Pittsburgh Zoo

I love the Pittsburgh Zoo... Clean, animals are usually easy to see, kids have lots of fun, and good chicken sandwiches at the snack shop. Five hours of family fun...

Trip Advisor Says, "One of the few major zoo and aquarium combinations in America, this 77-acre facility features thousands of animals in such habitats as "The Asian Forest," "African Savanna" and "Cheetah Valley.""

Big Elephant with her baby... My three year old says, "Smells stinky, elephant tooted!"

Z is for Zebra...

The real reason I blog... can't stand watching my Pens get their butt kicked by Detroit. Look how cute they are in the picture above. We need a miracle! Five to nothing in period 2... My husband may have a heart attack!! Hoping for a lot of luck going into the third period. Although I can imagine the Pens may be a bit frustrated while the Wings are pretty confident. GO PENS!

Pittsburgh - A Little Girl's Dream Play Place

Did you hear????

Teaching Heart Mom has been nominated for Best Pittsburgh Parent Blog in Nickelodeon's Parents' Picks Awards! We need your help to win! You can vote for us once a day, every day, from now until July 15 at
http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/parents-picks/pittsburgh-pa-usa/best-pittsburgh-local-blog



Truthfully, I was a bit surprised to be nominated as a "Pittsburgh Parent Blog", since the majority of my posts don't mention Pittsburgh life or attractions... Still it is an honor and I do hope to win. Looks like it will be a tough go as Burgh Baby seems to be getting the majority of the votes without even having a button or announcement on their blog??? Still if Teaching Heart Mom wins you will see a week of free printables for you to download daily... So ya better vote if you like free educational printables!!!



So, for those who landed here looking for Pittsburgh Family Fun News, you are in luck! I have two things to share that are great family fun. One is the Peters Relay for Life in McMurray, PA at Peters Township high school Stadium on May 30, 2009. Start a team or make a donation to Relay For Life. You do not have to be registered to walk the track on Relay Day. There will be live bands, DJ's, games for the kids, food, auction baskets, and lots more. It is a family fun event with a festival feel. Just bring a few dollars to spend for a good cause! It is a fun day for all ages!
For more details, click here!





The title of this post is, "A Little Girl's Dream Play Place!" I am a little hesitant to tell you about this great find... It isn't over crowded yet and I really LOVE this place and so does my three year old! I wish I could have spent hours playing at a Lilliput Play area when I was a kiddo. Now your kiddos can play from 10 till 3, Mondays - Fridays at the McMurray, PA Lilliput Town Center!!! $8.00 a child is a little pricey, but a nice treat. It is adorable and if you child likes make believe, this is their heaven! A town of fun play rooms. There is an ice cream parlor, post office, doctor's office, beauty shop, grocery store, gas station, and fire station. Each area is complete with accessories to match. My daughter had a blast scooping play ice cream cones and playing beauty shop with the pretend hair dryer and make up.


The lady who was working when we were there said ages up o ten were welcome. I suggest to age seven max. Perhaps older girls would enjoy it... but my son would probably get bored and cause trouble after about 20 minutes.


There is a nice seating area for mommy too. Coffee comes with mom's stay. Also they have wireless access and magazines for you to read. It is genius!!! My thumbs up for rainy day fun!

Below is a video of the play area.

Go Pens!!!

Upward Basketball Review

I have to give a shout out for a program that my son just finishing participating in. At South Hill Bible Chapel in McMurray, PA my son participated in Upward basketball. Upward is a fun, reliable, passionate and encouraging sports experience for boys and girls, in K5 through sixth grade. Upward provides first class, organized and detailed sports programming in basketball and other sports (cheerleaders too) at a very reasonably price for what you get in return! It was a privilege to be part of this program. My son learned about friendship, sportsmanship and of course basketball- all while getting a chance to learn about God. Through Upward, my son was exposed to quality coaching and sport development.

Upward emphasizes character and integrity. In fact, in order to build self-esteem and team spirit, each participant is awarded a star after each practice and game. The stars are colored and stand for different things: Christlikeness, best effort, best sportsmanship, best offense, best defense, and Scripture learning! My son was thrilled to get the stars and really worked to do his best. He was awarded the Christlikeness Star twice and seemed most excited about that star! We were too - bragging a bit!

The green star is for learning the scripture that is handed out after each weekly hour long practice. The scriptures come on colorful cards that the kids enjoy getting.

The weekly games were so cute. Each child had a nickname and an announcer would yell out their names as they ran through the Upward tunnel and onto the court! So sweet!!! There are also Upward Cheerleaders that cheer at the events -- very cute. You could see how each teammate made progress in sports skills throughout the program.

The program at South Hills Bible Chapel was so organized and ran so smoothly! I was very impressed and recommend it to all! Only good things to say! I am catholic and attend another church, so I am not biased in any way! (PS. Their summer camp is also OUTSTANDING!!!)

I really feel my son gained many sports skills as well as skills in faith and character. Upward is a national program and a local church in your area may have it. I highly recommend it!!!

