We've done a lot of sight-seeing around the area, but we've never looked at Washington D.C. through the eyes the Numbers Lady before.   In her creative new book, NumbersAlive! Books for Young Travelers Washington D.C., Dr. Rebecca Klemm (a.k.a. The Numbers Lady) takes children on a journey through our capital city with an adorable cast of of numbers known as "Team Ten".  From page to page, each cuddly number shares a favorite local spot such as the Washington Monument, Air & Space Museum, the National Mall and beyond.  

On Monday, November 11, 2013 from 11 AM- 3 PM, Santa will be visiting The Christmas Attic in Alexandria for a special thank you to our troops.  Families can take photos with Santa, and he will play patriotic songs.  Other activities include crafts, light refreshments, and door prizes. Plus, there will be a book signing with Alexandria author Bonnie Fite and her book, The New 12 Days of Christmas. Military families will receive 10% off with Military ID.

The Christmas Attic
www.christmasattic.com
125 S. Union Street
Alexandria, VA (Old Town Alexandria)

Northern Virginia Players is thrilled to announce their next musical, Doctor Dolittle, Jr.  The classic tale of kindness to animals comes to life in the stage adaption of the original Doctor Dolittle! Animal kindnesses will trot, crawl and fly its way onto the stage and into your hearts. With a cast of 54, all of the characters we've come to love through the stories of Hugh Lofting and the magical movie musical are given new life in the JUST released stage version.  The musical tells the classic tale of a wacky but kind Doctor who can talk to animals. The show takes the audience on a journey from the small English village of Puddleby-in-the-Marsh to the far corners of the world in search for the Great Pink Sea Snail--the oldest and wisest of the creatures on earth.

We are no strangers to Disney on Ice and as always were entertained with Feld Entertainment's latest Disney on Ice Show, Let's Celebrate at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA. 

The show:

The performance opened up with Mickey, Minnie and friends hosting a fun Unbirthday Party with Alice and the characters from Wonderland. Goofy and Donald offered slapstick humor that had the kids laughing out loud. 

The DC area is full of transplants living far away from their families, and we’re no different.  Even though we’ve been here for over a decade, we rarely get a night away and were blessed to have the experience to spend a date night by staying overnight at the Ritz- Carlton, Tysons Corner.

Located in the bustling Tysons Corner area, The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner is a true retreat away. The hotel offers unparalleled service, and every single staff member pays attention to the finest details.  We received a hand-written note from the manager, a lovely wine and cheese delivery to our room, and the team continuously went out of their way to make sure we were having the time of our lives.   

Halloween is always such a fun time of the year.  As a child I counted the days until October 31st.  Halloween always promised a night of fun with friends that included an amazing costume (at least I thought so) and loads of candy.  What more could a child want?

My enthusiasm for Halloween waned as I grew older.  In my post college years there were a handful of parties, but they always seemed to annoy me.  Dressing up wasn't fun anymore.  Going to a costume party in my twenties seemed more like work.  Pass me a drink already...do I seriously need to be a cat for yet another year!  Where are the whiskers, tail, leggings and black turtleneck?  But...times change.

This is always one of my favorite times of the year.  You can have a manicure and pedicure for $50.00 or a facial for $50.00.  How about a much needed massage?

Peruse the Spa Week link and find a location near you.  I typically try to book close to home or at Lifetime Fitness where you can get free childcare during your visit to the LifeSpa.  Enjoy!

GO, DOG. GO!
Adapted by Allison Gregory and Steven Dietz
Adapted from the book Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman
Directed by Ray Ficca

This musical world of doggy fun is like a pop-up book that comes to life! P.D. Eastman’s beloved children’s book features big dogs and little dogs, black dogs and white dogs, and all dogs in between. They delve into life with gusto, creating a visual spectacle of movement and color for audience members of all ages. The dogs swim and play. They howl at the moon. They ride a Ferris wheel. They sing, dance, and even climb trees—all on stage in front of you.

Check out this show, coming to NextStop Theatre, a wonderful new professional theatre in Herndon from October 19- November 10, 2013.  

Purchase tickets here: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/926417 and use code NEXTSTOPMOM to SAVE 20% on performances before October 27th. Click here for the full show description and information. 



Want to win a family 4 pack of tickets to see the show on opening weekend?  Simply comment below why you would like to attend.  Tickets will be good for to see the production on Saturday Oct 19 at 12 p.m. or 3 p.m. or Sunday, October 20 at 11 a.m.  The winner will be notified on Monday, October 14, 2013 by email and announced on our Facebook page. 

We were not compensated for this promotion beyond free tickets. We believe in children's theatre and are happy to show our support. 

Merrifield Fall Festival has gotten bigger and better each year, and this year's event is taking place at the always happening Mosaic District. Festival organizers exclaim, "We are looking forward to our new location this year in the Mosaic shopping center with even more vendors and entertainment and are also excited to announce Former Washington Redskins players: Ron McDole, Pat Fischer, Darryl Grant and Frank Grant will be on site to sign autographs!"


The Merrifield Fall Festival, Saturday, October 19, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, is a FREE event, full of fun for all ages.  Festivities include: 

• Live bands
• Children's entertainment such as face painting and a balloon artist
• Fire Department and Police Vehicle Tours
• Train Rides
• A Beer Garden
• Great food
• Local Vendors
• Celebrity Athletes
• Community booths
• Pumpkin Patch
• Arts & Crafts
• Much, more more!