New to the Neighborhood: To Do List for Babies and Toddlers in Portland Oregon

2009-09-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

waiting for the bus

2009-09-22T15:21:00.000-07:00

Old Wive's Tale Restaurant

2007-12-31T09:01:00.000-08:00

We had the rare treat of seeing Imago Theater's Biglittlethings this past weekend, a great show for those who like glowing floatingthings (who doesn't?). For a bite to eat close by, we went to Old Wive's Tale, a laid back vegan/vegetarian joint (fish and meat are on the menu, but there aren't too many places with soy souffles, try it) with large dining rooms and a bonus playroom. The kid's menu is extensive, cheap, and won't leave your toddler cranky from over-fried over-sweet junk that you find at most spots. We'll be back.

PARK BLOCKS

2007-10-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

If you find yourself this fall needing an outing but not knowing where to go, walk the park blocks. With plenty of attractions along the way for your kids to crawl on including the Portland Art Museum's particularly climbable sculpture, the Museum for Contemporary Craft (free, but plenty of breakables), a playground close to Powell's, and a path right through the middle which makes it easy to allow the kids to run and play with plenty of room to spare away from traffic. Beautiful statuary, leaves, water fountains and benches, what more do you need (besides a bagel break?)

FULLER'S COFFEE SHOP

2007-10-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

Real story: we recently visited Fuller's ( 136 NW 9th, in the Pearl) for lunch. It was lunch time, so we naturally ordered lunch fare. The hamburgers are are similar to In and Out Burger, the type of sandwich which we are very fond of ($3.95, pretty good deal). The fries are solid. The reuben? A little off. As we were settling the bill the waitress said, "You had lunch? Well, come back for breakfast, it's really good."

Apparently everyone knows you only go to Fuller's for breakfast, even the staff. But we enjoyed it despite, and the kids loved the counter-only seating. They both sat still and ate their entire lunch without screaming, squirming or sassing. Rare treat.

GREEN SPROUTS ORGANIC BABY & FAMILY FEST

2007-09-25T13:48:00.001-07:00

While partying at the Avalon is good times, it was good to clean up at the cleanest gig in town -- the Green Sprouts Organic Baby & Family Fest, held at beautiful Peninsula Park. Sponsored by the local ReDirect Guide, it was basically a "green" product fair with terrific food booths by Proper Eats and Peanut Butter & Ellies, but it was still a fun, varied time. There was free music (we liked this guy, who also sings at PB & Ellies and the Portland Children's Museum) and Ladybug Walks around the park every hour! What fun. The masks won't stay on, but what could be cuter?

Bonus Organic List: The 10 Worst Foods for Pesticide.

AVALON THEATRE -- ELECTRIC CASTLES WONDERLAND

2007-09-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

Located in the historic Belmont District, one would be forgiven if one thought this place was a little, um, saucier than it is, what with the clicking lights, and garish signs (it reminded us a little bit of a pre-Guliani Times Square), but inside is a siezure-inducing good time. The Avalon Theatre part of the place is just a standard-issue second-run theater, like the Academy or the Laurelhurst, with good theaters (Ratatouille is coming up) with not-too-beat-up seats and very fair concession prices, but the other part? An eye-glazingly-fun 5-cent arcade that sent me back to summer days on the jersey shore, pumping nickels into machines trying to win tickets to get some junk for the kiddies. Ruth and Geo liked the driving games (the Big Rig one was best) and, as long as you keep their little eyes from the zombie shoot-'em-ups, you're good to go. If you have a 10-year-old? Nirvana. Bring some singles (or rolls of the aforementioned nickles) and you're good to go, as they say.

IKEA

2007-09-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

Certainly we're not the first to sing the hosannas of the Swedish retailer, but let us join the fray -- Ikea's a great way to spend a day, with decent grub, a magical children's playroom and lots and lots and lots of cheap, well-designed furnishings.

The aforementioned playroom, called Smaland by the Swedes for some reason, is a supervised, free daycare-type place. Be ready to wait in line with your potty-trained child from 37" to 54", you're handed a beeper (in case of meltdowns) and your critter is allowed in a truly cool-looking kiddie wonderland. But even if that wasn't there, the kids furniture section -- with its tunnels between the various display dream rooms -- is a playground all of its own. The food, including the retailers famed Swedish meatballs, is decent, inexpensive cafeteria fare. Oh, and I almost forgot the excellent restrooms, with kid-sized sinks and easy chairs for nursing mamas. Parents, they want your business. We kept on thinking how cool it would be if all retailers courted our dollars so fervently.

Take the MAX Red line on out to Cascade Station and make a day of it. Even if you just get a lamp and some candles (like us) an excellent day can be had by all.

SWIFT WATCH 2007

2007-09-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

This is something truly to behold. Every September, the Vaux's Swifts come to Chapman Elementary School in NW to roost on their way to Guatemala. Big deal right? Come and see. The birds begin to gather around dusk, thousands of them. In the meantime, kids are sliding down the dried autumn grass hillside on cardboard (fun, really really fun). As the sun begins to set, the birds begin to funnel in tornado formation and drop down into the defunct chimney on the back of the school. It is amazing! They will show up for a couple more weeks, and the school is attached to Wallace Park where you will find two playgrounds and plenty of space to picinc before walking to the back of the school to sled down the hill and be awed by these cigar-shaped bat birds on their way to warmer parts. Fall is truly here.

HAYRIDES!

2007-09-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, it is almost time to pick your pumpkin at Sauvie Island.

LAUGHING PLANET

2007-08-22T22:17:00.001-07:00

Laughing Planet is expanding, with a new location opening up in Woodstock to join the NW, Belmont and Mississippi stores as the empire of Laughing. Great food, especially if you are a vegetarian, their burritos are creative and delicious. Cheap and healthy kid's menu. They have dinosaurs in their stores, and for some reason this fact didn't seem strange until the recording of it right now. Wait, are carnivores on their way to extinction? Are we all on our laughing way to extinction? The aliens are coming? They just like toys? Ruth likes them, whatever the deeper meaning.

OVERLOOK PARK

2007-08-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

Unless you live in N Portland, or happen to have Kaiser as your health insurance carrier, you may have overlooked this park (who could resist a terrible pun!). Two reasons to visit: brand new play structure complete with climbing wall; two gargantuan mature walnut trees. We will be back in October just to see the progress of the nuts.

JOE'S CELLAR CAFE

2007-08-05T16:18:00.001-07:00

It's Sunday. You want to go out to breakfast, but you don't want your strollers to tangle with the hip, young singles waiting for a table at Besaw's, fifteenth on the list, and you might not even get the booth that you want, nay need. You want some good breakfast grub, but you don't want everyone to hate you, you just don't want strangers to hate you this morning, is that too much to ask? No, it is not. Come down to Joe's Cellar Cafe on 21st and Overton, just off of the Conway campus, a block from DoveLewis. A clean, nice, throwback of a diner, offering simple greasy spoon-type grub (though, for the record, not that greasy, really), get the critters some silver dollar pancakes, get yourself a delicious plate of biscuits and gravy, some standard diner coffee, and everyone will leave happy. And the waitress was a classic, friendly and helpful. And, you know, you won't drop $50, like at some other places in the Northwest. Go Joe's Cellar!

PORTLAND PARKS SUMMER CONCERTS

2007-07-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

For the past three weeks every Thursday night we have been taking the girls on an evening stroll after dinner to the park to listen to free music. Not only is there music (do we have to mention again how embarassed we are at the riches of Portland Parks?) but each week there has been a craft table for the kiddies to make a little bobble. The summer nights are long, the days are hot, the shows start at a family friendly 6:30. At locations all over the city, go while you still have the chance.

Good Sam's Lovejoy Station

2007-07-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

It is hard to sell this without sounding weird, but there is no other way of selling it. The best family dinner deal in all of NW is at the cafeteria at the Good Samaritan hospital. We heard about it from some other blog post for cheap eats in NW, so we gave it a shot, and, indeed, it is.

