Special Needs - Inspirational People

I continue to be amazed by Autistic people. I am humbled and empowered by these special people and their countless gifts. These recent videos I saw featured on various news outlets and re-posted them on Facebook. Be inspired as I have with these amazing people.

Autistic Teen's Hoop Dreams Come True
Gets To Play, In High School's Last Game Of Year, And Scores 20
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=1342163n&tag=related;photovideo

Carly Fleishmann
http://carlysvoice.com/
Autistic teen who found an inner voice through writing. Be sure to watch the 20/20 video piece about her. Truly amazing.

My hero Dr. Temple Grandin is literally the voice of Autism. Thanks to her we know more of this baffling disability. Rent her video which won 7 awards (Emmy's and Golden Globes) to learn about her struggles in a time where Autism was an unknown word. Be inspired with her Ted Conference presentation about tapping into all kinds of minds and read her many books that offer all of us perspectives in what oftentimes seems unknown territories.

Official website http://www.templegrandin.com/
Ted Presentation - The World Needs All Kinds Of Minds http://www.ted.com/talks/temple_grandin_the_world_needs_all_kinds_of_minds.html

Some of my favorite kids play websites

Since we've had so much rain I've needed filler time and had to seek my laptop to help ease the boredom of my kids. I have one strict criteria...must be fun and EDUCATIONAL. Here's some great ones...

Sesame Street http://www.sesamestreet.org
What's not to love and easy to say...great site for the preschooler or big kid like me who can watch vintage shows online too. Also, visit PBS Kids www.pbskids.org


Fun Brain http://www.funbrain.com
Great new discovery. This site has some fun games like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Mad Lib Jr, Sudoko, math, reading and tons more.

Mo Willems http://www.sesamestreet.org
Author of Pigeon, Cat the Cat, Piggy and Gerald, Knuffle Bunny and MORE great website for the little one who loves this book series.

Dr. Seuss http://www.seussville.com
What's not to say... Dr. Seuss online = fun!!

Beatrix Potter aka Peter Rabbit!! http://www.peterrabbit.com
Who wouldn't want to venture into Mr. McGregor's garden again?

Favorite Children's book series - Little House on the Prairie

Okay, I admit it...I watched the series as a child and LOVED it. I loved Laura's spirit and her loving relationship with her Pa. I am so excited that I get to read this with my daughter. Selfishly she could read this herself but I want a hand in this and relive the experience all over again.

We are having a great time and my daughter is learning what life was like on the prairie. Simple things like a tin cup for Christmas was a huge highlight. Learning what it would be like having one room to live, eat, sleep in with a family of 5!! What it was like going to a one room schoolhouse with all ages. We're reading on the Banks of Plum Creek and we're discovering what it would be like to live underground with a dirt floor! Truly this is a series of books not to miss reading with your children. I believe both genders will appreciate this series as there's so much to learn and discover.

This site not only gives a history about the author (which I might add my daughter was shocked to hear this was indeed a true story). But, you can get a map of the US and see where Laura lived. A dream is to travel to those places to offer a dimensional learning experience. Closest to me is in Pepin WI. This site also offers games and trivia questions...take a look! http://www.littlehousebooks.com/

Adding a dog to your family

Back in October we added a wonderful friend into our home. Our dog was an amazing addition to our family. It took me three months of researching, countless inquiries and breed matches for our home. We had a tall order since our daughter has special needs we needed a gentle soul who could offer her love and support. A good friend thought a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel would be a good addition and she was right. The challenge for me was NOT going breeder but rescue route as we wanted to save a dog. We found him through Wright Way Rescue in Niles. I would recommend this organization again as they lovingly take care of their animals, the facility is clean AND they want to make sure the match is forever. We got lucky and he's been a nice addition. If you're thinking of doing this...research a breed that might be a good match. If you want to rescue a dog, find an organization you like, give them your wish list and visit their dogs in the facility. Have fun and enjoy!! Our dog is a friend to both my girls and I'm pleased we got so lucky with a healthy and happy forever friend. If you have a favorite rescue organization please post so as we can share this with others who might be on a quest like we were.

Reading website for kids

Great reading website where actors (from the Screen Actors Guild) read great books to kids. A wonderful filler for rainy days.

www.storylineonline.net

Special Needs - Hippo Therapy/Equine Therapy

I've been told time and time again that this is an excellent therapy program for children with special needs. There is something about an animal and child and their bonding - just amazing. I am currently looking into this for my youngest child as this will teach her how to strengthen her trunk muscles, balance issues and have fun!! Here's a list of some facilities in the area. I'm told Horsefeathers is amazing. Visit http://www.rush.edu/rumc/page-1239655964349.html for a list

Favorite libraries in Chicago area

Did you know your library card can take you far? My favorite libraries in the northern Chicago area. I have some strict criteria...I like libraries where you can't lose a child, where it's fun and inspiring for a child to visit AND the selection of children's books is very good and easy for a parent to collect.

