December 23 - December 30
It's hard to believe the holidays are upon us!  The weather is looking warmer, but no worries, the snow is here for the long run!  Before we get started on our current events, I wanted to give you the scoop on our next installment of the Understanding Autism discussion that our family is sponsoring...

Now on to our events...

UW Women's Basketball
Kohl Center - 601 West Dayton
Friday, December 23, 7:00 PM
http://www.uwbadgers.com/misc/event_calendar/event_calendar.aspx?day=23&month=12&year=2005
A great alternative to the Men's Basketball team.  The UW Women's Basketball events are a bit more kid friendly and easier to find seats.

Keva Sports Camp
8312 Forsythia St 662-PLAY (7529) 
December 26-30, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Full Day Camp $195.00 for 5 days or $170 for 4 days
http://www.kevasports.com/plus_programs.html
Are your kids off from school, but you are not off from work?  Keva provides great sports camps!  If you are not familiar with Keva, imagine a warehouse type of building with 2 indoor soccer fields, a roller hockey field, a basketball court, and a jungle gym!  Just what the kids need in the dead of winter!

The Magic of Believing in Yourself with Gerry Schrank
Lakeview Library, 2845 N. Sherman Ave. 246-4547
Wednesday, December 28 - 2:00 PM
http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/calendar/location_lak.html
A fast paced, fun filled, family oriented, vaudeville style variety show including magic with live doves, a rabbit named Elvis, lots of comedy and audience participation.  No registration needed.

"School's Out Fun Day!"
Monona Public Library 222-6127, 1000 Nichols Rd. [MAP]
Tuesday, Dec 27 and Thursday, Dec 29 from 3:30 to 4:30 PM
Pre-registration required. Stories, games, facepainting, booktalks, music, library treasure hunt. Library is wheelchair accessible. For information call the Monona Library at 222-6127. YouthServices@scls.lib.wi.us

Muddy Moose Espresso, Cottage Grove
449 W. Cottage Grove Rd. 608-839-5900 Cottage Grove  [MAP]
http://www.muddymooseespresso.com/workshops.htm
Every Tuesday, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m., only $3 for supplies
SCHOOL IS OUT - WHATCHA GONNA DO?
SPECIAL CRAFT SESSION for Big Kids (ages 8 and up), December 27, 1:00 - 3:00
Door Hanger Sign - decorate a personalized door sign for your own room. Make it color coordinated to match your room or write a fun message to all who enter. Space is limited to 15 kids - sign up in advance to reserve your spot! $3 for supplies.

Madison Children's Museum 
100 State Street 
http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com
Here's the schedule of events at the Children's Museum this week. 

Harlem Globetrotters
Alliant Energy Center
Friday, December 30, 7:00PM 
All seats reserved. Prices: $41.50, $22, and $16
http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/events/
What a great opportunity to have some fun with the kids!

Register Now for...

Happy Bambino
2045 Atwood Avenue Suite 113, Madison, WI 53704, 608-204-6147
http://www.happybambino.com/page.asp?pgid=150007
New sessions start in January.  Click on the link above for class options.

Why Happy Bambino? (From the Happy Bambino Website)

"Parenting is one of the most important jobs there is. The way children are raised shapes the next generation of our society. Joyful parenting requires education, support, and community. As mothers, we were struck by the challenges involved in locating the resources and products that we needed and wanted – this sparked the seeds of Happy Bambino.

Every parent has topics they would like more information about – subjects might include knowledge of basic baby care, use of specific products, assistance with breastfeeding, or discipline issues. Parents have the need for trusted sources of information, adult interaction, and supportive community - when these needs are met, the parent-child relationship can be stronger. Babies and children have the need to feel secure and to have strong bonds with their caregivers; the whole family is happier when children feel secure.

We envisioned the creation of a center that would bring together the resources, products, and support that parents and children need from pre-conception, through birth, and beyond. We pulled from our experiences, our resources, and the support and collaboration of many parent-child advocates, educators, and professionals in the community to make Happy Bambino a reality. We hope you enjoy Happy Bambino’s store and resource center!”

- Alison Dodge and Lea Wolf, Co-founders

The evolution of culture is ultimately determined by the amount of
love, understanding and freedom experienced by its children...