If you enter through the garden off of 22nd ave., then you can deny the hospital-ity of the place, and, once inside, you're in a standard issue cafeteria with delicious grub at great prices. They have daily specials (the last one was prime rib with mashed potatoes and roasted corn and peppers, mmmm) as well as a stir fry station (my personal recommendation, where they make a stir fry from scratch) pizza bar, salad bar, mexi-station and burgers, fries and the like. And no one is ever there (well, not many) and there's space to roam and run (within reason, of course) while munching the tasty treats. Add on frozen yogurt for 30 cents an ounce, you've got the deal of the century. Or at least the neighborhood, for sure. Our last dinner bill, two full entrees, which included the aforementioned prime rib, really delicious chicken enchaladas, spaghetti for ruth and dessert for four totalled less than $17. (desert and milk and lemonade included).

Which, you know, is something, when you're eating out 5 nights a week because it's too freaking hot to boil water in the kitchen. We have even had full dinners for less than $10, if you just opt for the veggies and rice for three bucks.

SAUVIE ISLAND BERRIES

2007-07-21T16:39:00.000-07:00

We have been out berry picking several times this summer, and each time we are always glad we made the trip. This weekend we gathered the last of the rasberries at Pumpkin Patch, our default farm for their friendly faces, excellent prices and homemade cobbler that is a steal at $3.50 (ice cream included). An organic farm (or, orgainc practices, rather) is right next door where you can stock up on blueberries, but for those with little ones, Pumpkin Patch has the ammenities you really need --bathrooms, snacks, gazebo, pigs goats and chickens. To be fair, Kruger's produced the most amazing strawberries earlier in the season and they sponsor concerts each Thursday all summer long for the low price of $5 a car. Wherever you go, go to Sauvie Island and enjoy the summer.

OAKS AMUSEMENT PARK

2007-07-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

Every Tuesday and Wednesday all summer, Oaks Park hosts Preschool hours that invite your toddlers to come and enjoy all the kiddie rides they can stand, plus storytime and milk and cookies, for $5.50 a kid. We have gone several times and love it. For those who want to go on the "big" rides, (OK, so this throw back Americana park which thrills us with its genuine real-time retro groove is not really good for kids over 14) they have two for Tuesday deals that last until school starts. Located in Sellwood, you have to check this place out.

FIRST THURSDAYS IN THE PEARL

2007-07-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

It's hot. It's really really hot. To escape the two hours between dinner and bath time that has been finding us arguing and cranky (after which falls the hour and a half of sweaty sleepless babies, which makes us even crankier) we have been packing picnics and taking the girls to nearby parks for dinner al fresco followed by walks through the neighborhood. Everybody cools off, enjoys the outdoors while the sun is more forgiving, and nobody fights. This strategy worked for first Thursday as well. After having our ham sandwiches and melon at Jamison Beach, where the kids enjoyed an evening splash, we walked home and stopped at the open galleries on the way to take a gander at what Portland is creating these days. The galleries have snacks and wine, the baby is contained in a stroller and Ruth is now old enough that we can tell her not to touch, and she doesn't. (OK, mostly) Ruth's edict on Portland's art scene: "These are nice decorations."

DAILY CAFE IN THE PEARL

2007-06-25T18:35:00.000-07:00

Boy did we have a good turkey sandwich here. The hummus plate is always satisfying with the salty greek salad and eggplant. What may be best about a place we might not otherwise go because it is just a dollar or two our of comfortable lunch price range is the fact that it is a cafe. Open seating, you order at the counter and pick a table and wait for your food to show up which makes for a comfortable spot to split something that will keep the kids from going crazy from hunger (which is about every 2 hours). Good coffee, good sweets, good food. They don't have a bucket of toys, but you don't need them here.

BALLET CLASSES AND PLAYDOUGH

2007-06-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

Although we have already featured Laurelhurst Dance Studio, we failed to mention that with the official open of summer, Portland Parks and Rec are once again staffing the playgrounds with sweet teenagers who lay out games, organize art activities, and generally show the kids a good time. After ballet class Ruthie made purple playdough. Why would the city go to such lengths? Although we have not contacted the proper authorities for the official answer, we suspect several likely reasons. Summer employment for local kids, good healthy play for the kids they teach who might otherwise spend the beautiful weather indoors in front of some the boob tube or whatever iteration of handheld video game is currently the rage. Many of the parks also offer free lunch for any kid who shows up. That bears repeating; free lunch for any kid, ages 1-18 from June 21st-August 16th at locations throughout the east side. No paperwork, no stigma, no food stamps, no sermon, nothing but a good healthy lunch.

MOUNT TABOR RESERVOIR

2007-06-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

Mt. Tabor is stunning. There is a playground, hiking trails, roads that go up and up and up the mountain for those looking to bust thighs. We went to join a ladybug walk but were thwarted by a 5K run that cruely sent participants straight up the mountain. We made our own nature walk by deciding to find something blue, a spider, three flowers and bonus treasures. We found a blue flower, plenty of other flowers, the bonus of a duct taped sword abandoned by a live action role playing game, and plenty of imaginary dragons (sadly, no spiders were evident). If you find yourself in a park with a bored kid who just wants to go to the slide, try this: fairy houses. Go to the base of a tree and "build" with the sticks and stones you find around a little village for the local faries. Ruth amended this fairy house that we found already established, giving us hope that others are participating in this very good work to house our fairy population.

SW COMMUNITY CENTER POOL

2007-06-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

For father's day we decided to get in the car and take a day trip to Gabriel Park's SW Community Center to check out their fancy pool. Was it ever fancy. A giant slide (much faster and longer than you will be prepared for, so be prepared) is the main attraction but the toddler area itself is genius. A big colorful pipe feature has wheels and levers for the kids to manipulate that directs sprays, buckets and splashes. Jets spray up as well in the adjacent area, which is less than 2 feet deep, making it an extremely comfortable play area for babies and new swimmers. It is pricey, which is why we left the trip for a special occasion. Geo was free, but for two adults and one child it was nearly $15. We don't begrudge, this is a really fun place.

SWEETS, ETC., MULTNOMAH VILLAGE

2007-06-19T22:27:00.000-07:00

We have been looking (OK, as much as parents of toddlers really "look" for opportunities of sugar crankiness) for a real old fashioned candy store in Portland just for the occasional shock and awe that they inspire in kids. We finally found one on our day trip to Multnomah Village. Sweets etc. fit the bill. You walk in to stacks and rows and baskets of candy. Not the drug store variety Hershey Bar extravaganza, but real crafted candy of the kind that sends you into false nostalgia for the candies we never really found at our 7-eleven's of yore. Georgia was sleeping, Ruth was in heaven.

OMSI SCIENCE PLAYGROUND

2007-06-15T21:08:00.000-07:00

(Ruth as a chipmunk, casually nibbling on an acorn)

When it's hot out, or raining, or you're just tired of taking something sharp out of someone's tightly clenched mitts, it's nice to go somewhere groovy and, well, controllable.

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry's Science Playground is just your place. Most of OMSI is geared towards older kids -- they have a submarine docked that you can explore and, currently, there's the wildly popular and somewhat gross Body Worlds 3 showing right now -- but they toss parents of toddlers and bebes a bone with the Science Playground.

And it is a juicy bone. The entire enterprise is near-total kid safe without seeming dull for the three-year-old and with tons of stuff to do, even if it's "just" one room. There's the kid-size eagles' nest, a wet salmon run (with smocks to keep 'em dry), and even a "project" room with crafts set up for you and the little ones to work on (we made a bug headdress the day we were there). It can be a little pricey, but memberships are somewhat reasonable and it just might be the perfect meeting place for your next playgroup.

