New Service is Reinventing How Used Kid Gear is Bought and Sold Online

Much has happened for Good Buy Gear in the past year since we posted our first blog about this brilliant mama-driven business in spring 2017. With a new warehouse in Arvada, Jessica Crothers and Kristin Langenfeld, the brains and mamas behind the incredible business, have added an extraordinary amount of new inventory, created a new pricing structure, expanded their service area, and continue to grow their customer base.

What is this Good Buy Gear and why do you need to hire them? They offer a white glove service where they clear you out of unwanted baby, child and family gear, store them in their warehouse, then do the listing, selling, and delivery, all for you with only a commission on sold items.

Good Buy Gear pays all parents directly to a Paypal account, Good Buy Bucks (store credit) or the old-fashioned snail mail check, when the item sells. If after 120 days online, and after discounting a couple of times, said item isn’t sold, they can donate the item on your behalf to their local non-profit partners.t. (Thanks for saving me 10 hours of time, this is amazing!)

This spring I reordered the White Glove service to come to my house and rid me of all my unwanted kid gear. The new registration for pick-up of goods is very seamless and easy. You can pick your preferred date and time and also the size vehicle needed for your pick-up. I didn’t have much to get rid of, so I went with their lightest offering.

As was the case in 2017, the driver was on time, extremely professional and courteous. My items were then collected and the brains behind Good Buy Gear got to work sorting through the items, taking photos, grabbing descriptions and listing the items for sale. Now, I just watch the money come into my account. It’s that awesome.

Also new is the pricing structure.

The NEW “sliding scale” payout model lets you keep more of your payout for higher priced items! AND they are now able to list items under $15!

Here’s how it works:

$250 = 80% (e.g. Double BOB Stroller)
$100 – $249 = 70% (e.g. 4Moms mamaRoo)
$15 – $99 = 60% (e.g. Strider)
< $15 = 20% (e.g. Bathtub)

And, if this isn’t tempting enough, here are the top items Good Buy Gear is always in need of, as they are the hottest sellers on the website. If you are getting ready to rid your house of any of these goods, think Good Buy Gear before you do anything!

Parents are just too darn busy to be dealing with all the time consuming steps of selling your unused kid gear anywhere else. Let Good Buy Gear do the work for you, so you can save time for more important things. Sign up here for your White Glove pickup service today.

28 best family events in Denver this week

Cirque du Soleil kicks off in Denver this week. Also, don’t miss these free days, Denver Chalk Art Festival, Indian Market & Powwow, Capitol Hill People’s Fair and more. See our event calendar for full listings.

Cirque du Soleil’s CORTEO at the Budweiser Events Center
May 31 – June 3
After thrilling more than 8 million people worldwide, CORTEO will embark on a new journey next March as the same enchanting production but now in arenas, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy a Cirque du Soleil show in their own town. The show will visit Broomfield at the 1STBANK Arena from May 24 to 27 and Loveland at the Budweiser Events Center for from May 31 to June 3, 2018.

Summer in the City
June 1 – Aug 1
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The city of Aurora, Colorado invites you to join us this summer for some FREE, fun entertainment. It’s a great way to get the kids outside this summer! This event just for kids offers fun throughout the summer. There will be free, healthy snacks, inflatables, board and field games, an opportunity to try your hand at golf and the gymnastics team will be onsite as well. The library will be there with fun crafts as well as the Aurora History Museum! Come discover all the other programs that the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department offers!

Capitol Hill People’s Fair at Civic Center Park
June 1 – 3
People’s Fair is Denver’s oldest neighborhood festival and famous for bringing together a diverse population to celebrate community and enjoy the start to the summer. This Civic Center Park tradition welcomes community groups, artists, and entertainment from every corner of Denver. The uniqueness and magic of the People’s Fair is created by the blending of great family fun, carefully selected handmade arts & crafts, delicious culinary delights, fabulous entertainment and the commitment to raise funds for and promote the missions of non-profit organizations.

Food Truck Rodeo at the Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn
June 1, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Take a break from bagged lunches and have something extraordinary at the Food Truck Rodeo! The food trucks are here to serve up delicious eats and treats at the Aurora Municipal Center. Spend your lunch time break with us on our great lawn area while tasting some yummy food.

Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Dodges at Coors Field – Home of the Colorado Rockies
June 1 – 3
Enjoy exciting major league baseball and come out to this series between the Colorado Rockies and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Free First Saturday at the Denver Art Museum
June 2, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
General admission is free on the first Saturday of the month thanks to Your 6 Hometown Toyota Stores and the citizens who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). General admission to the Denver Art Museum is FREE to all youth ages 18 and under every day, granting more kids access to art than ever before.