1. DuPage Library www.dppl.org/home/index.shtml visit the original Choo Choo restaurant which is near by for a fun lunch www.thechoochoo.com New-ish library. Great children's library large play boat, treat area for story telling, crafts room, huge fish tank and river themed decorations. Great art throughout the entire library. Great selection of books!

2. Lake Forest Library www.lakeforestlibrary.org this is a historic building and what I deem a library should look like. The renovated kids library is modern and fun and their collection of books is wonderful. One note, you can't really rent videos because you need to return them back to the library. Visit lakeforestillinois.net/leftbankpizza.html for pizza or yummy hot dogs. This place is a classic and favorite for anyone who grew up in Lake Forest as it's been around for year. Note: the book banks/shelves are high so you need to watch your kids. The area is compact and in the basement so losing a child to the entire library won't happen unless they climb the stairs.

3. Highland Park Library www.hplibrary.org another great library in a classic historical structure. Great children's library worth checking out nice selection of books. Visit Walker Brothers for a bite to eat. There's many great restaurants and shopping in Highland Park too.

4. Northbrook Library www.northbrook.info another great library - great book selection. They have an extensive collection of books. Whenever I'm looking for books related to special needs I find most of them here. They have a great children's library and a nice selection of videos for kids.

5. Wilmette Library www.wilmette.lib.il.us my home library. A nice children's and teen area with extensive selection of materials and helpful staff. Visit many great restaurants like Walker Brothers, Panera, Gilsons, Fuel and Hot Cakes for lunch.

6. Great NEW library Glenview www.glenviewpl.org this library is HUGE and lovely however I will state I had better hopes for a warmer children's area. They have a wonderful selection of children's books AND a toy/learning library. Not to mention a great video library. If anyone has a favorite place to grab a bite to eat in the area drop a note. Haven't eaten in the downtown area. You really need to watch your kids as they could run off and get lost in a book banks somewhere.
7. Park Ridge Library www.parkridgelibrary.org has a GREAT children's section. Nice arrangement of book suggestions, easy to reach and lots of reading nooks. Downtown Park Ridge is so fun and worth checking out. Contained area so this makes going there a little easier on the parent.

8. Evanston Library www.epl.org this is a library where you really need to watch your kids!! The kids library is not enclosed and near the front entrance worth mentioning. The books are a bit crammed in therefore a little tricky for viewing. They have a great selection of books but this is important to mention. I love the Arts and Crafts structure and interior. Our favorite family haunt is Uber Burger across the street. Yummy hot dogs, hamburgers and milk shakes!!

9. Skokie Library www.skokie.lib.il.us my 7 year olds personal favorite. Nice play area, decent book selection and HUGE video library hmmm maybe this is why my daughter likes it. My only concern is the kids area is spread out a so you need to watch your kids carefully.

10. Glencoe Library www.glencoepubliclibrary.org This classic structure library has an adorable children's section on the 2nd floor. The collection is smallish but there is a nice selection of books in an enjoyable setting. The kids area is a little more contained. I love quotes and there are some great ones mural-ed on the ceiling. Awesome town to visit and stop at a Starbucks for a treat.

11. Northfield/Winnetka Library www.winnetkalibrary.org/about-us/NorthfieldBranch There are two branches. Northfield is really small but has a cute kids section with I'm told helpful librarians and great story times. Winnetka is small too and the library is dated but...the children's area is enclosed so no sneaking out. There is a nice selection of books too. Downtown Winnetka has many great shops and restaurants to visit. My daughters love visiting this library too.

My Favorite Museums

Here's a list of my favorites. I love going to museums and supporting them.

1. Museum of Science and Industry http://www.msichicago.org/
This museum appeals to all ages, genders and education interests. All year long there's something fun to do and see AND in the winter....the indoor parking is ideal. Leave your cars in the car and walk in! Brilliant.


2. Chicago Historical Society http://www.chicagohs.org/
Chicago's history what's not to love about this? There's a fun interactive children's section where you can ride an antique bicycle, see what it's like to be a hotdog and what you look like on tv! The train exhibit on the second floor is not to miss and much MORE!

3. The Field Museum of Natural History http://fieldmuseum.org/
I personally think the children's museum on the first/basement floor is the best in the city! The washrooms are catered to moms with young children and the entire exhibit was well thought out for future learners.  Other hot items, what child wouldn't enjoy seeing Sue the dino, walk through Egyptian tombs, and walk through the journey of the beginning of civilization (my family's personal favorite). Not to mention they have Corner Bakery and McDonalds restaurants there, why pack a lunch!