LADYBUG NATURE WALKS

2007-06-08T21:57:00.000-07:00

Yet another reason we like living in Portland -- the parks. If they were just tended as is, green and abundant, we would be happy, but the services on top of their mere presence almost embarasses us in their generosity and breadth. Ladybug nature walks, for example are held all year rain or shine in parks across the city. You show up with your toddlers and babies, strap on a ladybug backpack filled with nature tools as varied as paint brushes and magnifying glasses, and explore the dirt, bugs and flowers in the park. The ladybug walk pictured was held at Pennisula Park with it's fully mature formal rose garden that was in full June glory. The guides are sweet and gentle, the kids toddle around in a pack with those fuzzy bugs strapped on their backs, who wouldn't feel better about everything after you spend an hour and a half amidst that? We looked at trees, found spiders, examined colors of leaves and grasses, felt rose petals. For two dollars, it is the best outing deal in town.

LAURELHURST DANCE STUDIO

2007-06-01T22:38:00.000-07:00

As many who parent little girls will relate to, we have a ballerina in the house. She wants to play dress up, she wants tea parties, she wants twirl skirts and tiny doll things. She also wants to build tree houses and climb rocks so we don't worry and try our best to accomodate all things pink without gagging. At Laurelhurst Dance Studio she will be introduced to her fantasy, Pre-ballet: Where Dreams Begin. I would sign up just for the name of the class to be honest, especially given the modest $18 fee for five classes. Laurelhurst Park itself is a gem, worth the trip even if you don't strap on slippers.

Stepping Stone Cafe

2007-06-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

Our new hood has no shortage of restaurants, but a recent visit to Stepping Stone Cafe merited a mention of a place to go with kids. Reason no. 1: they had a bucket of toys that had just been put through the dishwasher -- squeaky clean (you may not be this lucky). Reason no. 2: good eats made with clean, local food, lots of organics but plenty of fried treats if you want them. We had the wilted spinach salad and a chicken dinner with mashed potatoes both dishes were good if a bit salty (one of us loves salt). Reason no. 3: they were really very nice, even with our kids vacillating at top speed between pout and party (dinner time sugar level plummet). We will be back for their happy hour specials that coincide perfectly with afternoon snack time (3-6) and feature half price appetisers including black bean chili cheese fries, quesadilla, and homemade hummus. (all under $3.50)

It is funky, old-style black and white with red and chrome, interesting art on the walls and be warned, they sell thong bikinis and stay open till the wee hours serving drinks. But if you are ever in the alphabet blocks and reach Q, stop.

JAMISON BEACH

2007-06-01T22:33:00.000-07:00

With the sunshine back, anyone looking for a quiet respite at Jamison Park better keep on stepping four blocks up to the bioswail park (Tanner Springs) where they may quietly contemplate pebbles and flowing grasses. Whenever the sun is shining and the fountain flowing, Jamison "Beach" is anything but serene. Packed with kids and strollers, nannies and grannies screams and cries, it is a literal hot spot in PDX early childhood. Last time we went, the fountain was broken. It still runs, but was no longer filling and emptying in the way that made it such a unique and attractive swimming spot. Apparently, all the babies and toddlers were yanking up the nearby monkey grass and throwing it in the water to watch it float, gumming up the entire works. Ah, youth.

OAKS PARK ROLLER RINK

2007-05-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

There are only a couple more weeks to wend your way south to Sellwood's Oaks Amusement Park to take advantage of their preschool skate hour. For the next couple of Tuesdays and Wednesdays (until June 13), bring your toddlers and babies to the roller rink for an hour and a half of truly old fashioned fun. Sure, we had the same hesitation about letting loose a three year-old on wheels, but they tighten the lugs to prevent the otherwise inevitable spills. You are allowed to bring your stroller on the floor, you are allowed to wear your shoes as well, they do a brief lesson, the hokey-pokey, choo-choo train, some sort of funky chicken thing, and they you have milk and cookies. Big hit all around, and for a paltry $4.50. (did we mention that they also bring out their thread worn mascot, Chipper? he is a squirrel, which we only mention because it isn't really clear that the squat fuzzy brown thing with the big head really is.)

LOVEJOY & 23rd GOOD SAM PARKLET

2007-05-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

We have heard the Good Sam hospital has a cafeteria that is one of the best kept secrets in NW -- cheap and good -- which spells a review in the near future. We may even elect to have a picnic if the weather is nice at the little parklett next to the bus and streetcar station. Well maintained, a fountain that we are not sure works yet, pretty little trees and a well groomed lawn. By the time you visit inchworm season may be passed, butterfly and mosquito days are right around the corner.

Mississippi Pizza

2007-02-27T21:58:00.000-08:00

Could this place get better for families? Only if you need tableside service. The Mississippi Pizza Pub is your sure bet for a night out with your critters, who invariably like pizza, will enjoy the early music and the easy and open atmosphere. Go to the counter, order your slices or pie, have a beer, listen to some local musicians, finish with a brownie, this is laid-back Portland at its very best. We intent to post a review of the monthly feature of Professor Banjo's Old Timey Play party that happens every first Saturday at 4. Might be creepy, might be great.

Kennedy School

2007-02-27T21:56:00.000-08:00

The Kennedy School, one of many roadside attractions for the McMenamins empire is a beautifully restored junior high in NE that harkens back to the days when they didn't worry so much about ceiling height and heating costs. It has beautiful gardens, a lovely courtyard, and is as all McMenamin joints incredibly comfortable to explore. One of us were first introduced here through a work retreat (read, indoctrination, in the friendliest of ways) and we came back while hungry and in the neighborhood after a swim at the Matt Dishman. We had tater tots, hot wings, shakes, and two happy kids. Note: there is also a beautiful ceramic outdoor soaking pool here that is open to the public for a $5 fee. We will let you know if it is worth the charge.

CHINESE GARDEN (Chinook Book!)

2007-02-19T21:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Year of the Golden Pig. This trip to the Portland Chinese Classical Garden was colored with a longing nostalgia for San Francisco with its vibrant Chinatown and fancy tea houses. We were glad to find the garden (yes, two for one admission, thank you Chinook) was beautiful and imagined it serene with a smaller crowd. OK, we admit, the caucasion volunteers were a bit of a reminder that we were out of the city, and it seemed a bit Japanese, but hey, the lady at the tea house was authentically ESL and we were as stated nostalgic which can heighten the senses to irregularity. The tea and snacks were delecious. The lion dancers for this New Year's celebration were colorful and undulating, a little scary for Ruth, who admitedly scares easy. Georgia thought they were amazing.

TINY, BABY ZEBRAS

2007-02-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

Though we've blogged about two-dollar-second-tuesdays before, we still wanted to list this last one, because it marked the first time Ruth saw a real-life zebra since she started calling herself a "tinee zee-brah." She's been on the zebra kick for quite a while now, sometimes refusing to answer to "Ruth," and only listening if referred to as our "tiny, baby zebra." Her Auntie Julie has been speaking to this part of Ruth in immensely effective ways, writing notes -- paeans, really -- to the beauty and wonder of tiny, baby zebras, in particular one that lives in St. Johns. Cards have been appearing in the mail weekly and Ruthie is having me read them to her over and over and over to her. I even got in the act with the other blog last week.

Anyway, I sold it pretty heavily, so I wasn't sure what the reception would be, and Ruth kept wanting to see the bats, so go figure. But the moment was magical. The zebras were amazing and Ruth was struck dumb until she said, "That's me down dere," to my immense delight. Yay Zebras.

Dim Sum Brunch

2007-02-17T22:03:00.000-08:00

This weekend is the Jazz Festival in Portland. We love this music, and were flabbergasted when we found a local radio station whose format is all day all night jazz, nothing in SF compares to this tune-in. Of course to participate in the festivities with two little kids is akin to giving up and turning on the radio, but with the help of the internet we found a few free daytime shows and one of them happened to be downtown at Dragonfish, where they serve a dim sum brunch on the weekends.

