Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in portland, OR

Which Websites Work Best For Preschoolers?

by Oona Baker

July 27, 2009

My daughter has been using a computer since she was very young, we are big technology freaks in our house. She's learned to be quite self sufficient with a mouse and navigates her way around the desktop with ease. Children feel empowered when they can print out a picture they drew, interact with familiar media characters or select an audio book to listen to--all on their own! Finding quality websites that aren't chock full of advertising or questionable content can be a chore. Here are three websites that are sure to delight any preschooler!

1) Up to Ten This website scores high points for having a massive amount of content for ages 0-6. With over 1341 games, stories, crafts and activities, Up to Ten can be a welcome diversion for young children. The site is easily personalized and friendly animated hosts Boowa and Kwala recognize your child and even respond to emails. Up to Ten has games, short animated films, printable crafts, coloring pages and stories. Each activity on the page has an educational element, whether your child is learning about symmetry or learning fine motor skills as they cut out a paper craft. Website is free, but membership can be purchased that eliminates sidebar of advertising (which is very low-key) Games and activities update weekly and children can save their work or bookmark favorite games online.

2) Starfall Preschoolers love to interact with the ABCs and cheerful interactive graphics on this site, and parents are impressed with the skill building. Pre-readers begin with letter recognition and move on to sight reading simple three letter words. There is also a component that teaches sign language and simple songs reinforce literacy concepts. Children can work their way up to sounding our short books, or enjoy classical pieces, tongue twisters and poetry. Seasoned readers will be enthralled by the selection of Greek myths, folktales or Chinese fables. Best of all, parents can print out worksheets for added fun and the website is free!

3) Space Station 42 is an amazing clearinghouse of printable paper crafts, models and projects. Great for a rainy day when you're stuck indoors with a bored kiddo, this website has links to just about anything you would ever want to make out of paper. Make paper mice complete with high fashion outfits, historical paper dolls, or a cardstock steamroller. These crafts promote creativity and keep a sick preschooler comfortable when they're stuck on the couch. Once you get started with paper models, you'll be hooked!

Parents should always use caution and supervise their child when they're navigating websites with external links. Have regular dialogues regarding what web content is ok in your family: Do you do Disney or would you rather get ideas from homeschooling sites?  Read more...

Neighborhood Night Life!

by Oona Baker

July 13, 2009

In Portland, the summer is a beautiful yet fleeting time. All too often, the brilliant sunny days turn to drizzle and gloom. Oregonians like to take advantage of every walking hour of sun and during the longest days of summer, we all are usually found outside up until 9:45 or 10pm. Our neighborhood is full of children (nine on our block alone!) , most are outside playing until the sun goes down and we're always looking for new ways to keep them busy when they get tired of digging with sticks, chasing flying beetles, or drawing with chalk. Here are some creative ways for children and their families to play after dark!

Glow for it!  Outfit kids with glow in the dark rubber bracelets to play tag or loop bracelets together to create silly creatures. Find a glow in the dark frisbee or ball for even more outdoor excitement! Oriental Trading has an immense selection of glow in the dark necklaces, bracelets, and glow sticks. You could even use glow in the dark paint and stickers to create one of a kind costumes and have a parade at dusk!


Light it up with lamps!  Older children may have a good time creating luminarias (paper bags with designs cut out, illuminated by candle but for use with kids, use flame-less tea lights, LED battery operated torch). Use paper punches with fun designs or print out photos of children on paper so they can each have a turn "in lights"!

Play around with puppets!  Borrow an idea from Balinese shadow puppetry (called Wayang) and everyone in the family can take part in putting on a show (invite the neighbors over!) Hang up a white sheet against the house, and make some simple puppets with paper and brads (or just use your hands). You could even make up some songs to go along with the scenes!

Try a tent! Eat your dinner outdoors, then after a run through sprinklers instead of bathtime, set up a tent and sleep under the stars! Bring out battery powered lanterns and read stories while you snuggle up! Smaller children may not want to spend the entire night outside so be prepared to transition back to regular beds depending on their comfort level. (Or, if you don't want to brave the crows that seem to wake up at 4:00 and want to let everyone know, you can sneak everyone back in the house after they fall asleep.)