PITTSBURGH - Relay for Life of Peters Township

A heads up on an event that is coming to Washington Country of PA!!! The Relay for Life of Peters Township is a fun event for families. You will find games for the kids, food, great auctions, and much more... Come walk the track with your family and support a great cause.

I think this year will be the best year yet! It is a holiday theme and each team will be decorating their fundraising areas based on their chosen holiday. A great family event!!!

For more details, please visit the event website at:
www.relayforlife.org/papeterstwp

The Relay is May 30, 2009 at Peters Township High School... So hop over to the website and start your own team! It is tons of fun.

Pittsburgh South Hills Favorite Lights!!!

I have to Thank all the houses out there that put out a million lights over the holiday season. You make my kids so happy. They love driving around seeing the big blown up characters, the houses that go crazy with millions of lights, and the plastic lawn characters. Below are our two favorite houses around the South Hills... If you have a fave around the South Hills of Pittsburgh, I will add it. Just send me a picture of it and the name of the street it is found on!!!


The first is on Willow Glen Drive in Bethel Park PA:
This house has Frosty, The Grinch, and various Santa Claus decorations.... My kids love this! It is a hidden one you may never see unless you go down Willow Glen Road off of Irish Town. Willow Glen is a Dead End Road, so you can't miss this house. You can tell someone puts a lot of love into this!!!

Our Second Favorite is on Bunker Hill Road Off of Bower Hill Road. This House is also done at Halloween with millions of lights. This one looks professionally done.

The golden Anchor: Great Romantic Get Away For Those in PA!

My friend Nancy is one of those people that always knows the best places to go and see around our area. She is always up on what shop is coming in or what a certain place is like. I really respect her opinion on things and she always has one! I asked her to write a blog about a getaway she had with her husband because it sounded so great. After reading what she had to say and looking over the website, I was ready to pack and head out to The Golden Anchor with or without my hubby!

FROM NANCY:

Recently my husband and I went on a weekend trip to the mountains of West Virginia. Bob had spent the past 3+ years working and living in Maryland and now is working much closer. My 6 year old daughter and I lived in our home outside of Pittsburgh. We usually saw him on weekends but many times several weeks would go by with him working. But that’s a whole other post. We’ve been married 16 years and really never traveled for fun much. Anyhow, my sister and parents generously agreed to take care of Carly and our dog for the weekend. We found a cabin we liked on the internet. I was a bit worried because what you see isn’t always what you get. But we were both thrilled with the cabin. The owners and staff were very welcoming.

You can see pictures at http://www.goldenanchorcabins.com/. Ours was Pondview which slept six. There is a Honeymoon cabin which was already booked when we called. When we arrived at the cabin, the table was set and soft music was playing. It was a gorgeous place with a gas fireplace, huge satellite TV, fully and beautifully furnished with a hot tub and fabulous view. We also had dinner at the Golden Anchor Restaurant which we both enjoyed.

We spent a rainy Saturday at Blackwater Falls State Park. (http://www.blackwaterfalls.com/) Even in the rain it was a great place to hike and take pictures. We heard that the biking trails and ski areas are also great there. We’d missed the peak fall colors by a couple weeks but it still was a stunning view. This area is also considered New Canaan Valley. (http://www.canaanresort.com/) Bob is a hunter and we enjoyed driving around and watching the deer. Later we spent some time in the hot tub which was rather romantic and very unusual for us. It wasn’t a totally secluded deck but it was still private. We had a wonderfully relaxing time together, reconnecting in a beautiful, scenic area. We would absolutely recommend a weekend here for anyone. We hope to go back again next year when the colors are at their peak.

By Nancy

(Thanks Nancy!!!!)

Birthday Parties In South Hills Pittsburgh Area

My friend Nancy came up with a great list of local birthday parties. I thought I would post it here in hopes it may help some one in the blogging world. Thanks Nancy for all your work on this!!!

Local venues for kid birthdays

Iceoplex 724-745-6666 jchapman@iceoplex.net
2 packages to chose from- 1 hour public skate or 1 hour court- includes beverages, treat bags and hostess. Private room for hour 15 min. Includes 9 guests and birthday child. Prices- court $323(Pizza) or $303(hotdogs) skate- $210 (Pizza) $190 (hotdog)


Trax Farms 412-835-3246x113

Ages 3-7. 3 packages to choose from included in all-reserved tables, cups, napkins, utensils, placemats and balloons. Crafts to choose from are bug box, backyard nature craft, garden party craft, seed buddy craft or tea party craft. Seasonal crafts also available. Party area may NOT be peanut free. 12 child minimum. Packages are $9.99, $11.99 and 12.99 per child.

Young Chefs Academy-724-941-6672 http://www.youngchefsacademy.com/

Ages 4 and up. Several packages available. Includes 1 ½ hour, invites, drinks, paper goods and balloons. Contact for more information. Prices per child are $20, $25 and $30.