The food was great, the kids loved the six little delicious offerings (plus rice and soup and edamame, all for under $12 each, where else can you find a brunch at that price?) the service was good, but there was a snafu, and we are inelegant enough to have to report it. When we arrived, the hostess told us, "I don't know if I can get you a table, I mean, people are listening to the music and I can't guarantee you anything." To which one of us replied, "I'm not sure what you are saying, there are no tables, you don't want us to be on a list (there was nobody else waiting) or what?" She did not relent, the conversation was circular: she did not want us there. This is the first time we have actually been discriminated against because of our kids! Wow! So of course we said put us on your list we'll be back in a bit, and we came back and sat at the table and ate great food and enjoyed the guitar and clarinet players while our perfect children acted perfectly (thank God). To which we say to her, whoever she is: cow cow cow moo moo moo.

POWELL'S CITY OF BOOKS

2007-02-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

OK, so we're bored, sick of the whole play group scene and want to get out of the freaking house. So, we park at the Interstate Freddies and hop on a MAX to downtown. What will we do there? Go to our famed Village O' Books. This is several adventures in one, as we can talk about the multi-colored dolphins jumping out of the Willamette -- and are being ridden by new imaginary friend/story catalyst, one Freddie Mouse -- the time we fixed our owies at the Kaiser and asking uncomfortable questions about the tweakers ("What wrong wit the man, daddy?"). Then, books, books, books. Half a dozen little tables and four times that many little chairs and more critter books than previously imaginable.

Tomorrow: tiny, baby zeebra.

INDOOR SWIMMING POOLS

2007-02-11T15:21:00.000-08:00

The public parks have six indoor swimming pools that provide a great diversion on these grey dreary winter days that otherwise find you trapped in your living room contemplating whether or not you should just give in, tape cardboard to the windows and let your little beasts take over. Georgia loves swimming, Ruth loves bouncing up and down with a float, and open swim and family hours are full of regular folks (don't worry if you are too fat or too skinny, it doesn't count here). Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. at the Columbia pool are free. Matt Dishman Saturdays 1:10-2 also free. Kids under 3 always free but bring a swim diaper.

KUTS 4 KIDS

2007-02-04T10:32:00.000-08:00

Ruth's first real hair cut at Kuts 4 Kids (4423 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd ) was not without tears, but the gentle, understanding and kind woman worked very quickly and we finally have a kid with a nice even haircut that didn't happen while she was being bribed with sponge toys in the bathtub. A few things about this place made the experience manageable: A playroom! -- a little grungy, but who cares; the adventures of Tom & Jerry! -- the cat and mouse duo from thirty years ago smashing each other to smithereens over and over brought laughs out of the tears; Sitting on Mom's lap -- It made it a little difficult when she would duck and hide, but asking Ruth to sit alone for this very scary experience would have been WAY too much. Lastly, dum dum suckers, it required 4 but they worked.

UNCLE PAUL'S PRODUCE (Chinook!)

2007-02-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

After lunch at Jam we headed across the street to the tented, open air green grocer Uncle Paul's. We had been here before and loved it, excellent prices, friendly staff and locally grown produce. They have a goofy little fountain that Ruth enjoys, tiny little shopping carts, and a $5 off purchase of $25 or more coupon in the Chinook Book.

JAM on HAWTHORNE (Chinook Book day!)

2007-02-04T10:26:00.000-08:00

Lunch at Jam (2239 SE Hawthorne) with our two for one entree coupon snipped out of our beloved Chinook book, was perfect. Timing had us placed between two dining room rushes which provided the ideal booth in the back. Our waitress was open and new, brought Geo a sippy cup and took the liberty of smelling her hair and sweetly saying to her "you smell just like a baby," causing Georgia to fall into a puddle of love. The kids menu is $3 and is nothing like those awful deep fried finger offerings at most places which Ruth won't eat in any case. Peanut butter and jelly, grilled cheese, lemon ricotta pancakes with fresh blueberry sauce, some kind of noodle. Our half reuben sandwiches with roasted pepper soup were delicious, Ruth's pancakes were a big hit (and enough for all four of us to share). Stumptown coffee. Total bill for the four of us, plus a fat tip, less than $20.

NEW SEASONS -- SEVEN CORNERS STORE (Chinook Book Post #1)

2007-01-07T19:57:00.000-08:00

We recently purchased a 2007 Chinook Book, the entertainment-style coupon book filled with local merchants that are, for the most part, green and sustainable. For these dreary winter months, having a reason to trek out for an adventure is necessary, and we are frankly broke so these offers fit two categories. Our first Chinook experience was at New Seasons market in SE Portland. These stores are lush, and we actually have a New Seasons in our area but are always looking for an excuse to check out other 'hoods and the three coupons in the book were voted our best bet for lunch last Saturday. Free pasta of the day turned out to be an outstanding pork ragout that we ate with the free loaf of freshly baked sourdough. The two for one sausage coupon provided for that night's meal along with the rest of the bread and some fresh fennel picked from their produce section. Little did we know they also provide samples all day, steamed vegetables, coconut rice, several indian delights, hot soup and salad. Best place for free lunch in town, and the kids always enjoy grocery shopping in a cart dressed up as a race car.

MT. TABOR PARK

2007-01-06T16:12:00.000-08:00

It was freezing cold, one of us was sick, the other tired, but we were all happy we asked at the grocery "is there a playground around here?"

Phenomenal views compliment the Douglas Firs and big leaf maples that line the abundant hiking trails all over Mt. Tabor. There is even a gargantuan staircase that seems to ascend to the top that we want to go back to visit for a good thigh busting picnic when the weather gets warmer.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2006-12-31T17:47:00.000-08:00

From Geo to all, pictured here at the post-Children's Museum Ring in the New Year at Noon Party.

WASHINGTON PARK IN THE WINTERTIME

2006-12-17T14:52:00.000-08:00

It doesn't really matter to kids how cold the weather is when faced with a jackpot playground like the by the rose garden at Washington Park. But parents take note: the elevation of the place, coupled with the dense shade that side of the mountain during prime playtime makes for one very frigid adventure. It also makes the wooden ramps slick as snot. Did Georgia care? Not one whit. Did it keep Ruth from digging up frozen sand around the elephant? Not for a second. Did it prompt their parents from delaying the hot chocolate break? Just long enough to think of a back-up treat in case the hot chocolate wasn't reason enough to get Ruth to go cheerfully back to the car.

FIVE FRIENDS FROM JAPAN (AT THE PORTLAND CHILDREN'S MUSEUM)

2006-12-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

Yes, you too can make friends in Japan without a passport. After the totally cool reproduction of Sesame Street in the exhibit side of the Children's Museum (CM), we didn't know what would come next. When Five Friends From Japan opened, we frankly didn't know what to think. It was unusual -- a seemingly accurate reproduction of various rooms (a class room, a tofu kitchen, various kids' rooms) in Japanese society, with video introdutions to the kids who "live" there. But, it's really cool. The exhibit is really well thought out and the place is packed with detail. Ruth was able to climb all over the groovy Japanese furnature, looking at anime kids' books while Georgia rolled around on a futon, wrestling the Cat Bus from My Neighbor Totoro. The shadowbox Tai Chi instructor in the bamboo garden defies description.

Meanwhile: The camera is still on the fritz (I'm on it!), Georgia is so close to crawling it's keeping her up nights and Ruth's owie is all better to the relief of all. Regular posting will start this very week. Right ... now.

SIP AND KRANTZ

2006-11-08T21:52:00.000-08:00

The street car that takes you around the loop of the populated west side is well worth taking with kids. They love trains, you don't have to find parking, and there's a stop right at Jamison Park where you can visit a new coffee shop, Sip and Krantz.
Good coffee, good snacks, and get this, a giant carpeted play area that is enclosed by a glass wall so you can look in on your tots playing with blocks and rolling around in the bean bags. They actually want you to come with your kids! Ruth pictured is right outside the shop in the park enjoying the blustery wind. A picture of the coffee shop? Sure, as soon as we can get the camera that we stupidly left in reach of the curious to work right. This was the one and only shot that didn't turn out as an abstract art expression of muted childhood. We're working on it.

