1. Introduction
2. Summertime, The Planning's Easy
3. Review: Jump ‘n Jammin
4. Family Profile: The Rapagnas

Introduction:

Hello Foothill Families,

Welcome to the first edition of the Foothill Family SGV Ezine. It’s been a long time in coming: 9 years in my head, and many hours of naptime toil. Hopefully, it’s worth the wait.

I invite you to surf the website for terrific activities, classes, and places to visit with your kids in the community. Please contact me with any additions you think other families will enjoy. This is a work in progress, still in its infancy. Ideally, FoothillFamilySGV.com will grow and evolve to benefit us all.

In this issue, get a headstart on summer planning. Then, check out the review of Arcadia’s Jump ‘n Jammin, and read how The Rapagna Family has fun together in the first Foothill Family Profile.

Let me know what you think,

Lori

(626) 205.0337

lori@foothillfamilysgv.com

Summertime, The Planning's Easy :

Summer comes early for parents. We sense its approach as a survival instinct that kicks in to alert us that we’ve got to prepare. While the kids spend their last days of school visualizing lazy days with no commitment or responsibility, we parents know that lazy unstructured days quickly create restless and bored kids. The solution is to have a plan. Give the kids what they really want: structure. Kids crave it because it’s predictable and comfortable. It doesn’t even matter how closely a schedule is followed. The key is having it to lead or fall back on. Even if the kids are in summer camp full or half days, there will still be many hours of daylight to fill.

The family calendar is essential. Besides the fact that we will forget anything that isn’t written down, it is a good destination when the kids get into the “what can we do now?” mode. Swim lessons are a popular and excellent starting point. Few other activities can both tire and give the kids an appetite, two definite summertime goals. Register for a program at your local pool and let that one hour block jumpstart your summer calendar. Check out “Summer Swimming” at http://www.foothillfamilysgv.com/ for several swim lesson options. Many have already begun registration for first sessions. Registering early is necessary if you need to coordinate the lessons of two or more kids. Write the reg. dates for each session on the calendar too. While registering for swim lessons, consider enrolling the kids in a community center or other fun class this summer. All of our local community centers are registering now for their summer sessions. Most meet once a week for 30-60 minutes, so it’s not a huge commitment. Beyond these offerings are numerous venues that specialize in kids. Find listings under “Kids’ Classes” at http://www.foothillfamilysgv.com/ Scroll down to see the range of interests from arts and crafts to acting to rock climbing. Check out “Summer Camps” as well. Though many run from June to August, several are as short as one week.

Adventure is what kids really crave and there are plenty of opportunities for it this summer. Plan a special trip each week to take advantage of destinations that make our foothill neighborhoods and surrounding communities unique. “Family Activities” at http://www.foothillfamilysgv.com/ is a great way to choose your trips. Begin with “Free Days” to visit fantastic museums and gardens that generously offer free admission one day out of each month. These free days are also listed on the calendar. Huntington Library is one that no family should miss. Their children’s garden and greenhouse are so hands-on stimulating, the kids will be enthralled for hours. There are also links to dozens of parks in the area. If your family hasn’t already explored them, give it a try and make goals to reach a waterfall and to find the best play equipment in your town.

Now that the calendar has weekly entries, don’t forget to schedule downtime. Downtime is a must-have to each day, especially in stifling temperatures. There are “Summer Movie Deals” at http://www.foothillfamilysgv.com/ where you can watch a family flick each week in a cool, dark theater for free or almost free. Some theaters even offer discounted snacks for the kids. Daily reading is another way to find good downtime. Our public libraries have a summer reading program for all age levels that encourages reading with fun incentives. There is a once a week commitment and perhaps more if your kids enjoy listening to story time or attending the program-themed events many of the libraries offer. If your kids have outgrown the program, still make the library a weekly trek. Be sure to pick up a book for you as well; the best teacher is example. And what parent doesn’t need an excuse to relax and enjoy some quiet time?

Summer days are some of the best all year. Each day has the potential to be one of adventure or of lazing around the pool. The joy is in the freedom and the opportunity to spend them with your family. Whether your family’s days are scheduled tightly or are left open for spontaneity, enjoy them together with the help of FoothillFamilySGV.

Review: Jump ‘n Jammin :

Arcadia’s Jump ‘n Jammin first opened its doors last year. My kids and I stepped in briefly before it opened to see what this giant indoor gym was all about. The four of us were truly awestruck by the bigger than life jungle gym. I was quickly knocked back into reality, however, by the $12 per child entrance fee. The price actually was a deal, I was told, since an adult is free with every child and you can stay for 8-10 hours (but, no leaving and returning). Still, I have three kids, and one is a three year old. (It’s tough to get your money’s worth with a preschooler)In spite of the price, what parent doesn’t love the idea of active, tire ‘em out play? I especially love that parents are encouraged to get active along with their kids.