The Little Gym 724-942-0100 http://www.tlgpittburghsouthhillspa.com/
All ages. Includes 1 hour gym with instructors, ½ hour party room, invites, paper goods and drinks. $280 non- members, $250 for members. 15 kids $9 per child after. Maximum 20 children.

Fired Up 724-941-0302 http://www.firedup.com/
2 hours of time in studio, use of all paints, stencils etc. Selection of ready-to-paint bisque items. $12 per child.

Cool Springs Golf- 412-831-5080 http://www.coolspringsgolfcenter.com/
All ages. Private party area for 3 hours. Indoor party room or outside tent with picnic table. (Specify when booking.) $25 Mini-golf prices $4.00 per person, batting cages 45 pitches $4.00. All food extra.

Oogles and Googles 724-222-kidz http://www.ooglesngoogles.com/
Prices are for 12 children. Three packages to chose from, all include themed costumes for each child during party, face painting, make-up for girls, tattoos. This is $200, $5.00 add. Child. Packages 2 & 3 include themed invites and thank yous, paper products, juice and souvenir photo of every child. $285. $10 add. Child. Package 3 is 2 hours of entertainment, themed party favors, cake and 2 extra large pizzas. $365. $15 per add child.

South Fayette Pool- 412-221-4542x230 www.southfayette.org/aquatics/index.html

If you are interested in renting the pool for a private party, details follow: A non-refundable deposit of $60.00 is needed to schedule party times/dates.
Less than 15 swimmers = $45.00 upon arrival
16-25 swimmers = $4.00/swimmer upon arrival
26 or more swimmers = $3.00/swimmer + additional guard fee of $30
This price covers the cost of lifeguards and use of the facility for 2 hours. You are permitted to arrive 20 minutes prior to the party for set up. Food and drinks are permitted. Parties will be held on Saturdays from 2:00-4:00 and 4:30-6:30. Due to scheduling restraints, parties must be cleared 15 minutes after the ending time or a $25.00 additional fee will be charged

Other area places for birthdays

Trolley Museum 724-228-9256 http://www.pa-trolley.org/

Mt. Lebanon Ice/ Swim Center 412-561-4363 www. Mtlebanon.org

Scrap booker’s Dream 724-942-8951 http://www.scrapbookers-dream.com/

The Art Shoppe-724-941-1688 http://www.theartsshoppegallery.com/

Little Lake Theater- 724-745-6300 http://www.littlelaketheatre.org/

Destinta - 412-914-0995 www.destinta.com/t1.php

Route 19 Bowling Center -724-225-4800

Build-A Bear - (412) 851-9033 http://www.buildabear.com/

Chuck E. Cheese- 412) 257-2570- http://www.chuckecheese.com/


Helpful websites

http://www.coolest-kid-birthday-parties.com/index.html

http://www.birthdayswithoutpressure.org/

http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/birthday/index.html

http://www.party411.com/kids.html

www.amazingmoms.com/htm/KidsBirthdayParties.htm

http://www.alphamom.com/buzzoff/2008/04/best_ideas-for-kids_birthday_parties.php

http://familyfun.go.com/

www.partyideaskids.com/birthday.html

http://www.birthdaydirect.com/

http://www.celebrateexpress.com/

http://www.orientaltrading.com/

http://www.birthdaypartyideas.com/

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1581036,00.html

Playgroup Pals New Chapter

When my son was 18 months old, I started a playgroup. I was desperate! I had moved back to my hometown and realized... hmmm, all my friends in the area were still busy bar hopping and meeting that perfect guy. I was on a different page in my life. I was married, a mommy, and working from home and needed some sort of adult social interaction besides the few minutes a day I had with my hubby! As a result, I pulled together a few moms I met at the library, one I met at Gymboree, and some I even met online. I invited them to my home to play and that is where our story began. I never dreamed playgroup would become such a big part of my life. I couldn't imagine these past few years without playgroup. Our group has been together about five years. Playgroup consists of about seven moms and a bunch of kids around the same age. Playgroup has changed over the years, some original moms dropped out and some moved away, and sadly one decided the group wasn't for them. The first two years we met once a week on Wednesdays at each others homes. We even had playgroup picnics where the dads had a chance to get to know each other. As the kids schedules changed we still managed to get together during summers and even many times without the kiddos. Lucky for me some of the original moms in that playgroup became some of my best mommy friends. We have been through many happy and sad times together. We have helped and encouraged each other. These mommy friends are the people I look to for advice and the people I laugh with!!! Our kids have grown up together. They can't even remember a life without these friends. Similarly, I can't remember being a mommy without them, Many of the playgroup kids start first grade this year while a few others begin Kindergarten. It will be interesting to see how their friendships with each other change and to see where the friendships I have with their mothers will go. I am pretty sure many of the moms will always be a part of my life in some way. I hope as our schedules and needs change we will still remain friends to each other and we will continue to encourage our children to love and remember their "first" friends. Who knows in a few years someone might need a prom date!!!

This is a video of our first & second trip to Idlewild Park.