TULIP PASTRY SHOP

2006-11-08T08:11:00.000-08:00

Bribery. We're not proud of it, but sometimes it's necessary to get the job done. If, say, we need to finish some onerous (to critters) task without further incident, it helps to have a card up your sleeve, so to speak. Tulip Pastry Shop is that very card that we use when we're here in NoPo, running around finishing our errands. That they make the best donuts we've ever had is a bonus, of course. They also, as seen above, make tantalizingly colorful cookies that prove irrestable to small people. Ghosts and Pumpkins made appearances this Halloween season, and one suspects that Christmas trees and Santa hats aren't far behind. We're particularly fond of the butterfly, personally.

OREGON ZOO TWO DOLLAR TUESDAYS

2006-10-16T20:45:00.000-07:00

Don't get us wrong, the zoo is a fantastic place. Viewing the sea lions in the underwater cave is especially inspiring. But at $9.50 a pop for adults and $6.50 for 3 year olds, a trip to the zoo with a kid who may just last an hour before she completely freaks out when the monkey gets it into his pea brain to "demonstrate" by slamming his screaming grimacing shrieking fanged self into the glass can leave you begrudging the fear instinct of your progeny. But Ruth is still 2, so still free, and on the second Tuesday of every month everyone else is only two bucks. For two dollars, the monkey spazz out can turn into a funny story and not a mild resentment of the animal kingdom. Oh, and your kid gets to brush a goat! And, for the record, our Ruthie didn't lose it at the monkey like the other little scardy cats (but she sure talked about it for a while).

WATER POLLUTION CONTROL LABORATORY

2006-10-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

We grant you, nobody would expect a lab that tests poopie water to be a particularly pleasant stop on your Sunday family outing. We picked up a walking guide, "Portland Hill Walks," as a way to aquaint ourselves with our new digs and a hike along the Willamette that included the historic Cathedral Park and St. Johns neighborhood included this gem of green architecture houses this pollution control laboratory. All in the shadow of the green suspension bridge that is the namesake of our new hood, the landscape design alone is unique, even visionary. Cathedral Park, adjacent to the lab, is a beautiful spot for a picnic. Trust us, it is worth checking out.

TOUR DE CREPES, Alberta Street

2006-09-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

So, what's with the trailer kitchens in this town? Not that they are bad, as evidenced by the good grub we put away on our weekend visit to Tour de Crepes (2921 NE Alberta), but we have never really known a place that had legitimate restaurants serving out of old camping trailers. There is an entire block of them downtown, and in every neighborhood there is a lot somewhere with a trailer serving up waffles or hot dogs or sloppy joes or, yes, traditional French fare, to a crowd of picnic tables. Tour de Crepes has the addition of a barn-like building built in front with seating, bright light and toys. The crepes were good, although a little pricy. The kids loved it. And yes, little Geo is still pretty bald.

PUMPKIN PATCH MAIZE

2006-09-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

Can anyone get enough of Sauvie Island? This summer we were usually at Kroeger's for their u-pickem berries but now that fall (and the rain) has arrived, we went a mile further to the Pumpkin Patch to check out their Corn MAiZE.

The corn is tall, really tall, and you can’t help but notice the little rhizome thingies at the base of the stalks that look like clusters of toes (corn grows this way?) and the paths are wide enough for a stroller. It seems pretty easy at first, the dead ends are obvious and the paths that lead nowhere are a gimmie. Then you get to the bridge. Fantastic! Then you get to the hard part.

After getting lost in the giant wheel of the tractor the bickering begins. "We already went that way, look! We did that! Jesus, just decide!" The little trivia cards we picked out at the beginning that give you hints of which way to turn when you reach a numbered post were whipped out. Star Navigation says: How many stars make up the constellation Lyar? a. 4 (turn left) b. 6 (turn right) c. 8 (turn left). OK, switch cards, Movies/Music/TV says: How old was country singer Dolly Parton when her first record, Puppy Love was released? OK, switch cards. Tiny Tots says: A duck says: 1. Quack (turn left).
We're not to proud -- we used the Tiny Tots.

We ate hot buttered corn with salt and pepper and homemade peach cobbler, picked a fresh bunch of flowers from their u-pickum garden for .80 cents, bought a great big bag of vegetables and pears for the week for less than $10, and will go back again.

JANTZEN BEACH CAROUSEL

2006-09-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

We would generally not recommend anyone go to Jantzen Beach for the plain fact that it is a giant parking lot surrounded by giant big box stores that you have to take I5 to get to. But occasionally, everyone finds a need to go to Target. So if you do find yourself in this giant mall, don't miss the beautifully restored circa 1921 C.W. Parker Carousel. It harkens back to the days when Jantzen Beach was an amusement destination, not a shopping destination (which begs the definition of our culture's current amusements, but that discussion belongs on another blog).

For a dollar you can ride with your toddler on these glorious wooden horses, painted in fantasy colors, roaring, galloping, flying off into the imagination. Ruth is pictured here on one of the miniature horses, the perfect half size for your perfect little girl.

ANNA BANANAS!

2006-09-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

Even if this were not our regular spot to trade off the kids while one or the other of us rushes off to a job, we would regularly visit Anna Banana's. Located at 8716 N Lombard, they feature outstanding coffee drinks, excellent snacks (try the cheese plate or the homemade spinach stuffed phylo) and a play area full of toys which is the perfect distraction for the toddler set. The staff is incredibly friendly and we hear they feature good music at night and feature local beers and wines but who goes out at night with two little kids under 3? Need more? Free wi-fi, warm comfortable vibe, outside seating, clean bathrooms, good cookies. We haven't visited their NW location, but will.

PHO VAN, HAWTHORNE DISTRICT

2006-09-03T16:56:00.000-07:00

We had intended to check out the "American vegetarian" restaurant on the corner but fortunately found it closed, forcing us to stop by Pho Van. Everybody at the table agreed, it was not just the best Vietnamese we had tried in PDX, it was the best Vietnamese we had had in SF too. Loved the pho, the noodle bowl, the tofu, the salad, the coffee. The girls loved it too, and were presented with a bowl of something to nosh on within two minutes of asking. The best news of all, apparently they have restaurants all over town, a veritable Empire of Van. We look forward to visiting them all. (What is "American vegetarian anyway?)

Grant Park

2006-08-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

The last stop on our brief NE Portland neighborhood visit was Grant Park, home turf of Beverly Cleary and setting for her books that inspired many an afternoon of adventure for Ruth's mother when she was a girl. There is a sculpture fountain located next to the playground that features Ramona, Henry, and dog Ribsy that Ruth shrieked through innumerable times. The rest of the park is lovely, well used and friendly. Tennis courts, pool, (see us there for the last Aquaducks session taking place the first two weeks of September) paths, mature hardwoods and picnic areas. This park has it all. We love NE Portland.

Rheinlander

2006-08-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

We have come upon a (so far) winning strategy for checking out restaurants that allows us to remain in the know, save our wallets from too much damage, and most importantly, not irritate an entire dining room with the coos and screams of our young brood. We call it afternoon snack. The staff doesn't get an attitude that you are just coming in for a couple of appetizers and a split beer, the room is relatively empty, everyone has a great time and nobody's dinner is spoiled. Chefs tend to focus a good amount of creative energy on their first courses, giving you a solid overview of the dinner menu that you can't really afford anyway.

Gustav's Rheinlander, 5035 N.E. Sandy Blvd., looks like a castle from the outside. It looks like a castle from the inside too, much to the delight of Ruth. It is gargantuan, and a thorough tour found each and every dining room clean and set. Impressive. We had their mixed appetizer plate featuring schnitzel and fondu, a summer beer and two happy kids.

KRUGER'S FARM MARKET

2006-08-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

Kruger's is only one of many U-pickum farms all over Sauvie Island, and we have yet to explore them all. Kruger's is pretty great, though. Not only do you get a really cool thing to do (not cool cool -- don't forget your sunscreen!), you get really cheap produce. And the wild blackberries, just past the rows of blueberries? Totally free.

