Adventure Ride Idea #1

Happy New Year everyone! I can't believe how fast December just came and went. Time to start looking up some great places to visit in 2016!

Need a fun idea for this weekend? Let's go on an ADVENTURE RIDE!!!!!

Today let's go to Whatcom County? I know it's not in Snohomish County but it's an adventure ride so we are going to go explore something new and a little further away. Let's go north today. Here is a day trip idea for this weekend.  Hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I did the other day!

1. Coffee and donuts at Rocket Donuts. 

• I would visit the downtown location if they are open because they are just around the corner from Spark Museum. But the Fairhaven location is on the way to downtown and just like 10 minutes away.
• This is place is pretty cool. The decor adds a little something more to it and makes it more than just another local donut shop. And it's one of a few places I can find a great tasting cruller.  

2.  Spark Museum

• Spark Museum is so much fun if you are into old electronics and radios. They have all sorts of old, neat gadgets. They have "[a]rtifacts from the laboratories of the early pioneers of electricity, from magnets and Leyden jars to Edison light bulbs, magnificent vacuum tubes, telegraph and telephones all are well represented." They have a mock-up of the Titanic comms center. 
• On the weekends they have the Mega Zapper show...so cool. It's lightening in a bottle on steroids. AWESOME! We were there last Tuesday and saw a small version of this show. It was pretty cool!
• This video is a quick virtual tour of what you will find at Spark. 

3. Bird watching-Bald Eagle watching

• We went out to Deming by an old fire station and just walked over to a bridge. But I wouldn't recommend going back there. The bridge we were all hanging out at was a little scary. Many of the drivers were so rude and although we were all on the bridge and sidewalk it was still a little uncomfortable with the little ones. I would try one of the many places listed on this website:  http://www.bellingham.org/activities/bird-watching/ instead. 

  

4. Lunch at Blue Mt. Grill

• Have lunch at Blue Mt. Grill in Acme. website. Our group stopped here for lunch and it was DELICIOUS!!! My husband got the bacon, cheeseburger and just thinking about it is making my mouth water. 
• They have a little arcade in the restaurant to keep the kids busy and they have all sorts of game boards and cards to play as well while you are waiting for your food. I would not go here is you are in a hurry. 
• The customer service was amazing but it did take a while for the food to come. The food as really good and tasted fresh and homemade. The do make their own bread for everything and it was so soft and warm.
• Sorry I forgot to take pictures of the place. 

Best neighborhoods to see holiday lights!

Please keep in mind that to the best of our knowledge, these places are up and running. Please use caution when driving through these neighborhoods/areas. 

If you know of some that we missed and would like to share them please add them in the comments section. We will update this list as we find more places. 

Everett’s Fir Grove Neighborhood Lights Up for Charity

It's a 25+ year old tradition, neighbors decorate and light up their neighborhood for charity and we are all invited to join in the festivities and fun!

Dozens of houses are lit up and decorated in different themes. There is a tent at the intersection of 104th and 21st SE accepting donations for the Volunteers of America food bank. Santa is there to greet and meet with visitors. 

Bothell-Evergreen Lights 

This one is not a neighborhood but a church. They have over 100,000 lights dancing to music. There's free cookies, hot cocoa, train display and more!

Location:
Evergreen Church
3429 240th St. SE
Bothell, Wa

website: https://www.facebook.com/EvergreenLights/

Everett-Riverside Neighborhood 8th Annual Holiday Lights (Nutcracker themed)

In 1997 the Downtown Everett Business Association challenged all 18 Everett neighborhoods to a holiday decorating competition. Today, RNA continues the tradition every December by sponsoring a fun holiday decorating competition between home owners throughout Riverside where neighbors get the chance to win some great prizes and an entire year of bragging rights!

Location-Riverside Neighborhood (Baker Ave, Virginia Ave, Fulton St., 24th St., area)

Mountlake Terrace-East Mountlake Terrace neighborhood

Tradition has it that 25 houses light up together from Thanksgiving to New Years. The neighborhood works hard to create a magical light display for all to enjoy. So come on and see the MAGIC!

Please be kind and bring a donation for the Mountlake Terrace Food Bank.