Let’s Go Fishing at Bear Creek Lake Park
June 2, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Families can discover the basics of fishing at this great child-focused program. Learn about types of fish, bait, fishing ethics and how to catch the big one! Anglers of all ages can fish without a license during Colorado’s Free Fishing Weekend on June 2 and 3.

Appreciation of the Horse – Recognizing Dr. Marven Beeman
June 2 – 3
For over 35 years the Cottonwood Riding Club home of The Denver Polo Club has been home to all types of equestrians. This weekend we will host all of them at the top levels. Our Opening Weekend event is designed to kick off the summer season and get everyone excited for a Colorado summer! The weekend will include international competitors as well as our local heroes. Friday night we welcome the exhibitors, players and riders with a welcome party then Saturday we roll right into Polo, Jr. A/O and wrap up the evening with a PBR Rough Stock Rodeo complete with Mutton Busting.

Denver Chalk Art Festival at Larimer Square
June 2 –3
More than 200 professional, amateur and student artists will delight and amaze Denverites with their incredible talents in what has become one of the city’s most treasured events. Over the course of two days, the artists will take to the street armed with vivid pastel chalks and spend hours on their hands and knees recreating major masterpieces or sharing original works of art. Spectators will watch as the intricate chalk paintings come to life and spread out to adorn four downtown blocks in and around Larimer Square. Visitors will enjoy live music, food and beverages while also having the rare opportunity to interact with the artists as they work.

Indian Market & Powwow at the Tesoro Cultural Center
June 2–3
Tesoro Cultural Center will welcome back the Indian Market & Powwow in its 18th year on Saturday, June 2, and Sunday, June 3, on the grounds of Colorado’s iconic restaurant, The Fort. The event offers free and ample parking, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and admission – just $5 per person, free for children 12 and under – benefits Tesoro’s ongoing educational programs and initiatives.

Learning Center Grand Opening at Code Ninjas Highlands Ranch
June 2, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Code Ninjas Highlands Ranch, a new learning center that teaches kids (7-14) to code (computer programming), is hosting its Grand Opening at its first location in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. The center will showcase the new facility, its instructors, and will be taking last minute registrations for the first round of classes being June 4 through August 4. There will be prizes, giveaways and games.

SCFD Community Free Days at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
June 3, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Free day at DMNS! A fee still applies to IMAX films, Planetarium shows, and temporary exhibitions. Reservations and amenities (lunchroom, coat and lunch storage, bus drop off, etc.) for school groups are not available on SCFD Community Free Days.

Free Day at the Molly Brown House Museum
June 3, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Free admission for the residents of: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson Counties – must show ID. January 20, March 28, June 3, August 1 (Colorado Day), September 22, and November 10 (Veteran’s Day). On free day, please consider making a donation according to your ability. The Museum is much busier on free days, so also consider visiting on a regular admission day instead. If you have a large group or a group with special needs, we can book a tour any day by offering free or reduced admission.

Free Day at the Denver Botanic Gardens
June 5, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Free Days occur throughout the year at both York Street and Chatfield Farms, thanks to funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). No tickets are needed for admission to Free Days. Free Days are for regular Gardens hours only and do not include ticketed events.

Free Day at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms
June 5, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Free Days occur throughout the year at both York Street and Chatfield Farms, thanks to funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). No tickets are needed for admission to Free Days. Free Days are for regular Gardens hours only and do not include ticketed events.

FREE Astronomy Outreach Event at Sheraton Downtown Denver
June 5, 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
An afternoon of hands-on science and astronomy with world renowned PhD scientists from NASA, national labs, universities and other agencies working in astronomy and astrophysics. This event is geared for students in 5th-12th grade interested in STEM. Meet astronomers, physicists and other scientists at the 232nd Meeting of the American Astronomical Society meeting in Denver, Colorado.

Free Target Tuesday Night at Denver Children’s Museum at Marsico Campus
June 5, 4:00 – 8:00 pm
Target is committed to giving back to the communities where their guests and team members live and work. Through their generous sponsorship of the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, families can play for FREE the first Tuesday of each month from 4 – 8 pm.

Ongoing Events and Exhibits

“Happy City: Art for the People” is a six-week (May 18-June 30) citywide art intervention produced by The Denver Theatre District at Denver Union Station’s Plaza and Great Hall. The art instillation sites are located throughout Denver and includes streets, alleyways, billboards, video screens and Union Station, among other locations.

