Macaroni Kid
Aurora
Macaroni Kid   Editions

Welcome to Aurora Macaroni Kid!


I have been lost this week. I work from home in more than one way, so I have one desktop computer for my "real job" and I have my laptop. My laptop is my lifeline. I love it. It is always near me. This weekend, we had a disaster of monumental proportions (at least for me). My kids had their water in the living room (that is the only drink they are allowed to have in that room). My son reached for my daughter, and in her desperation of not ...


PRESALE PASS FOR AURORA MACARONI KID SUBSCRIBERS


Get in early to the Just Between Friends Sale of Aurora!

Print it up, cut it out, and enjoy!!!!

Macaroni Cares


Cell phones in schools

As technology develops, social media creeps into our lives and debates are formed.  Students and parents alike have been protesting the ban of cell phones in schools.  There is no doubt about the fact that cell phones in school are a problem and that kids are using them so much that the majority cant imagine living without them.  But in school?  There are definitely pros and cons to this debate. 

Cons

1.  They are a distraction.  Kids like to text and do not always turn their phones off in class ...


Macaroni Crafts


Ribbon Button Bookmarks

These are SO simple and easy! Cute bookmarks for all those kids going back to school soon.

What you need:

Scissors

Ribbon (grosgrain works best)

Buttons

Thread or embroidery floss

Lighter or a fray away product (I prefer the lighter since it it faster)

Take you ribbon and measure it into 18 inch pieces. If it wrinkled, like mine always is, you can give it a quick trip under the iron.

To keep the ends from fraying with use, you can use Fray Away, or a lighter. I use the ...


Macaroni Advice


From one parent to another

Like all parents, I have my struggles with my kids. Whether it be bedtimes, tantrums, whatever. I have read all the love and logic books, I have tried different methods, I have listened to suggestions, but ultimately I do what is best for my family, despite what others may think or feel. But, I thought I would share some of my solutions, because most often they are built out of a collaboration of advice from others.

Currently, our issue is bedtime. When the kids were young, we used to just ...


This Week's Picks:


August 3rd through August 14th

Wednesday, August 3 through Wednesday, August 31 - Zumba

This fusion of Latin dance with aerobic moves results in a "feel happy" workout that maximizes calorie burning and total body conditioning! Brought to this location by the Healthy Aging Initiative
Where: Tallyn's Reach Library 23911 E. Arapahoe Rd. Aurora, CO 80016
When: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Who: Adults
How: 303-739-7950
Cost: $23/$18 resident

Monday, August 8 through Friday, August 12 - Wild and Wacky world of science

Gets hands-on as you with experiment with dry ice, liquid nitrogen, and bubbles, and explore the dynamics of solids, liquids, and gases
Where: DMNS 2001 Colorado Blvd 80205
When: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Grades 2 & 3
How: 303-370-6000
Cost: $135 member/ $160 nonmember

Wednesday, August 10 - Family Game Night

Play a variety of board and card games with your family and others. Enjoy camaraderie, snacks and a leisurely evening before the rush of school activities begins.
Where: Smoky Hill Library 5430 S. Biscay Circle
When: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Families!
How: 303.542.7279
Cost: FREE!

Thursday, August 11 - Fairy Garden Party

Toadstool Popovers, dragonflies, fairy nest salad, Fancy fruit tarts, snow queen punch
Where: Expo Rec Center 10955 E. Exposition Ave.
When: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Ages 6-12
How: 303-326-8630
Cost: $34/$26 residents

Friday, August 12 through Sunday, August 14 - Just Between Friends Sale of Aurora

Want great deals? Looking for a ton of kiddo goodies at great prices? Planning ahead for the holidays? Need to get rid of gently used stuff and want to make some money? Then get ready for the biggest Aurora Just Between Friends sale yet!!!!! Consign, Volunteer, or just shop, there is something for absolutely everyone!
Where: Arapahoe County Fairgrounds Visit here for the actual hours and location
When: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Hours Vary, verify schedule below)
Who: Everyone is welcome!
How: If consigning or volunteering, visit http://aurora.jbfsale.com/
Cost: Items vary per product, there is a small entrance fee, visit http://aurora.jbfsale.com for possible coupons and further details.

