School Resumes, Back in Person

 After a year of mostly remote education, the kids are heading back to class this week -- and now that the Blogger Kid is in the 7th grade, he'll be back at the same school and with the same schedule as the Blogger Teen (11th grade)! Nathan has his first vax shot, having just turned 12, and Evan is fully vaccinated. They're wearing masks all day, weekly COVID tests are required, and the school is very conscious of safety.  Of course, on day one, the line snaked down the block as it took time to check everyone's negative test. I'm sure things will move better through the week, but it was a bit chaotic as expected in day one. Nonetheless, the kids eventually got to class, and the day was a success. There's a big difference in having them back in class -- both for them and for us!

Halloween 2020: The Schneider Drive-In Arrives for These COVID Times

This year's office Halloween party was scratched due to COVID-19, but the PMC costume contest was on — and this year, since it was virtual, family and pets could participate. Keeping things topical, we went with the return of the drive-in theater as the kids' costumes. Evan was the big screen, while Nathan was in the car, with popcorn and goodies. Yes, the marquee gags "Covid The 19th," but really the movie was "Hocus Pocus." 

Bob Baker's Marionettes Celebrate Christmas with an Extravaganza... and Ice Cream

The annual "Nutcracker" show at the Bob Baker Marionette Theatre is a Los Angeles holiday tradition. But it sells out fast -- which is why instead we wound up recently checking out the "Bob Baker Marionettes Holiday Spectacular," which featured the Wizard and Demitrius Demi Star the Third as they explored the Bob Baker Holiday Galaxy: Santa and his Elves, Rudolph, Chanukah and even Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" favorites... some pics:































After the show, everyone was treated to ice cream -- a Bob Baker tradition. "Nutcracker" continues through mid-January, while the Bob Baker always has new shows on the horizon. Check out details here.

For Kids, Donald Trump is the Bogeyman

The Blogger Kid 2.0's summer art camp asked the kids to design a "scary monster" with clay. Unprompted, several chose to depict Donald Trump. (Our guy made a ghost. But still, Trump fear is real.)

The Southern Poverty Law Center lays it out:

It’s producing an alarming level of fear and anxiety among children of color and inflaming racial and ethnic tensions in the classroom. Many students worry about being deported.

Other students have been emboldened by the divisive, often juvenile rhetoric in the campaign. Teachers have noted an increase in bullying, harassment and intimidation of students whose races, religions or nationalities have been the verbal targets of candidates on the campaign trail.

Educators are perplexed and conflicted about what to do. They report being stymied by the need to remain nonpartisan but disturbed by the anxiety in their classrooms and the lessons that children may be absorbing from this campaign.

Anecdotally, I know the 11 year olds that Blogger Kid 1.0 hangs around with now bring up Trump when they want to invoke something scary. But they're honestly nervous about this. This presidential campaign is causing real distress among kids.

Outside the Lines Too: A Coloring Book for Hip Kids (And Their Parents)

Last Saturday we stopped by MOCA to help celebrate the publication of new hip coloring book Outside the Lines Too.



Curated by Souris Hong, the coloring book features "original line drawings from more than 100 creative masterminds, including animators, cartoonists, fine artists, graphic artists, illustrators, musicians, outsider artists, photographers, and street artists. Perforated pages throughout make it easier to share and display your work. With most pages commissioned especially for this book, this collection features the work of Dalek, Timothy Tompkins, Ryan Humphrey, Richard Colman, Maria E. Piñeres, David Ellis, Jim Houser, Justina Blakeney, Kevin Lyons, Rainer Judd, Tim Biskup, and more."



The 256-page paperback retails for $18.

All Aboard! A Visit to the Los Angeles Live Steamers in Griffith Park

If you have a kid or know someone with a kid under the age of 10, chances are you've spent some time at Travel Town in Griffith Park. But right next door is The Los Angeles Live Steamers, which is open for the general public to ride from 10:45am to 3pm most Sundays.

Walt Disney's Carolwood Pacific Railroad "Barn" is there, as are a Santa Fe Steel Caboose, Southern Pacific Steel Caboose and Union Pacific Steel Caboose. Steam, diesel and electric locomotives ride down the 1 1/2 mile track, through tunnels, old West re-creations and more. Riders even pass directly by Travel Town.

During the second half of October, a "Ghost Train" experience takes riders of all ages through a spooky course.

The railroad was established in 1956. Suggested donations are $3. Some pics from a recent visit with the Blogger Kids:

A Visit to Discovery Cube Los Angeles, the Valley's New Children's Museum

A few years ago we took the kids to the Discovery Cube in Orange County; now we have an outpost of the children's science museum right here in Los Angeles. The Discovery Cube Los Angeles is now open, up in Sylmar, and now is the time to visit: For a limited time, entry is only $10 a person.

The Discovery Cube L.A. is smaller than the Orange County original, but has enough activities and exhibits to keep your little ones engaged and interested for several hours. (There's also room to expand, and there indeed are more attractions to come). Plus, it's located in the Hansen Dam recreation area, with a playground right next door -- so you can absolutely make a day of it.

Among the highlights:

"Aquavator": Descend deep into the earth’s crust in a specialized elevator and view the geological layers while learning the science behind underground water aquifers. Make sure to keep an eye out for the mythical Megalodon on your trip!

"Inspector Training Course": Is your house earthquake proof and energy efficient? Find out when you strap on an inspector belt and master the skills of a home inspector using a touch screen tablet. This competitive scavenger-hunt game takes you inside a California home and puts you to the test!

Rock climbing wall




Thomas and Friends Explore the Rails: "A hands-on STEM exhibit based on the adventures of everyone’s favorite blue engine, Thomas, his engine friends and the Island of Sodor’s iconic locations: Knapford Station, Sodor Steamworks and much more. Help Thomas and his friends solve a variety of challenges, from simple sorting and shape identification to more complex engineering obstacles."



Exhibit about the Los Angeles River



Race to Zero Waste: "The first one to zero wins! Zero waste, that is. Race against others to correctly sort recyclables and other waste to divert trash from our landfills."



Discovery Market: "Grab your cart, aim your scanner and zoom through the aisles in this exciting grocery store game. Learn the importance of making healthy and Earth-friendly choices when you shop. Are you up for the challenge?"



More inside the grocery store game



Science of Hockey: "The Science of Hockey, created in association with the LA Kings, is one of the most technically advanced sports-themed exhibits in the world. The permanent destination attraction provides science and hockey fans with exclusive access to the sport and the team, while exploring the fascinating math and science behind the game."



"Designers worked closely with LA Kings representatives and BaAM Productions to create an exhibit that is as interactive, compelling and realistic as possible – a commitment to authenticity."



Blogger Kid 2.0 loved the zamboni.



Discovery Cube is located at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Osborne Street, right off the 210 freeway.