-Lloyd deMause

Music Together
http://www.merr.com/users/josevert/default.htm
Midvale Community Lutheran corner of Midvale and Tokay - 246-4196
New sessions start in January.  A class is typically made up of 6 to 12 children with their parents or caregivers and meets weekly for 45-minutes. Although the lesson plans are designed to have the routine that young children crave, the structure is informal and allows children to actively participate or simply observe as they choose. The classes include songs, rhythmic rhymes, movement and instrument play activities that are developmentally appropriate for children and easy for parents and caregivers, regardless of their own musical ability.

The 2006 Winter semester begins January 2nd and runs 10 weeks. They are located at Midvale Community Lutheran corner of Midvale and Tokay.  Call for class availability. First class is no charge and mid-semester sign-ups are welcome.  Additional classes will be added if needed.  For more information, contact them at 246-4196. Or Write to: Jo Severt, 313 East Bluff, Madison, WI 53704.

Ongoing Activites...

Gift Sacks for the Holidays
Michael's Craft Stores - locations
Saturday, December 24, 2005, 10:00am - Noon - $2
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/static?page=kids_events
Make gift bags for the holiday.  10:00am-Noon $2

"Yes we 'CAN' Make a Difference!"
Canned Food Drive and Family Swim
SwimWest Family Fitness Center, 1001 Deming Way
December 19th - 23rd and December 26th - 30th, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Entry Fee: One canned food item per person, per day
Benefiting Middleton Outreach Ministry (MOM) and Second Harvest Foodbank - SwimWest, MOM and Second Harvest Food Bank are putting the "FUN" in Fundraiser!! "Yes, we CAN!" is a swim event open to the entire community. Its goal is to unite swimmers of all ages & abilities to have fun and donate to those less fortunate this holiday season. Whether you're a competitive swimmer or a "dog-paddler", come join us for a fun time swimming!!

Middleton Outreach Ministry (MOM) mission is "To lead a community effort of Good Samaritans to provide care, services and Christian witness to all of our neighbors". MOM offers its services to families in crisis and assists them in becoming self-sufficient again.

Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, a private, nonprofit organization, distributes food to more than 300 charitable programs that feed the hungry in 16 southern Wisconsin counties.

Holiday Fantasy in Lights
Olin Park
November 17 - January 2
Drive-through display with animated light sculptures, dusk to dawn, 11/17/05-1/2/06, Olin-Turville Park. Donations appreciated upon exit.

December 16 - December 22
Wow, we are finally getting a real Christmas!  The weather perfect for snowmen, sledding, and all sorts of fun!

Now on to our events...

Christmas Tree Farms
For my kids, the experience of going out to the Christmas tree farm to find the perfect tree is super important.  They love running through the snow in search of just the right tree.  Here are a listing of Christmas tree farms in our area where you can take the family and cut your own.

• CaPaul's Christmas Tree Farm - 5895 River Road, Waunakee, WI 53597, 608 849-4276.  Cut your own trees, gift shop, and live reindeer.

• Miller's Christmas Trees - N3763 Otsego Rd., Rio, WI 53960, 920-992-3221 or 608-206-6239  Cut your one tree, horse drawn wagon rides (weekends), gift shop, Santa visits (weekends), and free hot apple cider.

• Summer's Christmas Tree Farm - 4610 Rocky Dell Rd., Middleton, WI 53562, 608-831-4414.  Cut your own trees and gift shop.

• Hann's Christmas Farm - 848 Tipperary Rd, Oregon, WI 53575. 608-835-5464, 10 miles S of Madison. Cut your own trees, gift shop, haystack, Santa on first 3 weekends after Thanksgiving.

Kids' Open Mic
Zuzu Cafe 1336 Drake St. 608-260-9898 Madison  [MAP]
Sunday, December 18, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM - FREE
Calling all young hams, divas, and superstars!  Zuzu's is opening their stage up especially for you!  Forget putting on shows in your living room.  Come down to Zuzu's and perform in front of a real live audience.  It's an open mic afternoon for any kid who wants to show off their talent!  Sing a song, play an instrument, act out a favorite play-- whatever it is that your kids love, show it off!