Play Ball! at the History Colorado Center
April 7-September 30, 2018
See classic baseball artifacts—from Babe Ruth to the Blake Street Bombers. Treasured memorabilia and iconic photographs bring the past to life through stories that begin on the ball field and echo through American history. Size up your hand against Babe Ruth’s. Find the nails Ty Cobb used to hold his favorite bat together, and admire the glove flashed by Willie Mays to make some of the game’s most memorable catches. See the uniform Joe DiMaggio wore in his final World Series and a receipt for roses he sent to Marilyn Monroe. historycolorado.org/exhibit/play-ball

Dead Sea Scrolls at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
March 16-Sept. 3
Dead Sea Scrolls is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see authentic Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient manuscripts that include the oldest known biblical documents dating back over 2,000 years. The scrolls will be dramatically presented within a massive exhibit case featuring carefully regulated individual chambers, along with the full English translation. dmns.org/dead-sea-scrolls

Denver Puzzling Adventure at Civic Center Park
Puzzling Adventures™ are a cross between a scavenger hunt, an informative self-guided tour, and The Amazing Race®. Each adventure consists of a series of locations that you are guided to where you are required to answer questions or solve puzzles to receive your next instruction. http://puzzlingadventures.com

Eyes On at Denver Art Museum
December 3, 2017 – July 8, 2018, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Xiaoze Xie has a lifelong passion for books. In his worldview, books are conveyers of prestige and signifiers of collective cultural knowledge: repositories of historical meaning, cultural conflict, and political strife. For Eyes On: Xiaoze Xie, the artist has created still-life paintings of books, videos, and installations based on banned and forbidden books in China. http://denverartmuseum.org/exhibitions/eyes-on-xiaoze-xie

Past the Tangled Present at the Denver Art Museum
November 14, 2017 – October 28, 2018, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
This interactive and immersive installation by Denver artist Jaime Molina was born of imagination and the joy of discovery. Step into a different world where the paintings on the wall flow into 3-D objects that Molina created for the space. Sit on boxes painted with faces and play in a garden of fabricated cacti. http://denverartmuseum.org/exhibitions/past-tangled-present

Creatures of Light at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
February 23- June 10, 2018
They light up our lives, but have you ever wondered how? Delve into the world of living things that blink, glow, flash, and flicker, from tiny fireflies to strange creatures in the ocean depths. The new exhibition Creatures of Light explores the mysterious world of bioluminescence and biofluorescence, visible light emitted by living things. This enlightening experience features larger-than-life models, engaging immersive environments, fun activities, and real animals, fungi, and minerals that get their glow on. http://www.dmns.org

Colors of East Africa
Jan. 20-May 19, 2018
Colors of East Africa, an exceptional showcase of eight countries along the Great Rift Valley, continues through May 19 at the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures. The exhibit features art and artifacts on loan from over 40 collectors and international travelers in Northern Colorado. Many items reflect the intersection between the wildlife and the indigenous cultures, such as a loin cloth fashioned from fish vertebrae and a Maasai shield & weaponry. http://globalvillagemuseum.org/upcoming-main-gallery/

AI Weiwei: Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads
Oct. 18, 2017–Oct. 17, 2018
The 12 bronze heads of Ai Weiwei’s Circle of Animals represent the 12 animals of the traditional Chinese zodiac. See it for free at Civic Center Park! https://www.denver.org

Zoom In: The Centennial State in 100 Objects
Nov. 21, 2017–Dec. 31, 2018
History Colorado created a brand-new space, the Tim Schultz Gallery, to house this 3,700-square-foot exhibit of 100 objects, each of which had a role in shaping the history and culture of Colorado. https://www.historycolorado.org/venue/history-colorado-center

Pixelated: Sculpture by Mike Whiting
April 28–Sept. 23, 2018
Mike Whiting’s geometric sculptures at the Denver Botanic Gardens also represent the intersection of two distinct visual styles: 8-bit pixel graphics—which have enjoyed a recent resurgence in games like Minecraft—and minimalist sculpture. Technological limitations in early video games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders reduced the graphics to simplified shapes, while the minimalist art movement created artworks that purposely lacked detail. Pixelated investigates the opposite intents of these two artistic approaches that result in a strikingly similar visual outcome. https://www.botanicgardens.org/exhibits/pixelated-sculpture-mike-whiting

Peak-A-Boo Play

Peak-A-Boo Play launched in spring 2018 in The Hangar at Stanley Marketplace. The space is a clean, safe, pop-up experience offering drop-in, open play for kiddos three years of age and under. Parents/caretakers must be present and will have opportunities to socialize, grab coffee and take a breather while kids explore over 500-square-feet of mats, plush tumbling gear, sensory toys, bubbles, music and more. Summer admission is $10 per child with sibling discounts available. Hours of operation are Monday and Thursday mornings, 9 to noon; however, schedule is subject to change/expand and will be regularly posted to website and social channels.

Winning Wednesday: Win VIP Tickets to the Denver BBQ Festival

The inaugural Denver Barbecue (BBQ) Festival will take place Father’s Day weekend (June 15-17) at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Denver BBQ Festival brings together legendary pitmasters from Denver and around the nation to serve award-winning BBQ, with live music, cold beer and drinks, and BBQ tutorials and demonstrations from the nation’s most iconic BBQ wizards.

Admission is free on Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 11:00 A.M., and attendees will be able to listen to great music and purchase world-class BBQ from some of the most iconic pitmasters and restaurants across the country. Ticketed all-you-can-eat Pit Passes in addition to a special Friday Preview Party will be available for purchase by visiting www.denverbbqfest.com. Proceeds from the event will go to support the Food Bank of the Rockies.

The Denver BBQ Festival is also offering Masterclasses on Saturday and Sunday, taught by Richard Fergola and Jeremy Williams of Kansas City’s Fergolicious BBQ, winners of nine grand championships and four reserve grand championships. Masterclasses will teach the most guarded secrets of pitmaster pros, and Richard and Jeremy, coaches and teachers by trade, will share the skills that bring home the trophies and get them on shows like Chopped and BBQ Pitmasters.

The Masterclass schedule for Saturday and Sunday is:

Saturday, June 16

11:30 am – 1:00 pm: Tomahawk Steaks

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Prime Rib

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Pork Shoulder

Sunday, June 17

11:30 am – 1:00 pm: Pork Spare Ribs

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Beef Short Ribs

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Brisket – Concentration on Burnt Ends

BBQ aficionados of all types can gain insights into making world-championship-winning ‘que, from whole hog to ribs so good that they’ll call dibs. When you’re done learning real-life tips from these real-life champs, you’ll be ready to write a thesis on BBQ.

Contest
Win two tickets for Dad for the Friday night VIP party on Friday, June 15 at 5 p.m. at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Each ticket is valued at $125. You may enter as many as five times below.

Learn New Ways & Places to Travel with The Colorado Field Guide this Summer

Going off the beaten-path sometimes creates the most authentic connections and memories when traveling. Looking at an old favorite with new eyes and perspective can bring out the best in an often-visited location. Or, perhaps for the most well-traveled visitor to Colorado, time giving back to a non-profit or supporting the environment creates a new sense of appreciation for the outdoors and public lands. The Colorado Field Guide brings fresh exploratory ideas and opportunities to visitors this summer with new look-and-feel planning tools and more inspiration from all corners of the state.

Here are eight ways to use the Colorado Field Guide to get to the lesser-known, travel like a local, and experience the unexpected on a Colorado visit this summer:

Plan Your Getaway: Build A Trip by Length, Region, City, Season or Activity. Heading to Colorado but for how many days? Looking for art galleries or hiking trails? Trying to avoid the usual hot spots and discover something new? The Colorado Field Guide homepage has a handy search criteria, so travelers can check out different itinerary ideas based on journey time or direction of travel. Each itinerary comes with recommended lodging and dining suggestions and is packed with daily activities. Search the full breadth of diverse activities for inspiration or pair unheard-of activities in a destination: stargazing to golf, wine tasting to hunting, mine tours to zip lining.

(Wisdom Rides Tour in Merino, CO)

New Reasons to Visit the Well Known. Visitors have a new lens to look at Denver, Boulder, Aspen, and Telluride with the Colorado Field Guide’s “Top Chef” itinerary. Rich in homegrown ingredients, nationally recognized chefs and a thriving maker culture, it’s no wonder Bravo set its latest season of “Top Chef” in breathtaking (and delicious) destinations in Colorado. Visitors can experience Season 15’s highlights on this flavor-packed tour of the celebrated culinary scenes in four of the towns featured as locations in the show, starting with the Mile High City. Want more? Check out the Field Guide itinerary: Follow Top Chef Season 15 In Colorado: Inspired By Food & Wine Magazine

Places You Haven’t Heard Of. The Colorado Field Guide is the best place to dig for new destinations and regional road trips. Never heard of Sterling, Colorado? It just so happens to be home to Parts and Labor, the only brewery east of the 1-25 corridor. Despite being a small mom and pop brewery, the brews are already getting wide recognition, having been featured in Food & Wine Magazine as one of the top 25 breweries in the state. Parts & Labor is known for their wheat beers, which are produced from wheat grown just 5 miles from the brewery. Want more? Check out the Field Guide itinerary: Peaceful Plains: Explore Sterling & Logan County itinerary. Or try a new region: Northwest Colorado’s Grand Mesa is one of the largest flat-top mountains in the world, and its landscape sets it apart from much of the rest of Colorado — that so many lakes can be found so close together is a bit of an anomaly in this high-altitude state. Alexander Lake Lodge in Cedaredge is the perfect home base for activities and exploration of the area. Want more? Check out the Field Guide itinerary: 3 Days, 300 Lakes & 3 Scenic Trails On The Grand Mesa

(Mesa Lakes Lodge)

First-Timer’s Guide to… Get the ultimate bucket list on a destination as a first-timer. The Colorado Field Guide includes the best dining, where to stay, and the highlights of outdoor recreation or culture, plus events visitors won’t want to miss. Fruita is well-known for as one of Colorado’s leading mountain biking destinations, but the Field Guide offers a broader insight of activities to check out, including local parks and public lands worth hiking, or local farms such as Moon Farms that offers tours of its petting zoo, plus the important scoop on where to get the best tacos in town. Want more? Check out the Field Guide itinerary: A Fruita Experience.