I finally took the kids with our scout troop in April. When I called

ahead, I found that our group of 10+ kids qualified for a discount, saving us over $20. However, when I asked about food (after-school munchies must be tamed), I was disappointed to learn that no outside food or drinks may be brought inside with the exception of the occasional water bottle (one per child is not permitted). There are drinking fountains and vending machines to stave off thirst and hunger. We had our snack before we arrived.

In Chuck E. Cheese-like safety fashion, each child is wrist-banded, along with the responsible adult, to ensure nobody leaves without this adult. We all breathe easier with this security feature. Once all wrists had bands and all feet sported socks, the gate opened. The kids were off!

Vibrant primary colors instantly beckon to kids. Fantastic equipment awaits in every direction: tube slides, rope ladders, rock climbing wall, a volcano-like eruption of foam balls, drum-playing, a bouncer, and an interactive light mat. There’s even a toddler section with big soft blocks, small slides and climbers. I joined the kids, camera in hand, and found it too challenging to get any of them to stand still! Your kids (and you) will sweat and love it! They will use their brains here as well. There are no “entrance” or “up” signs or any indicators to point direction. Kids really need to use their thinking skills to make their way around.

Besides the physical and mental stimulus, kids had the opportunity to be kind and helpful. I watched my scouts lead a teary-eyed toddler from a too high place, was told “excuse me” more than once, and was even given directions to my toddler’s favorite fast slide (without my asking).

My group did have some unkind episodes. Most all were related to the foam balls and the shooters. Balls were frequently hoarded in bags by one or two bold kids, and were often shot from shooters into eyes and faces. The result was tears from kids of all ages. This aggression could have been prevented had supervision been provided. Never did we see an employee in with the kids. I came across only two other parents inside the apparatus. A lot is missed on the sidelines, especially with the high level of noise. Once the large birthday party went in for cake, the remaining kids were much better off. Less is more here.

Jump ‘n Jammin is a clean, fun place for kids to have safe (for the most part), physical play. It has many family friendly offerings like birthday parties and childcare. Before you go, feed and hydrate the kids and yourself. Bring money if a vending machine treat is in the plan. You might also call first to see if a large group or party has reserved time and go when it’s less crowded. Above all, get in there and play with your kids!

Foothill Family SGV Family Profile: The Rapagnas:

The first family to be featured in Foothill Family SGV Family Profile is one of the most active families we know. Phil and Jean Rapagna have lived in the community for more than 17 years. They have been very involved over the years in their many passions. When son Jack was born nine and a half years ago, he stepped right into the Rapagna action.

The Rapagnas know how to have fun, especially outdoor fun. Given the choice, Jack goes for adventure. The best kind for Jack involves water, dirt, bugs, and reptiles. Energy is very high when you’re out with Jack. He comes by it honestly as dad, Phil, is most likely by his side, splashing through streams looking for frogs, or bush-whacking along a newly discovered trail.

Arcadia’s Wilderness Park is the Rapagna’s favorite community outdoor adventure destination. It’s instant gratification for Jack, as just a few paces from the car, he’s beside the stream. What more could a kid ask? A good day for Jack includes finding frogs, salamanders, fish, and maybe even a snake! The stream is a huge draw, but the park has so many other offerings such as hiking trails, a large grassy area with shade and picnic tables, restrooms, and a very kid welcoming nature center. You can camp overnight too if you make a reservation. There are also $2 animal shows just for kids that teach and fascinate equally. For more information:

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/home/index.asp?page=1160

Canyon Park in Monrovia is another favorite, but it takes a little walking before you reach the trails and the streams. It also has a recently built nature center that not only shows park animals in their habitats, but has several interactive, hands-on learning features. Unlike Wilderness Park, there is always a ranger or knowledgeable volunteer on site to answer questions. The park features organized, docent led hikes now and again and hosts some community events. There is a cabin that can be reserved and rented for day or overnight use as well as Fireman’s Flat just across from the nature center that can be reserved for camping. For more information:

http://nhanced.net/sites/site15/index.cfm?page=page&id=39294&pageid=141

The family that shares love and appreciation of the outdoors most certainly shares a similar passion for a good meal. Fridays will find Jean and Jack shopping Monrovia’s Family Festival. Mom and son sample wares in the farmers’ market, buying when it’s a sweet taste and deal. Anyone who knows Jean knows she is a scrupulous shopper and she’s passed the trait on to Jack. He questions vendors about their product and tastes thoughtfully before he makes a purchase. After shopping, they choose a dinner destination. A current favorite find is the 75-cent tacos at La Adelita on Colorado, just east of Myrtle.