Big Kid Play Group ???

[Devi]

Hello (little ones are welcome too!)

The only night that works for me consistantly is Thursday...

Also, perhaps later on Saturday? After 2pm? That way folks could do SG as well if they wanted?

I do know some big kids meet at EB on Mondays also...

Thoughts??

[Aria]

we would totally be up for an afternoon on a satruday....maybe like 2 o'clock...where is everyone that would want to do this at? maybe we can find a nice in between place?

like i said...I'm in uptown

and for those of you that don't know me...

I have a five year old son, Ash. He's a bit of a whip....very active, and very....spirited.




---Aria

[Devi]

Hey my 4 yo dd is a 'spirited whip' also.

How about RV or Como area somewhere? We can brainstorm for some ideas... :D

[Starfire]

Thanks Gully for making this! I have no clue how to get that little blue line to show up in a post to have it easier for people to find. :confused:

Thursdays work well for me too. That actully works better than Sat. At least once, maybe twice, a month I have something else I have to do for work on Sat's.
RV, or Como are good Idea's. Gully are you North of Mpls or St. Paul? Or can you kind of give us an idea of where you are coming from?

I am by minnehaha Falls.

But travel to uptown for food way to often :p . i love the Lotus restraunt (spelling) and we go so often that the owner knows our children by first names and almost always gives them treats. He is the only person who we let them get candy from.

Anyways, i would love to get something set up. I am actully going out of town the last week in Feb. So that is my only conflict as of now.

:thumb

[Aria]

Gonna call a friend I have in the como area today who runs a child care center and find out if he knows of anywhere in the area that has cheap/free FUN indoor place for the kids to run....maybe a community center or school or something....

i'll let you know what he has to say!

thursdays are generally ok with us. Ash has therapy on Wednesdays, but other then that our week nights are pretty free after around....5:30 generally. As of this exact moment, I am car-less but will be buying a new vehicle as soon as the IRS decides to give me my money *shakes fist to the sky* *giggle* So sans car, travel is a bit difficult at first but I can figure <i>something</i> out!


---Aria

[Starfire]

Aria,
I can give you a ride as long as we plan it a head of time. I have two kids, ds who is 6 and dd who is 7, but there are three seat belts in back and two up front, so we should all fit!

[battymomma]

interested, but with schedule and tiredness, will not commit to definate things (hope that makes sense, i am VERY tired right now...just meaning that too often i have pitched my vote then bailed on the plans, so i don't want to do that again, KWIM!?!?!)
but DS, 4, would love to play with some big kids! and DD, 2, would be with us, obviously...

[Devi]

*Sounds good*

I think Sats are a bit 'better' for us?? But, I would be happy to try for Thurs evenings too, just have a bit harder time committing to a 'regular' Thursday thing, but I am open to either. If we do a Saturday it would give people an option who couldnt make the earlier SG thing, or folks could do both if so inclined?

Also, what 'locations' are good. I thought Como, Highland, Roseville or NewBrighton which has an indoor play area too? I know Aria was going to check out the Como area...

Too bad SG doesnt open a 'spin off' ey' :wink

[battymomma]

yes, i hear you! i love SG and the momma time, but today DS was asking when we were leaving, from about 5 minutes into our time there...

[browneyedsol]

Hey all~

Not sure, great idea though...I'll keep checking in!

Starfire we live close and also love the Lotus...but prefer the St. Paul one. It has been my fave for...oh...TEN years! :eek Wow where did the time go?

[Devi]

k, lets shoot for Thurs eves? Now we just need a where....????

[Starfire]

I know where Highland area is, and Como, and parts of Roseville, but i have no clue where New Brighton is? I am sure if that is where we deside I will be able to find it.

Ok this might not work for now, better in summer, but when ds was a baby a mom group took us to a wooden castle park some where in highland. Do any of you know where it is?

browneyedgirl: My addiction is the Cafe Phin on ice, and they do not make it as well at the St. Paul lotus. But I do love the layout of the resteruante (to early in the morning to spell)

So anywhere fun and I will be there as long as I can get directions :D

[motherjones]

Hello, we would be interested, ds is 3, but very big, very active, and very verbal(once he warms up anyway). Thrusday evenings thing would work great for us, as well as cheap or free. I am in the south area(near uptown), but I have wheels most of the time so that tends not to be an issue.

[Devi]

Great, hope we get a location set. Im thinkin RV? The NWPA? KWIM? :wink

PM for details for those that dont understand the cryptic lingo.

[Aria]

I'd be up for this thursday but i still haven't found anything in the north area...any thoughts anyone?

[Devi]

Aria, this week isnt lookin so good as we have workers here. Will next week work?

[battymomma]

(next Thurs is my b-day, but don't let that stop ya'll!)

[browneyedsol]

Now that th 3-0 is past...not so exciting. :rolleyes:

[battymomma]

then let's have us a BIG BIG kids playdate and celebrate US!! (that is "us", not the U.S., ya know...)

[Devi]

Hey guys keep me posted on the play dates for big kids or big big kids.