"Microbial Safari" Workshop
UW Space Place - 2300 S. Park St., Suite LL-100 - 608-262-4779  [MAP]
Saturday, December 17, 10:00 AM - FREE
http://www.spaceplace.wisc.edu/
Space Place family workshops are for children ages 6-10 and their parents, and are offered the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month. The workshops are free and open to the public. No registration is required for any of the workshops.

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides 
Greenway Station - Middleton  - FREE
December 17 - 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
www.greenwayshopping.com/hours.asp
For more information please call 608.824.9111 or visit www.greenwayshopping.com/hours.asp.

UW Women's Basketball
Kohl Center - 601 West Dayton
Friday, December 23, 7:00 PM
http://www.uwbadgers.com/misc/event_calendar/event_calendar.aspx?day=23&month=12&year=2005
A great alternative to the Men's Basketball team.  The UW Women's Basketball events are a bit more kid friendly and easier to find seats.

Madison Public Libraries Calendar
http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/calendar/events_dec.html
Here are some great upcoming opportunities from the Madison Public Libraries.  Note that some may require registration.

Upcoming...

Keva Sports Camp
8312 Forsythia St 662-PLAY (7529) 
December 26-30, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Full Day Camp $195.00 for 5 days or $170 for 4 days
http://www.kevasports.com/plus_programs.html
Are your kids off from school, but you are not off from work?  Keva provides great sports camps!  If you are not familiar with Keva, imagine a warehouse type of building with 2 indoor soccer fields, a roller hockey field, a basketball court, and a jungle gym!  Just what the kids need in the dead of winter!

Harlem Globetrotters
Alliant Energy Center
Friday, December 30, 7:00PM 
All seats reserved. Prices: $41.50, $22, and $16
http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/events/
What a great opportunity to have some fun with the kids!

Ongoing Activites...

Ice Cream Cone Ornament
Michael's Craft Stores - locations
Saturday, December 17, 2005, 10:00am - Noon - $2
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/static?page=kids_events
Create an ice cream cone ornament.  10:00am-Noon $2

Holiday Fantasy in Lights
Olin Park
November 17 - January 2
Drive-through display with animated light sculptures, dusk to dawn, 11/17/05-1/2/06, Olin-Turville Park. Donations appreciated upon exit.

Indoor Farmer's Market
Monona Terrace
Saturdays, through December 17 - 7:30am - noon - $3 parking
http://www.dcfm.org/
The Indoor Winter Farmers' Market is open every Saturday through December 17 at the Monona Terrace from 7:30 am to Noon.

You'll find plenty of fresh vegetables, cheese, meat, fruit, bread, pastries, plants, gifts, decorations, and more - everything you need for everyday or holiday activities.  You can expect about 40 vendors each week.  Live music will be provided on most Saturdays.

The Farmers' Market moves to the Madison Senior Center from January 7 through April 15, 2006.  A full breakfast using vendor products (only $6.50) and live music is provided each Saturday.

December 9 - December 15
Winter is here and looks like it will be staying around for a while!  Finally, we have weather perfect for snowmen, sledding, and all sorts of fun!

Now on to our events...

Christmas Tree Farms
For my kids, the experience of going out to the Christmas tree farm to find the perfect tree is super important.  They love running through the snow in search of just the right tree.  Here are a listing of Christmas tree farms in our area where you can take the family and cut your own.

• CaPaul's Christmas Tree Farm - 5895 River Road, Waunakee, WI 53597, 608 849-4276.  Cut your own trees, gift shop, and live reindeer.

• Miller's Christmas Trees - N3763 Otsego Rd., Rio, WI 53960, 920-992-3221 or 608-206-6239  Cut your one tree, horse drawn wagon rides (weekends), gift shop, Santa visits (weekends), and free hot apple cider.

• Summer's Christmas Tree Farm - 4610 Rocky Dell Rd., Middleton, WI 53562, 608-831-4414.  Cut your own trees and gift shop.

• Hann's Christmas Farm - 848 Tipperary Rd, Oregon, WI 53575. 608-835-5464, 10 miles S of Madison. Cut your own trees, gift shop, haystack, Santa on first 3 weekends after Thanksgiving.

