Those of you who know me well realize the high value I place on quality family time.  I believe it is important that we seek out opportunities to share meaningful experiences with our kids-- events that will give us a chance to learn, share, and connect as families.  The big challenge is finding these family events.  I spend a bit of time every week surfing the web for significant interaction opportunities for my family in the Madison, Wisconsin area.  Instead of keeping what I find to myself, I might as well post it online in hopes that you can benefit too.  With that said, when you come across high value upcoming events, please pass them on too!

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February 2 - February 9

The weather-- Wow!  Who turned off the heat?  It's going to be really, really cold, so check out the indoor options and stay warm!

Dane County Camper & RV Show
Exhibition Hall, Alliant Energy Center
919 Alliant Energy Center Way , Madison 
$7 Adults, Kids under 18 are free with an adult. 222-1507
Here is a $1 off coupon -- http://www.madisonrvshow.com/Site/Coupons.aspx 
February 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, Friday: 10am-9pm, Saturday: 10am-8pm, 
Sunday: 10am-4pm
http://www.madisonrvshow.com 
This is a really fun event for kids.  I took my three kids the past 2 years and they each got to choose their favorite RV, decide who gets which bunk, and where we would drive it.  It is a fun place to play make-believe amongst some very real and large vehicles!

Groundhog Day Celebration
Cannery Square and St. Albert the Great Church Sun Prairie, WI
2420 St. Albert the Great Dr. Phone (608) 837-4547
Friday, February 2, 7:00 AM - 7:45 AM
Saturday, February 3, 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: no cost for event; breakfast is $6 adults, $3 children 10 and under
http://www.sunprairiechamber.com/ 
On February 2 Jimmy the Groundhog makes his annual appearance to let us all know if spring will be here soon or if we have six more weeks of winter ahead. Prognostication takes place downtown, Cannery Square Plaza from 7:00-7:45 a.m. 

The February 3 event features Jimmy the Groundhog live and ready to meet and greet family and friends! Booths, games and entertainment. Breakfast is from 7:30am-11:00 am, cost for breakfast is $6 adults and $3 children and includes pancakes, sausage or bacon, applesauce, milk, juice and coffee. No charge to enter the event to meet Jimmy, see entertainment, booths etc.

Waisman Center Children's Theatre - The Figureheads
Waisman Center 1500 Highland Ave., Madison
Sunday, February 4, 1:00pm
Cost: $2; sign-interpreted Call: 263-5837
http://www.waisman.wisc.edu 
The Figureheads is a local positive kid's hip hop group.  These guys are great!

Family Art Workshop
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
227 State Street Madison 257-0158
Friday, February 2, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
http://www.mmoca.org  
Led by artist and educator Anette Hansen, Family Workshop activities are planned for ages 8 and up, but younger siblings are welcome. Participants may drop in any time during the two-hour program; all supplies are provided.

a la carte Cooking Classes at The Young Gourmet
The Young Gourmet Culinary Studios 1970 Cayuga St Middleton, WI 608-831-9211
http://www.theyounggourmet.com 
Our kids have taken classes there and they love it!  It's a bit pricey but wow, what fun!  And don't forget... there are always leftovers for the adults to sample!

Saturday, February 3, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Young Gourmet's a la carte courses are perfect for kids with a busy schedule or are just visiting over the weekend! There are four session total throughout the day and run for 90 minutes each. On the menu: 9:00-10:30am Cinnamon Rolls with Almond Glaze 11:00-12:30pm Seafood Scampi 1:00-2:30pm Curried Squash with Roasted Peanuts 3:00-4:30pm Italian Chicken with Risotto.

Saturday, February 3, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Stir up some excitement on your next family fun night. In our 2-hour session you and your family will work together preparing a 3-course meal to enjoy at the end of the night. Bring as many family members as you like. Ages 6 and up are welcome. $30 adults $15 kids 6-12 Please call 608-831-9211 to register.

Physics of Lightning
UW Space Place 2300 S. Park St., Suite LL-100, Madison 262-4779
Free workshop for elementary/middle school students
Saturday, February 3 10:00am 
http://spaceplace.wisc.edu Email: kay@sal.wisc.edu 
"Physics of Lightning" Investigate electricity and plasmas and build a light bulb.