Kids may also enjoy a good old-fashioned sing along, or a free for all rock and roll jam session (depends on what instruments you have at your disposal)! Gaze at some constellations and make up stories about the stars, have an impromptu bike/trike parade or fashion show! What about a water balloon toss or make small, edible decorations to hang in the trees for birds/other small creatures?

Whatever you do, remember that children playing near the street at dusk/dark can't always be easily seen by cars and you should play safe at all times!
 Read more...

What's Happening in PDX 7/11-7/12

by Oona Baker

July 09, 2009

The sun might actually make a return this weekend, so celebrate the end of grey skies! See how long you can stay outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city this weekend! Go by bike, foot, scooter, or public transportation to cut down on cars on the road and really enjoy your surroundings. Smell that? It's summer in the Northwest!



Saturday, July 11th


Ladybug Nature Walk   10am
Toddlers will love this nature discovery walk! They get to borrow special plush ladybug packs full of all sorts of nature detective gear. Walk host engages child and parent on a fact-filled morning out. This week's walk meets at Mt. Tabor park (not stroller friendly)
$3/per child
Portland Parks & Recreation    503-823-3601


Pirate Maps  11:00am-1:00pm
Yaaaaarrrrrrrr! Artist Sarah Ferguson shows you how to create a pirate map.
North Portland library     512 N. Killingsworth St.  503-988-5394

Can't Sit Still Storytime 2:00-2:30pm
"Is your child always on the go? The pitter-patter of little feet just won't stop? Quiet listening not an option? Some children just can't stop moving and making noise. Our noisy and interactive program is designed just for them. For children ages 3 years and older with adult."
Central Library  801 SW 10th Ave   503-988-5123


Mississippi Street Fair  10:00am-9:00pm
Bring your tall bike, your dogs, and kids down for the Mississippi Street Fair! Arts & crafts, food, drink, people watching!

From the Street Fair website:

Fun Activities for all, all day:

10-7pm Local Market - featuring interesting arts & crafts vendors plus community service displays & food vendors
Tupello Alley Reusable Art Fair & Water Features
Kids Area - Boise Eliot Eliot Elementary features bouncy castles and kids games for all sizes at Beech
Bingo - lots of prizes
Sustainability Fair at the Mississippi Avenue Lofts (4138 N. Miss Ave)
Salted Ice Cream outside at The Meadow (3731 N. Mississippi Ave)
Rose wine tasting inside at The Meadow

12:00 Children's Parade - starts at Beech

Four stages - featuring a multi-cultural roster of entertainment

10am-9pm MAIN STAGE at Shaver (middle)
1pm Norman Sylvester
2pm Freak Mountain Ramblers
3pm The Dimes
4pm Linda Hornbuckle band
5pm
6pm The SEI Sounds of Soul Gospel Ensemble
6:40 Matt Sheehy Band
7:30 pm Weinland

11am-10pm SIDE LOT STAGE (Mississippi Station)
1pm Nathaniel Talbot
2pm Sneakin Out
3pm James Low
4pm
5pm Bridgetown Saints
6pm Swing Papillon

11am-7pm DANCE STAGE at Fremont (south end)
Celilo
Tezeta Band
Samba Sol
Taylor Newville
Sudden Anthem
The Beauty
Funk Plastic
Cloaked Characters and Mosely Wotta

11am-7pm ACOUSTIC STAGE at Skidmore (north end)

Businesses and eateries along Mississippi will be open on the street for patio dining & summertime refreshments:

Por Que No? Floating Margarita Garden
Mississippi Pizza & Pub Beer Tent
Amnesia Brewing Patio
Lorenzo's Patio
Mississippi Station Patio
Crow Bar Bar
Casa Naranja Patio
Pastaworks Wine Tasting Patio

11am–9pm CRAFT BEER TASTING - Local Organic Beer Tasting at Shaver (by the Main Stage)

Featuring:
Roots OG Brewing
Hopworks Urban Brewery
Lucky Labrador Brewing Company
Deschutes Brewery
McMenamins Breweries

All activities take place on Mississippi Avenue (between N Fremont and N Skidmore) 


