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December 1, 2011
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Latest News from MK Appleton-Stevens Point

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Wow!! This week's newsletter is loaded with stuff to make your Holidays easier and lots of fun! I have giveaways to tell you about and special offers, plus a craft and recipe and of course, lots of events! But first, if you are interested in a gluten-free/artificial food coloring-free cookie exchange, please email me, comment here or reply to the question that I posted on Facebook. If I get ohhh... say at least 6 people to participate, we'll run with it! There are two ...


North Pole Macaroni Kid Giveaways

Did you know the North Pole has a Macaroni Kid?

There are Macaroni Kid sites all over the US, but did you know that the North Pole has a Macaroni Kid too?

Yes, that's right! Even the town where Santa, the elves, the reindeer, and all the magic lives has a Macaroni Kid! Of course they do! Macaroni Kid is awesome!

The publisher mom for North Pole MK is Jessica Claus (yes, Mrs. Claus herself!!!) and this time of year she is really getting into the spirit of giving! From now until Christmas be sure to either subscribe so ...


Boots, Boots, Boots!

And Everything Else On Your List at Zappos!

There are two kinds of gifts under a tree: the kind you need and the kind you want. And when it comes to kids, the latter tends to be the pleaser. But how are parents supposed to tackle the obstacle of merging the two? That’s where we come in.

With thousands of brands and styles to choose from, Zappos.com is the answer to all of your gifting woes, especially when it comes to kids. And this season, there’s no better way to combine their wants and needs ...


Holiday Gift Guide

Please Support our Great MK Sponsors!

I'm very happy to bring you the 2011 Holiday Gift Guide. Please support these great MK sponsors and do your shopping locally this year. My favorite part of this guide is that I can do some shopping online (in my jammies) and I don't have to fight the crowds in the stores. Just click on the box to learn more!

It's not too late to get listed in this directory as it will run through December 14th. You'll find more info here or you can email ...


Sensory Play Box

Create Lasting Memories for Your Kids... Sensory Style

I have a love of sensory activities. It started from the time I was very little. As a preschool teacher, it was one of my favorite centers to sit back and watch the children play in. Naturally, when I had children of my own, I couldn't wait to start doing messy sensory activities with them.

This sensory table contains:
  • Black Beans ($1.14/bag - I bought 5 for my large table- at Walmart)
  • Magnetic Letters ($1 at Target or Walmart)
  • Magnetic Numbers ($1 at Target or Walmart)
  • Alphabet Charms ...

Top 10 Homework Tips

Kids are more successful in school when parents take an active interest in their homework — it shows kids that what they do is important. Of course, helping with homework shouldn't mean spending hours hunched over a desk. Parents can be supportive by demonstrating study and organization skills, explaining a tricky problem, or just encouraging kids to take a break. And who knows? Parents might even learn a thing or two!

Here are some tips to guide the way:
  1. Know the teachers — and what they're looking for. Attend school ...

Deals from Stationery Market

Stationery Market is a card and gift personalization site that gives users the freedom to get creative with their templated designs and adjust the designs around the photos. There is a huge selection of designs to begin with and limitless options for customized gifts.

Stationery Market's cards and invitations have the least impact on the environment possible because they are printed on paper made from cotton, which is more available than paper. The photo paper mill is 100% wind powered and the envelopes are made from recycled paper. Their ...


Game of Your Life Review

Airs Friday December 2, at 7pm on NBC

If you’ve got a tween, then you’ve had that moment. You know the one. You are watching a movie together and something happens onscreen that makes one, or both, of you wish you weren’t sitting side by side. You squirm a little and cast a sideways glance at your kid. He stares steadfast at the screen.

Can’t we do better? P&G and Walmart believe so and have teamed up to create Family Movie Night, a series of made-for-TV-movies designed to entertain, educate and encourage families ...


This Week's Calendar:

November 23rd through December 6th

Wednesday, November 23 through Sunday, January 1 - Celebration of Lights

Daily through Jan 1. More than a half million lights spread over a mile of Menominee Park. FVTC Magic of the Season electronic light display set to music. Other activites include Santa's Workshop, Santa's snack shop, The Elves Hideout, live reindeer, 100-foot Holiday tree. See the schedule here for dates and times for Santa's Workshop, Elves Hideout, Lowes Gift Building Project and special event nights.
Where: Menominee Park, Oshkosh
When: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up
Cost: $8 per car or $6 with a donation of a non-perishable food item (for the Winnebago Hunger Task Force).
For more info: http://www.oshkoshcelebrationoflights.org/
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Friday, December 2 - Holiday Hayride