YMCA Events
East YMCA-Cottage Grove Rd. (221-1571), West YMCA-Medical Circle (276-6606) and Sun Prairie YMCA-South St. (837-8221)
http://www.ymcadanecounty.org 
Family Night - Friday February 9 • 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Sun Prairie
Valentine Social, Games and activites. Cookies and ice cream. Bring the family and share the fun. "Prizes and Surprises!" M FREE • P $Family Day Pass

Family Carnival - Friday February 9 • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. East
The Family Carnival offers wild and crazy games and activities for the entire family. Everyone walks away a winner. Free admission and 25¢ tickets. Some games may require more than one ticket. Concessions sold separately. M FREE • P FREE

MadCAP Theatre's "A Year With Frog & Toad" Musical for kids 
Bartell Theatre 113 E. Mifflin St., Madison
Thursdays & Fridays, February 8-16, 9:00 AM & 1:00 PM
Saturdays, February 10 & 17, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
$10 ($8 kids). 251-1879
http://www.madcap.org 
Twelve performances will take place at the Bartell Theatre, 113 E. Mifflin Street from Feb 8-17, 2007. Eight performances will be presented during the school day for preschool and elementary school age children. Frog and Toad are friends. Swimming in the pond, sharing dinners and picnics together, flying a kite, and sledding down the hill, these friends draw young audiences into their magical world while teaching valuable lessons about friendship and community. The show is filled with delightful musical numbers, the well-known literary figures characters and heart warming woodland tales by Newberry and Caldecott award winning author Arnold Lobel.

Young Shakespeare Players' "Androcles & the Lion"
Young Shakespeare Players Playhouse
1806 West Lawn Ave., Madison
February 2, 3, 5, 9, 10 all at 6 p.m. and on February 11 at 4 p.m.
Cost: Free Call: 258-0015
http://www.ysp.org 
The story of Androcles and the Lion, was retold in many forms, and became one of the most famous of Aesop fables. In the early 1900s, George Bernard Shaw adapted the story as a play resetting it in the early Christian days of the Roman Empire. Androcles, an animal-loving tailor, and his fellow Christians are going to be thrown to the lions unless they renounce their new religious beliefs. But the Roman masters do not count on one lion's gratitude -- and his long memory!

Aesop's fables all had morals. The moral for this one was, "Gratitude is the sign of noble souls." That and other messages about what ! happens when new beliefs clash with established power are part of Shaw's message, too, in this very funny short play.

UW Women's Basketball
Kohl Center 601 W. Dayton St. , Madison
$7 adults, and $3 seniors and children, Call: 262-1440
see schedule below
http://www.uwbadgers.com/
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.

Kids in the Rotunda
Overture Center - 201 State St, Madison WI 53703  608-258-4177
Saturdays at 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM
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 9:30 AM, 11 AM and 1 PM. The popular performing arts series for children and families offers a relaxed, kid-friendly 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.  All 1 PM shows are sign language interpreted.

February
3	Mark Hayward	Juggler, yo-yoer and Cool Guy
10	Harmonious Wail	Gypsy swing music
17	Stuart Stotts	Folksinger & storyteller
24	Tangled Up in Blue	A capella singers
March
3	Magic Morgan and Liliana	Magicians
10	Sparky and Rhonda Rucker	Musicians & storytellers
17	Trinity Academy of Irish Dance
24	Children's Arts Festival - International Youth Dance Showcase
31	Atwood Players	The Fisherman and His Wife
April
7	Tom Pease	Folksinger & storyteller
14	Braier's Magic	Magician
21	Hua Mu Lan	Chinese dance troupe
28	KG and the Ranger	Country-western entertainment
May
5	The Handphibians	Brazilian rhythms & songs

Madison Children's Museum 
100 State Street 
http://www.madisonchildrensmuseum.com

Here's the schedule of events at the Children's Museum this week.  

Barnes & Noble Activities
#1 East Towne Mall Madison, WI 53704 241-4695
West Towne Mall 7433 Mineral Point Road Madison, WI 53717 827-0809
http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/events.d

Feb 03, 2007 10:30 AM		Story Book Character Visits		Costume Character		Children's		Barnes & Noble Booksellers Madison West Towne Mall
Feb 03, 2007 10:30 AM		Super Saturday Imagination Storytime performed by The Five Amazing Tacos!		Storytime		Pre-school (ages 3-6), Beginning Readers (ages 5-8)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall
Feb 05, 2007 10:30 AM		Amy's Story Corner		Storytime		Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall
Feb 06, 2007 10:30 AM		Various Themes		Storytime		Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers Madison West Towne Mall
Feb 06, 2007 10:30 AM		Super Sarah Storytime		Storytime		Toddlers (age 3 and under), Pre-school (ages 3-6)		Barnes & Noble Booksellers East Towne Mall East Towne Mall

Madison Public Libraries
See below for dates, times, and locations
http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/calendar/calendar.html
Here is all of the fun stuff going on through the Madison Public Libraries for this week.

Milwaukee Bucks Reading Challenge
Bucks Reading Challenge! January 2 to February 23: Youth in grades 3 to 10 are invited to pick up a scorecard, track their reading, and earn a voucher for a free ticket to attend a Bucks Basketball game. Also, randomly selected readers will be part of the on-court introduction of the Bucks starting lineup and be formally recognized at half-time! Monona Library, 1000 Nichols Road. 222-6127.

Out of Town...

