Macaroni Kid
Aurora
Macaroni Kid   Editions

A Note From Your Publishers


Congratulations Graduates!

*CLICK HERE to view this week's newsletter and event listing online! Graduation.What an amazing and magical time. The responsibilities are fairly low, the potential and the dreams are high and  the possibilities are endless. The mere opening lines of Pomp and Circumstance make me feel emotional and mushy. I used to remember my graduation days fondly, but it seems now I am more emotional thinking about how quickly my children are getting to these milestones. My sweet daughter was barely walking at my son's first Tiny Tot graduation and now it is her turn. And I can't even go into the fact that my son is going to start first grade next year. He can't get over the fact that he has to eat lunch at school.

In this time of accomplishments, my son taught me a fantastic lesson. I have started a new business and I was getting fairly discouraged and a bit frustrated. I was sitting at the table with my head in my hands trying to think and he sat next to me coloring a picture for a coloring contest. He simply said "I can't give up mom. Even if I don't win, I have to try my hardest, because if I give up than I won't win anyway". Such wise words from my six year old.

Sneak Peek at this week's newsletter:

Have a fun and family-filled week!
Vicki & Kristin


As my little macaroni likes to remind me, Sharing is Caring (LOVE THAT!) so don't forget to share Aurora Macaroni Kid with your family and friends!

What to get the graduate in your life


Preschool to High School...make your gift stand out!

Many of you that read this newsletter probably have graduates that are completing preschool, kindergarten, or maybe even fifth grade. But most of us know at least  ONE graduate from high school or college as well. With such a sentimental and significant time-not to mention with the amount of people that are getting the graduate gifts-it is hard to find something perfect and meaningful. Hard, but certainly not impossible. A little bit of thinking out of the box will make your gift stand out among the rest!

THE YOUNG ONES ...

Basil Shrimp Pasta


Macaroni Menu

Serves 6   Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
8 oz box of your favorite pasta… I used thin spaghetti. Angel hair would be great too!
1-1/2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
3 teaspoons olive oil
1-1/2 lb fresh medium shrimp, peeled, dev-eined and tails removed
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon of Kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons chopped basil
 
1. Cook pasta as directed ...

Gel Boards


Macaroni Made

I saw this awesome idea on Pinterest and it inspired me to try my own take on it! My kids love it and it was so easy and fun to make! 

Supplies:  
Hair gel (cheap stuff from the a dollar store)
Glitter
Duct tape
Cardboard
Clear plastic bag


Step 1: Measure approximately 5-6 ounces of hair gel and mix in as much glitter as you want!


Step 2: Pour mixture into a clear food storage bag and get as much air out as possible and seal bag.

Step 3: Measure ...

Congratulations Graduates!


High School Graduation Dates

Aurora Macaroni Kid would like to congratulate all of Colorado's graduates, from preschool all the way to doctorate degrees! We know it takes dedication, hard work, persistence, and a fantastic support system to achieve this accomplishment! Good job to the families as well, as no undertaking this successful is won alone! The following is a list of Graduation dates and locations. Please note this is not a complete listing, and if you know of one that is not here, please let us know so that we can share. Also ...


This Week's Picks:


May 18th through May 19th

Saturday, May 18 - Tour de Tech

This open-house style fair will highlight the Library District’s variety of technology offerings, services and gadgets. Try out new innovations, see demonstrations and visit The Studio at Smoky Hill Library, where you can express your creativity.
Where: Smoky Hill Library
5430 S. Biscay Circle
When: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: All Ages
How: www.arapahoelibraries.org
Cost: FREE!

Saturday, May 18 - Simons Kidgits Mini Chef

The Mini Chef event is back again, lets see what we can make and sample! Join us as we learn more about cooking! Isn’t food fun?!
Where: Town Center at Aurora
14200 E Alameda Ave
Aurora, CO 80012-2511
When: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: All Ages-Geared towards kids
How: No registration required/ Sign up for Kidgits HERE
Cost: Free for kidgits members $5 to become a member

Saturday, May 18 - Kids' Night Out

Fun for kids; a great place to meet friends and hang out!
  • Dance room with live DJ and dance contests
  • Giant inflatable slide and bounce house
  • Gym games all night long, including floor hockey, soccer, dodgeball, kickball, basketball, and much more
Where: The Trails Recreation Center
16799 E. Lake Ave., Centennial, CO 80016-3079.
When: 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Who: Ages 7-14
How: 303-269-8400
Cost: $15/participant
For more info:
For more information please call The Trails Recreation Center at 303-269-8400
 

Sunday, May 19 - Kids Paint Free at the Paint Cellar

Enjoy step by step instruction to paint a preselected painting. They also offer a wide variety of beer and fine wine. They are great for kids, families, and moms night out. For the month of May, they are offering kids paint free with each paying adult during their family friendly sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings and Sunday afternoons. It is also a great place to host children's birthday parties.
Where: 24291 E Orchard Rd Aurora, CO 80016
When: 9:00 AM (Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 am and Sunday afternoon at 2:00 pm.)
Who: kids with their parents
How: N/a
Cost: $30 for adults. Kids are FREE
For more info: 303-627-5483

Sunday, May 19 - What's Inside?

