John McCain Called!

Politics infests our home. We watch the presidential election race on t.v., read about it online, and talk about politics at the dinner table. This is not lost on Sassy, our three-and-a-half-year-old-going-on-15, who listens to everything. Sometimes we forget what we say around her (including those choice word selections that we use behind the driver's wheel), and we may not always be the best judge of what she watches on t.v. But as parents, just trying to do the best we can for our kids.

Anyway, Sassy was watching t.v. in our office/guest room last week. On the t.v. was Wizards of Waverly Place or some other age inappropriate show. We we busy in the kitchen getting dinner ready. The house phone rang. Husband and I had a dispute over who will answer it. It was an unknown number, which in our home, means that the answering machine will pick it up, and so it goes. Not a minute later, Sassy came running into the kitchen, and in a loud voice said, "Mommy, Daddy, John McCain from t.v. called our house!! Isn't that exciting?! You know, the John McCain from t.v.!" The last time she was this excited, it usually involved a gift of some sort of a pink plastic princess piece or lipgloss. Indeed, John McCain, or someone from his campaign, left a pre-recorded message on our answering machine about some town hall meeting. Sassy also knows who Barack Obama is - although she calls him Obamawa. I swear, the kid amazes me. Sometimes, I forget that she's only three. Just thought I'd share that story.

Any Boca moms out there have funny kid stories? I'd love to hear them. Post a comment.

July 2008: Things to Do With Your Family & Kids Around Boca

Boca Mom's List of Activities for July, 2008.

Brought to you by: bocamom411.blogspot.com

Please call to verify times and to check for cancellations. If you have an event you would like to add, email me. Check back often for updates as events will be added/deleted to this list. Let me know how I’m doing by posting a comment. We hope to see you around town!

Sundays-Fridays, 2:30 p.m. Feeding at the Tanks at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. 1801 No. Ocean Blvd. Call 338-1473. All ages. Witness a feeding frenzy at the tanks filled with sharks, sea turtles, and fish. No fee.

Saturdays, 11:30 a.m., Feeding at the Tanks at Gumbo Limbo. All ages. No fee.

Tuesday, July 1, 10-10:30 a.m., Drop-In Story Time at Spanish River Library 1501 NW Spanish River Blvd. Call 393-7582. All ages. Adult must accompany child. Free!

Tuesday, July 1, 4-5:30 p.m., Family Jump Time at Pump it Up! 5000-B Coconut Creek Parkway, Pompano. Reservations recommended. Call 954-344-9727. $8 per person. Play on giant, soft, fun-filled interactive inflatables. Wear socks.

Wednesday, July 2, 1:30 p.m. Munch n’ Movie at Spanish River Library. Munchies & a family movie will be served. Free!

Wednesday, July 2, 4-5:30 p.m., Family Jump Time at Pump it Up! Reservations recommended. Call: 954-344-9727. $8 per person. Wear socks.

Thursday, July 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Teens’ Movie Mania at Downtown Boca Raton Library 200 NW Boca Raton Blvd. (2nd Ave) Call 393-7968. Movie title TBA. Ages 13-17. Free pizza & soda provided.

Thursday, July 3, Ringo Starr at Hard Rock Live. Tickets must be purchased, call 954-797-5531. (any Beatle is a good Beatle)

Friday, July 4, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Concert & Fireworks at Sunset Cove Amphitheater. Palm Beach County proudly presents its 1st annual July 4th Celebration featuring Private Stock Band performing hits from 1940 to today. Fireworks by Zambelli to follow.

Friday, July 4, starting at 1 p.m., 4th of July in Deerfield Beach.
Children's Activities & DJ from 1-4 pm. Fun-filled activities including a water slide and other inflatables, music and interactive games. Beachside Concerts: Final Countdown Band at 6 pm, Jay and the Americans at 7:30 p.m. Spectacular Fireworks with The Mad Bomber at 9 p.m. Main Parking Lot, Southeast First Street and Ocean Way, one block south of Hillsboro Boulevard. Complimentary parking at The Cove Shopping Center, 1500 E. Hillsboro Blvd. with shuttle service from 12-5 p.m. and 11 p.m.-12 a.m.

