momXchange Blog

Mommy bloggers rule!

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 21:39:56 -0400

So I have been pretty down on myself about my inability to just sit down and write. Yes, life is crazy, but isn’t it for most moms? Well today I was inspired, again. This time from the a great local mommy blogger, Sandra Foyt… yes the voice behind Albany Kid. Just when I thought my blogging was over, I received this link on facebook: http://blog.kidsfunplaza.com/2011/03/22/tech-valley-blog-celebration-giveaway/

I am honored to be in such good company, and hope you will check out the opportunity to connect with other mommy bloggers, and possibly win an ipad2. What could be bad?

It's a New Year and a new mXc

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 11:57:12 -0500

I know it has been quite some time since we last shared in the blogosphere…fellow moms you know how busy life can be. I am happy to report that we our working on re-organizing and hope to bring you some great info, and updates in 2011. May this year be filled with great fun, fabulous finds, and health and happiness for all of our families. Peace!

The Blog Takes Summer Vaca

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:23:00 -0400

The mXc blog is going on a brief summer vacation. While the blog is away, you can keep up with what’s happening with Capital District moms on the mXc Facebook wall and, of course, by visiting momXchange.

(And by partying with us on June 28!)

The blog will miss you and will return shortly…

A GOLDEN Opportunity Party

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 22:12:41 -0400

momXchange & Northeastern Fine Jewelry are teaming up for a GOLDEN Opportunity Party!

Eat, drink, mingle, network—and make some room in that jewelry box.

For ONE night only, mXc members will have the opportunity to sell unwanted gold jewelry and enjoy special event pricing on something new! Appraisers will be on site to offer cash or store credit.

Mark your calendar:

Monday, June 28

6-8 PM

Northeastern Fine Jewelry

1575 Western Avenue

This summer, we say, “Out with the old (gold) and in with the NEW!”

Save the Date: It's (Almost) Party Time Again

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 22:29:08 -0400

You know we’re teaming up with Northeastern Fine Jewelry again and planning another party to get summer started, so…

SAVE THE DATE!

Monday, 28 June

6-8 PM

Northeastern Fine Jewelry

1575 Western Avenue

Details on the twist (or two) are coming soon!

I'm a Mom. Here's My Card.

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:29:12 -0400

I just saw “mommy cards” advertised on Kodak Gallery as I was making the grandfathers their Father’s Day cards. As a stationery connoisseur, I love this idea. As a stationery connoisseur, I love any excuse for paper goods. And paper goods that sport a cute photo of the cutest kids ever? Even better. So their picture is on the front; your info—whatever info you want—is on the back. It’s your mama business card, applicable in all sorts of circumstances.

Kodak Gallery suggests using them for sitters, for safety purposes (as in, you stick a card in your kiddo’s pocket before heading to the mall, that kind of thing), for mompreneurs (include web site, blog and Facebook URL), for introducing yourself to new mom friends, for lots of things.

But this is not a plug for Kodak Gallery or their products. It’s more of an observation.

I’ve seen these cards offered elsewhere, of course. You have, too, I’m sure. But I’ve actually never seen them in action.

Kodak’s suggestions make sense. The cards might come in handy—like at the playground when you don’t have a pen and your kid has just met her new best friend and is begging for a playdate. So why doesn’t anyone use these things? That’s a real question—not a rhetorical one. I suspect it might be because, like most things I’m a fan of (real books, printed invitations, wood-burning fireplaces), paper products are becoming obsolete. As long as you have your iPhone or BlackBerry at the playground (which you probably do), you’re good to go.

What I’m not a big fan of is putting “so-and-so’s mom” as my title. Like, instead of CEO or Senior VP or Creative Director or whatever. They give an example of that option, and I don’t like it. My kids own enough of my identity, thanks. I don’t need to make my status as their mother into my official title. I furthermore do not have the personality to pull it off. But you might.

I still like the idea of calling cards, though. I could use a little refinement in my life.

Of Birds & Boys: An Update

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:11:15 -0400

A couple of updates.

