Sunday afternoon is usually family time at our house. A couple weeks ago we went for an afternoon walk in the woods. Last weekend we went to the movies to see Night at The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.  This week we went to a local park that has a batting cage and golf driving range.
My son practiced hitting in the batting cage for a little while, then we went to the driving range to drive a few golf balls, after that we had a late lunch and headed for home, then an afternoon bike ride.
It always feels so good …read more

Can you believe it?!? July 1st marked one year since I started writing here with Hsien. That year went crazy fast!
Here are some of my favorite posts, one for each of the 12 months that I’ve been here. Actually, 13. I loved Hsien’s intro post for me. I still miss ya here, friend!
June 2006: Hsien’s intro for me, complete with my gorgeous photo (heh)
July 2006: What race is your babydoll?
August 2006: Children’s Discovery Garden We’ve already been once this summer!
September 2006: We went crazy with T.M.X. Elmo!
October 2006: Family Movie Night Gotta have another one …read more

Mega Brands America, Inc. has expanded its recall of the dreaded Magnetix sets. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has more information. A Mom at Magnets Can Kill has a comprehensive history of Magnetix magnetic toy injuries and recalls.
To date, CPSC and Mega Brands are aware of one death, one aspiration and 27 intestinal injuries. Emergency surgical intervention was needed in all but one case. At least 1,500 incidents of magnets separating from the building pieces have been reported. Although the hazard was initially thought to be a problem primarily for children younger than six, it has since been learned …read more

Do these Automoblox cars come in big people sizes with real engines? Let me know when they do because I’d love to cruise down the street in these beauties.
Inventor Patrick Calello in the Baltimore Sun:
We like to say this is the reinvention of the classic wooden car. What we really wanted to do is bring great styling, craftsmanship and heirloom quality to children. Essentially, what we’re combating is the disposability of the mass toy industry.
The mass-market toy market is all about flash, bells and whistles, noises and distraction. And we’re trying to bring substance and quality and real learning benefits.

For all the talk about kids being too wired to be able to enjoy simple toys, my son’s favorites are still building sets. This week, we got him his first box of “real” LEGO and he’s been busy building rockets, houses, airplanes, and anything else you can imagine. Not once has he asked for an on switch.
Like many parents, educators, and journalists, Seth Porges at CrunchGear would like to take a whack at the ugly head of modern technology and how it has ruined toys. I’m not sure if I agree since my personal observations tell me that kids might …read more

Mike at Be A Good Dad is hosting this week’s Carnival of Family Life. Might I recommend For The Kids for your listening pleasure while you make the rounds?

Welcome to Play Library! We’re proud to host the Carnival of Family Life #21, one of the fastest growing blog carnivals around founded by Kailani at The Pink Diary. Why don’t we take a tour of Play Library and you can decide where you’d like to hang out on your visit.
Play Library is an all purpose play center for both children and parents. We’re all about anything and everything related to stuff that makes families happy and more thoughtful. There’s the hall where announcements and special events take place, the cafe where parents and caregivers can …read more

Thanks to Jennifer at Snapshot, the Carnival of Family Life #18 is now available for your enjoyment. Double thanks to founder Kailani who selected me as the winner of the carnival’s weekly drawing! Learn more about how you can participate in the carnival yourself.

Carnival of Family Life #15 is up today at Of The Princess And The Pea! Considering you’re at Play Library, you might find Mike Miller’s list of things your kids should not do at the library useful.
Other carnival posts Play Library readers may find interesting:

Sleep Guide for Babies and Toddlers at Littlemummy.com
8 Changes I Experienced After Giving Up TV at StevePavlina.com
Coming Soon: Back To School Festival Preview at Of The Princess And The Pea