Hayride through decorated streets of Menasha Island. Visit Santa, Mrs. Claus and the reindeer and have hot chocolate and cookies.
Where: Memorial Building, 640 Keyes St., Menasha
When: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (One ride departs every 25 minutes)
Who: Anyone
How: Show up early to find out what rides still have seats available
Cost: $1 per person, under 2 ride free.
For more info: http://www.cityofmenasha-wi.gov/content/departments/parks_&_recreation/ or call the Park & Rec Dept at 920-967-3640.
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Friday, December 2 - Community Christmas Event

Live mannequin windows, horse drawn carriage rides, carolers, Rudolph Run
Where: Downtown Neenah
When: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Who: Anyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Free, except Rudolph Run, which is $5/person
For more info: Community Christmas Event or Rudolph Run Registration
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Friday, December 2 - Holiday of Wonder Parade & Santa Land

Gingerbread house contest, Black Smith demo, live Nativity, horse drawn wagon ride, kids' Cookie & Craft Corner. Parade at 6pm then visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa Land in the Grand Cinema Theater til 9pm. Treat for each child. Professional photos for $2 or you can take your own. Movie in the theater at 9pm for $1.
Where: New London
When: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM (parade starts at 6pm)
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up
Cost:  Free except professional photo with Santa is $2 and movie at 9p is $1.
For more info: http://www.newlondontourism.com/events/holidayofwonder.htm
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Saturday, December 3 - Children's Christmas Gift Workshop

Children will make six gifts, which will be wrapped and labeled for giving. Hot chocolate and cookies provided. Gifts are wooden toys, wooden candle holder, Santa's reindeer pin, Holiday cracker, sponge-painted ornament and winter twig frame.
Where: Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, 1305 Plank Rd, Menasha
When: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM (or 1pm-3:30pm)
Who: Kids
How: Register by 12/1. Form is on website to print and mail, or use credit card online
Cost: $10 for prepaid cash or check, $11 for online with credit card
For more info: http://www.heckrodtwetland.com/index.html
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Saturday, December 3 - Downtown Appleton Indoor Winter Farm Market

Runs on Saturday mornings through March 31. Wide variety of food and gifts available from approximately 40 vendors. Don't forget to go upstairs! Special programs each month: 1st Sat: Education & Learning, 2nd Sat Health & Wellness, 3rd Sat: Kids Day, Last Sat: Sample Day
Where: City Center Plaza, Downtown Appleton
When: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: Downtown Appleton Farm Market on Facebook.
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Saturday, December 3 - Holiday Make & Take

Kids will make 8 unique gifts and wrap them with assistance from the volunteer team. You won't want your kids to miss the opportunity to prepare all of their holiday gifts! Registration and payment is due by November 23.
Where: Mosquito Hill Nature Center, N3880 Rogers Road, New London, WI.
When: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (or 11am-1pm)
Who: Most appropriate for K-5th grade.
How: Registration and payment is due by November 23. Please read the cancellation policy here before registering.
Cost: $12/child
For more info: 920-779-6433 or www.mosquitohill.com
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Saturday, December 3 - Build a Gingerbread House

Decorate either a pre-built house for younger kids, or build your own for older kids. Decorations include frosting, gumdrops, prezels and more. Call to register.
Where: Neenah City Hall Lobby, 211 Walnut St., Neenah
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Parents and children
How: Call to register 920-886-6100
Cost: $12
For more info: Page 8: http://www.ci.neenah.wi.us/assets/files/departments/Parks-and-recreation2/BROCHURE%20FALL%202011%20FINAL(1).pdf
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Saturday, December 3 - Iola Christmas Parade

Iola Christmas parade starts at 10am. Visit with Santa and David Dall in Concert
 10:30 – 11:30 am following the parade at the Iola Village Library. Help children less fortunate than you by donating an unwrapped toy for “Toys for Tots”. The day of the parade, items will be picked up on Main Street or can be left at the Iola Village Library. Sponsored by: Iola Lioness, Iola Lions, I-S Chamber, Iola Village Library
Where: Iola
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
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Saturday, December 3 - Santa at Della Vita

Free photo with Santa in a Winter Wonderland. Hot cocoa and treats. Also accepting cash donations for the local MS Walk with Strength non-profit.
Where: Della Vita Portrait Studio, 422 School St., Waupaca
When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: Kids
How: Just show up.
Cost: Free
For more info: Della Vita on Facebook
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Saturday, December 3 - Holiday of Wonder Santa Land

Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa Land in the Grand Cinema Theater. Treat for each child. Professional photos for $2 or you can take your own.
Where: New London
When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: Kids
How: Just show up
Cost: Free except professional photo with Santa is $2.
For more info: http://www.newlondontourism.com/events/holidayofwonder.htm
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Saturday, December 3 - Holidays Around the World

Ornament decorating, card making, scavenger hunt around the museum and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults are encouraged to participate.
Where: Bergstrom-Mahler Museum, 165 North Park Ave., Neenah, WI
When: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: Kids
How: Just show up
Cost: $5 suggested donation per familiy or adult/child pair.
For more info: http://bergstrom-mahlermuseum.com/index.php/learn-a-explore/programs-a-events.html
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Saturday, December 3 - Santa Visit to Waupaca

Free 5x7" picture with Santa with option to purchase additional portraiture, including holiday cards. Stories, crafts, games, decorate cookies. Sponsors are Waupaca Family Resource Center, Waupaca High School, National Honor Society, Jeannie McDaniel, Dale Feldt and Clicka Foto.
Where: Waupaca Woods Mall, 825 W. Fulton St., Waupaca
When: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: Kids!
How: Just show up.
Cost: Free
For more info: www.clickafotography.com or 920-915-3651
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Saturday, December 3 - Holiday Party

Holiday stories, crafts, games, seasonal activities. Co sponsored with the Neenah Menasha Red Cross Youth Committee. Bring a non-perishable canned food item or personal hygiene item as admission. Donations are for the Neenah-Menasha Red Cross emergency food pantry. No registration.
Where: Menasha Public Library, 440 First St., Menasha
When: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Who: Families and kids up to age 9.
How: Just show up-- no registration
Cost: Once canned food item or personal hygiene item.
For more info: http://www.menashalibrary.org/node/1426 or call the Children's Dept 920-967-3670
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Saturday, December 3 - Race for the Light 2011

Holiday-themed 5K Run/Walk. Scenic course-- see decorated houses, carolers and musicians and the Celebration of Lights in Menomonie Park.
Where: Starts at Boys & Girls Club
When: 4:30 PM (Reg starts at 3pm)
Who: Anyone
How: See the website for registration info.
Cost: 13 & Under $15 14 & Over $30
For more info: Pledge forms, registration info, etc: http://www.christineann.net/events/race-for-the-light/
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Sunday, December 4 - Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast is French toast, eggs, sausage, baked goods, juice, milk and coffee. Vist with Santa 9-11:30. Bring your camera and letter for Santa. 9-11:30 is also a Happy Birthday Jesus party with music, crafts, coloring, games, drop off for toys and gifts for needy children. Birthday cake at 11:15.
Where: Most Precious Blood School Gym, 120 E. Washington St., New London
When: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: Ages 11 and up $7, Children 4-10 $3, under 3 eat free
For more info: http://www.mpbschool.com/
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Sunday, December 4 - Donkey Basketball & Chili Cookoff

Kid's games and activities start at 11:30- Pin the tail on the donkey, bean bag toss, design a donkey mask and more. Judging for chili cookoff is 11:30-12:45. 1pm Donkey Basketball Game. Free donkey rides for kids during intermission.
Where: Iola-Scandinavia High School, 450 Division St., Iola, WI
When: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up for event, but register here if making chili
Cost: $8 for Donkey Basketball Game at the door, $6 in advance from any ISHS Student Council Member. Preschoolers are free. Entry into chili cook off is free, kids games are free, and donkey rides for kids are free.
For more info: http://www.iola.k12.wi.us/hs/student_council.cfm
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Monday, December 5 through Friday, December 9 - Santa Float

The Santa Float will make it's way around the Neenah route. Begins each night at 5:30pm and takes about 2-1/2 hours to complete the route. Route for each day is found here.
Where: Streets of Neenah... check website for the route for each night.
When: 5:30 PM
Who: Anyone
How: Just show up along the route.
Cost: Free
For more info: Route info here. Santa Float info here.
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Tuesday, December 6 - Christmas in the Air

Music, free cookies & milk, chocolate tasting (5pm), meet mascots and Christmas characters for photo ops. Santa arrives by helicopter at 6:30pm and stays until 8pm.
Where: EAA Museum, Oshkosh
When: 2:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.airventuremuseum.org/christmasintheair/
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Tuesday, December 6 - 23rd Annual Electric City Christmas Parade