WALLACE PARK

2006-08-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

Wallace Park, located at NW 25th and Raleigh, is the perfect break spot for the tots when you are doing your Trader Joe's, 23rd street shopping (which, face it, is for a toddler like balancing your checkbook is for you). The Chapman elementary school located at the park helps to keep the grounds in top shape, as well as provides an additional playground structure. Something for everyone here.

Unrelated cry for help: anybody have tips on how to get a toddler, who used to look forward to her snacks and meals, to quit her fast?

CENTRAL PORTLAND LIBRARY

2006-07-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

After hitting the saturday farmer's market downtown this morning, we made our way closer to the heart of downtown to the Central Multnomah Public Library. We are big proponents of the library system, in particular the fabuously convenient online reservation system (there's no one link, but you just log into your library card, fin your book and click 'place hold'. Voila, you will have it sent to your library within days. So cool.), and at the central branch we found a great kids section filled with banks of computers, an enormous section of easy-to-find toddler books and a reading room with regular story time for the little ones. Their site even has an online primer for the critters. How cool is that? The fact that they have a totally clean bathroom in the kids section, complete with changing table, seals the deal.

WISHING WELL

2006-07-27T21:37:00.000-07:00

So, well, somebody said it was good. And, well, it smelled like cheap carpet in a cheap bar. Further, the spring rolls were deep fried, the size of short fat burritos. The waitress was oversubscribed and friendly, the art on the walls like nothing you have ever seen, as you can gather from the sample here. We had to go, and so we went. The thing about St. Johns that we didn't expect was the absolute genuineness of it, no irony, no post-hip anger, nothing but small town americana complete with terrible eats. We love it.

WASHINGTON PARK

2006-07-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

The playground at Washington Park is one of the finest we have visited. There are slides, runways, swings, sand pits and a running water sculpture all geared towards your tot's heart. This alone is enough to visit, not mentioning the proximity to the zoo and museums. But enough of all that. We need to mention something that has been brought to our attention recently, namely, Ruth's dress. "Why is she in the same dress in every picture? Did you just stage everything in one day or something?" The lowdown for those of you who do not live with a girl child who notices what she wears -- the dress so often seen around town is the "princess dress." Ruth named the dress with no coaching from her parents (they dreadfully await the Barbie era) and on certain emotionally charged mornings (read: most days) she does not feel like facing the world without wearing Princess Dress. End of story.

COLUMBIA PARK

2006-07-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

Columbia Park is a welcome oasis on the eyesore of Lombard Street. There is an excellent playground nestled in the abundant shade provided by the many Cedar and Doug Firs, a welcome break on those overly sunny days (yes, we know we will probably not be complaining of the oppressive rays come next year after the four month rainy season). This is a good picnic spot after a trip to the Interstate Fred Myers, where you can buy all imaginable consumables then go upstairs and try on a pair of Dockers. Still fresh from the city, the sheer size of Freddys strikes us like we imagine communist era Soviets being awed by stocked shelves. (oh my God! I picked up some work clothes with a roast and a melon in my cart!). We are rubes in these great spaces.

SAUVIE ISLAND BEACH

2006-07-10T21:33:00.000-07:00

Sauvie Island, a few miles north of Portland right off highway 30 and within sight of the St. Johns Bridge, is home to innumerable farms, wildlife preserves and scenic wonder. It is also home to a fantastic beach. After you stop by one of the u-pickems to get your blueberries, strawberries, flowers, or whatever is currently in season, keep driving to the shore side and enjoy the river. Note, there is a beach, and a not-so-clothed beach. If you are shy about such things you will be mortified when the deeply tanned naked man who just finished a round of volleyball talks to you about the weather as if his wang wasn't, well, just hanging there.

GIANT PLASTIC SHOPPING CARS

2006-07-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

The first person to get sick is also the first person to get better, coinciding with the time everyone else has caught whatever bug that took them down in the first place. When you have a toddler who is happy-healthy-bouncing, a congested baby, a chest that feels caught in a vice and sinuses that won't stop dripping, go shopping! We spent an hour slowly perusing the isles with one of these giant plastic shopping cars, which thrilled and entertained Ruth while allowing her mother and baby sister a slow-motion stroll. Thank you St. Johns Safeway.

PORTLAND BEAVERS BASEBALL

2006-06-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

OK, we have to admit, we were sorry to be leaving the home of two major league baseball teams (and one football) but were excited to check out some minor league action at the downtown stadium of the Portland Beavers. It was cool, it was fun, but for a minor league team the prices left us thinking, what are they thinking? Since when can you not still make a gazillion dollars on cheap hot dogs? It was no wonder the stands were sparsely filled when we went for Father's day. Baseball, yes, and you can take the MAX and you can have fun, but good Lord you should be able to buy a snacks without feeling like you have to write it into the budget.

PORTLAND CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

2006-06-16T17:06:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a giant indoor playground (or an escape from the rain) check out the Children's Museum. We have visited several times now and have found the best days to stop by are during the week, unless you enjoy seeing toddlers completely freak out when one wants the plastic broccoli but the other needs for some reason to put said item in the freezer while yet another, soaking wet from the water room, repeatedly bangs the miniature shopping cart into the canned goods. This place is a sure fire winner every time.

MULTNOMAH FALLS

2006-06-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

It helps to check out all the regional sights when you're new to the hood, especially when you will be having friends and family visiting with the loaded, "so what's there to do around here?" question; which really means, "so why on earth did you leave your good jobs and move here?"

Multnomah Falls, pronounced just like it looks, is pretty spectacular. Not much to do but gaze at the wonder when you have a couple of critters in tow, but even Ruth was genuinely awed at the sight. You can eat lunch at the lodge, or bring a picnic.

PATTIE'S HOME PLATE CAFE

2006-06-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

In downtown St. Johns (8501 N. Lombard) you will find an old fashioned soda fountain and variety store that has the added bonus of having a great big box of toys for your wiggly 2 year old to play with as you wait for your bacon and eggs. The staff is incredibly friendly, quirky, and local. Outside there are several buckets for butts which suggests an AA haunt, but there is no lingering old-fashioned tobacco cloud inside. The food was what you would expect, avoid the potatoes, enjoy the sausage, read your paper and try to figure out the large glass sculpture picture hung in the window. It defies description.

JAMISON PARK, PEARL DISTRICT

2006-06-08T15:51:00.000-07:00

New to the Neighborhood just got newer. We have relocated to Portland, Oregon where the weather is fine, the trees are lush, the kids are plentiful and we are unemployed! Until we find someone willing to pay us to show up, we will have more then ample time to find the best baby/toddler spots. Jamison Park, in the Pearl, is one of the first places we found to take a fussy toddler. Jamison Square Fountain between NW Kearney and Johnson and 10th and 11th Avenues William Jamison (which means nothing to us, being new to the hood). The fountain is a focal point of the Square, simulating a shallow tidal pool. Water cascades from stone joints into low pools.

It continuously recirculates treated water For this reason, Ruth probably should not have been body surfing in it. We were cooling off our feet when she decided it would be better to swim. Who could blame her on a beautiful summer day.

OAKLAND A's

2006-06-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

OK, babies don't really care about whos on first or whats on second, but you can dress them up to show your home team pride and they get in free. This is key, prices have spiked at the new coliseum since they have closed off the upper deck to "make it a more intimate setting."

FAIRYLAND (um, not free)

2006-05-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

I will forever regret not visiting Fairyland sooner. As some of you know, New to the Neighborhood will soon be moving to a new hood, the City of Roses, which removes the possibility of future documentary fame by removing us from proximity to this fantastic amusement park. Located at Lake Merrit, Fairyland is best known for their puppet shows set on various stages throughout. If you miss the shows, you still will have ample entertainment perusing the fairytale sets that hark back to a pre-PC time. Somebody must do a film about this place, it is that good.

FAIR OAKS STREET FAIR (free!)