Location:
228 ST. SW and 42nd PL. W
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043

website: https://www.facebook.com/Mountlake-Terrace-Christmas-Light-Display-194939408323/

Lake Stevens-Lake Stevens Lights

A PC controlled Christmas Light and Music Show run by special software, five 16 channel light controllers and a portable FM transmitter

Runs 5-9:30 Sunday - Thursday and 5-10:00 Friday and Saturday through New Year's Day.

Location:
9527 17th PL NE Lake Stevens, WA

website: https://www.facebook.com/lakestevenslights/info/?tab=page_info

Lake Stevens-Seahawks Themed Houses

Come check their 12th man pride.

Location:
12809 20^th St NE Lake Stevens
11704 20^th St NE Lake Stevens

website: http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20150117/NEWS01/150119097

Marysville-Grove Street

There's lights, beautiful displays and lights synchronized to music.

Marysville and Stanwood light up the night!

Check out today's holiday ideas.

Stanwood-The Lights of Christmas

Over one million lights and more! Dazzling light displays, the smell of fresh hot donuts, the holiday sounds of carolers, and so much more make The Lights of Christmas the perfect holiday destination!

Make sure to come early so you can visit all the different stations and places such as The Toy Shop and Ornament Shop, Bruce the Spruce, pony rides and of course SANTA!!!!

Below is a picture of an ornament getting cut and shaped while we waited. SO COOL!

Here are the boys talking to Bruce the Spruce. He is hilarious! He is so good with the kids.

Here are a few pictures of what you can expect to see on display. This place is awesome and has so much to see. Catch a ride on the Polar Express Train and just sit back and enjoy the ride through the park.

Make sure to check out their Specials page for discounts and promotions. Also, don't forget that if you have a copy of The Entertainment Book there is a coupon in the book and on the app. It is a BOGO deal.

Location:

Stanwood/Warm Beach

The Lights of Christmas

20800 Marine Drive

Stanwood, WA 98292

Website: 

• https://www.thelightsofchristmas.com/

Cost:

• Children 2 and under-Free.  
• Kids 3 and up-starting at $11
• kids 12 to adult-starting at $12

2015 Holiday Tour of Lights

Marysville's Cedarcrest Golf Course will become an after-dark winter wonderland in December when fairways are transformed into a showcase for dazzling light displays at the annual Holiday Tour of Lights.

Families and individuals are invited to hop aboard a Merrysville Express Rotary Train and traverse the winding paths at Cedarcrest amid 50 enchanting light displays certain to put a twinkle in the hearts of all ages this holiday season.

Location:
Cedarcrest Golf Course
6810 84th St NE
Marysville, WA 98270

Website: 

• http://www.marysvillewa.gov/690/Holiday-Tour-of-Lights---Cedarcrest

Cost:
Free admission. This is a free event, though they are accepting donations.

SnoCo Fun Fair-Smokey Point

First of all I would like to THANK Kidzle B Kids for allowing us to use their beautiful preschool and ALL the wonderful vendors that hosted a booth and endured the heat to support us at our first SnoCo Fun Fair. Here is a complete list of everyone that attended. When you visit our site you can read more about their services and products and how to contact them. Don't forget to tell them you saw them on SnoCoKids.
• Sea Mar Community Health
• Snohomish County Early Head Start
• Clothes For Kids
• Kidzle B Kids Preschool
• The Purse Lady
• Life Impact Chiropractic
• Dare 2 Dream Christian Learning Center
• Scentsy
• Leg Up For Kids
• Sam and Alli
• Usborne Books
• Pony Paradise Rides
• Arlington School of Dance
• Surf Shack Espresso
• Pleasant Smiles Dental Care
• Avon
• Cookie Lee
• Ancient Arts Family Karate
• Ronning Chiropractic
• Norwex Enviro Products
• Studio Phoenix Zumba
• Kandie Rae
• The Hillside Church

Don't miss the fun at our next event. Come out on December 11th to Beverly Elementary in Lynnwood and experience the fun yourself.

Santa will be here too!!!

We are looking for vendors, entertainers and of course sponsors. Want to participate or help out? Contact Yvonne at (425) 238-2939 or visit www.snocofunfair.info . All proceeds from this event go directly to CLOTHES FOR KIDS a 501(3)(c) organization.