4. The John G. Shedd Aquarium http://www.sheddaquarium.org/
Oh do we LOVE the Shedd. Make sure to check out the aquatic show as the entire family will enjoy the experience and definitely worth the ticket purchase for the oceanarium and polar play zone. Make sure to eat a snack while watching the Belugas swim around something NOT to miss!

5. The Chicago Children's Museum http://www.chicagohs.org/
A museum for kids what's not to love? There's so much to do for the active mind who likes the tactile experience. It's true that some of the museum needs updating and they have high hopes for a new location but for now. A rainy day, winter day, fun day in my household to release some energy, play and have FUN!

6. Lake County Discovery Museum http://www.lcfpd.org/discovery_museum

A small treasure set in a nature preserve that truly is a hidden gem. Want to learn about Lake County history? There is a history and it's REALLY interesting. Each July, the Museum hosts Civil War Days, the largest Civil War reenactment in Illinois. At the Farm Heritage Festival each Septemberr, visitors are able to take a step back in time and explore Lake County’s rural roots. During the summer, Museum educators provide fun and educational nature, history, and art day camp,

7. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum http://www.naturemuseum.org
A must see, the butterflies and MORE this smallish museum packs in a nice afternoon of exploring from the Butterfly, ecology, pollution (what this looks like to our environment), green living, and a fun NEW exhibit about bike plus MORE!

Since we're on the not for profit topics... I adore the Chicago Botanic Gardens. They offer a wonderful summer camp experience 1 week at a time. There's always something going on year round and the summers are amazing. For a list of youth programs already offered visit www.chicagobotanic.org/ctl/youth_family

I love the Art Institute of Chicago however I find the children's area to be missing some things to make the trip worthwhile. Here's what I suggest. Make the trip into an adventure. A little research from you before hand is required via the internet but think of the fun day ahead. Make cards with a print out of the picture (art piece) have your children find the art piece and then give them a mini story, art lesson about the item. A popular favorite is Seurat's Sunday Afternoon in the Park. A lesson in Pointillism, the size, colors, what the artist is telling in the story and all those magnificent colored dots to tell a story. A little funny like the monkey and other neat things to find in the painting to make this fun and watch the eye move around the canvas/art piece. A little trivia about the artist and the medium is always fun too when looking at an art piece. Have fun, the adventure can be educational too.  visit http://www.artic.edu/aic/

Another fun find I discovered from my oldest's kindergarten enrichment program is the Swedish Museum in Chicago www.swedishamericanmuseum.org. This is a little wonder for the little ones to enjoy. The children will see what it's like being an immigrant and journeying to the new country. Plus you can pick up a treat next to Ann Sathers - yummo!

Enjoy exploring with your children everyone!!

Elawa Farm, Lake Forest

A favorite of my family. This place has hiking trails, animals, reptiles, great new playground, covered picnic area with grills and fireplace and a lovely flower garden. The barn structure is a great example of a "gentleman's farm" and was formerly owned by A. Watson Armour of Armour meat packing. Also noteworthy for its fine design and for its association with two very significant architects: David Adler and Alfred Hopkins. Adler and Howard Van Doren Shaw are considered the North Shore's premier estate architects. Hopkins, a New York architect who is known to have designed only two farm groups in Illinois, is the acknowledged authority on estate farm complexes, and has been called the "unquestioned dean of Farm group architecture." Truly a must see and not to miss outing www.elawafarm.org/index.html

Grant Park Music Festival - Chicago

www.grantparkmusicfestival.com Some great music this season from Verdi to Mozart and a broadway show featuring music from Mama Mia, Phantom and the Wiz - Definately worth checking out!!

Like Rocks?

Dave's Rock Shop - Evanston IL www.davesdowntoearthrockshop.com A way cool place to take your mini discover-er and learn about the various kinds of rocks plus much more!! I have heard about this place quite a lot over the years. Definately worth a look see!!

Check out a video from ABC Chicago News featuring Dave's Rock Shop http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=8430607

Exploratorium - Skokie, IL

Exploratorium (Skokie Park District) Skokie, IL

Called Chicagoland's "Best Rainy Day Activity Site" by Chicago Magazine, the Exploritorium is much more than an indoor playground. The Exploritorium is a place where children and adults can come and explore together through interactive play. Make-believe in our costumed dress-up area; run your fingers through our water play area; experience new heights in our two and a half story tubes and tunnels, and much more. Newly updated fun zones - worth checking out!!!