Friday, July 4, 6-9:30 p.m., Fireworks at FAU Campus. 777 Glades Road. Enjoy a Fabulous 4th at FAU’s Campus.Family Activities start at 6 p.m. and there's "You're a Grand Old Flag" stage show at 6:30 p.m. The Florida Wind Symphony is scheduled to perform at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks go off at 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 5, 10 a.m., Create with 3D Sidewalk Chalk at Michaels, Glades Rd. Ages 5–12. $5 per child—supplies included. Create amazing effects with specially designed Crayola dual-ended 3D Chalk. No matter the skill level, Crayola makes it simple to get amazing results. Kids are invited to join 30-minute sessions at 10am, 10:30am, 11am or 11:30 a.m.

Monday, July 7, 10-11 a.m. Sing Song Story Time at Sugar Sand Park Community Center. Adult must accompany child. Free.

Monday, July 7, 7-7:30 p.m., Drop-In Story Time at Downtown Boca Raton Library 200 NW Boca Raton Blvd. (2nd Ave) Call 393-7968. All ages. Adult must accompany child. Free!

Tuesday, July 8, 10-10:30 a.m., Drop-In Story Time at Spanish River Library 1501 NW Spanish River Blvd. Call 393-7582. All ages. Adult must accompany child. Free!

Tuesday, July 8, 3:30 p.m., Robbie the Redbird Visits Southwest County Regional Library. The Cardinals; mascot will be visiting the library to kick off the Summer Reading Night.

Tuesday, July 8, 10:00 a.m. Kids Summer Film Series “Surf's Up” Deerfield Mall, Sunrise 11, and Intracoastal Mall Cinemas. Admission is 50 cents for family favorites playing each Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. “Surf's Up” is an animated mockumentary which follows penguin Cody Maverick from his hometown of Shiverpool, Antarctica, to the "Big Z Memorial Surf Off" on Pen Gu Island.

Tuesday, July 8, 10-11:30 a.m. Pop In Pre-K Play Time at Pump It Up! 5000-B Coconut Creek Parkway, Pompano. Call: 954-344-9727. Ages 2-6. $8 per child. Bounce, slide, climb and play on the giant, soft, fun-filled interactive inflatables. Wear socks.

Wednesday, July 9, 1:30 p.m. Munch n’ Movie at Spanish River Library. Movie title TBA. Free!

Wednesday, July 9, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tweens Movie Mania at Spanish River Library. Ages 9-12. Movie titles TBA. Free pizza & drinks provided.

Wednesday, July 9, 4-5:30 p.m., Family Jump Time at Pump it Up! Reservations recommended. Call: 954-344-9727. $8 per person. Wear socks.

Thursday, July 10, 10-10:30 a.m., Drop-In Story Time at Downtown Boca Raton Library. All ages. Adult must accompany child. Free!

Thursday, July 10, Carole King at Hard Rock Live, Hollywood. Tickets must be purchased.

July 10 -13, 8-10 p.m. Shakespeare Festival presents A Comedy of Errors at Sunset Cove Amphitheater. Call (561) 488-7414.

Friday, July 11, 3 p.m., Super Getty the Gecko at Downtown Boca Raton Library. Skits, songs & dances. Ages 5 and up. Adult must accompany child. Free!

Friday, July 11, 3 p.m., Suzy Hammer at Spanish River Library. Call 393-7968. Sugar & Spice & everything nice. All ages. Adult must accompany child. Free!

Friday, July 11, & Saturday, July 12, Dave Matthews Band at Cruzan Amphitheater, West Palm Beach. Tickets must be purchased. Call: 561-795-8883.

Friday, July 11, 7 p.m., Summer Music Series – Neil Diamond Tribute at Mizner Park. Free. Pack a picnic and bring some lawn chairs and enjoy the show.

Saturday, July 12, 10-10:30 a.m., Drop-In Saturday Story Times at Downtown Boca Raton Library AND at the Spanish River Library. All ages. Adult must accompany child. Free!

Sunday, July 13, 11 a.m., Morning Movie Madness at Sugar Sand Community Center. Tickets MUST be purchased in advance. Call: 561-347-3948. Cost: $1 per person (includes popcorn & drink). “Buzz Lightyear of Star Command” Buzz Lightyear takes on the evil Zurg in intergalactic combat to infinity and beyond!