Family Habitat Hikes   9:30-11:30am
"Join a naturalist from the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District on a guided hike through one of the many different habitats of Cooper Mountain. Strollers discouraged. All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. $8 per person. Up to two children (ages 10 and younger) may accompany each registered adult for free. Advance registration required; call 503-629-6350."
Cooper Mountain Nature Park  18892 SW Kemmer Road, Beaverton

Bastille Day Celebration  noon-8:00pm
Kids will want to spend all day in Le Jardin Des Enfants with crafts, the tombola, face painting, hacky sack, horse shoes.  Ballet dancers, cooking demos, live music, and roaming mimes!
Jamison Square Park  NW Johnson St & NW 10th Ave



Sunday, July 12th
11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd
Portland

Sunday for Families  12:30pm-3:00pm
In July, visitors of all ages can learn about Indian art in the Brantley Gallery, including the statue of Ganesha, a Hindu god with the head of an elephant.

Family Tours: 12:30 p.m.
Outdoor Art Making: 1 - 3 p.m.
Story Time: 2:30 - 3 p.m.

Free for children age 17 and under. Free for Museum Members and with Museum admission.

Portland Art Museum 1219 SW Park Avenue  503-226-2811

Tryon Creek Junior Ranger Program 1:00-2:00pm

Fun for ages 6-12! Join a park ranger and learn how you can help protect our natural resources, plants and animals. Participating in nature games, nature crafts and park explorations will help junior rangers earn their badge.This week's topic is "Tracking"

Parents must sign a permission slip before children participate. We strongly encourage parent participation with children.Free, no registration needed.

Fun Facts about the Multnomah County Library

by Oona Baker

July 07, 2009

Every year, my daughter Ramona looks forward to the start of the Summer Reading program through Multnomah County library! She enjoys earning prizes (books, trinkets, or coupons towards swimming/ice cream/play tickets) and the piece de resistance--the Summer Reading shirt! Our city's summer reading program is super impressive--from the library's website "Nearly 58,000 babies, children and teens registered for the Summer Reading program in 2008, making it one of the largest in the nation." The reading program runs until August 31st.

• Did you know the Multnomah County library has a place for your children to submit poems they've written or book reviews? These are creative ways to get your children more involved with the Reading Program and encourage developing literacy over the summer break from preschool/grade school.

• Use the Event Finder to find family events in your neighborhood. During the Summer Reading program, each branch generally has special programs for young children (Mad Science, Captain Bogg + Salty, puppet shows, etc) and on Wednesday, July 15th, from 11am-noon, and again from 1-2pm at the Gresham Library, Courtney Campbell (from the now defunct Mustard Pancakes show) will perform There's a Dinosaur in the Backyard!

• The library has two used bookstores: 

• The library also houses (online and physical) extensive book lists such Creative Activities for Young Children, Books for the Youngest Book Lovers, Classics, Adventure stories,Caldecott and Newbery winners, and books recommended for each age group. 

• One of my daughter's favorite features of the library website is the page that lists websites devoted to authors and illustrators. This is a great jumping off place to write to Jan Brett after reading "The Mitten" or for exploring Dr. Suess' world.

• The "Around Portland" feature lists where to see animals in the Portland Metro area and beyond, with info about local parks, museums, day trips, or places to see sporting events.

• The library website also lists a clearinghouse of entertaining websites (We especially love the sounds in different countries website when my girl was smaller--how do people make a rat-like sound like in japan?).

Pen pal fun

by Oona Baker

July 06, 2009

 "I hope your letters never stop!"--Sloan

Now that my daughter is confidently writing (and the signs of that are evident in the 3457 beginnings of Great American novels scattered all through the house), I thought it would be fun for her to have a pen pal to communicate with. (I hooked up with a pen pal from Greece when I was in 6th grade and we faithfully wrote each other all the way up to senior year of high school.) Eventually, I think we'll search out penpals from other countries, like on the Students of the World website but for now, we're starting out with a child of a mama blogger friend of mine.

The girls write back and forth, asking each other questions about pets and likes/dislikes, and of course, lots and lots of artwork exchanged! You can incorporate all kinds of fun activities during the span of their friendship, like shared art projects or stories (one person starts an picture/adventure and then mails it to the other for the conclusion) photo diaries of their daily life, even clothing swaps. If you want to get fancy, your child can record themselves talking to their pen friend, or better yet,vlogging (video blogging).