I like the idea of the Roseville location if you all know what I mean.

The New NWPA?

Let me know.

Im off

for a time.

Take care....

:tiptoe

[Aria]

MWAHAHAHA~ had to post this!

Mentioned to Ash last night that I was trying to set up a play time for him with some other big kids from SG and he asked:


" YOu mean I'll get to play with the boy his brother is the tie dyed baby?"


Upon futher investigation, I found out he was talking about Brown's Fish!!! So from this day on Blue is known in my world as the tie dye baby!


--Aria

[browneyedsol]

:thumb to my tie dyed baby...sheesh I sound like such a hippie...browneyedgirl...kids are 'fish' and 'blue'. Too bad I don't drive a purple bus...:D Hey man, if I could afford a new hippie car of any variety...I'd be oh so happy so maybe it's all totally appropriate.

Batty...I was thinking the same damn thing. I bust my arse for my big kid to safe and happy...as far as I'm concerned every day he's at school is a very extravagant play date iykwim...

So yeah! Let's get loaded Batty and whoever else...:LOL

Really, I think a bk playgroup is a grrrrrrreat idea and cannot wait. I am thinking parks in the spring and summer for sure.

[browneyedsol]

Gully we will certainly come track ya down...

Do you have my email??? Ifn ya don't, pm me...if you are still around that is! :confused:

If I click my heels will you come back? :wink

[cattrane]

by some miracle, dave has thursday nights off for the next few weeks.

i think LOADED sounds great, meself!! with or without asher :LOL

my mom's birthday is tuesday, what's up with all you marchies??

ok now i have that "let's get together yeah yeah yeah" song from parent trap in my head :rolleyes:

[browneyedsol]

:LOL

[Starfire]

I had a great week in Seattle! It only rained once while we were there, and we were there for a whole week :D .

Read quickly over the posts, and was wondering if people did get together, or are we still trying to find a time and spot? I am not free this thursday, but next week am totally open for Thursday, Sunday morning (not sure who goes to church?) or I think Monday. I work till 5pm each day so any time after that :thumb .

Hope you are all haveing a great week!

[browneyedsol]

Pretty sure my Fish will be at SG! fyi bk's!:hippie

[Devi]

mmmm kay, ready to get this ball a rollin.

Ideas ladies??? Roseville, area parks, days, evenings. I know summer is busy but perhaps we could do some field trippy stuff?

I'm open to suggestions.

[Aria]

we're still up for it! And now we are mobile! As of the end of the month we'll be living in our NEW HOME that we OWN in Saint Paul! *YIPEE!* So anyone still planning on doing this? Specially now that it's getting warmer out~

[browneyedsol]

Oh wow. Hey AJ. You now OWN a new home!? That's grrrrrreat! Will Ash still attend Northrup? I need to pick your brain about Northrup...tell me all.

So I'm moving at the end of the month and the stress is definitely seeping in and clouding my brain. I don't know what I can commit to, but I will watch and see until after June 1st.

I will say that I love the Peace Gardens for play time...and other open spaces with trees to climb and running room. Climbing structures and crowded parks I can only handle so much of. My Blue wants to keep up with his Fish which leaves me chasing Blue and pretty much carrying him up down and around equipment and other kids...can you visualize? :wild

[Devi]

I am all for nice open peaceful places myself.

Now, to locate some? Any ideas...

Congrats to our moving mamas!

[Devi]

Summerlover suggested Como Park as a gathering place?

Central, and a variety of stuff to do!

[battymomma]

sounds good to me, just keep me informed as things get more specific.
mon and tues are best for me...
and ya'll??

[Devi]

Im flex... :D

[cattrane]

mondays and thursdays work best for me :) anywhere works for us, we're lucky to live in the middle of y'all :D

[browneyedsol]

...I'm overwhelmed. I'll get back to ya when we land. K?

[Devi]

We'll gladly await your 'landing' me friend :D

Perhaps when you get settled we can vote on a day that works for all?

:Peace

[stepmama]

Hello! I'm stepmama to Mart (5yrs) and mama to Sam (4mo). I was interested to hear about a "big kids playgroup." I go to a playgroup for little ones in St. Paul on Wednesday afternoons, but my step son gets bored. Is this a private group? How big is "big"? Right now he's with me only every other week, but I'd like to get him involved with some other kids during the week. It would also be nice to be able to talk to some mamas about older kids too!

[Devi]

WELCOME STEPMAMA!

I know what you mean about a playgroup with littler kids. My dd liked one we joined, and the Moms were great, but she acted out (not really knowing how to behave) around the younger kids. I didn't want to her learning at their expense either so???

The Big Kid Play Group is coming soon, and you and yours are most welcome to join.

BTW, you sound like a great Stepmama! It's wonderful that you are taking such an interest in the wellbeing of your stepson...

[my2girlz]

I would love to be a part of the group when it gets going. Kalyn will be 4 in Sept. and needs some "big kid" exposure.