Christmas parade in Kaukauna-- theme is "Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present & Future". Meet Santa and have cookies & hot chocolate after the parade in the Community Room in the Municipal Building at 201 West Second St.
Where: Kaukauna (route map is on the website)
When: 6:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up.
Cost: Free
For more info: Event poster here.
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Tuesday, December 6 - Cars 2

Cars 2 playing at the Neenah Public Library. Rated G.
Where: Neenah Public Library
When: 6:30 PM
Who: Kids
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.neenahlibrary.org/content/cars-2
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Tuesday, December 6 - Celebrate a Norwegian Christmas

At the Iola Community Room (downstairs from the Iola Village Library). Christmas stories, Children will make crafts to take home, Sing Christmas songs, Dance around the tree, Enjoy Traditional Norwegian Christmas treats. Call to register. Sponsored by Sons of Norway-Norskeland Lodge of Iola and the Iola Village Library.
Where: Iola Village Library
When: 6:30 PM
Who: Kids
How: Sign up for this free Family program by calling 715-445-4330 Iola Village Library
or 715-467-3371 Mary Larson
Cost: Free
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Teen Scene:

December 3rd through December 7th

Saturday, December 3 - Race for the Light 2011

Holiday-themed 5K Run/Walk. Scenic course-- see decorated houses, carolers and musicians and the Celebration of Lights in Menomonie Park.
Where: Starts at Boys & Girls Club
When: 4:30 PM (Reg starts at 3pm)
Who: Anyone
How: See the website for registration info.
Cost: 13 & Under $15 14 & Over $30
For more info: Pledge forms, registration info, etc: http://www.christineann.net/events/race-for-the-light/
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Wednesday, December 7 - SLAG Knitting Club

Teens learning to knit or crochet. Bring your needles, patterns and yarn, if you have them. Other types of crafts welcome-- just bring them with you.
Where: Waupaca Public Library, Teen Room
When: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Any students in 6th-12th grade.
How: Just show up.
Cost: FREE
For more info: http://www.waupacalibrary.org/teen/events
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Plan Ahead:

December 8th through December 14th

Thursday, December 8 - Run, Run, Run as Fast as You Can

Everyone is busy doing extra holiday baking this time of year. It's a perfect time to talk cookie! Besides the old favorite, The Gingerbread Man, and its variations, we will be sharing stories that will stimulate your sweet tooth. We'll make a gingerbread man/woman craft, act out a few fun tales, laugh and sing, and in general, have a merry old time! This family story time is designed for families - moms and dads with kids of all ages. The fun starts at 6:00 pm. No registration is necessary to attend this free story time. Held in the library lower level meeting rooms - access through the Children's Department. Family Story Times are held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm.
Where: Waupaca Public Library, lower level meeting room
When: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: Familes with children of all ages
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE!
For more info: For more details, contact the Children's Department at 715-258-4417.
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Friday, December 9 through Sunday, December 11 - Smokey Express & Community Choir Christmas Show

Friday 7pm, Saturday 4pm and 7:30pm, Sunday 1pm and 4pm (Just checked the website and Friday is sold out) Admission fees are donated to community organizations. You can choose dinner and the show or just one or the other.
Where: Jensen Community Center, Amherst
When: n/a
Who: Anyone
How: Purchase tickets online at www. cottageworks.com or call Janet at 715-824-2525
Cost: Show tickets: $10 per person. children 5 and under are free. (Seating is limited) Dinner tickets: Adults $10, Children 5-12 $5
For more info: Order tickets, see the menu for each night here http://www.cottageworks.com/SmokeyExpress/index.php
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Friday, December 9 - Middle School Skate Night

Open skating for Middle Schoolers at the YMCA.
Where: Oshkosh Community YMCA
When: 7:15 PM - 8:45 PM
Who: Middle Schoolers
How: Just show up
Cost: YMCA members- free admission, $1 skate rental Non-members- $1 admission, $2 skate rental
For more info: http://www.oshkoshymca.org/aboutus_newsdetail.asp?id=415
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Saturday, December 10 - Taste of Christmas at Spencer Lake

Live Nativity, Holiday treat shoppe, visit and picture with Santa, Ornament and gingerbread house making, Holiday merchant sale, Waupaca Madrigals and other musicians, classic Holiday movies all day, free lunch for children with canned food item, gloves or mittens donation, carriage and sleigh rides, Waupaca library story corner and more.
Where: Spencer Lake, N1385 County Hwy E, Waupaca
When: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just show up
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.waupacaareachamber.com/event/taste-of-christmas/
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Wednesday, December 14 - Holiday Gingerbread Houses

Build a gingerbread house with marshmallows and graham crackers & decorate with candy. All supplies provided. No registration. All ages welcome. Adult supervision required for children under 6.
Where: Appleton Public Library
When: 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: Anyone
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: http://kids.apl.org/programs/all.asp#holiday-gingerbread-houses
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Handmade Christmas Bows

As you may know, I love doing crafts with my daughter. I especially love doing holiday crafts, so from now until the end of December, I'm going to be sharing some great handmade holiday crafts.