Breakfast With Santa
Edgewood High School Commons - $3
Saturday, December 10, 9:00 AM - Noon
http://www.edgewoodhs.org/
Does Santa Like Pancakes? The age-old question will be answered as the whole family enjoys juice, pancakes and sausage at this first annual event. There will be activities for the kids and a turn for each child to have a photo taken with Santa. Meanwhile, mom and dad can enjoy memories in the making. What could be better for a Saturday morning before Christmas?  

Geared towards children through grade 3, with their parents and siblings.

Making Snow Crystals
UW Space Place - 2300 S. Park St., Suite LL-100 - 608-262-4779  [MAP]
Saturday, December 10, 10:00 AM - FREE
http://www.spaceplace.wisc.edu/
Space Place family workshops are for children ages 6-10 and their parents, and are offered the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month. The workshops are free and open to the public. No registration is required for any of the workshops.

Fitchburg Children's Holiday Party
Fitchburg Community Center - 270-4285
Saturday, December 10, 10:00 AM - FREE
http://www.fitchburgchamber.com/events.php
Visit with Santa, face painting, carriage rides & s'mores making at this fun and festive event!

Santa's Workshop
Michael's Craft Stores - locations
Saturday, December 3, 2005, 10:00am - Noon - $4
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/static?page=kids_events
Join us for a fun activity every Saturday! For kids ages 5-12. Come and go between 10am - Noon.  Cost varies by week.

Rock Springs (NW of Devil's Lake) Breakfast With Santa
Rock Springs Community Center
Sunday, December 11, 2005, 7:30am - 12:30pm
Beginning at 7:30am, members and volunteers of the Rock Springs Fire Department will be serving up their famous pancake breakfast, which also includes eggs, sausages, applesauce, and beverages. The cost of breakfast is $5 for adults, children 3-10 are $3 and under 3 are free. You can get breakfast from 7:30am – 12:30pm in the lower level of the Community Center. From 8am – 2pm, you can get some holiday shopping taken care of at the Craft Fair in the upper level of the Community Center. 30+ booths will house crafters of all mediums including jewelry, home-based businesses, hand-made items, metal crafts, paintings, wood crafts and more. Santa will be in the upper level with the crafters beginning at 9am.

Christmas Break Camps...

Keva Sports Camp
8312 Forsythia St 662-PLAY (7529) 
December 26-30, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Full Day Camp $195.00 for 5 days or $170 for 4 days
http://www.kevasports.com/plus_programs.html
Are your kids off from school, but you are not off from work?  Keva provides great sports camps!  If you are not familiar with Keva, imagine a warehouse type of building with 2 indoor soccer fields, a roller hockey field, a basketball court, and a jungle gym!  Just what the kids need in the dead of winter!

Ongoing Activites...

"Yes we 'CAN' Make a Difference!"
Canned Food Drive and Family Swim
SwimWest Family Fitness Center, 1001 Deming Way
December 19th - 23rd and December 26th - 30th, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Entry Fee: One canned food item per person, per day
Benefiting Middleton Outreach Ministry (MOM) and Second Harvest Foodbank - SwimWest, MOM and Second Harvest Food Bank are putting the "FUN" in Fundraiser!! "Yes, we CAN!" is a swim event open to the entire community. Its goal is to unite swimmers of all ages & abilities to have fun and donate to those less fortunate this holiday season. Whether you're a competitive swimmer or a "dog-paddler", come join us for a fun time swimming!!

Middleton Outreach Ministry (MOM) mission is "To lead a community effort of Good Samaritans to provide care, services and Christian witness to all of our neighbors". MOM offers its services to families in crisis and assists them in becoming self-sufficient again.

Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, a private, nonprofit organization, distributes food to more than 300 charitable programs that feed the hungry in 16 southern Wisconsin counties.

A Christmas Carol - CTM Madison Family Theatre
Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State Street
December 2 - December 18
$24 for adults, $16 for students, children 12 and under, and seniors. Thursdays are half price.
http://www.madisonfamilytheatre.org/shows/index.html
CTM Madison Family Theatre Company will premiere a splashy new production of A Christmas Carol for its Capitol Theater opening on December 2nd, 2005. Adapted from the classic novel by Lynn Ahrens, Mike Ockrent and Alan Menken, this version of A Christmas Carol was developed by Radio City Music Hall and played ten years exclusively at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides 
Greenway Station - Middleton  - FREE
December 10 - 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
December 17 - 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
www.greenwayshopping.com/hours.asp
For more information please call 608.824.9111 or visit www.greenwayshopping.com/hours.asp.

