastern Shore, http://cbmm.org/oysterfest/index.htm
• Kuromori Kagura Japanese Folklore & Dance - Nov 3, 8pm, Towson, http://www.towson.edu/asianarts/events/index.asp
• Slavic Food Festival - Nov3, Beltsville, http://www.stgregoryofnyssa.net/pages/Food_Festival.html
• Candlelight Ghost Tours of Frederick - http://www.marylandghosttours.com/
• National Aquarium Scout Day - Baltimore, 10am-2pm, http://www.aqua.org/visit/baltimore/calendar/scout-day?EventID=%7b0276F688-9DD3-411B-B222-2B91F73B7267%7d

Virginia

• Cox Farms Pumpkin Madness and Fall Festival - Centreville, http://www.coxfarms.com/ 
• Alexandria Art Market - Nov 3, 10-4pm, http://www.thedelrayartisans.org/WebCalendar/view_entry.php?id=1038
• The Sugar Cube Kids Class - Chocolate Dippers - Nov 3, 4-5:30pm http://www.sugarcubesweets.com/
• Old Town Alexandria Tasting & Historical Walking Tour - Market Square, Alexandria, Every Saturday, $50
• Arlington Puzzle Festival - Nov 3, Arlington County Central Library, 8:30am-4:30pm

Washington DC

• Kids Euro-Festival  http://www.kidseurofestival.org/
• Washington Wizards vs. Boston Celtics - Verizon Center, Nov 3, http://tickets.eventchannel.net/ResultsEvent.aspx?event=Washington%20Wizards%20vs%2e%20Boston%20Celtics
• National Theatre - Nov 3, Native American Tanka Tales, Ages 4+
• Kid's Election Day -  Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, Nov 3 http://www.madametussauds.com/Washington/NewsAndEvents/KidsElection.aspx
• National Building Museum Ghost Tour - Nov 4, 8pm