2006-05-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

Every year on the Saturday before Mother's Day, Fair Oaks street drags down the attic boxes, cleans out the closets, rethinks the living room decor, and holds a giant garage sale. And we mean huge! It attracts thousands so come early and get your homemade tamales, lemonade and cookies, new used books/couches/toys/clothes/art/trinkets and treasures. (you may even find a one-of-a-kind for your one of a kind mom).

If it is raining next year, just go the Saturday following Mother's Day, and in between don't forget to mark Fair Oaks down as your Halloween party spot. They absolutely tear it up for the kids.

RED POPPY ART HOUSE: FREE SATURDAYS

2006-05-14T10:38:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed at the corner of 23rd and Folsom a pretty painted flower vase on the wall. Or, a while back, a piano that sat outside inviting the public to play. Now, if you go by the Red Poppy Art House on Saturday afternoons, you will see a clatch of kids outside painting, playing with clay, sidewalk drawing or making shadow puppets. Through July, this Gallery and workshop space will be hosting free drop-in art classes for kids. Ruth painted a musing in pink and blue, as well as the drum splat shown here. The volunteers are cheerful, welcoming, and bilingual. Ruth is a little young to truly appreciate what they have to offer (they are really set up for the 5-10 age group) but they were happy to set her up and let her loose in their paints and brushes, which they provided.
Thank you Red Poppy.

CABLE CAR MUSEUM: ALWAYS FREE!

2006-05-11T15:13:00.000-07:00

It sounds cheesy, touristy, boring, much like most toddler activities (add a balloon and you have tears too!). It has the requisite kitschy gift shop with plenty of expensive t-shirts and tree ornaments, but everything else in this place is genuine, non-replica interesting. The best part: the museum is housed over the actual working guts of the cables. You have to see it, giant wheels spinning the Powell and California cars on their dedicated routes. For a complete day trip, start out with lunch at the House of Nanking (919 Kearny) and have the sizzling beef. This is one of the very best Chinese joints in the city, bar none. Unless you are a total glutton, you won't leave with that greasy sleepy dim sum feeling, and you don't even have to figure out what to order. Any hesitation over the menu and your server will bark, "you begetarian? you likea beef? you likea chicken? OK, I bring you someting." Just say thank you, it will be great. After lunch, hike all the way up Jackson, go one block left on Mason, check out the giant cables, then have coffee and rhubarb pie at the Gallery Cafe across the street. Walk back down through Chinatown, stop at the playground, enjoy your city.

EXPLORATORIUM, FREE WEDNESDAYS

2006-05-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

Visiting this staple of the hands-on museum circuit is always fun for everyone, but do try to make the first Wednesday or you'll get soaked with a $13 admission. (kids, $8, -3 free) Everything there is pokable and prodable, a necessary element for curious kids (and their dads). Ruth visited when she was still on the verge of toddlerhood and found it pretty scary. This recent visit at two years two months proved to be a success, even for her cheap parents are trolling the free days like them dems. Her sister slept through the whole thing, as per usual.

LEGION OF HONOR, FREE TUESDAYS

2006-05-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

Take the 38 (or your shared city car, it's way out there) all the way to a couple blocks before Geary turns into the Great Highway to this the Legion of Honor. If you are bringing your toddler go only on the first Tuesday when the $10 admission charge is waived or you may as well just use that Hamilton as TP. This is in no way a reflection on this fine institution, where the collection of statuary is one of the best in the city (not to mention those oozing rich colors of the renaissance) but a reflection of the toddler mind, which would rather be spending its time in the service alley out back, contemplating rocks, pointing out the cigarette butts, asking for a treat. It's "do everything you can for free" month at NTN. Expect much more in the weeks to come.

NORTH BEACH, BABY

2006-05-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

Head downtown and turn left at the Transamerica pyramid, but not before you go behind the building to their little sculpture garden. Bronze frogs and redwood trees make this a nice green spot to re-group before the trek up Columbus to Washington Square Park. In this park that isn't square in the well-used heart of the beach that isn't a beach you will find a little playground full of Chinese kids and their grandparents as well as a great spiral slide. We ate an incredibly ordinary lunch that we enjoyed to spite it simply because Ruth was in a fine mood and Georgia had yet to make a fuss. Testing our luck, which held, we decided on Caffe Trieste for lindzer tarts, carrot cake, and cappucino. How can you not love a city where the famous neighborhood beat joint serves your kid her very own frothed milk in her own demitasse cup, just because?

AMBASSADOR TOYS

2006-04-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

There are a number of reasons to visit West Portal, one of them is Ambassador Toys, where the sparklies are sectioned into continents, with an entire room for glow in the dark space things. Make sure you get the spinach enchaladas or fish tacos at El Toreador Fonda Restaurant (in eight years a disappointment has yet to cross the plate). Have a hot fudge sundae two doors down after you pick up a Peet's coffee. There is a movie theater across the street that we used to go to before we had kids. Maybe it has gone totally downhill and now screens horror movies and smells like pee, but from the marquee it looks like a nice little art house. Everything is located on the short strip of West Portal Av. that ends in the Muni station, where you can roll your ice cream enchalda stuffed tukus right up the ramp and back on the M, K, or L.

The Tower at the De Young Museum

2006-04-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

You might hate it, you might think it looks like a Mayan ruin in the jungle that is, Golden Gate Park. Either way, you might want to go back, as we did. For the price of admission, you get to go to the very tippy top of the Park, and look out over everywhere you've gone.

Golden Gate Park Adventures -- Part One

2006-03-31T16:21:00.000-08:00

In the first of what will be a multi-part series on the enormous, wonderous green thing in the middle of our fair City, we start with the windmill. Or, as Ruth calls it, the "Giant Fan." Though we are Giants fans (particularly partial to the other team in the Bay Area), she means the gigantic windmill teeming with Spring flowers (from the record-breaking, never-ending Spring showers) near the ocean side of the park. From there, we continued on to the Bison, closer to the middle. There isn't much to do with the Bison, but is sure is interesting that we have any kind of paddock, let alone a Bison one.

Ruth continues to ask about the Bison and is slowing coming to realize that someone is staying, bringing on epic shyness attacks and temper tantrums to shake the very earth. Otherwise, all is kisses.

Japanese Tea Garden

2006-03-26T12:38:00.000-08:00

One of the great things about her early childhood development class is that they have field trips. Last week, we got to go to the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park with her class. First we got to take our favorite bus ride, the 44 line, which takes you up past the beautiful Glen Canyon Park (surely a future NTTN post), and you get to hop off in front of the enormous new de Young looming over everything like a Mayan temple. Then you get to Zen out on the garden grounds, eventually having a nice pot of green tea and cookies (all for $3!) to finish the soothing trip. That it was free to get in and there were squealing toddlers all over the place made it that much better.

Sausalito Ferry

2006-03-24T17:03:00.000-08:00

On the 2nd Anniversary of someone's arrival in the world, we decided that a day trip to Sausalito via the Golden Gate Ferry was the way to go. It provides big, cheap thrills with fantastic (and patriotic) views of the Jewel by the Bay. Once in the shoppers paradise-disguised as a small town, you can help yourself to a rich, delicious Lappert's Ice Cream (or two) or just stroll the tiny, shop-laden streets with a contented grin on your face.

INTRODUCING...

2006-03-15T17:24:00.000-08:00

GEORGIA! After the bars closed on Friday night, and just as everyone was finishing up their super quesidilla suizas at El Farlito, Georgia arrived weighing in at 8lbs 2 oz, just as her father predicted. Ruth was in dreamland at the time, having no idea that her landed position of prestige as first born was just bumped up a notch by Georgia's position as recipient of all big-sister ire and love. Thank heavens for her grandmother and the ever present Mr. Myers, who made the family's transition seamless. Georgia makes a nice addition to the neighborhood.