Back 2 School Events

Everett Mall
Why not earn some extra money while you spend it? Earn a $5.00 gift card just for being their friend on Facebook.


Arlington Kid's Kloset


Kids that qualify for free or reduced lunch in the Arlington or Lakewood School Districts can use this service. Provide school wardrobe, backpacks, school supplies, hygiene kits free of charge twice yearly.
Located at: 135 S French Ave, Arlington, WA, 98223 (360) 435-4875


Clothes For Kids
August 25th - First Day of Back To School Shopping!!!
CFK provides low income families assistance by supplying their children with clothing twice a year.
Located at:16725 52nd Ave West, Suite B, Lynnwood, WA 98037

Kloz 4 Kidz
Kloz 4 Kids offers children in need from preschool through middle school new and used clothes and coats free of charge.
Located at: Marysville United Methodist Church, 5600 64th St. NE, Marysville, WA 98270

Lutheran Community Services Northwest
Distribute free school supplies and backpacks during one-day event on Aug. 26 from 11am-3pm. Remaining school supplies will be available from 9am-5pm during the week of Aug. 28. Offer basic back-to-school haircuts from noon-4pm on Aug. 29.
Location:1803 123rd Ave NE, Lake Stevens, WA, 98258 Phone: (425) 397-7433
 
Back 2 School Rally
The Arlington Back2School Rally is a community event for Arlington area families of elementary school children, providing:
•Haircuts
•Dental checkups
•Backpacks and school supplies
•Lots of services and activities to get kids ready to start school
•And much more!
YOU MUST REGISTER IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A FREE BACKPACK
When: August 29th at 2pm
Where: Presidents Elementary


Summer Jubilee
A Summer Jubilee is coming to three locations to benefit Marysville School District students.
The events will be held on Saturday, August 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m at the following locations:
Totem Middle School (Asbery Field)
Cascade Elementary School
Shoultes Elementary School
Each location will have school supplies, food, and games. Summer Jubilee is sponsored by local churches.


Lake Stevens Family Center
10 a.m. to noon, Aug. 28, Lake Stevens Family Center, 1803 123rd Drive NE. First come, first-serve backpacks, school supplies and other resources. Free haircuts by appointment. Call 425-397-7433 to set up a time. Volunteers, donations needed.


Sky Valley Food Bank
The Sky Valley Food Bank will give out school supplies for elementary through high school students while the supplies last from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 6 to 7 p.m. Monday at 233 Sky River Parkway, Monroe. Recipients must be registered with the food bank; they can do so on the spot. svfoodbank.org or 360-794-7959.


Snohomish Community Food Bank
12 to 3 p.m. Wednesday and 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at 1330 Ferguson Park Road. Kindergarten through eighth grade. High school students can get on the waiting list. snohomishcommunityfoodbank.org or 360-568-7993.


Sultan
4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Volunteers of America Family Recreation Center, 701 First St. Kindergarten through high school. 360-793-2400. Volunteers of America also plans to deliver backpacks to students in Index and Skykomish on Sept. 1 if they can't come to Sultan. People can sign up for delivery at the family center or pick up the backpacks at the Index School District, 436 Index Avenue, or the Skykomish School District, 100 Railroad Ave.


Back-to-School Immunization Clinics

Community Health Center of Snohomish County is holding special immunization clinics for children of all ages. For one low fee, your child can receive all the immunizations they need.
Locations:

• 112th Street Clinic-1019 112th Street SW Everett, WA 98204
• Broadway Clinic-1410 Broadway Everett, WA 98201
• Lynnwood-4111 194th Street SW Lynnwood 

Baby and Me Singing Group

Here is what Christa had to say about her Baby and Me Singing Group hosted at Kidz N Coffee. For more information about the classes contact Julie at (425) 742-8200.

YAY for 30 members in the Baby and Me Singing Group Help us celebrate on Wednesday, 7/7 at 10:30 in our next singing class at Kidz-n-Coffee! (Hint: There will be cake) :-) See y'all there!

In the meantime: Happy 4th of July everyone! Have fun!

And don't forget to sing American Folk Songs with your children over the weekend, such as America The Beautiful:
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!