Learn About Regional Voluntourism Opportunities. The Colorado Field Guide has partnered with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado to connect visitors with ways to care for the state’s natural resources. A downloadable app features a calendar of volunteering events taking place in local towns and regions, such as river clean-ups and trail building, as well as task lists and inspiration for giving back. Visitors can collect points to earn badges via the app.

Travel Like a Local with Insider’s Tips. It’s the locals who are in the know, and the Field Guide has tapped its sources to get the low-down so visitors get to bag a unique view or exciting activity. A must-see road trip in Southwest Colorado takes visitors via the canyon-clinging stretch of spectacular roadway between Silverton, Durango and Ouray called “The Million Dollar Highway” either because it cost so much to build, the amount of gold ore that remained in the roadway’s fill or the figurative price for those amazing San Juan Mountain views. The insider tip recommends lunch in the trees at Soaring Treetop Adventures, where visitors can enjoy a four-course gourmet lunch on a suspended platform overlooking the beautiful Animas River. Want more? Check out the Field Guide itinerary: Adventure & History: Million Dollar Highway

New Ways to Road Trip. A novel way to look at Colorado’s mountain towns is through the lens of creative arts and culture. Colorado’s new Creative Corridor runs through a handful of the state’s Certified Creative Districts, including Carbondale, the North Fork Valley, Crested Butte, Ridgway and Salida — not to mention stunning landscapes, restaurants serving locally sourced menus and the spirit of the arts around every corner. Want more? Check out the Field Guide itinerary: Colorado Creative Corridor.

Search for the Hidden Gems. Nestled in western Colorado’s North Fork Valley, Hotchkiss, Crawford, and Paonia offer access to some of the state’s greatest natural treasures and activities. Explore landmarks like Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, partake in quintessential pastimes like fly-fishing, hiking, and wine tasting, and enjoy Rocky Mountain hospitality at its finest. Cozy up on a porch swing at The Stone House Inn for some primo stargazing, or take a drive up to the Needle Rock trailhead—where artificial light is nonexistent—another incredible stargazing locale. Want more? Check out the Field Guide itinerary: North Fork Valley Tour.

For more trip-planning itineraries and travel inspiration, visit www.colorado.com/colorado-field-guide

Deals: National Doughnut Day, Water World & More!

We know that it is not officially summer until June 21 – but it sure feels like summer now that Memorial Day weekend has passed. Making plans for festivals, WaterWorld, Elitch’s, movies and concerts (we like the free ones – stay tuned for Mile High Mamas’ list) and, of course, ice cream or donuts are on our list this summer. What do your plans include?

Baskin Robbins. Keeping with the Celebrate 31 theme, every 31^st day of the month (May 31 is on Thursday) get a single scoop of ice cream at Baskin Robbins for just $1.50.

National Donut Day. June, I knew there was a reason I loved you. Because on June 1 is National Donut day! Many locations will give away free donuts for the occasion:

· Krispy Kreme. A donut of your choice (no purchase necessary)

· LaMar’s. Get a donut of your choice FREE. (no purchase necessary).

· Dunkin’ Donuts. Purchase a drink get a classic donut for free.

· Safeway. From 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. get a free glazed donut.

People’s Fair. From Friday, June 1 through Sunday, June 3 Civic Center Park comes alive with entertainment, vendors and more at Denver’s largest block party. With concerts every day on several stages, the best food trucks in town, and unique vendors, everyone is sure to have fun. The event is free.

Chalk Art. While you are downtown for the People’s Fair make your way over to Larimer Square for the amazing Chalk Art. Over two-days the 200 artists will create art literally on the street using chalk. Also enjoy live music, food and beverage. And the event is FREE. While you are in Larimer Square duck in to some of the great shops – including new pop-up co-located space for Belong Design and Scout Designs featuring activewear and athleisureware.

AMC Stubs. Tuesday is now my favorite day of the week to see movies at AMC. You can now purchase $5 Tuesday tickets online – the deal is available for AMC Stubs members and is available all year long!

AMF Bowling. Let the Summer Games Begin. Get your Summer Games Season pass now and bowl at AMF lanes every day for one low price! The Summer Games pass lets you bowl three tames every weekday (Mon-Fri) from open until 8 p.m. and weekends (Sat & Sun) from open until 4 p.m. through Labor Day (Sept. 3, 2019). The Summer Pass is location specific but also includes shoe rental! Kids pass (15 and under) is just $31.95 and Adult Pass is $47.95.

Margo Elena Warehouse Sale. I was sort of unfamiliar with the name Margo Elena, until I saw the pictures of the items. They are the bath and beauty products sold at many smaller boutiques as well as Anthropologie. The company is based in Denver (9800 e Easter Ave, Suite 100, Centennial, CO 80112) and they are having a super Warehouse sale with deals up to 80% off this weekend Friday, June 1 and Saturday June 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. The First 100 people in the door each day get a welcome gift and you get a free gift with purchase when you buy $150+.

Water World. My family LOVES Water World. We have to go each summer! There are a couple ways to get deals: Buy tickets at King Soopers for $5 off gate price or get a Family 4-Pack which includes 4 admissions, one 16” pizza and 4 drinks for only $149.96; Bring a specially marked Mountain Dew Can for $8 off; Stoby by local Denver Subway stores to get an $8 off coupon; Father’s Day – Dads get in FREE.

Dream Dinners. We appreciate you! To find out how much, join us for Dream Dinners Guest Appreciation Open House on Thursday, June 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sample new menu items, sides, and desserts or win one of the great prizes throughout the night. Bring your friends! Every guest who’s new to Dream Dinners will get to assemble a FREE meal while they learn about Dream Dinners. Plus, if you’re one of the first 25 guests to bring a friend, who’s new to Dream Dinners, you’ll also receive an extra special goodie bag.

Epic Ski Passes. Yes, I know that summer just started – and you’re probably thinking more about melted water (lakes) than frozen (snow). BUT, you can score one of the best deals on your Epic Local Pass (Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, A-Basin) with just $49 down, locking in what will be the cheapest rate for the 2018/19 season.

Ten More Dead Sea Scrolls Coming to Denver

Ten different Dead Sea Scrolls will come to Denver in early June to replace those currently on display in the “Dead Sea Scrolls” exhibition at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The second set of authentic scroll fragments will be displayed until the exhibition closes on Sept. 3.

Due to strict preservation requirements, the second set of 10 scrolls will replace the 10 initial scrolls. Conservators from the Israel Antiquities Authority will switch out the scrolls over the course of several nights while the Museum is closed. There will always be an assortment of 10 scrolls on display during the public hours for the exhibition. As with the first set of scrolls, the second rotation includes a scroll that has never before been on public display.

This is the second set of scrolls:

4Q418 Instruction to the one who understands (Musar leMevin)
- First time on public display.
4Q58 Isaiah
11Q10 Job Targum
4Q84 Psalms
8Hev XI Plate 63/1 gr Minor Prophets
5/6Hev 46 Lease of Land (Papyrus Bar Kokhba 46)
4Q1 Genesis-Exodus
4Q252 Genesis Commentary
4Q256 Community Rule
4Q386 Pseudo-Ezekiel

The Dead Sea Scrolls represent one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. As the story goes, in 1947 young Bedouin goatherders happened upon a cave along the shore of the Dead Sea, near the site of the ancient site of Qumran, perhaps in search of a stray goat. Whatever the reason, they made a remarkable discovery. They found an assortment of clay jars, inside of which were scrolls wrapped in linen. Eventually, more than 900 remarkably preserved scrolls were recovered, leading to decades of extraordinary scrutiny, preservation, debate and awe, providing an incredible window to the past.

Timed tickets are required. The exhibition often sells out, so advance reservations are highly recommended. Guests pay $25.95 adult, $21.95 senior (age 65+), $17.95 junior (ages 3–18). Students receive 10 percent off adult admission with their ID. All tickets include general Museum admission. Museum members receive discounted admission. Group pricing is available. For tickets and information, call 303-370-6000 or visit dmns.org/deadseascrolls.

New Series “Single Parents” and “The Kids Are Alright”

Is the summer television series drought getting you down?

Here’s something to look forward to! ABC has released some of the trailers for its new comedies and dramas as part of the 2018-19 series orders. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am some of them are family-centric comedies that look like they’ll be hits! Here are a couple of my favorites.

The Kids Are Alright — Comedy
Produced by ABC Studios. Set in the 1970s, this ensemble comedy follows a traditional Irish-Catholic family, the Clearys, as they navigate big and small changes during one of America’s most turbulent decades. In a working-class neighborhood outside Los Angeles, Mike and Peggy raise eight boisterous boys who live out their days with little supervision. The household is turned upside down when oldest son Lawrence returns home and announces he’s quitting the seminary to go off and “save the world.” Times are changing and this family will never be the same. There are 10 people, three bedrooms, one bathroom and everyone in it for themselves. The series is inspired by the childhood of writer/executive producer Tim Doyle.

Single Parents — Comedy
Produced by 20th Century Fox Television and ABC Studios. A group of dysfunctional single parents lean on each other as they raise their kids, look for love, and ultimately realize survival is only possible with the help of each other. This ensemble comedy follows a group of single parents as they lean on each other to help raise their 7-year-old kids and maintain some kind of personal lives outside of parenthood. The series begins when the group meets Will, a 30-something guy who’s been so focused on raising his daughter that he’s lost sight of who he is as a man. When the other single parents see just how far down the rabbit hole of PTA, parenting and princesses Will has gone, they band together to get him out in the dating world and make him realize that being a great parent doesn’t mean sacrificing everything about your own identity.

The Art of Summer: Five Artful Ways to Have Family Fun at the Denver Art Museum

Crafting the perfect summer is an art form, and the Denver Art Museum has plenty of ways to help make your family’s a masterpiece. Summer family fun and the “art of summer” at the Denver Art Museum all kick off Saturday, June 2, on Free First Saturday.

“Art of Summer” Kick Off and Happy Clouds

Art of Summer 2018 kicks off June 2, on Free First Saturday, with free general admission for all visitors starting at 10 a.m. Enjoy vibrant art exhibitions, hands-on artmaking activities and special events without spending a dime. Explore the newest exhibition Jeffrey Gibson: Like a Hammer, as well as Past the Tangled Present, Drawn to Glamour: Fashion Illustrations by Jim Howard, Ganesha: The Playful Protector and Stampede: Animals in Art.

Art Stories/Cuentos del Arte presents bilingual storytelling fun at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and a Spanish language tour of Stampede is offered at 1 p.m.

From 3 to 5 p.m., the museum’s Martin Plaza will be the launch site of artist Stuart Semple’s Happy Clouds, environmentally friendly soap bubble sculptures of smiley faces. The Happy Clouds will drift over Denver and encourage smiles as part of the six-week Happy City Denver art project.

Make music with La Musidora (May 27–Sept. 3)

Visitor favorite La Musidora returns to Martin Plaza for another summer. La Musidora—the name combines the Spanish words “la música” (music) and “la mecedora” (rocking chair)—is a 90-foot, interactive outdoor art installation. Up to 20 visitors can sit on La Musidora at one time and make musical sounds by gently rocking the colorfully woven chairs. Enjoy the installation whether you’re passing by or resting your feet after a full day in the museum.

Get inspired with hands-on art projects: Create-n-Takes

(Summer schedule: June 2–Aug. 17, Monday–Friday, 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m., and Free First Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.)

All summer, visitors will enjoy making their own exhibition-inspired artworks.

3D Studio with visitors October 2017

Mapping Myths and Monsters (until July 20)

Hold Your Horses (opens July 23)

Carry Me Close

And don’t miss a special outdoor Create-n-Take on Martin Plaza!

Photo Finish (opens June 2, Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.): Inspired by New Territory: Landscape Photography Today (opening June 24), families can experiment with surprising techniques and unexpected materials to create customized photographs.

See artists at work in the 3-D Studio

Every day, families can explore 3-D art in the Studio and build an abstract paper sculpture, create an animal out of wire or contribute to a collaborative sculpture designed by local artist Pam Fortner. On Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3 p.m., artists will demonstrate their own 3-D art techniques; watch them at work, learn about their process and gather inspiration for your own creations.

Explore exhibitions with family gallery games

Gallery games in New Territory: Landscape Photography Today, Ganesha: The Playful Protector and Stampede: Animals in Art are a fun way for families to look closely at artworks and enjoy exhibitions together. Games are available in both English and Spanish.

And there’s even more to discover with Create Playdate activities (with extended summer hours), A Walk in the Woods—a family space inspired by Stampede: Animals in Art that is open daily and included in general museum admission, Low-Sensory Mornings and Untitled Final Fridays.

Visitors are encouraged to share their artful experiences all summer long on social media by tagging #ArtofSummer2018. Members and youth 18 and under receive free general admission to the Denver Art Museum every day, and all visitors can enjoy free general admission during Free First Saturdays (the first Saturday of every month). For more information, visit denverartmuseum.org.

Putting the ‘Forest’ back into your Summer time Plans

With the start of the summer term and three months vacation coming up, many of us may be starting to dread the planning, time, expense and effort that goes into keeping our children entertained.

But ‘entertainment’ doesn’t have to mean big days out to the amusement park or even long drives to the lake. You’re lucky in the amazing State of Colorado to have nature on your doorstep just waiting to be explored.