Monday, July 14, 7-7:30 p.m., Drop-In Story Time at Downtown Boca Raton Library. All ages. Adult must accompany child. Free!

Tuesday, July 15, 10-10:30 a.m., Drop-In Story Time at Spanish River Library. All ages. Adult must accompany child. Free!

Tuesday, July 15, Tom Petty & Heartbreakers Concert at Bank Atlantic Center. Tickets must be purchased. Run down a dream and get a babysitter for the night.

Wednesday, July 16, 1:30 p.m. Munch n’ Movie at Spanish River Library. Free!

Wednesday, July 16, 10-11:30 a.m. Pop In Pre-K Play Time at Pump It Up! Ages 2-6. $8 per child. Wear socks.

Wednesday, July 16, 4 p.m., Kamishibai for Kids at Southwest County Regional Library. Reservations required. Call 561-482-4554. Kamishibai also known as paper theater, is where a storyteller tells several stories with the use of a set of illustrated boards inserted into the stage and withdrawn one by one as the story is told. Witness a Kamishibai performance at the library, and enjoy a related orgami craft.

Wednesday, July 16, 7 p.m. Open Mic Night at Willow Theater at Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail. Registration is Required. Call 561-347-3948. Ages 12 & up. 20 singers and stand up comedians, get your 5 minutes of fame!

Thursday, July 17, 10-11:30 a.m. Pop In Pre-K Play Time at Pump It Up! Ages 2-6. $8 per child. Wear socks.

Thursday, July 17, 10-10:30 a.m., Drop-In Story Time at Downtown Boca Raton Library. All ages. Adult must accompany child. Free!

Thursday, July 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Tween Dance Revolution at Downtown Boca Raton Library. Ages 9-12. Show off your dance moves.

July 17-20, 8-10 p.m. Shakespeare Festival presents A Comedy of Errors at Sunset Cove Amphitheater. Call (561) 488-7414.

Friday, July 18, 3 p.m., Scott Humson at Downtown Boca Raton Library. All ages. Adult must accompany child. Free!

Friday, July 18, 3 p.m., Darrell House at Spanish River Library. Singer, songwriter, author & recording artist. Ages 5 & up. Adult must accompany child. Free!

Saturday, July 19, 10-10:30 a.m., Drop-In Saturday Story Times at Downtown Boca Raton Library AND at the Spanish River Library. All ages. Adult must accompany child. Free!

Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m., Create Leather and Suede Bracelets at Michaels, Glades Rd. Ages 5–12. $5 per child—supplies included. These leather bracelets and tag are ready to be embellished or decorated as desired. Imagination and creativity are encouraged to show your style! Kids are invited to join 30-minute sessions at 10am, 10:30am, 11am or 11:30 a.m.

Monday, July 21, 7-7:30 p.m., Drop-In Story Time at Downtown Boca Raton Library. All ages. Adult must accompany child. Free!

Tuesday, July 22, 10-10:30 a.m., Drop-In Story Time at Spanish River Library. All ages. Adult must accompany child. Free!

Tuesday, July 22, 10-11:30 a.m. Pop In Pre-K Play Time at Pump It Up! Ages 2-6. $8 per child. Wear socks.

Wednesday, July 23, 1:30 p.m. Munch n’ Movie at Spanish River Library. Free!

Wednesday, July 23, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Tweens Yoga at Spanish River Library. Ages 9-12. An intro to yoga basics.

Wednesday, July 23, 4-5:30 p.m., Family Jump Time at Pump it Up! Reservations recommended. Call: 954-344-9727. $8 per person. Wear socks.

Wednesday, July 23, Poison, Sebastian Bach Concert at Cruzan Amphitheater, West Palm Beach. Tickets must be purchased for this concert. Call: 561-795-8883. Bring back 80’s rock!

Thursday, July 24, 10-10:30 a.m., Drop-In Story Time at Downtown Boca Raton Library. All ages. Adult must accompany child. Free!

Thursday, July 24, 10-11:30 a.m. Pop In Pre-K Play Time at Pump It Up! Ages 2-6. $8 per child. Wear socks.

July 24-27, 8-10 p.m. Shakespeare Festival presents A Comedy of Errors at Sunset Cove Amphitheater. Call (561) 488-7414.