Disney on Ice "Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey"
US Cellular Arena 400 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee
7 pm on February 7-9, 11 am, 3 & 7 pm on February 10 and 1 & 5 pm, February 11
Cost: $50-$13.50 Call: 255-4646
http://www.ticketmaster.com 

Upcoming Events...

Valentine Party
Grace Lutheran Church, 1 South Rosa Road (corner of Rosa Road and Regent Street)
Saturday, February 10 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm  
Call 233-2985 or e-mail pastor@grace-els.org 
This is a free event and open for kids of all ages!  There will be crafts, games, contests, treats and lots of fun!  They are also holding a Preschool Open House with an opportunity for advanced registration.  For more information, call 233-2985 or e-mail pastor@grace-els.org.

Clown 'N Around
Carnival Fun For The Entire Family
Sun Prairie Nursery School (Inside United Methodist Church)
702 North St, Sun Prairie
Admission Just $5.00 Per Family!
GAME TICKETS are only 15 for $3.00 or 25 for $5.00
Saturday, February 10 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

• Carnival Games
• Drawings & Raffle
• Free Magic Shows: 11:15am & 12:15pm
• Balloon Artists
• Silent Auction
• $3.00 Value Meals - Main Item, Side, Drink & Dessert
  

Register Now for...

RSVP for Botanical Valentines
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI (608) 246-4550
Saturday, February 10, 10–11:30 am
http://www.olbrich.org 
Ages 5+, set for 10-11:30 am, 2/10, . $9. RSVP by 2/1: 246-4550
Decorate a valentine for someone special using dried plants and flowers. Visit the Conservatory and learn the history of Valentine’s Day. For ages 5 and up.

RSVP for Nighttime in the Jungle: Rainforest Critters
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI (608) 246-4550
Thursday, February 22, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
http://www.olbrich.org 
Ages 5+, set for 6:30-8 pm, 2/22, Olbrich Gardens. $9 (bring flashlight). RSVP by 2/15: 246-4550
Registration deadline: February 15

Explore the Bolz Conservatory after dark and go on a search for Rainforest critters. Then, craft a rainforest friend to take home during the Nighttime in the Jungle: Rainforest Critters class on Thursday, February 22 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Be sure to bring a flashlight for your after-dark tour! Keep your eyes on the lookout for birds in the trees and fish in the stream as you learn about the animals that live in real tropical rainforests.

The class is designed for children ages 5 and up. The cost is $7 per child for Olbrich members and $9 per child for the general public. An adult must accompany children, and adults attend free. Maximum two children per adult. Early registration is advised since space is limited. Registration is required by February 15. For more information or to register call 608-246-4550.

Ongoing Activities...

Winter Concert Series
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI (608) 246-4550
Now through - Sunday, March 25, 2007
http://www.olbrich.org 
Warm your winter day with a concert in the Evjue Commons. Series sponsored by the Olbrich Botanical Society. Winter concerts are at 2 p.m. each Sunday from January 7 through March 25. Suggested donation is $1.

February 4 Cris Plata Mexican roots music
February 11 Americay Traditional Celtic
February 18 The Redbirds Old time and bluegrass
February 25 New Horizons Traditional concert band
March 4 Redefined Co-ed a cappella
March 11 Cajun Strangers Cajun dance music
March 18 Dr. Eric and Billy G. Traditional ragtime and blues
March 25 Richard Wiegel Guitar and vocals

Open Playtime at Family Enhancement Early Childhood Center
2120 Fordem Ave. Madison, WI 241-5150 ext. 15
Mondays and Fridays 9:00am - 12noon
Enter the fun zone!! Open playtime for parents, caregivers, playgroups, and their children. Bring a snack, make a craft, and play with your children while engaging with other parents.  Also see their upcoming events below.

THE POWER OF PLAY — Connecting Play and Learning
A child’s early learning experiences and relationships influence brain development and success in school.
A discussion series for parents and other caregivers
Family Enhancement/Family Centers Building Early Childhood Center
These discussions will give parents and other caregivers ideas about how to make the most of the opportunities play offers children. For information contact Betty at 241-5150 ext.15.  All of the events below are at 2120 Fordem Avenue, 1st Floor, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

January 12 Young Toddlers and How They Play(12-23 months)—toddlers are Movers and Shakers! Come join them and discover new ways of keeping up with them.

January 22 Older Toddlers Are More Social (24-36 months)—social skills emerge during this stage of development. Learn how to ‘guide’ your social butterfly.

January 26 Babies and Books—early literacy and language development begins with books that have big, bright pictures. We’ll look at some of these books and share them with your babies

Open Gyms at Madtown Twisters
7035 Old Sauk Road P.O. Box 620827 Madison (Corner of Old Sauk & Gammon)
http://www.madtowntwisters.com/Opengym-Fall.htm
This place rocks!  It's great for all age groups listed below.  They also have regularly scheduled gymnastics and dance classes during the week.  Some days I feel like we live there!

At-Home Dads
Happy Bambino 2045 Atwood Ave. 204-6147 [MAP]
Every Thursday, 9:30-10:45 am
http://www.HappyBambino.com
Come join a community of dads who have made the choice to stay at home with their child/children. The discussion will be led by the group, but topics may range from fatherhood and the novelty of being a stay-at-home-dad to topics completely unrelated to being a parent, like sports, music, and movies.  Snacks and drinks available for purchase or BYO.

New Mom's Group
Madison Birth Center 6720 Frank Lloyd Wright Ave., Suite 103Middleton  821-0123 [MAP]
Free drop-in group for mothers, babies & pregnant women
11 am-12:30 pm Thursdays
jody@madisonbirthcenter.com
Led by Jen Perfetti, MA, LPC and the Madison Birth Center midwives, this drop-in group is for mothers, babies and pregnant women. Each week a topic is discussed along with open discussion. Breastfeeding support is always available. You need not have given birth at the Madison Birth Center to attend.  When: Thursday mornings from 11 AM-12:30 PM  Cost: No charge

Storytimes Ages 2-6
University Book Store-Hilldale 702 N. Midvale Blvd. (in the Hilldale Mall) 238-8455 Madison  [MAP]
Thursdays - 10:00am 238-8455
Story Time for Children
The University Book Store - Hilldale Shopping Center

Weekly Crafts at Michaels Craft Store
Michael's Craft Stores - locations
Every Saturday, 10:00am - Noon - $2
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/static?page=kids_events
10:00am-Noon $2

Latte Da Espresso Lounge Preschool Storytime
864 Jupiter Drive Madison, WI 222-8817 
Fridays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
http://www.lattedaespresso.net/

Tuesdays at the Castle - Avol's Bookstore
315 W. Gorham St. 255-4730  [MAP]
ages 3-6, 11 am Tuesdays. 255-4730
Trudy Barash reads stories for children ages 3-6 years at Avol's Bookstore, (formerly Canterbury Booksellers).

Dan, Dan, the Story Man
Borders Books East 2173 Zeier Rd., Madison 240-0080
10:30 am Wednesdays
Call: 240-0080
Dan, Dan, the Story Man: stories, music and activities, Wednesdays at 10:30am

Story Time - Ages 5 & under
Fitchburg Community Center 5510 Lacy Rd. , Fitchburg
Thursdays, 10:00am 698-3098
Call: 698-3098 Email: kitbeyer@charter.net 
Books, songs and a craft for ages 5 & under. Plus, free play in a gym afterwards!

Preschool Crafts
Eager Free Library, Evansville 39 W. Main St. 608-882-2260
Tuesdays, 8:00am
This is a great way to ensure that your child is getting some great experiences with eye-hand coordination. Registration is not necessary for these craft programs.  Year Around Preschool Craft Time every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Muddy Moose Espresso
449 W. Cottage Grove Rd in Cottage Grove (in the Piggly Wiggly Mall, next to the Post Office) 839-5900
YOU ARE INVITED to have fun, get creative, learn something new, and widen your horizons!

NOTE: You must register in advance for fee-based classes (limited space available). Free events are first come, first served.

MONDAY
AP PRESCHOOL PLAYGROUP - 2nd Monday each month, 9:30 - 11:00. An Attachment Parenting playgroup for preschoolers/older toddlers (28 mos and up). Younger siblings are welcome. Contact kristenok18@yahoo.com for more information.

PJ STORY TIME - 3rd Monday each month, 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. sponsored by the Friends of the Library with stories read by Interim Library Director, Lisa Selje, bring your teddy bear! Donations toward CG Library accepted.

TUESDAY
KID CRAFTS ~ TWO NEW TIMES! Every Tuesday, 9:30 - 10:15 AND 10:15 - 11:00 a.m., only $3 for supplies. Different craft project each week. Ages 2 and up. Room for 15 kids in each session.

PARENT-TO-PARENT SUPPORT GROUP ~ For parents of children on the Autism Spectrum, Fourth Tuesday each month, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. An informal gathering where parents get together to share experiences, ideas and information. For more info call Christine Pavelko at 608-839-8067 or e-mail jcpav@verizon.net. Free.

THURSDAY
STORY TIME, (Thursday mornings), 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Fun stories for toddlers and preschoolers led by a very fun and energetic mom - Lynn Cooper. Ages 2 and up. Free - but donations toward future CG Library accepted.

FRIDAY
COMING SOON - FRIDAY NIGHT STUDENT I.D. SPECIALS!!! Special menu, special discounts, special music - all for anyone with a student ID.
GAME NIGHT every Friday 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Board games, puzzles, cards - hang out with family and friends for a fun time in our cozy cabin environment.