1. The baby crow: The other day, I explained the predicament (which hadn’t changed—crows still converging on our yard and treetops, mother crow—I presume—still cawing like mad and baby still answering from undisclosed location over the fence) to a biologist friend. It turns out the situation was probably not as dire as I thought (aside from the constant cawing and unsettling activity overhead). The baby was probably fine, just fledged too early, and the community was watching over it and feeding it until it figured out the flying business. I felt better; it was turning into a happy story. He said it might be another few days. I’m thinking—hoping—he was right. I’ve noticed less crow activity this week (it is rainy, but still) and it’s definitely, thankfully quieter. The neighbors are no longer looking at me suspiciously. We might be in the clear.

2. My perfect three-year-old: It’s well past 8:29 PM so I suppose I now have to say that I may have been slightly optimistic in my expectations yesterday. We may not be bidding those terrible Terrible Twos adieu quite yet. But, looking on the bright side, I must admit that the (multiple) threats to scratch me, breaking the new crayons in his big bro’s “supply box” for the sheer naughtiness of it, and telling the hairdresser she’s “stOOpid!” and then threatening to kick her (which is, unfortunately, no longer easily confused with “kiss”), all occurred well before 8:29. So maybe there’s some hope. But I have a bad feeling that we might not be in the clear just yet. Also on the bright side: I’ll still have lots to write about and other mothers won’t hate me because of my perfect kid.

Good Riddance to the Terrible Twos

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:42:02 -0400

It’s the eve of my terrible-two-year-old’s third birthday. You know this kid read the manual on the Terrible Twos. He’s an A student. Graduating Summa Cum Laude.

All year, I’ve told myself (and plenty of others) that his surprisingly naughty behavior (after all, his parents are so nice) was the terrible twos. A terrible case of the terrible twos, in fact. Surely that explains the language (“You’re stOOpid!”—directed at me a thousand times a day, but also at little old ladies out taking their morning constitutional around the pond who stop—at their peril—to remark on such a cutie), the physicality (which, if you don’t know this already, is a generous way to describe hitting, kicking, pushing, and other violent and dangerous behavior), the spitting, the screaming, the contrary, obstinate, and belligerent personality. The only thing this terrible-two-year-old hasn’t done is bite (outside the immediate family and close friend circle, that is). And I suppose he still has up to 28 hours to rectify that omission. The year has been frustrating, humiliating, mortifying, infuriating, nerve-racking, and just plain exhausting.

All that’s about to change at the stroke of midnight. (Or, if not midnight, then at the latest, tomorrow at 8:29 PM.)

I’ve been counting down. The year of the Terrible Twos is just about up.

Now I’m mere hours away from a total Cinderella-like transformation. Otherwise I’d be avoiding friends, researching the credentials of respected local child psychologists, and crying in the kitchen (like, ahem, usual). But tomorrow, all this changes. When he wakes up—ok, or at 8:29 when he’s going to bed—I might not even recognize him. After his fairy godmother is through with him, I’ll only have annoyingly good things to write about. How he loves to share with his little friends, how he keeps his hands to himself (no matter how many Lego starships his big bro rips out of them), how he always uses his words instead of attacking, how patient, sweet, and cuddly he is. When he’s three, in a matter of hours, I will have new favorite adjectives for describing him. He will cease to be fierce and feral and will morph into a delight, an utter joy. You will hate me. He’ll be that good.

But… just in case that fairy godmother is running late, I better look up what you call a terrible-two-year-old who’s now three.

mXc Pick of the Week: Indian Ladder Farms

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:07:34 -0400

I’m just telling you now that this won’t be the only time Indian Ladder is our pick. There are too many wonderful things about the place, and different things are wonderful about it during different seasons.

Fall might be the most popular time to hit the farm—apple picking, hot apple cider donuts—but summertime is full of family farm fun, too. And a lot less crowded.

I’ve already talked about the Indian Ladder birthday party. So we can skip that.

On to the pick-your-own. I think last year was the first year we made it out to the farm for every pick-your-own they do. When we needed something to do one morning last June, we met friends out at the strawberry patch. Another afternoon in July, before leaving for vacation, we went to pick blueberries. We did apples in early October. We picked pumpkins twice later that month. You get the idea. I don’t know why kids have so much fun picking their own (I’ll resist a crass wisecrack here), but this is one simple, inexpensive, outdoors activity that never fails to yield cute photo ops and a good time. This is, hands down, one of my kids’ very very favorite places. On earth.

While you’re at Indian Ladder, you will inevitably spend a while watching the kids play in the sand pit (they will absolutely need a bath), maybe harass the animals, and doubtless buy some yummy baked goods. If you get out of there with some local veggies and without another toy tractor from the gift shop, then you’re in good shape.

Check what’s being picked this week here or call (866) 640-PICK for the latest updates. Local food festival is on all day, June 20.

We All Scream for Emack & Bolio's

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:40:33 -0400

Since we’ve been talking about summer birthday parties lately, I should mention that in addition to trying out a swank pedicure this week, I also took my kindergartener to a party at the Uptown Emack & Bolio’s. Yup. It was a big week out on the town.

We’ve been to birthday parties at the Delaware Ave. store—now known as Emack & Bolio’s Downtown—before. That’s such a great place—the tin roof, the picket fence, the Christmas lights strung between trees. For a winter party, you’re inside, of course. Which is still fun, but a little tight when a bunch of kids are jacked up on make-your-own ice cream sundaes. For a summer party, the yard at the Delaware Ave. would be fun. You’d just have to make sure those jacked-up kids don’t go outside the picket fence (where people might be jacked-up on things other than ice cream sundaes).

The Uptown store on Western Avenue (Guilderland Town Center Price Chopper Plaza) has more open space inside, but no outdoor garden. The party we went to was big. There was a whole class of kids there. But it didn’t feel crowded—and the staff seemed pretty laid back considering the whole place was overrun with five- and six-year-olds on sugar highs. They played a pin-the-cherry-on-the-sundae game and later a hot potato game with an ice cream cone (stuffed, not real—though most of the kids licked it anyway as it made the rounds). When they got out, they got to make their own sundaes, which I thought was a clever way of avoiding tears and possible fistfights. E + B’s let my friend (the hostess) bring in her own food to serve for dinner, and there was time and room for a craft project, too.

All in all, I’d say it’s a good option for a birthday party venue. In winter, I’d do Uptown. In summer, I’d try Downtown and move inside if the weather doesn’t cooperate. But no matter when your party is or what end of town you’re at, kids are always ready to scream for ice cream.

Pedicure Ponderings

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:59:33 -0400

As you know from yesterday, I had a fancy pedicure today. Splurge.

So I’m thinking, what justifies a $65 pedicure? What can possibly distinguish it from my usual $27 one? After thinking about it all afternoon and studying the results (i.e., my glossy A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find-wearing toes), this is what I’ve come up with:

• The massage chairs felt plusher (more plush? Either way.).

• The exfoliating mineral leg rub was a bonus.

• The leg and foot massage was longer (but is it ever long enough?).

• There was a more leisurely pace (as opposed to the assembly-line atmosphere of some nail salons that prevent any degree of relaxation, much less any pretext of a spa experience).

• My toes received an extra base coat.

• I had a cup of tea.

Maybe I’m missing some of the finer points—perhaps the finishing spray used here is indeed superior to the topcoat I’m used to (after all, I am assuming this is going to be the longest lasting pedicure ever)—but I’m not sure I get it. I am certainly not complaining (thanks for the gift card, Honey! Keep ‘em coming!). It’s just kind of nice to know that I’m not missing much with my $27 pedicure.

Especially since within an hour of coming home, I was chasing my terrible-two-year-old down the driveway and then up the sidewalk barefoot (filthy). And that was after my kindergartener had caught my big toe in the door he was slamming.

With that $38, I can buy a babysitter.

A Day for the Birds

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:48:04 -0400

Just when I’m wondering what to write about, I have one of those days where you feel like you must be the only person alive whose life goes like this. I’m sure you have days like this, but this one—mine on Monday—was particularly one of Those Days.

First of all, I have to preface this by telling you that I’m on my own with the kids this week. If that doesn’t sound like a big deal to you, then your kids are not like my kids.

Second of all, you may remember my terrible-two-year-old’s penchant for dog poop earlier this Spring. It’s still going strong. Only now he doesn’t need dog poop. He’s figured out that his own is just as interesting and often more accessible. (And don’t even think about telling me that he must be ready for the potty, because if I hear one more person say that to me… That is clearly not the point.)

So keep these two facts in mind. On Sunday night, my kindergartener reports, while bathing, that there is a hawk downed in our neighbor’s yard. I think this is pretty far-fetched, he shrugs, and that’s that. Then crows—it sounds like Hitchcock’s The Birds—wake me up at 3 AM. They’re everywhere. They don’t quit cawing. Trust me, it’s spooky. I let the dog and kids out back after breakfast and what’s in the backyard? My backyard, of all the backyards on the street? No, not a wounded hawk, don’t get too excited. A baby crow that can’t fly. This, it turns out, is the downed hawk. My kindergartener looks vindicated.

Not knowing what exactly to do, I decide that this is an instance when nature simply has to take its course. But after listening to the crows all day long, by 7 PM, I can’t take it anymore and I can’t imagine not sleeping again because of their cawing. The kids are watching TV. I sneak out with an empty diaper box, a shovel, and gardening gloves. My plan is to remove the baby crow to the woods by the park at the end of the street. Let its relatives protect it down there. My heart is thumping, the crows in the branches overhead see me come out of the back door armed and start flying circles around—crows are very smart, you know. I feel like it’s Hitchcock now for real and wonder what the kids will do if I get attacked by crows before their very eyes in the backyard. But I don’t have much time; the terrible-two-year-old’s attention span—even while watching TV—is not long.

I get the poor, terrified baby crow cornered between a huge Maple and the fence. (Not my intention, that was his doing.) The diaper box isn’t going to work. He works himself halfway through a hole in the bottom of the fence and, inevitably, gets stuck. He then plays dead. I’m not sure that he’s not dead. (I hope you’re imagining the crows all cawing and flying around above still, because that’s what was happening.) I try prodding his tail feathers with the shovel. He plays dead even harder. I don’t want to hurt him, but I can’t leave him stuck in the fence. The grownup crows are beside themselves. The clock is ticking on the on-demand Berenstain Bears. I throw down the shovel and (I’m wearing the gardening gloves, remember) push the crow through the hole into our neighbor’s yard. He still plays dead. He’s not on my property anymore, but it doesn’t matter. I haven’t accomplished anything—except, I fear, killing the baby crow and enraging its extended family.

The kids are calling for me. There’s nothing else I can really do. I feel bad about the baby crow. I wish its mother would either help it or shut up.

When I go back inside, you know what I find, right? My terrible-two-year-old, naked, and pellets of poop scattered around the sunroom floor. I clean it up (for the second time that day) and bathe him (the third time that day) as the crows caw and circle outside.

As it turns out, I didn’t kill it. I know this for a fact because I can hear its little caws out there somewhere right now. And its grownups are still here, too. How long can it take for nature to take its course?

Good thing I’m in for a $65 pedicure tomorrow.

mXc Pick of the Week: Fleet Feet Sports

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:34:44 -0400

Everyone’s talking about Fleet Feet Sports lately. Maybe because now that summer is around the corner and we’re outside more, many of us are inclined to kick our exercise regimens into a higher gear. Not to mention the motivation offered by the upcoming beach or lake vacation. And playdates and cookouts at your neighbor’s swimming pool.

If you’re taking to the roads or trails or sand or track this summer, you need the right equipment. From what we’ve heard, the folks at Fleet Feet have an intricate system for analyzing your particular needs, based on what you want to do and what kind of feet you have. This pretty in-depth consultation allows the staff to match you up with the best shoe (or “solution,” as they say) for you. You can even give their picks a test drive in the parking lot.

The first step to looking like the hot mama that you are at the beach or neighborhood block party this year might be to head to Fleet Feet out on Wolf Road. And that’s why it’s the mXc pick of the week.

Another mXc Party in the Works

Fri, 28 May 2010 14:35:50 -0400

Here’s a heads-up: don’t put that party dress away just yet!

In the news box, you might’ve noticed that we’re planning another party! Now that we’ve celebrated Mother’s Day together, we might as well ring in summertime with some fun mama time before everyone heads off to vacation.

We’ll keep you posted on the details; for now, we can tell you that this party will be similar to Mom’s Night Out in a few ways, but with a twist. Or two.

There. That’s all we can say.

I’d love to stick around, but I really have to get my Memorial Day weekend started.

A Confession about the Troy Farmers Market

Thu, 27 May 2010 15:43:47 -0400

Is everyone enjoying an extra day off from school with their kids today??

… I have to tell you something. I haven’t said anything about the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market—the biggest and most notable one around, I think, and practically an institution—because, well, I’ve never really been there.

Before you lose all respect for me, allow me to clarify. I mean, I’ve been there—once—but it didn’t count. It was sort of… rained out. It was one of those Saturday mornings where I was not going to be deterred, and so we were doomed for disappointment. I had been meaning to see what the Troy Farmers Market was all about; I’d been hearing friends and colleagues go on and on about it—special eggs laid by fancy hens, handmade goatmilk soap made by some magic woman—for a year. It started to sound like something out of a fairy tale. So I made a plan that we were all going to go—finally—one Saturday in early summer. And then it turned out to be a little rainy. But we were all going to go. We went, it was virtually empty, we walked around for five minutes, looked at the river, and drove home soggy and kind of cold. So now you can see what I mean that I’ve been but not been at the same time. (But I did try.)

So that’s why I haven’t acknowledged THE area farmers market before. It’s kind of embarrassing to admit that after all these years here, I still haven’t been. Especially considering my claims of being such a lifelong aficionado. But there. I’ve said it. Now you know.

Someone else—like just about everyone else I know around here—can tell you more about it.

(Or, you can have a look for yourself—every Saturday 9 AM-1 PM at Riverfront Park.)

New Farmers Market Opening in Time for Memorial Day Weekend

Wed, 26 May 2010 14:51:42 -0400

Here are the details on that JCC Farmers Market we mentioned yesterday. Grand opening is tomorrow to kick off the long Memorial Day Weekend!

GET YOUR FRESH PRODUCE AT THE JCC FARMERS’ MARKET!!

Starting May 27 and every Thursday through Sep. 2

3-6 PM Buy local and support your community.

Reflections Upon a Farmers Market

Tue, 25 May 2010 14:20:41 -0400

It seems to me that one of the best things we’ve got going in this area during the summer months is a good choice of farmers markets. And more seem to be cropping up all the time and in the unlikeliest of places. In the past week alone I’ve heard of two markets in unexpected spots: one at the Albany JCC and the other on Central Avenue.

What made me think of all this was yesterday’s post.

My appreciation for farmers markets goes deeper than my willingness to support homegrown local businesses and farmers and probably even deeper than my desire to feed my family healthy food that hasn’t been pumped full of chemicals or shipped halfway around the world. No doubt the farmers market appeals to me for both of these important reasons, but I think I like taking my kids to the farmers market mostly because my dad used to take me.

Some of my haziest, earliest memories involve waking up practically in the dark with my dad on Saturday morning and heading to downtown Hartford (at least, that’s where I think we headed—and again, a rather unlikely place) for the farmers market.

I’m not sure how trendy farmers markets were when we were little kids. There’s no way they could’ve been as hot as they are today. They definitely weren’t sprouting in parking lots everywhere like they are now (or else we wouldn’t have gone to Hartford). When I was going to the farmers market with my dad, first of all, you had to be there at the crack of dawn. Those farmers pulled out of there by lunch. Second of all, there were no special attractions that I can remember geared toward kids. It was trucks and tables and produce.

Most farmers markets are significantly more family-oriented these days, which means that you can get some errands done and have a good time with your kids. And support homegrown and feed your fam healthy food. There’s got to be a farmers market in your neighborhood, so take advantage of this cheap, fun opportunity for a family outing over the next few months. (And add your favorite market to the mXc directory.)