Saturday, August 13 - Party in a cup-Parent and child Cooking

Menu: Hawaiian Pizza Cups, Parmesan Potato Cups, Cookie Dough Cupcakes, Toasted Almond Ice Cream Cups
Where: Expo Rec Center 10955 E Exposition Ave.
When: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Ages 6-12 with Parent
How: 303-326-8630
Cost: $51/$39 resident

Saturday, August 13 - Farmer's Market at Southlands

Shop local vendors for organic and pesticide-free produce, fresh dairy products, delicious baked goods, homemade salsa, tamales and tortillas as well as gourmet pasta, natural soaps, handmade goods and much more!
Where: Town Square at Southlands
When: 8:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Who: Everyone is welcome
How: No registration required
Cost: Price varies per product

Sunday, August 14 - Science in the stacks

Join Channel 7’s Maureen McCann as she discusses meteorology, weather, and television in our inaugural Science in the Stacks program. Bring your questions and your curiosity, and make sure you ask Maureen about chasing tornadoes!
Where: Central Library 14949 E. Alameda Parkway Aurora, CO
When: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: All Ages
How: 303-739-6653
Cost: FREE!

This Week's Calendar:


August 8th through August 16th

Monday, August 8 through Friday, August 12 - Museum Masters

Ever wonder what it's like to work in the Museum?  Here's your chance!  Go on a collecting expedition and catalog a specimen.  Experiment with the forces that threaten priceless objects and see some pesky pests up close.  Design a one-of-a-kind exhibit for your very own museum and more!
Where: DMNS 2001 Colorado Blvd 80205
When: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Grades 4-6
How: 303-370-6000
Cost: $135 member/$160 non member

Monday, August 8 through Friday, August 12 - Exploring Human Origins

Explore how humans have changed over time. Learn how and where the oldest-known human remains were discovered, and visit Primate Panorama at the Denver Zoo
Where: DMNS 2001 Colorado Blvd 80205
When: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Who: Grades 4-6
How: 303-370-6000
Cost: $135 member/ $165 nonmember

Thursday, August 11 through Thursday, August 18 - The Little Star that Could-Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Young sky watchers, from toddlers to second graders, will learn that the sun is a star, what stars are made of, why stars are different colors, how some stars are just the right size and temperature to support life on their orbiting planets, and how stars combine to form star clusters and galaxies.
Where: Denver Museum of Nature and Science
When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM ((Times are at 10 am and 1:30 pm Mon-Sun.))
Who: Toddlers to second graders
How: You can purchase tickets at the museum or HERE 
Cost: Members and price with General Admission: $5.00 Adult/$4.00 Jr and Student/$4.00 Senior General Admission: $11.00 Adult/$6.00 Jr, Student, and Senior
For more info: Visit HERE

Friday, August 12 through Sunday, August 28 - Open Gym Time

Let your little one run, play, jump, skip, and have some fun in a warm, safe and fun setting! They can bounce down the tumbling tramp, walk across the balance beam, test their skills on the uneven bars, there is even a jumpy castle slide and plenty of room to run.
Where: Meadowood Recreation Center 3054 S. Laredo St. 80013
When: n/a
Who:   Ages 6 and up Friday 6-7:30 p.m. Ages 5 and under with Parent Tues/Thurs 10-11 a.m. Ages 10 and under, designed for families with children off-track or homeschooled. Tue./Wed. 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Friday 12-1 p.m.
How: Walk-in's, limited space available
Cost: $4.25 on Tues./Wed./Thurs. & Fri. MORNING classes $5.25 on Friday evening class
For more info: call 303-326-8310 only water in bottles permitted, no shoes in gym

Friday, August 12 - Southlands Summer Concert Series

DOTSERO means Smooth Jazz at its best, full of life energy and spontaneity that few artists in the genre have been able to match. A no nonsense sax and guitar driven thrill ride of energy and excitement. As much fun to watch as they are to listen to. The band has performed at major jazz festivals; Red Rocks Amphitheatre, JVC Winter Park Jazz Fest, Jazz Trax Catalina Island Jazz Fest and The Cancun Jazz Festival, among others.
Where: Southlands Town Square
When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Everyone is welcome! Bring your lawn chairs, pets and friends!
How: No reservations required, but good spots fill up fast!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: www.shopsouthlands.com

