April 2019

Concerts on the Plaza (April 5th and April 19th)
One of the many great things about Mountain View is the series of free concerts they have at the Civic Center during the summer.  In years past they have been held the first Friday of each month (April – Sept).  However, this year they will now be held the first Friday AND the third Friday — TWICE the fun!  Concerts run 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There is a pop-up play area for the kids, and food trucks, too!  https://www.mountainview.gov/depts/cs/events/plazaevents.asp

 Theuerkauf Walkathon (Friday, April 5th 1 pm – 5ish?)
Our local elementary school — Theuerkauf — has their fund-raiser walkathon today. There will be a silent auction, a visit from the fire and police departments, and food for sale (I think — this was true in years past). Consider bringing your younger kids to cheer on the walkers, and maybe get a yummy snack!

Free Home Depot Craft Workshop (Saturday, April 6th)
Help your kids learn about nature through building your own birdhouse at Home Depot!  The next project (at least at the Sunnyvale Kifer location) is a bird house. Get there early to get an apron and good spot at the table, and make sure you sign up ahead of time! 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Monster Truck Play Date (Saturday, April 6th 12 noon – 3 pm)
Hillsdale Shopping center has a fun, free event tomorrow where kids can drive a mini-monster truck and build their own little truck.

https://sf.funcheap.com/monster-jam-play-day-kids-hillsdale-shopping-center/

Later this month there is a real monster truck rally at Levi. It is a little late and loud, but maybe worth looking into if your kids are really into monster trucks (tickets are pricey, but maybe worth it for a special splurge?) Monster Jam tickets here

Outrageous Outgrowns (April 5th-7th)
I’ve never been, but everyone I talk to says this is the best place to get used clothes! It is in San Jose and there are tons and tons of clothes! It sounds like it is amazing and a bit crazy. I think there may be a parking fee, so consider carpooling with a friend and making a mommy morning out! https://outrageousoutgrowns.com/index.html

 Bay Area Discovery Museum Playdate (Monday, April 8th)
Join a bunch of other parents for a STEAM focused playdates at the most beautiful museum around.  Nestled in the Marin hills, the Bay Area Discovery Museum is always a treat!  Tickets are just $5.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-event-bay-area-discovery-museum-playdate-20190408-tickets-54668638369

MV Parent U 2019: “Positive Parenting Strategies” (Wednesday, April 10th)
The Mountain View Whisman School District is offering a free workshop on parenting.

According to the website, “Parents will learn approaches parents can use to understand the impact that we are having today and techniques and approaches parents can use to have an even more positive impact in the future.”

Sounds pretty good, right?!

(Free) Tickets here

Touch-a-Truck (Saturday, April 13th)
Do you have a toddler obsessed with trucks?  If so, this event is for you.  For a small donation to a local preschool, your little ones can climb all over a great collection of trucks and other vehicles. http://www.ogns.org/touch-a-truck

April Parenting Book Club 
This month we’ll be discussing a couple of books from the Menlo parenting lecture back in January month: Teaching Your Children Healthy Sexuality: A Biblical Approach to Prepare Them for Life (Pure Foundations) and Confident Parenting by Jim Burns. If you think you would like to discuss, send me an email and we’ll figure out a time and place.

Next month (May): Love, Money, and Parenting: How Economics Explains the Way We Raise Our Kids   The amazing Michele M. may be joining us for this one!!

MV Spring Family Parade (Saturday, April 27th)
Enjoy the annual, hometown parade with bands, old cars, etc down Castro Street (starting at 10 am).  Games, crafts and other fun to follow in Pioneer Park.

Parent’s Day Out and Parent’s Night Out (April 6th and April 19th)
If you are a YMCA member, this is a great way to enjoy some time with your spouse while your kids enjoy some fun at the Y! https://www.ymcasv.org/pdfs/ECyouthactivities.pdf

Stay-N-Play Church of the Valley on Wednesdays and and Trinity on Fridays)
This is a great program where kids can free-play with tons of wonderful toys, make fun crafts, and enjoy a great educational program with their caregivers. This year there are two locations Trinity Church in Sunnyvale on Fridays and Church of the Valley location on Wednesdays (they alternate weeks).  The next Trinity location Stay N Play is happening on Jan 11th (change in schedule).  Also note, Miss Erin is no longer teaching at this location but the new children’s pastor is good too!

Church of the Valley location  is smaller and takes place on Wednesdays complete with the amazing Miss Erin, is on!  Times are 10 am – 11:30 Please preregister as they do not take walk-in registration at this location. Here is the preregistration site: https://cov.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/155368

The Trinity Church in Sunnyvale is much larger and does take walk-ins. Their time is a little longer — 9:30 to 11:30.  They now charge $3 (cash preferred) per child 2 years and older

Here is the schedule (Given in terms of Wednesdays; the Friday schedule is shifted one week and two days later):
September 19th- Let’s Play Sports
October 3rd- Fall is Here
October 17th- Crazy Hat Day (Wear a Hat)
November 7th- Things That Go
November 28th- Colors of the Rainbow
December 5th- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
December 19th- Christmas Celebration
January 9th- Winter Wonderland
January 23rd- Animals on Parade (Wear PJs)
February 13th- I Love Shapes
February 27th- Who’s in Your Family
March 13th- Green Day (Wear Green)
March 27th- Reptile Roundup
April 10th- Easter Celebration
April 24th- Rainy Day
May 8th- Welcome to the Jungle
May 22nd- Pizza Party

Cheetah Cubs (Tuesdays)
This great Mommy and Me class is hosted by Theuerkauf Elementary and is free!  It is great for kids 0-4 years, and usually includes a few stories, a craft and playtime. This year it will take place on Tuesday mornings (8:45-9:45) in Room 25 (but please check in at the front office first and get a visitor’s badge).

Munchkin Mondays (and Fridays) at Sky High (Mondays and Fridays!)
For just $6, your kid (age six and under) can jump for two hours (11 am – 1 pm) at Sky High Santa Clara.  They usually have a space/court dedicated to the little ones.  This special deal only takes place during normal school days (no discount on holidays and school breaks when the big kids are there).
https://sjc.skyhighsports.com/event/munchkin-monday/all/

Library  Spring Storytimes  – March 18 to May 24

Mother Goose & More
Tuesdays, 10:15-10:45 and 11:15-11:45
Babies & toddlers

Time for Twos
Wednesdays, 10:30-11:00
Ages 24-36 months

English/Spanish Storytime
Mondays, 10:30-11:00 (March 18 to April 22)
Ages 3-5

NEW!
English/Mandarin Storytime
Mondays, 10:30-11:00 (April 29 to May 20)
Ages 2-5

Preschool Storytime
Fridays, 10:30-11:00 (no program May 3, library closed)
Ages 3-5

Saturday Stories
Saturdays, 10:15-10:45 am
Ages 2-5
Ever 3rd Saturday is Spanish/English

Goodnight Mother Goose
1st Thursday,  6:30-7:00 pm
Next up: March 7
Babies & Toddlers

Pajama Storytime
2nd Wednesday, 6:30-7:00 pm
Next up: March 13
Ages 2-5

Chinese Storytime (Wednesdays)
For Chinese-speakers, the Zhaoyu Cultural Foundation in Mountain View has a great children’s library.  They offer a wonderful music-based storytime for babies and toddlers on Wednesdays at 11 am.  You do need to reserve a spot before the class and will need a library card (free) to do so.