I still remember those Saturday mornings, riding in the sticky (vinyl?) backseat of the station wagon, chomping on the end of a big loaf of crusty bread on the way home. It’s kind of funny to think that such a mundane thing as shopping for cucumbers or geraniums might just be the thing that forms your own kids’ memories. I realize that sounds completely corny, but it must be why I’m only too happy to buy those Mennonites’ whoopee pies.

mXc Pick of the Week: Capital District Farmers Market

Mon, 24 May 2010 12:27:45 -0400

If you haven’t been to the Capital District Farmers Market over in Menands, what are you waiting for? Your garden has holes to fill and fresh veggie season is here at long last!

The same dear friend who told me most of what I know about what’s up around here first brought me out to Menands years ago to go garden flower shopping. I was hooked, my garden is flourishing (despite my children’s “help”), and the market is now an established part of my summertime repertoire.

Here are just a few reasons why you should make it part of yours.

First, it’s not too big and usually not overly crowded. If you know what you’re looking for, you can get in and out without a hassle. If your young companions need to get in and out without a hassle, then you can cover the territory in a relatively short amount of time.

Second, that being said, if you do have some time to spend and you’re looking to be inspired, there are hundreds of plants and flowers to consider and learn about.

Next, part of the market is under cover, so the market is on every weekend, rain or shine. You’ll find fruit and vegetable stalls under the pavilion, along with local honey, baked goods, crafts, and more. As an added attraction, sometimes farmers will bring along a goat or chicken, too, which always impresses the kiddos. I must say, some of the best cherries I have ever eaten have come from Decker’s Produce at the market.

As an aside, I have brought my out-of-town father, an unofficial master gardener and official cheapster, to the market several times over the years. He swears the plants are high quality (my garden can vouch for this, too) and the prices are unbeatable. So, see, you don’t have to go to the nursery at Home Depot.

On top of all this good stuff, the market holds a variety of special events all season long, which are advertised on their site and also in the fliers they hand out on market days. Probably our favorite was a couple years ago when my fire truck-obsessed son got to ride up (really high) and down a fire truck ladder and ride around the parking lot in a fire truck. That was pure luck. I had no clue it was Emergency Awareness Day; I just needed some more Black-Eyed Susans. They’ve also enjoyed tractor-drawn hayrides and corn mazes, but perhaps not as much as the whoopie pies they always pick out (look for the Mennonites).

So as you think about what your garden needs this year, think about trying out the Capital District Farmers Market. You’re supporting local farmers, the prices are good, and there’s actually some fun to be had for the kiddos. Sure, the big box sells plants, but it doesn’t sell homemade Whoopie Pies now, does it?

A Party in Playland

Thu, 20 May 2010 14:36:33 -0400

I guess we can’t really discuss outdoor summer birthday parties without discussing another big local favorite: Hoffman’s Playland.

You know, I think I lived here and drove by Hoffman’s for a few years before figuring out what the heck it was. I found out once I had a full-fledged preschooler. But before meeting friends there one afternoon a few summers ago, I had never seen an amusement park on that (small) scale before. It’s like a bite-size oreo: perfectly proportioned for a kiddo treat.

Hoffman’s is a slice of authentic American childhood in sort of the opposite way that Indian Ladder is. That feels all one-with-nature and organic and back-to-basics. This is concrete and mechanical and loud and sugary. I remember chatting with a few preschool moms last Spring at the “graduation” party, annually held at Hoffman’s, about the special appeal the place had. A few of them grew up around here, so had warm-fuzzy memories of visits to Hoffman’s with grandparents and that kind of thing. They love it there because not much has changed. And now they’re bringing their own kids. Same rides. Same feel. A real sense of family history and tradition. I didn’t grow up here, but I can certainly appreciate the nostalgia. If you can imagine your kid in the agrarian 19^th century at Indian Ladder, then you can imagine her in the technicolor 1950s at Hoffman’s. Golly, you’ve just got to enjoy Hoffman’s if vintage Americana is your thing.

Hoffman’s is a very popular place for kid parties. Packages start at $17.95/kid with an 8 guest minimum. This may sound pricey, but it does include ride tickets (the number depends on your party package) and a full meal at a reserved table. You can add party extras like balloons and goody bags. You bring the cake.