Saturday, August 13 - Wagging Tails

Wagging Tales introduces children to a four-legged friend...and then the magic begins! Each child selects a fun book to read to his or her new doggie pal. Tails wag as tales are told and each child practices reading skills with a new friend who loves a good story and won't interrupt or criticize. In addition to a wonderfully supportive reading experience, each child is rewarded with a new book to keep    
Where: First Saturday of Each Month-Martin Luther King Jr. Library 9898 E. Colfax Ave Second Saturday Each Month-Central Library 14949 E. Alameda Parkway Fourth Saturday Each Month-Tallyn's Reach Library 23911 E. Arapahoe Rd.  
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (There is no Wagging tails the third Saturday of each month)
Who: Children of all ages welcome
How: Slots fill up fast so call ahead to register Central-303-739-6600 Martin Luther King Jr.-303-739-1940 Tallyn's Reach-303-627-3050
Cost: N/A
For more info: Click Here

Monday, August 15 - Shop and Drop and Southlands Mall

Drop 'N Shop is a fun and safe way to drop children off whil you run errands, go shopping, work, or have a nice afternoon relaxing. YMCA will engage children in a variety of ways with exciting crafts, games, stories, snack and Free play
Where: Southlands Mall 6155 S. Main St. Ste 220 Aurora
When: 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Who: Ages 2 (potty trained) to 10 years old
How: no registration required, must sign a Hold Harmless Agreements
Cost: $2 per child
For more info: www.shopsouthlands.com

Tuesday, August 16 - Zoolicious Dishes

Menu: Flamingo Fruit Kabobs, Elephant eggs, Snail Sandwich, Jaguar Jello, Jungle Juice
Where: Expo Rec Center 10955 E. Exposition Ave
When: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Ages 6-12
How: 303-326-8603
Cost: $34/$26 resident

Tuesday, August 16 - Positive thoughts yield abundant job prospects

Evaluate your thoughts about your past, present and future employment situations and learn to change those thoughts to better, more effective ones. What we say is what we get, so become aware and move toward a better employment future. Led by Kristen Engelke.
Where: Smoky Hill Public Library 5430 S. Biscay Circle Aurora, CO
When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Adults
How: 303.542.7279
Cost: FREE!

Teen Scene:


August 10th through August 11th

Wednesday, August 10 - Keep The Worries Away

Keep the worries away with Dr. Rebecca Howard. This therapist will give you tips on how to cope with worries and anxiety as you head into the next school year.
Where: Smoky Hill Library 5430 S. Biscay Circle Aurora, CO
When: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: Ages 11-17
How:  303.542.7279
Cost: FREE!

Thursday, August 11 - Tamales

Menu: Green Chile Chicken, Red Chile Pork, Black bean and corn, Dessert tamales
Where: Expo rec center 10955 E. Exposition Ave.
When: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Who: Ages 15 and older
How: 303-326-8630
Cost: $60/$46 resident

Plan Ahead:


August 18th through August 20th

Thursday, August 18 - The Science Lounge: Treasure Hunters

"Fortune and Glory, kid" That's what awaits you if you finish the Indiana Jones-inspired challenges throughout the Museum during this evening of archaeology fact and fiction. Be the first to recover the stolen artifact and you will be rewarded the Geek Cup. Choose wisely and try the signature cocktail, the Shirley Temple of Doom!
Where: Denver Museum of nature and Science 2001 Colorado Blvd Denver, CO 80205
When: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Who: Ages 21 and up
How: dmns.org/sciencelounge
Cost: $8 for member/$10 non member

Friday, August 19 - Southlands Summer Concert Series

Soul Sacrifice
With great passion and precision, SOUL SACRIFICE faithfully recreates the music of the legendary band SANTANA. Featuring burning renditions of Latin-infused rock classics such as Oye Como Va, Black Magic Woman, Jingo and Soul Sacrifice; plus breathtaking delivery of guitar ballads including Europa and Samba Pa Ti, SOUL SACRIFICE captures and delivers up the signature multi-cultural sound and spirit that is SANTANA.
Where: Southlands Town Square
When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Everyone is welcome! Bring your lawn chairs, pets and friends!
How: No reservations required, but good spots fill up fast!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: www.shopsouthlands.com