The first one are these handmade Christmas bows. The best part about this craft is that it uses recycled materials.

This craft may be a challenge for younger children when folding the strips of paper. Some kids will be able to cut the strips of paper themselves and some will not. Let kids use ...


Hot Pumpkin Spice Drink

Looking for an alternative to hot chocolate? Are your little ones wanting something warming in their tummies this time of the year? Try this delightful seasonal drink hot(warm) or cold to hear some squeals of delight.

Hot Pumpkin Spice Drink

1 C Water

3/4 C Granulated Sugar (or ½ white sugar & 1/4 br sugar)

2 T Pumpkin Puree (use the rest to make a Pumpkin Pie)

2 tsp ground Cinnamon

1 tsp ground Nutmeg

1/2 tsp Allspice

1/8 tsp ground Cloves

Place all ingredients in a ...


Christmas Light Spotting

List of the best Christmas light displays in the area

Where is the best Christmas light display in your town/neighborhood? Send me a message ([email protected] or reply to the newsletter) or comment below to add your favorite place to view Christmas light displays. Please be sure to let me know if it's a whole neighborhood, a whole street or one over-the-top house.

I did a little driving this week around Waupaca and here's what I found...

North Division St. - One house is loaded with lights on every side and the yard is full of decorations ...


Classic Christmas Movies TV Schedule

Here is a list of Classic Christmas movies... first part of the list is by title and second part is by date. Compiled by Mary Lauren Randall, MK Publisher in SE Orlando.

By Title:

A Charlie Brown Christmas - Monday, Dec 5 at 7pm (ABC)

A Christmas Story - Tuesday, Dec 6 at 8pm (TCM); Christmas Eve, all day marathon (TBS)

Disney's A Christmas Carol - Sunday, Dec 4 at 4:30 am & 1:05pm (Starz); Wednesday, Dec 14 at 9:35am & 4:15pm (Starz); Tuesday, Dec 20 at 10:25am (Starz ...


Making the Most of Your Macaroni

Here are some tips to help you get the most of your subscription.

1. If you ever need to change your email address, you can hit reply on any newsletter and send me your new email address and I can change it for you.

2. There are several national newsletters available (Family Travel, National Newsletter, Macaroni Kid Eats, Military Families, Safety Announcements, Family Fitness etc.) and you can change your subscription preferences any time by re-entering your information in the subscribe form, as long as you use the same email ...


Babygarten

Not Your Ordinary Play Group!

If you have a child age 2 or younger and haven't been to Babygarten, it's a must-do! Babygarten isn't an ordinary play group... the child and caretaker sing songs, do bounces, make rhymes and actions for the first 20 minutes, then it's free play time! You can read or play with toys, explore (for example, Waupaca has a pop-up tunnel, foam balls to bounce, roll through tubes or talk about their colors, plus puzzles, etc) and more!

Let me tell you parents, it's been a ...


Local Library Listings

Find your library here for information on their weekly events

Wondering what kid activites are happening at your local library? You'll find the hours for the library and links to the kids and teens websites here. Don't see your library? Don't worry-- this is a work in progress, but drop a note and I'll move your library to the top of my list! lauram @ macaronikid . com.

Appleton Public Library: Hours are M-R 9:00am-8:00pm, F 9:00am-6:00pm, Sat 9:00am-1:00pm, Sun Closed.

Children's Department page: http://kids.apl.org/

TeenLink: http://teen ...


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Updates, Contests and Friendship!

Please Like us on Facebook to get the latest news on events, such as cancellations, new events since the newsletter and all kinds of other things that come up between newsletters. You can share you ideas for the newsletter there and chat with other Macaroni Kid readers. You'll get the latest on giveaways and other promotions!


Kids Eat FREE!

Here's handy website to check for kids eat free deals in the area: http://www.kidsmealdeals.com. Be sure to call the restaurant before you go to confirm!


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