Like the farm, it tends to be a crowded place on nice days. So this is my one heads-up about booking a Playland party: This is probably not a party where all the kids are going to hang out together or travel in a pack or agree on the same ride at the same time. I think do-ability totally depends on how old your birthday kiddo is. If he or she is young enough for the parents to stay, then you have plenty of supervision and don’t have to stress about keeping track of a minimum of 8 kids who are jumping out of their skin to go on all different rides. If you’re in the drop-off age bracket, then I’d try to have a few friends stay to help manage the mayhem. But no matter what, it’s going to be dispersed and probably a little nuts.

Still, I honestly can’t think of too many places my kids would rather go for a party than Hoffman’s. They think they’re at Disney World over there. (And no matter how expensive the parties are, they’re still a whole lot more economical than Orlando.)

The Summer Birthday Party @ Indian Ladder

Wed, 19 May 2010 14:10:14 -0400

Probably my favorite outdoor birthday parties—that I’ve both hosted and attended—have been at Indian Ladder Farms out in Altamont. Now, this is undoubtedly due in part to the fact that Indian Ladder is one of my favorite places in the area just in general and has been since I first moved here. That place makes me want to live on a farm. I love the shingled buildings and old-school green trim. I love the café. I love the way you feel like your kids are enjoying a slice of authentic American childhood when you’re there picking apples or berries, petting the baby animals (“petting”—the kind that happens around the chick’s little throat) (four more days for that, by the way, folks), and getting all filthy and dusty as they grab toy trucks from other kids in the sand pit. The landscape is beautiful, no matter what time of year you go. There might be a few changes I’d like to see (a horse, maybe?), but overall I’d say they’ve got a good thing going out there. For sure. In short, the farm is made for family traditions.

Back to the birthday party. I think I’ve experienced the Indian Ladder Birthday Party during all three outdoor seasons. Let me think. Yup. I have. Been to parties in both Fall and Spring and threw one there two summers ago (hey, the same summer I got the green bike that’s currently casting off integral parts). It’s not cheap ($16-$18/child with 10 child minimum) but relatively not too, too expensive—and a good value. If you’ve been to a school field trip out at the farm, then you have an idea what the party is like.

There are three seasonally specific themes to choose from, but the party generally goes like this.

Feeding the animals: Every Indian Ladder party I’ve been to has included the kids getting a bucket of veggies to feed (or throw at) the animals—sheep, goats, donkey, Rosie. Your party coordinator directs this and, if he or she is good, the kids sing “Old MacDonald” and other farm songs as they traipse from barn to pen.

Feeding the other animals: Parties include a kids’ snack or meal (I think we did pizza, but the café’s box lunches are also an option) and you can add a delicious farm-made cake, food for grownups, etc. We ate in the barn (talk about atmosphere), but every other party I’ve been to has eaten under the tent by the sheep.

Tractor-drawn hayrides: Last Fall, we took the hayride out to the pumpkin patch. During my then-four-year-old’s August party, kids got to pick the season’s first apples on the hayride. The hayride is inevitably a party highlight.

They’ll do farm-themed goody bags, too, although I’m so neurotic about this that I supplemented with my own.

I must also say that, regarding yesterday’s post, summer birthdays have one possible advantage. The farm was totally deserted except for us at that August party I gave. It was like I rented out the whole place—or owned it (bonus). We closed it down. So I have adorable photos with no randoms in the background. We were the focus of the staff’s attention and we stayed until the kids were ready to leave when it started getting dark (after even the staff had taken off). Also regarding yesterday’s post, of course, I did pay for a couple kids who didn’t wind up being able to make it (no bonus). The party we went to in the Fall was the opposite. The party was still fun, the kids had a blast, but it was one of those warm autumn weekends when the whole world seemed to be at the farm. Total chaos.

So our first outdoor birthday party choice has to be Indian Ladder. It costs some money (though probably not much more than if you had to put a homemade party on yourself), but you really can’t go wrong. It’s a unique, local, family-owned place and even if it drizzled, the party would still be a success.

Stay tuned for more ideas.

We’d love for you to post your own outdoor summer party suggestions to the mXc Facebook wall, by the way.