Friday, August 19 - Couples Cook: Shrimp on the Barbie

Menu: skewered lemon grass prawns, Cavolo Nero Tart, Melon, Peach & Prosciutto salad, Grilled Barramundi with Macadamia Nut Pesto Salt and Pepper oven Fries
Where: Expo Rec Center 10955 E. Exposition Ave.
When: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Who: Ages 21 and older
How: 303-326-8630
Cost: Single $64/$49 resident Couple $114/$94 resident

Saturday, August 20 through Saturday, October 8 - Lil' All Stars Fall Soccer

Come out and learn soccer skills, rules and teamwork. This is a very basic soccer, featuring lots of games and fun activities for children walking through 6 years old. 
Where: Aurora Frontier K-8 3200 S. Jericho Way Aurora, CO
When: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM (Smallest ages first from 9-930, older ages from 9:45 to 10:30)
Who: Ages walking to 6 years old, space is limited since teams are small
Cost: $10 annual registration fee $40 for ages walking to 2 $70 for ages 2-6

Saturday, August 20 - Beginners Guide to Preserving Food

Menu: tomatillo hot sauce, Chipotle tomato salsa, caramel sauce, cardamom peach jam, apple jelly 8/20
Where: Expo Rec Center 10955 E. Exposition Ave.
When: 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: Ages 15 and up
How: 303-326-8630
Cost: $62/$48 resident

Saturday, August 20 - Paint a Bus for Chickens

What, you say? Paint a bus for the chickens? The folks at Grant Family Farms need old school busses to use as homes for their chickens…and with the help of the Cherry Creek School District, Sherwin Williams paint, Home Depot, and YOUR creativity – WE can make it happen! Bring your creativity, your sense of whimsy, all of your questions about chickens and farming, and prepare for an afternoon for fun while we spruce up the chickens’ new home!
Where: Aurora Central Library 14949 E. Alameda Parkway Aurora,CO
When: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Who: All Ages
How: No registration required
Cost: FREE!

Saturday, August 20 - Farmer's Market at Southlands

Shop local vendors for organic and pesticide-free produce, fresh dairy products, delicious baked goods, homemade salsa, tamales and tortillas as well as gourmet pasta, natural soaps, handmade goods and much more!
Where: Town Square at Southlands
When: 8:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Who: Everyone is welcome
How: No registration required
Cost: Price varies per product

Macaroni Music


Beethoven's Wig

A number of years ago, Richard Perlmutter toyed with the idea of writing lyrics to masterpieces of classical music.  While humming Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, the words “Beethoven’s Wig is very big” popped into his head. "It really struck a chord because the words fit perfectly with the first eight notes of the symphony,” says Perlmutter. “And the wig is a perfect symbol for classical music." Perlmutter proceeded to add lyrics to the entire allegro con brio of Beethoven’s Fifth, and liked it so well that he put ...

Macaroni Recipes


Peanut Butter and Banana Quesadilla

This easy-to-make snack is extremely popular in my house! The kids love making them just as much as they do eating them!

Ingredients:

  • Two Flour Tortillas
  • Honey
  • Peanut Butter
  • One sliced banana

Directions:

Spread your favorite peanut butter on one tortilla, top with banana slices, and drizzle with honey. Top with remaining tortilla. Cut with pizza cutter and enjoy!  

You can substitute other ingredients to make a unique snack that will appeal to your child's tastes. Here are some suggestions to mix it up!

  • Marshmallow Fluff
  • Raisins
  • Jelly
  • Cream ...

Ongoing Events


What you can expect each week!

 DAILY

THE LITTLE STAR THAT COULD at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Young sky watchers, from toddlers to second graders, will learn that the sun is a star, and what makes them specia!.

When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM ((Times are at 10 am and 1:30 pm Mon-Sun.))

Who: Toddlers to second graders

Cost: Members and price with General Admission: $5.00 Adult/$4.00 Jr and Student/$4.00 Senior General Admission: $11.00 Adult/$6.00 Jr, Student, and Senior

 

MONDAYS

GRANDPARENTS DAY AT ...


Storytimes!


SUNDAY:

2:00p.m. Family Storytime at Smoky Hill Library

MONDAY:

9:30a.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

Designed for eager young learners ages 2-3, Toddler Storytime consists of ...


Subscribe to newsletter

Subscribe Now and Enter to Win an iPad Mini!



Contest Ends 6/15/2013