SCHOOL DAZE

2006-03-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

City College of San Francisco has an early childhood development program that includes hands-on, real life, no holds barred toddler immersion in the form of free "school" at the local rec centers around town. It is hard to find info online, but show up at the Mission Rec Center (21st and Treat) between 9 a.m. and noon on Wednesdays and Thursdays, go upstairs, and join the class. The activities change every 20 minutes or so and include letting loose rug rats in a room full of bouncy balls, snack time, story time, ring around the rosy time. Ruth loves it, and so do we.

Tao Cafe

2006-03-03T20:46:00.000-08:00

We had been there before, and it was delicious, so when we were both too disinterested to cook and someone (read: FoR) had not fed someone (read: Ruth) a suitable snack, we moved on to the lovely local Tao Cafe. At the early hour (6:00) they were still empty and they were very accomodating for Ruth, as they had been in the past. She is seen here enjoying a spoonful of coconut ice cream (read: Auchiee, gud).

In other developments, MoR is ready to burst and we wait to tell the world of the new arrival (read: Georgia).

SONY METREON

2006-02-27T21:17:00.000-08:00

Heading down to 4th and Mission the other day to see Ruth's first big-screen flick, Curious George, we first had to kill time in the lobby to avoid the 20 minutes of commercials they show these days. Ruth had an excellent time, gasping with surprise that George could move and all that. We were both disappointed the Man in the Yellow Hat talked so much, but George was great. The cookies helped.

Chow

2006-02-21T17:12:00.000-08:00

Right by Market and Church, we find the delightful and delicious Chow, where the food is varied and (relatively) cheap, and (relatively) kid-friendly. Ruth is shown here furiously mixing her water with chopsticks. "Cookin'," as she is wont to do while given chopsticks.

This is also just down the way from Duboce Park, a long-time favorite and right next door from Aardvark Books, where the books are (relatively) inexpensive and the aisles are -- miracle of miracles -- big enough for a stroller. MoR also reports that they have a complete set of Andrew Lang's Fairy Tales for those looking to be transported to a dreamworld of magic.

PRECITA EYES

2006-02-14T17:16:00.000-08:00

You may think 18 months is too young to paint a picture. We thought so too, and waited until the budding artist reached 23 months to take her first art class.
This usage of the word class may stretch the definition of instruction, but for $12 (yeah, kind of steep) your toddler can move from station to station creating masterpieces of extraordinary vision. (OK, so they go on the fridge for a month, vision is in the eye of the cranium.) Ruth painted and decorated two pirate hats, one valentine's heart, and several large works including the study in green, shown. She also smashed some clay. It was worth every penny, and she concentrated for a full 50 minutes before announcing, "all done."

GUNG HAY FAT CHOY!

2006-02-13T00:19:00.000-08:00

It is a good time for everyone to take a moment and review their animal year horoscope, just to give yourself a fair chance to either ward off (or anticipate) upcoming surprises. Mother rooster has been prophesied a birth (that one was easy, unless she's been toting around a medicine ball) and the power to shape her destiny, despite being tied town to the diaper pail. Young monkey Ruth has been warned not to speculate, her technical expertise will come in handy. The much anticipated dog of the family has been foreseen to have a difficult year, with constant competition. Well, we could have told her as much. Her big sister is already talking to mythical beasts. "Dragons! Hello!"

Tartine Bakery

2006-02-10T14:32:00.000-08:00

When nearing the food mecca that is the 18th St. Corridor, we stopped in to the delicious Tartine and had some "tweets." Delicious.

In unrelated news: Ruth today was found touching her nose and when asked what she was doing she said, "My nose. I found it." And what is there to say to that?

Mitchell's Ice Cream

2006-02-08T13:01:00.000-08:00

When heading down Guerrero with 40 minutes left on the City Car Share, where else is there to go but

Mitchell's?

Ice Cream. Or, as Ruth calls it "Auschiee."

Ain't it just?

The Carousel at Zeum

2006-02-06T20:34:00.000-08:00

Leaping plastic horses can be alarming, as you can see. The Carousel at Zeum is an excellent cheap thrill ($2 a rider, but they usually only charge the one in the fuzzy pink jacket) for rainy or sunny days. The park across the quad at Yerba Buena Gardens is a blast as well. Ruth is trying to give her nap to the chagrin of her loved ones, but the battle rages on. Who shall prevail? We suspect the tiny pink thing soon to arrive.

Spokane-Based Party

2006-01-18T14:31:00.000-08:00

Perhaps snow is the not most delicious thing made by nature; it might be the most compelling, however. Enormous fun was had by all in the great Western Washingtonian city of Spokane at the Birch/Wilson/de Thomas stop on the great Northwest Tour of '05-'06. Grandma and Grandpa Birch supplied the snow, thank you very much.

PDX Part Four

2006-01-14T21:37:00.000-08:00

Continuing on with the visit to the great Northwest, We move back to the beginning of the trip, where a scant hour after stepping off of the plane, we found ourselves looking at Sea Lions (in awe, really) -- because we were in town a good 8 hours before check-in time. Who booked those tickets? Ooops.

Lunch at the delightful (weirdly 80's-flavored) Deco Heathman Hotel where we had one of the best breakfasts in the annals of breakfast, should there be annals for that sort of thing.

Ruth presently is awaiting the arrival of her miniature sibling, cutting more of them big toofs in the back. Drool aplenty. That, and the pink fuzzy jacket has happily (perhaps temporarily) supplanted the black trench seen below.

PDX Part Three

2006-01-12T14:12:00.000-08:00

Though Portland was both lovely and inviting, one would be remiss not mentioning the rain. It did come down in many different types. Cats and dogs, misty morning sunshine and slow n' steady. No matter, fun was had by Ruth in the stunningly lush Forest Park, the largest inner-city park in the country. Even if it was coming down, Ruth was ready to rock the "eell-phann."

PDX Part Two

2006-01-10T07:40:00.000-08:00

While whiling our time away in the City of Roses, NTTN was hosted by the newlywed Graybill familia at the impressively family-friendly McMenamins' St. John's Theater & Pub. Though sick of all the rain in our three holiday destinations - SF, Spokane and Portland - Ruth held up with aplomb. Ruth will be the next Stan Brackhage, maybe?

PDX part one

2006-01-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

One last trip before Ruth needs to buy her own plane ticket and her mother pops like a balloon with her little sister found the family in Portland Oregon at the Jupiter Hotel, the funkiest spot in town to be seen in footsie jams.

More posts to come, but we wanted to alert the masses to this weekend's Family Appreciation Day. On Sunday, you can take the kids for free to museums shows and sights all over town. We will be there, thanks Gavin.

Xmas Shopping in the Rain

2005-12-24T00:17:00.000-08:00

With the lovely weather we've been having here in the City by the Bay, it's been hard to keep up with the season at hand. That said, MoR, despite being 13,234 months pregnant, still manages to take Ruth to the Toddler Gym of the Gods in between thunder storms. Ruth, of course, is unpeturbed by mere raindrops. It's not like they're taking her new top. Happy Holidays from FoR and NTTN. We'll send greetings and things to do on the Idaho border before too long.

Clarion Alley

2005-12-20T09:15:00.000-08:00

More Alleys with the Ruth to the Truth. This one is next to the beloved Community Thrift, where Ruth picks up much of her much-loved reading material -- Boyton books in particular for some reason get sold a lot, great literature though they are. Not all of the art is as Max-like as Balmy, but the colors and animals are worth the visit, we think.

BALMY ALLEY

2005-12-16T14:40:00.000-08:00

There is an alley off of 24th street, south of folsom that fills Ruth with shrieks and giggles. It is, put simply, not just another Mission alley. As seen to my right, Ruth can log time with Max or other wild, storied critters. Overseen by the local, great Precita Eyes (the word eyes, which Ruth pronounces "eeyyeshh" and uses when there are lulls in the conversation is a favorite), purveyors of painting classes for toddlers and tours down the alley. We haven't partaken in the fingerpaint-soaked fun yet, but it is right on the horizon, surely.

In other news, Ruth is learning about Christmas slowly as she still thinks the hullabaloo is for Hallow'een, understandably. The candy was amazing. We will visit the tree downtown tonight, we think.