[stepmama]

Thanks for the praise, Devi. I wish his mom felt the same way. I've known him since he was 1 1/2 and I just love him to death. Anyway... I'm kinda hoping this playgroup will be during the day. I have a hard time getting away on the weekends and evenings. It's my time to rest and relax and let DH take care of the kids. :) Are many of you SAHM or is this definately an evening/weekend playgroup?

[Iona]

are you still trying to get together? im new to group and looking for big kids for my big girl to play with. :toothy we live in ne mpls and can get anywhere.available weekday afternoons.:thumb

[Devi]

I think we'll have to do some of everything. Days, eves, weekends??

[Devi]

http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/parks/tamarack/community/daycamp.asp

And here...

http://www.twincitieskidsguide.com/summercamps_summary.asp


*My dd is near 5 years, so I'd only be able to do the activities that are for her age group*

Also, we thought at one point Como would be a good place to meet?


How bout we try in early July after the holiday and take it from there...?

:wave

[my2girlz]

Sounds good to me!

[Iona]

We'd love that! Let us know with more info:love

[Aria]

hey mamas...anyone still interested in this? Living in Saint Paul now but I'm MOBILE! WOOHOO horray for cars! Anyway...Ash has been itching to go play somewhere! Maybe we could take them all swimming!

[TrishLynne]

and thought...OOOO...BIG kids! My "big kids" are 10 and 12...uh...just a tad older than the kids in this thread. :D

My 4yo would love more kids to play with, though I DEFINENTLY think of her as a little kiddo. :)

[browneyedsol]

:D I am glad you said something! I clearly see a need for "big big" kid connections. I am already noticing how my six year old has a need for "big" kid friends...more like him (non media savvy and socially enthusiastic). We have found some gems, but not easy to find! It seems past the age of five, communities are pretty established.

Big kid AP/ responsive parenting family connections...something to think about!

PS. I am more than happy to continue thinking of my six year old as a *little* kid!! Where DID the time GO?

Oh and PPS. I have no idea what our schedule will be yet this fall but will know soon big kid mamas!

:hippie

[Devi]

suggestions?

I think were gonna have to have several times/days as we all have such different scheduals?

Which is one reason this fell by the wayside. :W Sorry bout that!

[my2girlz]

I'm open to anytime.

Devi~I'm moving up your way once again! We're moving to Forest Lake in Oct!

[deb215]

I am open to a St. Paul side of town get together. (I am in South St. Paul and work in South Minneapolis - seward neighborhood)

free activaties if possible - $'s tight now :(

also needs to be city limo acessable (city bus lol) as I dont drive.

I have a 5 1/2 yr old ds and a 3 yr old dd.

[Aria]

Deb215, and all...

I can probably provide some transportation from the Saint Paul side. I have enough room for atleast one car seated kiddo, one child and a mama, beyond my ds and myself. My car isn't huge (honda accord OLD!) but it fits three kids and two adults as long as the kids have small behinds! *smile*

I'm totally up for it! Maybe we could do a park? Or the free zoo? (LOL I still call it the free zoo and the new zoo! How long has the new zoo been around? ROFL) Or...we could...um....ok that's it for my brain waves tonight!

Ash and I are free on weekends now after the 2nd, cause he goes back to school

[Devi]

How bout a trip to como park soon? Free and central between the cities?

I'm personally gone next week, but there isn't any reason you mamas/kiddos can't find a time to meet up?

Looking forward, Denise

Otherwise, we could plan for the second week in Sept. M-F days and Sat days are best for us? But, I think it's best to mix it up as the mamas have different schedules. We should do a few days/nights and weekends? Just my op...

[Aria]

Devi- I think you are right that it will end up having a couple of different outings. That way mama's who can make it to more then one can do so, and mama's that can't can just come to the ones that fit their schedules.

We are free pretty much every saturday this month, except for the 6th. I'm trying not to schedule much into the evenings during the school week as Ash has homework that has to be done.

Como would be fun. Especially yet this month when it isn't too chilly yet, and the kids can still play on the playgrounds and stuff. Also there's that great "shutes and ladders" park out in Bloomington, or the wonderful Lake Elmo Park reserve, though that's kind of a drive if you don't live on the east side of saint paul.

[Aria]

Decided that maybe we just need to pick a day, a time, and a place...

SO....

How about September 13th, at Como Park say around 1 pm?

We could all meet at the carousel and go from there? Or maybe at the playground?

It would be me, Ash (age 6) and my fiance (grown up kid, age 31 *smirk*)

[battymomma]

aria, thanks for going ahead and setting up something!
but we are going to have to bow out of this one as i have to go to a baby shower for my coworker (and i WISH i could get out of it, but that is a whole different thread!)
hope this works out and keeps going so we can play at a later date!!

[Devi]

:D

[Devi]

I totally forgot I have other engagements on Saturday that would make it tough. Also I was thinkin that Friday would be less busy?

[Aria]

actually, now I'm finding out that this weekend is not so great afterall. Fiance's mama planned an outing for us to go see grandma in the nursing home down in So. Minnesota. (glad he told me about that one! *smirk*) Next weekend would probably work better.