Hours of Operation
Monday, Tuesday & Friday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesday: 12-5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thursday & Sunday: Closed

Admission
Resident Kids: $3, Non-Res. Kids: $5
Resident Adults: $3, Non-Res. Adults: $5
Kids under 1: free

Visit www.skokieparks.org/the-exploritorium

Putt Putt Golf

Putt Putt Golf!! I have many fond memories as a child going to these with my family. Now you can make some memories with yours. Here's some great ideas. Emily - many thanks for getting the golf ball rolling!!! As I was researching the details online I stumbled upon others that sounded similar - I love when this happens as I can give you more options. So here it is... Novelty Golf and Games/Bunny Hutch - Lincolnwood, IL www.noveltygolf.com This place has been around since 1949 and was featured on WLS tv's 190 North. Skokie Sports Park (part of Skokie's great park district program and referenced above) - Oakton Rd. (west of Gross Point Rd.) www.skokieparkdistrict.org/spdcm/SkokieSportsParkAdventureGolf.aspx A great place to take your kids for a fun outing. This place is open during the day and evening and is reasonibly priced. Get ready for the amazing batting cage, put put golf and a two tiered driving range. I've been here in my single days with girlfriends and we had a blast. Putt Putt Golf Directory - Northern IL www.golflink.com/miniature-golf/city.aspx?dest=Highland+Park+IL

Great Small Museums

Little engines that deliver! A great museum packed with many interesting exhibits in a small setting in the middle of a nature preserve. Definately a must see! Lake County Museum in Wauconda IL pack a picnic, take a hike in the nature preserve and visit the museum!! So much to see something for everyone. Lake County history at it's finest. Visit www.lcfpd.org (discovery museum)

Chicago's Great Indoor Gardens - Conservatories

These are some of my favorites if you're seeking indoor gardens.... Chicago Botanical Gardens Highland Park, IL http://www.chicago-botanic.org/ Garfield Park Conservatory Chicago, IL http://www.garfield-conservatory.org/ Lincoln Park Conservatory Chicago, IL http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/

Spring Cleaning? Local Children's Consignment Shops

Still Adorable an Upscale Children’s Boutique www.stiladorableresale.com
995 Waukegan Rd. Glenview IL 60025 847-729-2488

Principessa Children’s Boutique www.principessaboutique.com
453 Roger Williams Ave Highland Park IL 60035 847-926-0500

Hand Me Downs http://handmedownsevanston.com
614 Dempster Street, Evanston, IL 847-475-0803

The Second Child www.2ndchild.com

954 West Armitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 773-773-883-0880

My Sister's Closet Resale www.mysistersclosetchicago.com

5413 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL 773-774-5050

Babies, Tots n' More Children's Consignment www.babiestotsconsignment.com
1505 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 773-339-1841

Emily Oaks Nature Center - Skokie

Emily Oaks Nature Center Event Date: 5/1/2011 Time: 12:00 PM Cost: Free!! Earth Day Celebration Celebrate Earth Day on May Day with a festival to rejoice in spring and the rebirth of flowers. We will search for swallows, dance around a May Pole, make a May basket, have a parade and more! Native wildflowers and grasses ready for planting will be for sale during the event. Call (847) 677-7001 for more information. 12:00-4:00 Visit skokieparkdistrict.org

Free Summer Concerts in Wilmette by the lake!!

Now this is a great deal for a fun night out either with or without the kids! Pack a picnic, sit under the stars, hear great music and listen to the waves in the distance. What's not to love about this tip right? Starlight Theater at Wallace Bowl/Gilson Beach has everything from an Abba and Sinatra tribute nights to a Broadway show - this year is Carousel!! For more details visit www.wilmettepark.org

Evening Concerts - Chicago Botanic Gardens

Who said Ravinia is the only outdoor theater in the area to enjoy music? Vist The Chicago Botanic Gardens and you will find that not only can you enjoy music in a lovely setting you will actually have a great time too! They have children's night and then of course there's date night options too. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org for more....

Cantigny

One of my favorite places to visit in Wheaton IL. Cantigny was the weekend home of Colonel Robert McCormick of the Chicago Tribune. The grounds have extensive gardens, lovely home for touring and war museum. Pack a picnic or dine there. Additonally if you check their website they have concerts on the grounds. Last year Lt. Dan and His Band Gary Sinise from Forest Gump fame performed there. http://www.cantigny.org/

Toy Lending Libaries in IL

Recently ABC News Chicago (Sunday) had a featurette about toy lending operations in IL. When my daughter was in the state funded Early Intervention program I learned about these organizations and they're great. If you're looking to mix things up a bit and make play interesting for your child this might be a nice cost saving alternative. Visit Able Play http://www.ableplay.org/ Lekotek a national library http://www.lekotek.org/ Glenview Public Library (local to the Chicago area - your library card is all you need) http://www.glenviewpl.org/

Special Needs - Toy Lending Libraries

When we were in the state funded Early Intervention Program for our youngest I discovered that there are toy lending libraries out there. What's great about this is you can rotate a toy and check this out like a library book.

Local Program

Glenview Public Library in the Children's Department Visit www.glenviewpl.org

National Programs

Lekotek Visit www.lekotek.org/services/family/lending.html

Toy Library Locations www.usatla.org/Locations.html