You may find penpals in your extended family, maybe cousins would like to write to each other, or friends you only see a few times per year when traveling. Sometimes teachers help to facilitate match-ups, or there are a few websites devoted to connecting kids. (you can usually sort by age/location/interests). If your child has a disability or chronic health condition, maybe a penpal with a similar situation can lend support? Church groups may also be a resource. Sometimes children's magazines have a section devoted to finding letter writing buddies.

Sure, it's quicker to communicate via email, but it's way more exciting to actually receive a real, physical letter (remember those?) that has been decorated and labored over. Your child can have fun designing their own stationery, or crafting their own stamps (for decoration). Make a collaged postcard that teaches your pen friend about the city you live in, or a play-doh model of your room. Organize a book trade!

As always, parents need to supervise and monitor their child's correspondence for safety. So break out that special Snoopy writing paper, sharpen your pencils, and help your children forge a fun new friendship!

Konichiwa Japan!

by Oona Baker

June 29, 2009

Having just survived a nine day trip with my daughter, all the travel I'm down for in the next few weeks involves our imagination and the internet! Just a two hour time difference continues to wreck havoc in our household even four days after our return, as my daughter continues to spring awake before six am and I'm still battling the piles of dirty laundry from our suitcases.

 My daughter shares my passion for collecting all things Hello Kitty and lately, we've been talking about making our dream of traveling to Japan come true. I've told my daughter we'll make there before she graduates high school; she's convinced she'll be packing her bags by the end of the month with all the nickels she's saved up (!) I've been planning a virtual trip, want to come along with us?

 --Check out the Little Travelers Japan DVD from your local library. This sweet movie follows the journey of two home-schooled children and their mother as they travel to various countries and immerse themselves in culture and joys of life. Join Chantel and Nakia as they explore daily life, cherry blossoms, and new foods in Japan! My daughter loves this series of films and is anxiously awaiting a new chapter of their travels. Very simple and captivating vignettes will keep even very young children interested.

 --Dream big, plan your trip and destinations online! Print out maps, chart your course, and let your children imagine all the places they will go. Send away for maps or scour thrift stores for old copies of National Geographic to find maps to pin up on the wall and use some yarn to detail your "journey". What animals live where you are going? What do people eat there? Make clothing or instruments that reflect the culture of the country you are investigating.

--Art can help take you there! We are going to make paper cranes, paint cherry blossoms, and create Hello Kitty themed paper dolls. My daughter and I are obsessed with pop culture and have fun collecting miniature sushi and other teeny tiny foods from Re-ment. Your investigations can be as simple as checking out a cd of traditional music from the library and dancing around the livingroom or as complex as recreating Roman architecture out of Model Magic! Have fun with it!

 --Sample foods you and your child may have never tried before. For Japan, we are making a trip to FuBonn for a sampler of Pocky, biscuits, noodles, and mochi. (You can also sneak in some interesting and unusual fruits and vegetables too!)

 --Learn to count to ten, or twenty in a foreign language! Check out  “Count Your Way Through Japan” or “I Live in Tokyo” for inspiration.

--Research the currency of the country you have chosen.
 Read more...

Illustrator: Three books by Pamela Paparone

by Oona Baker

June 23, 2009

Children's books, and especially their illustrators, have special place in my heart. Back as far as five years old, I wanted to be a children's librarian so that I could surround myself with words, pictures, and crinkly plastic covers. The librarian dream hasn't become a reality as of yet, but I make a point to keep up with current children's releases (thank youMultnomah County library and Powell's) and I also have a wicked vintage book collection.

One of the most beloved illustrators in my collection is Pamela Paparone. I discovered her sweet, retro work by chance in the library and my daughter and I constantly bring her books out to pour over the cheerful artwork. (We even incorporated kitties from "I Like Cats" as part of the decorations for my daughter's sixth birthday party.) Here are several books featuring her artwork that your child is sure to adore too:

The Little School Bus

Who are some of your favorite illustrators? 

What's Happening in PDX 6/20-6/21

by Oona Baker

June 18, 2009

Summer is upon us! If you're not too busy picking strawberries or lazing about in your backyard enjoying the break from school, Portland is packed full of fun family activities this weekend. The Sunday Parkways event returns and looks to be an amazing community building celebration. Look for two subsequent Sunday Parkways events in Northeast/Southeast Portland later this summer!

Saturday, June 20th

Contact leader for announcement of location and directions.

For more information, contact Jean Rystrom at (503) 282-2905 or rydick@toast.net.

Berry Jam-11:00am-4:00pm

Head to Kruger's this Father's Day weekend to celebrate Papa and Oregon Strawberries! There will be hayrides, music from Trashcan Joe and New Iberians, Jam-making Demonstrations, Farm Animals, and fun. Face Painting, U-Pick berries, Strawberry Shortcake, Food (Fresh Roasted Corn!) & Drink available for fee. 

Kruger's 17100 NW Sauvie Island Road, Portland 503-621-3489

Meet Biscuit the Dog! 11:00am

Bring your camera and tell all your friends! Come meet a familiar pooch from some of your child's favorite stories.  We'll also read Biscuit stories and have fun with Biscuit activities, too. Join us!

Barnes & Noble-Clackamas Center 12000 SE 82nd Avenue, Portland 503-786-3464

Ladybug Nature Walk 10:00am

Bring a snack and enjoy a guided hike! Learn about our local parks and the wild critters that live there!

Walks take place regardless of rain/shine. $3/child, adults free.

Laurelhurst Park- SE 39th Ave & Stark

Sunday, June 21st

Sunday Parkways  9:00am-4:00pm

A 2-way route of city streets open to walk, bike, roll, run, jump & skip - without having to watch out for cars! The 7.5-mile North Portland Sunday Parkways route will have two loops.  A 3.2-mile loop through Kenton and Arbor Lodge neighborhoods. And a 4.5-mile loop connecting Arbor Lodge and Piedmont neighborhoods via the Bryant Pedestrian Bridge and North Ainsworth.  The scenic Willamette Bluff will once again be enjoyed. Featured parks/activity areas: Arbor Lodge, Kenton, and Peninsula Parks.

Peninsula Park

Berry Jam-11:00am-4:00pm

Spend the day with us celebrating the father figures in your life.

Oregon Historical Society: Family Day Celebrating - The Amazing World of Claymation. noon-5:00pm

Meet award winning film maker, Will Vinton and learn more about Claymation at 1pm.  Family activities, include the opportunity to help make a pixelation, or better known as a stop-motion film and creating clay figures offered from, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Free admission for all. 

Oregon Historical Society 1200 SW Park Avenue, Portland 503-238-7433

Best little kid playgrounds in Portland-Eastside Edition

by Oona Baker

June 16, 2009

• SE 39th Ave & Stark St

Making Tracks: Best places to watch trains

by Oona Baker

June 09, 2009

My daughter is a few years past her train obsession (she won't even admit that she used to insist her grandparents refer to her as "Thomas" and scoffs at me when I suggest going with her younger cousin to ride Thomas--Thomas? Who's that?) but I still know where to find a train on short notice in the Portland area.

--Holgate overpass that overlooks the Brooklyn Yards
You can get a nice glimpse of parked rail-cars, Amtrak and Union Pacific trains, retired engines, and there's a small engine shop where you can see some vintage trains. This is a great place for watching loading/unloading of containers of freight. If you drive by s-l-o-w-l-y, you can catch trains in action, or better yet, walk or ride bikes over the bridge.

--Eastbank Esplanade close to Steel Bridge
This is another destination that is bike, pedestrian, and stroller friendly. You can watch Amtrak trains cross over the Steel Bridge into downtown.

--Highway 84 East (towards Hood River
This is a great route for some prime train-watching out your little one's car window. The tracks are close to the road and continue along parallel for much of the drive.

--Highway 30 towards Linnton
Heading NW, there will be a large classification yard on your right-hand side. This is a good place for seeing a ton of trains!

--Oregon Zoo
Ride the Zoo train over to Forest Park and play on their awesome playground for awhile. (You could even take the MAX train to Washington Park first for an additional train bonanza!) The MAX station for Washington Park is especially interesting because it is 260 feet underground and is the deepest transit station in North America.

--Union Station (downtown Portland)
Even if you're not waiting to pick up incoming relatives, the Amtrak Train Station is a great place to visit with children! You can see the trains arriving/departing and take in the beauty of the historical architecture. The station was built in 1895 and is a nice, open area for little ones to stretch their legs.

--Portland Streetcars
Hop on the streetcar by Portland State University and continue down to the Main branch of the library. Make an afternoon of it by continuing on to Powell's books and Whole Foods for lunch.

--Ochoco Street by the Goodwill Bins
You can often catch sight of an engine or two if you camp out in the Goodwill Bins' parking lot in the late afternoon. My daughter was delighted to see an engineer relatively close up and hear thetrain's whistle. 1740 SE Ochoco St (near McLoughlin Blvd)

--Thomas the Tank @ Mt. Hood Railroad
As much as my six year old would like to deny it, she had the thrill of her life watching Thomas, the real Thomas! coming down the tracks! Buy tickets online for the next two weekends here.

Think Parks & Rec for the summer ahead

by Oona Baker

May 12, 2009

 In Portland, there are a huge variety of reasonably priced classes for children through Portland Parks. Every summer, I look forward to the schedule of classes coming out and the activities for June/July/August do not disappoint! Portland Parks' programs meet the needs of the community and keep  children happy and busy! For the younger preschool set, classes are usually Mommy & Me type classes, and as your child grows, there are even more options (parent remains in the building, but is free to read or surf the 'net!). Here are few classes that stand out for the upcoming Summer session (descriptions from PP catalogs):

What's Happening in PDX 4/25-4/26

by Oona Baker

April 23, 2009

Saturday, April 25th

How about a nature walk at Tryon Creek ? This week's themed walk is "Springing Plants." Join a park ranger for a guided nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area.  Parents must accompany kids on all hikes. 10:00-11:30am. Free, all ages. 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd  503.636.4398 


The Central Library hosts "Looking for Papito"-- Family stories from Latin America. "Join award-winning solo performer, storyteller and author Antonio Sacre for a special family performance. Sacre’s repertoire, tailored to his audience, includes his own stories of growing up biculturally in a Cuban and Irish-American household. He inspires all ages to read, gather their own family stories, and become storytellers themselves." The program will be presented in both English and Spanish. Space at library programs is limited. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  11:00-11:45 a.m. 801 S.W. 10th Ave. 503.988.5123

SCRAP is offering a Handmade Dolls workshop from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Use recycled materials to craft your own special doll! Ages: 5+, $18 fee.  Instructor: Christa Margo. Please pre-register for workshops by calling 503-294-0769.  2915 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.

Check out the Oregon Potters Association 2009 Ceramic Showcase at the Oregon Convention Center. Children’s clay play area will have lots of exploratory fun. All ages. 10 am to 5 pm April 26. (10 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday) Free. 777 NE MLK. 503.222.0533.

PARTY FOR THE PLANET! at the Oregon Zoo . Celebrate with your favorite party animals! Games, crafts, and fun for all! Free with gym admission. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  On Sunday, the Zoo is also hosting the Run for the Cheetah, a fundraising event with a kid's walk/run, a 5k/8k walk/run, and food, fun, and festivities! (See website for registration fees/details) 4001 SW Canyon Road. $2 parking/vehicle. Ride Max and get $1 off admission. 503.226.1561

Baby Loves Disco returns to Portland at the Bossanova Ballroom! It's an Earth Day celebration, so celebrate and dance your heart out with your little ones. Noon-3pm. $12 per walking human, in advance (tickets online), $15 at the door, on the day of event. 722 East Burnside.

Looking for gifts? Five this mama would be happy to receive

by Sarah Gilbert

December 02, 2008

I wish I could visit me five years ago, when I was just starting out as the mama of one toddler, and give her a list of toys that were, and were not, acceptable. On my no-no-never-seriously! never! list: anything that requires batteries. There will be a day that noise makes you want to jump out the playroom window. But I can spread my hard-fought lessons and give you (and your child's  Read more...

Room to Run: Where to go to get the wiggles out

by Sarah Gilbert

November 03, 2008

This family loves to run; my husband and I are both veterans of the Hood-to-Coast (10 for him, three for me, but I have the distinction of running six-and-a-half weeks postpartum!) and high school track team. So we're biased toward actually running and are regular visitors to the track (where I try to teach the kids proper long jump technique to great hilarity from my husband). Here are five  Read more...