What is hidden inside a hairdryer that makes it work? What do the insides of a computer monitor look like? We’ll furnish the gadgets, you bring your curiosity and safety goggles, and together we’ll find out what’s inside.
Where: Eloise May Library
1471 S. Parker Rd.
When: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: All Ages
How: www.arapahoelibraries.org
Cost: FREE!

Teen Scene:


May 18th through May 20th

Saturday, May 18 - Bottom of the inkwell

Do you dream about the stories in your head? Do you love language, imagery and the magic of writing? If so, join our monthly meeting to strengthen your craft, get feedback on your work and meet other writers with a passionate pen.
Where: Smoky Hill Library
5430 S. Biscay Circle
Centennial, CO
When: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Ages 11-17
How: www.arapahoelibraries.org
Cost: FREE!

Monday, May 20 - CD art

Learn how to transform old CDs into art for your walls or locker. We’ll supply the materials, you bring your creativity
Where: Eloise May Library
1471 S. Parker Rd.
When: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: All Ages
How: www.arapahoelibraries.org
Cost: FREE!

Plan Ahead:


Friday, May 17 - Alive at 25

Take responsibility for and gain confidence in your driving behavior. No driver's license needed for this classroom course. Learn from a certified trainer.
Where: Smoky Hill Library 5430 S. Biscay Circle Aurora, CO
When: 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: 16 and older
How: Sign up at www.alive-at-25.us
Cost: Cost = $34 for voluntary; $104 for court-ordered

EVENT LISTINGS/PLAN AHEAD


SEE ALL ONGOING EVENTS SUCH AS OPEN GYM TIME, UKELE NIGHT, STAR K KIDS, MOOREHEAD TEEN REC CENTER AND MORE! SEE ALL WEEKLY STORYTIMES THROUGHOUT AURORA.  SEE OUR CALENDAR FOR COMPLETE MONTHLY LISTINGS

ADULT EVENTS THIS WEEK:
May 17th: 16+ Alive at 25 (Smoky Hill Library) $34 11:30am
May 18th: Adults Turf Efficiency and Alternatives ( Aurora Municipal Center) FREE 9am
May 18th: 15+ Adults Cooking-Asian Cuisines (Expo Rec Center) $69/49 10am
May 19th: 21+ Couples Cook ( Expo Rec Center) $119/99 6:30pm
May 21st: Adults Irrigation 101 (Aurora Municipal Center) FREE 5:30pm
May 21st: 15+ Adult Cooking-Middle Eastern Cooking (Expo Rec Center) $60/46 6:30pm
May 21st: Adults Les Miserables (Denver Center Performing Arts) Times and Prices Vary


PLAN AHEAD:

May 23rd: 5 and under Star K Kids (Morrison Nature Center) FREE! 9am and 11am
May 23rd: Teens+ One-on-One Studio (Smoky Hill Library) FREE! 6:00pm
May 23rd: Adults Books that Cook (Expo Rec Center) $20/$15 6:30pm
May 24th: Adults Couples Cook (Expo Rec Center) $119/99 6:30pm
May 25th: 5+ Stewardship Saturdays-Cleanup (Expo Park) FREE 9:00am
May 25th: All Ages "Dig Into Reading" Summer Program (Aurora Libraries) FREE 10:00am
May 28th: Teens Teen Summer Reading Program (Smoky Hill Library) FREE! 2:00pm
May 28th: Adults Xeriscape-Start to finish (Aurora Municipal Center) FREE! 5:30pm
May 28th: Teens Crunch and Munch For Finals (Smoky Hill Library) FREE! 6:00pm




Ongoing & special events


Updated often to include new activities!

SPECIAL EVENTS/DAILY:
Ends May 26th: Growing up Gamer at Aurora History Museum
Ends May 26th: Sense and Sensibility at the DCPA
Ends June 30th: Jack and the Beanstalk at the Denver Puppet Theater
Ends July 14th: The Debbie & Doyle Show at the DCPA

MONDAYS

MOOREHEAD REC CENTER

Young visitors can play games with their friends, use the public computer, play sports in the half-court gymnasium, or just hang out in a safe venue. Moorhead offers a variety fitness classes and fun activities each month.