Holiday Fantasy in Lights
Olin Park
November 17 - January 2
Drive-through display with animated light sculptures, dusk to dawn, 11/17/05-1/2/06, Olin-Turville Park. Donations appreciated upon exit.

Kids in the Rotunda
Overture Center
Saturdays, October 29 - December 10, 11:00am - 1:00pm - FREE
http://www.overturecenter.com/rotunda.htm
Every Saturday during the school year from fall through spring, Overture Center offers free arts programs designed for children and families at 11 AM and 1 PM.  Our popular performing arts series for children and families, offers a relaxed environment in which to enjoy a diverse lineup of local and regional storytellers, musicians, juggler, theater troupes, magicians and dancers. The 1 PM performances are sign language interpreted.  Kids in the Rotunda takes place on the Rotunda Stage.

Entertainment this week: Tim Glander's Magic Magician/Balloon Sculptures

Note that this is the last event of calendar year.  A new line up will begin in mid-January.

Tunes At Monona Terrace
Monona Terrace Exhibition Hall - FREE
Wednesday, November 30 - 5:30pm-7:00pm
http://www.mononaterrace.com/community/community_events.html
Do you miss the outdoor concerts that make Madison a fun place to be in the summer time?  Well no fear, the Monona Terrace Exhibition Hall is hosting a series of free community concerts.  Concessions and beverages will be on sale.  Here is their full schedule for the season:

December
14 Six of One - Jazz/Blues/Latin/Originals

Indoor Farmer's Market
Monona Terrace
Saturdays, through December 17 - 7:30am - noon - $3 parking
http://www.dcfm.org/
The Indoor Winter Farmers' Market is open every Saturday through December 17 at the Monona Terrace from 7:30 am to Noon.

You'll find plenty of fresh vegetables, cheese, meat, fruit, bread, pastries, plants, gifts, decorations, and more - everything you need for everyday or holiday activities.  You can expect about 40 vendors each week.  Live music will be provided on most Saturdays.

Stoughton Victorian Holiday Weekend 
Downtown Stoughton, 532 E. Main St. 608-873-7912 - FREE
Friday, December 2, 5:00 PM - Sunday, December 4, 4:00 PM 
http://www.stoughtonwi.com
This three day festival has events for the entire family. Bring the whole family to enjoy this fun holiday festival.  Check the event schedule for the activities best suited to your family-- http://www.stoughtonwi.com/victorian.shtml. 

Oregon Santa Day
Oregon High School 456 N. Perry Pkwy Oregon, WI - $1/person, $5 max/family
Saturday, December 3, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
http://www.oregonwi.com/sysfiles/site_uploads/custom2/custom47.pdf
Santa arrives at 9am and will be staying until 1pm.  Admission is $1 per person, with a $5 family maximum. Admission covers most activities listed below.

• Visit with Santa

• Retail Shopping for Kids

• Gift Wrapping

• “Make A Gift” Projects

• Bake Sale

• Holiday Movies

• Face Painting

• Photos with Santa

• Caroling sponsored by Music Together

• Storytime sponsored by the Oregon Public Library

• Food concessions available.

FREE Family Sunday - Madison Children's Museum 
100 State Street - FREE
Sunday, December 4
http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com
On a budget and not a member of the Children's Museum?  No worries.  It's free this Sunday!  Don't forget that the Madison Children's Museum has great activities planned throughout the week.  

Tunes At Monona Terrace
Monona Terrace Exhibition Hall - FREE
Wednesday, November 30 - 5:30pm-7:00pm
http://www.mononaterrace.com/community/community_events.html
Do you miss the outdoor concerts that make Madison a fun place to be in the summer time?  Well no fear, the Monona Terrace Exhibition Hall is hosting a series of free community concerts.  Concessions and beverages will be on sale.  Here is their full schedule for the season: