With the gorgeous weather we have enjoyed the past few weeks, it's tough to miss summer. Amazing leaves and colors, joined by the crisp air, have turned recent neighborhood strolls into explorations. Now we have only
two weeks until Halloween! So many cute costumes out there in the stores, but also tons of more creative options for the crafty Wonder Woman within. Online resources include
FamilyFunCraft News which offers cute, simple costume ideas – whip up witches, goblins, ghosts and some less-scary options. When the big day arrives, consider visiting the Portland Children's Museum's Halloween costume party, including
scary storytelling, a Penny puppet show, and a parade (don't forget the camera!). 10am - 3pm,
www.portlandcm.org In the evening join NW Kids for trick or treating at the Street of Treats at Bridgeport Village, where there will be tons of activities, specialty snacks, and fantastic prizes. Halloween, 4pm – 9pm.


details and more events on our website www.nwkids.com »

After eating all that candy, your little may need some extra exercise. We came across a new program that fits the bill perfectly – jump rope! Try jumping for two minutes – heart rate up? Thought so. I have a
great aunt who swears by it – she brings her jump rope everywhere she goes and puts in ten minutes a day, every day, and she is in amazing shape. This eight-week class,
from i9 Sports, introduces children aged 6-14 to the basics of coordination then moves into more sophisticated moves – double dutch, anyone?



Speaking of jumping, you know those bouncy houses are great exercise for the little ones. Now you can get a workout in, too, while visiting
Pump It Up and Pump It Up Jr.. Both locations are offering one-hour fitness classes two times a week. Pump your heart rate while your child has a blast jumping, bouncing and sliding on the inflatables in the other room!


Jump it Up! »

As soon as all that candy is eaten, you'll want to kick-start your holiday planning. Why not start with your annual family photo? Want to showcase your adorable, perfect children, but cringe at the thought of dressing
everyone up for posed studio session? You might consider
Dimples Photography. Portrait photographer Melissa works primarily on-location in natural light and strives to make the experience enjoyable and relaxing for her subjects. As the tagline goes, 'real life. real simple. be REAL'.



Once you have your photo, you'll want to send them in only the best cards. you know these photo cards are all the rage and who wants a dud on display in the homes of loved ones and friends around the country? Consider ordering cards from a
local stationer, such as
Chic Eye Designs and
Event Bliss. Both will customize cards for you and both provide easy, online ordering. And best of all, the local mamas behind these lines have excellent taste, so your cards will make an impression and spread holiday cheer.




Stylish Photos of your Littles »

We were on hand last weekend for a performance of Honk! The Ugly Duckling Musical at the Northwest Children's Theater and School in NW Portland. NW Kids will be running a review of the theater experience (with
children in tow) next month, but we wanted to encourage you to try it out before the end of the month. It's a great show about family, identity, and finding that inner swan in all of us.
NWCT website for ticket details.



Get tickets for upcoming shows »

I am always finding out about great new stuff for mothers and babies that makes me go, "ooooh, I wish I had that when I was pregnant/nursing/etc. This one is especially great for working mothers – Homemade, delicious,
organic baby food – delivered FRESH to your door. No more sanitizing, scraping, peeling, steaming, pureeing, stuffing all those veggies and fruit – it may be fun but not after a long day at the office. And say goodbye to those jars!
Gaia baby food delivers twice weekly throughout the Portland metro area.


Order up! »

Speaking of new stuff for babies, locally made stroller blankets from O'Henry are so striking, you'll want to showcase them as décor in the living room. In a variety of bold, modern prints (cotton on one side,
super soft flannel on the other), these awesome blankets keep the wind at bay, set a pretty table for a picnic, or just warm up little toesies on the couch. Available online at Cat In An Apron.


O'Henry Stroller Blankets »

NW Kids is the best place to find out what's great about being a parent in Portland. It's informative, fun, exciting, and the perfect resource for local moms and dads. And it now comes in three flavors: the print publication, which
you can pick up almost anywhere around the area; the website, and, now, this newsletter! So make sure you pick up a copy. Take a look around the website - check the calendar and events pages for fun ideas. We update it often, so check
back.



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