Christmas in the Park

Wow! Has it really been 30 years for Christmas in the Park? Apparently so! I've been attending this event since I was a little girl, and now I get to share it with my own kids. My son swoons for this event! Sadly, this year, they are missing the snow machines. Boo hoo. Word on the street is budget cuts. Well, who can blame them? Still, I am sure a campaign to save the snow machine would have covered the cost just fine.

But let's not talk about the missing snow machines where there's still so much to love about Christmas in the Park. For example...I love that it can fit any budget from a free night of fun on the town, $20 for ice skating and a hot cocoa, or start the evening off at The Fairmont, where you can get into the spirit with a hot toddy, then make your way over the park to enjoy the lights.

Christmas in the Park starts this Friday, November 27 and runs through December 27 (me thinks this is a bit shorter this year! It usually goes right until New Year???). The tree lighting will take place on November 27 at 5:30. Check out their website for more details and start making plans!

Art...

My little man recently started kindergarten. Can you believe it? I know! It seems like just yesterday I was in labor for 28 hours, begging the anesthesiologist to put me out of my misery, and yet here we are...5 years and a trillion budget cuts to the education system later...which brings me to Art! You know, when I think about kindergarten, I think about two things: sorting different macaroni shapes, and art! (neither of which seem to be part of the curriculum anymore)

The San Jose Unified School District actually has a wonderful Art Vista program, run by the parents and funded by the Parents Association. And in fact i am the Art Docent for my son's classroom. Don't I sound important? Really what this means is that once a month I get to discuss famous works of art with a group of 5 year-olds, and then I get to turn them into famous artists in their own right. I give my first lesson in October and I am way looking forward to it.

In preparation, I thought it would be good to get myself into the artful mood, and attempt to expose my son to those things that are sadly missing in school these days. With that, I give you: ART DAY! What is Art Day? It's really just my way of pumping my son up so that he looks forward to our day together at the museum. I chose the San Jose Museum of Art because it's located close to us and because it's CHEAP! $8 for adults (me) and free for kids 6 and under (him). We'll pack a little lunch, eat out on the patio, and discuss all the great art we've enjoyed. I'm especially looking forward to Alexander Calder's colorful, animated “mobiles” like the one pictured here (Big Red, 1959).

U-Pick Berries @ Webb Ranch

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Webb Ranch U-Pick is a summer tradition in our family. Butte Blackberries, Ollalieberries, Loganberries and Raspberries...all for only $3/pound + a $3 entrance fee )free for anyone 65+). To give you an idea of the cost savings...a small square of organic berries at the Farmer's Market or Whole Foods would cost you about $4-5. A three pack could cost you $12-15. That same three pack would cost you between $4-5 at the Webb Ranch U-Pick.

We get enough to:
* eat em fresh!
* freeze em for smoothies
* make 8 jars of jelly for our use for the year, and gifts.

This is the last weekend for Webb Ranch's U-Pick season. So get there by June 28 or wait until next season! Some tips for your trip:

* Wear comfortable shoes, no sandals (berries have thorns!)
* Bring gardening gloves (see note above!)
* Bring a tupperware to collect berries
* Go early in the morning for lesser crowds and cooler weather
* Bring a hat and wear sunscreen
* Bring cash to pay

Learn more at the Webb Ranch website.