Friday, July 25, 3 p.m., Darrell House at Downtown Boca Raton Library. Singer, songwriter, author & recording artist. Ages 5 & up. Adult must accompany child. Free!

Friday, July 25, 3 p.m., Super Getty the Gecko at Spanish River Library. Skits, songs & dances. Ages 5 and up. Adult must accompany child. Free!

Friday, July 25, 7 p.m., Summer Music Series – Jimmy Buffet Tribute at Mizner Park. Free.

Saturday, July 26, 10-10:30 a.m., Drop-In Saturday Story Times at Downtown Boca Raton Library AND at the Spanish River Library. All ages. Adult must accompany child. Free!

Saturday, July 26, 11a.m.-3 p.m., Health & Wellness Expo at Publix GreenWise Market. The store will have a day of free samples, demonstrations and lectures. Lots of info on topics from skincare, hair care, vitamins, alternative medicine, makeup, etc.

Monday, July 28, 7-7:30 p.m., Drop-In Story Time at Downtown Boca Raton Library. All ages. Adult must accompany child. Free.

Tuesday, July 29, 10-10:30 a.m., Drop-In Story Time at Spanish River Library. All ages. Adult must accompany child. Free.

Tuesday, July 29, 10-11:30 a.m. Pop In Pre-K Play Time at Pump It Up! Ages 2-6. $8 per child. Wear socks.

Wednesday, July 30, 4-5:30 p.m., Family Jump Time at Pump it Up! Reservations recommended. Call: 954-344-9727. $8 per person. Wear socks.

Thursday, July 31, 10-11:30 a.m. Pop In Pre-K Play Time at Pump It Up! Ages 2-6. $8 per child. Wear socks.

Thursday, July 31, 10-10:30 a.m., Drop-In Story Time at Downtown Boca Raton Library. All ages. Adult must accompany child. Free.

Thursday, July 31, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Tweens Board Game Night at Downtown Boca Raton Library. Ages 9-12. Play Monopoly, Uno, Clue, Life, etc.

Thursday, July 31, 7 p.m., Boys Like Girls & Good Charlotte Concert at Mizner Park. Tickets may be purchased at www.Livenation.com or Ticketmaster.

Thursday, July 31, Journey, Heart, Cheap Trick Concert at Cruzan Amphitheater, West Palm Beach. Tickets must be purchased for this concert. Call: 561-795-8883. Get a babysitter for a fun night out! (Ask me for local babysitter recommendations!)

Safety Tattoos for Kids

How cool is this? If your child has not memorized your phone number you can tattoo the number to your child! What a great idea for those times you take the little ones to a large public place like the zoo or an amusement park?! There is also one for allergies. Check it out at: www.safetytat.com

Happy Father's Day 2008

Happy's Father's Day! In our house, that means that Daddy "sleeps in" until about 7:30 a.m., and still cooks (after all, we don't want Mommy burning down the house). This past week, my husband and I spent our 8th wedding anniversary. The years seem to fly by quickly. I have watched him grow from a "boy" in his 20s and into a father. There is an immense tenderness that my husband has for our little girls, Sassy and Sweet, and with each of their smiles, you can tell that they adore their Daddy. There is no one else in the world who can make Sweet (almost 4 months) belly laugh until she turns pink, or toss Sassy into the sky and make her feel like she is flying. His hugs are all they need when the boogie man creeps into their dreams, and his love is their constant security blanket. To all the dads who love their kids, in Boca and beyond, have a wonderful father's day!

Tim Russert

Tragically, Tim Russert died yesterday from a sudden heart attack. Russert may not have been from Boca (he was a Buffalo, NY boy), but he certainly visited our little corner of the world. Russert last appeared publicly in Boca Raton when he served as moderator of a presidential candidate debate at the Florida Atlantic University campus in January, 2008. We frequently welcomed Russert into our home (on our T.V., of course), immensely enjoying his political coverage delivered with enthusiasm and with a cloak of neutrality. With his tossled hair, friendly smile, and round face, I though he looked like a Cabbage Patch kid - a respectable one at that. I was really looking forward to his coverage of the upcoming presidential election. He will certainly be missed in our house.