Where: 2390 Havana St. Aurora ...


KIDS EAT FREE! (OR CHEAP!)


Special offers are subject to change without notice; call ahead.

Below is a list of restaurants throughout Aurora where kids eat free or cheap! All of them informed me that kids eat free with the purchase on an adult meal.  These offers can change without notice, so please call the restaurant before you go! Know of something that isn't listed here? Please send an email to [email protected] and let me know!

SUNDAYS:

McCabe’s: Kids eat for $1 all Day with purchase of adult meal.

Tokyo Joe’s: Family Day-$2 kids meal with purchase of any ...


Parker Days


June 14-16th

Imagine supporting your local community by attending a LARGE COMMUNITY FESTIVAL.
Parker Days – June 14 – 16 with a Sneak Peek on Thursday, June 13.

Picture yourself and your family listening to music … local and national acts that entertain from four different stages all day long each day.

Imagine your family with pockets full of candy and coupons, watching the movie cars drive down the parade route, while taking a picture of the various Colorado Sports mascots that will be walking in the parade on Saturday morning.

Enjoy free street performers ...

FREE DAYS 2013


Mark your calendars ahead of time to plan for your free days!

Colorado residents can enjoy FREE DAYS at some of our area's most popular destinations, thanks to SCFD funding and corporate sponsorship. Mark your calendar for some fun family adventures!

Children's Museum of Denver, 2121 Children's Museum Dr., Denver
  • May 7
  • June 4
  • July 2
  • August 6
  • September 3
  • October 1
  • November 5
  • December 3
Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W. 44th Ave., Golden
  • May 4
Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver
  • April 28 (April 28 is Dia de los Niños)
  • May 4
  • June 1 ...

Storytimes!


Locations listed on the bottom. If you know of a storytime not listed, please email Vicki at [email protected]

SUNDAY:

MONDAY:

9:15a.m-Baby Storytime at Smoky Hill Library

Baby Storytimes introduce the sounds and rhythms of language to our youngest library users ages 0-2. Nursery rhymes, songs, and the simplest of stories build a foundation for a lifelong love of books and reading. Parents and caregivers should plan on participating with their children in these Storytimes. Reservations are required.

10:00a.m.-Toddler Storytime at Smoky Hill Library ...


About Macaroni Kid


Macaroni Kid Aurora is your one-stop shop for all things fun and family-friendly in Aurora, CO! It is more than just a FREE weekly newsletter; you will find articles, recipes, crafts, giveaways and so much more. Aurora isn't the only location, though! Be sure to check out the other Colorado sites as well as Macaroni Kid sites around the country on our National Macaroni Kid Page...a fantastic resource if you are traveling to another state or have a playdate in another city!

There are many different ways to use Macaroni Kid to your full advantage, so here is an overview on how to make Macaroni Kid Aurora work for you!

ONLINE CALENDAR: This is the most comprehensive list of events on the website. This calendar can be accessed at any time simply by clicking the Calendar tab at the top of the page. You can either click on the date or a single event for all of the details.

GOOGLE CALENDAR: You can even add these events to your own google calendar by simply clicking the Google Calendar button under each event.

MY MACARONI: Customize your own Macaroni Calendar! When you come across an event you don't want to forget, click the "Add to My Macaroni" button. Then, when you are on the home page, you can click on the "My Macaroni button" to see everything you have saved. You can print it up simply by downloading your list, which will create a printable PDF file!

SUBSCRIBE NOW: Don't miss a newsletter! We NEVER sell your email and will only send you the information you want, whether it be multiple newsletters or just one. In addition, you need to be a subscriber to enter giveaways, and you don't wan't to miss out on those!

FORWARD TO A FRIEND:
Be sure your friends and family are in the know, too! Just click the button (in the top right corner of the newsletter in your email) and forward the newsletter to anyone you know that is a parent, grandparent, teacher or caregiver! Very easy way to find something to do for a playdate!

SUBMIT AN EVENT:
Know of something that others would love to know about, too? Have I missed your favorite event? Simply click here and let me know about it!

PAST AURORA NEWS: You can link to past newsletters in the archive. You can also use the search box in the top right corner to find a specific topic or article, or simply put in a keyword such as "recipe" or "craft" for lots of ideas!

BIZ DIRECTORY: Check out family-friendly and Macaroni Approved local businesses! If you have a business you would like listed here, email me at [email protected]

Please join me on my Facebook and Twitter pages for last minute calendar updates, ticket information, contests, or just to chat. This service is for you, so please contact me with questions or concerns! If you would like to know how your business can reach Aurora Macaroni Kid readers, please request our Media Kit by sending an email to [email protected].

Thanks for your support!
Vicki

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Contest Ends 6/15/2013