Most of us are aware of the benefits of being outside. But for those in the city, the increasing pressure on children to do well in school, 24-hour social media coupled with the loss of ‘free play’ that most of us had growing up are more reasons why we should be spending as much time outside with our kids than ever.

Likely a direct result of the above, the idea of ‘Forest School’ has become increasingly popular.

Forest School sessions are now offered in a huge range of settings from city parks to rural forests, by many different providers including mainstream schools, after-school clubs and even agencies countering addiction and social exclusion.

In Forest School kids are given the freedom to follow their interests and develop their own learning at their own pace. They are allowed to run and make a noise, get their hands dirty and take (managed) risks.

‘Forest School’ can also include activities that provide different experiences in nature – not just to get them outside but more importantly, to help kids develop resilience, confidence and emotional intelligence amongst other things.

All this in a natural setting.

So does this mean organizing a game of tag in the park? Sort of, but there’s a lot more to it than that.

“A Year of Forest School” offers a host of free and fun activities that you can do just by heading outside to your local park or woods. Kids learn about nature but can benefit from independence, confidence building and so much more!

Here’s one to get you started:

Bark Masks

Bark that has been shed by trees provides the ideal material to make masks during the summer season, as it causes no damage.

This activity introduces conversations about ancient human history and traditional practices that still take place today. Finding the right trees and bark enhances the children’s knowledge of trees and, without being constrained by a defined outcome, they’re free to shape their own piece of work. This boosts their sense of independence and confidence. Putting on the finished product opens up a world of imagination!

Begin by identifying an Aspen, Sycamore or Maple Trees (common all over Colorado). They will be making masks out of the bark.

Ask the kids to gather a handful of bark from the ground, looking for different colours, shapes and sizes that catch their eye.

Now the kids should take a piece of card large enough to cover the top half of their face and cut it into any shape they want. Don’t forget the eye-holes.

Break the bark into small pieces, apply glue to the card and then stick on the bark. Punch holes in the side and tie a string to hold the mask in place.

Once the masks are done, it’s time to transform . . . imagine fairies, insects, warriors and even aliens!

Feeling inspired? Next time you’re out and wondering what to do with the kids, try this and order a copy of the book for more ideas on how you can keep your children happy and healthy in the outdoors.

The book A Year of Forest School is out on May 8^th. Priced $16.95.

These Denver Foster Families Are Changing Lives (and so can you!)

In honor of Foster Care Awareness Month, First Lady of Colorado Robin Hickenlooper and Reggie Bicha, executive director of CDHS, recently hosted an event to recognize five families from across Colorado for their dedication to Colorado’s kids in foster care. As recently as last October, CDHS estimated that 1,200 additional foster families are needed in Colorado by 2019.

A few related statistics:

On a typical day in Colorado, 14 children or teens will enter foster care when living with a family friend or relative is not an option.
Today in Colorado, there are 4,889 children and teens in an “out-of-home placement” like a foster family, group home or residential treatment center for their safety.
Approximately 2,156 of those children and teens are living with a foster family.
Last fall, CDHS hosted a series of town hall meetings and asked foster parents what they needed in order to be successful. CDHS heard again and again – more support, especially when it comes to paying for child care, and more information so our young people can get the services and care they need. CDHS went to work on finding solutions. With support from the Governor’s office and thanks to the testimony, emails and phone calls from foster parent themselves, Colorado counties are now able to prioritize child care assistance for foster parents and improve information sharing with the passage of House Bill 18-1348. CDHS believes that with these changes will encourage more people to foster and keep our currently certified families committed and active.

In addition to playing a critical role in Colorado’s safety net, each family is sharing their story to inspire others to help address the current statewide shortage of foster families. We’d love to give a shout-out to these foster families! (Note: due to privacy, foster children are not featured in these photos with their families.)

BJ and Sol Baumgardner – Monte Vista, Colo.

The Baumgardners became foster parents 14 years ago. Since that time, they have fostered countless kids and adopted three. BJ and Sol want to provide a home for young people living in the San Luis Valley, so they can stay close to home while in foster care. The Baumgardners speak passionately about their role as foster parents. First, they want the kids to know they are safe, then they get to know each child and understand their unique strengths – all while supporting reunification with a child or teen’s family. All of the kids in the Baumgardner home play sports and sing. It helps to build confidence, BJ and Sol say, but it’s also a great way to have fun and stay active as a family.

Emily and Jeff Hendrix – Broomfield

Emily and Jeff became foster parents to grow their family through adoption. However, Emily and Jeff think that one of the greatest impacts they’ve had as foster parents has been the positive relationships with the parents of children who have been in foster care. They have also connected with other foster families in Broomfield to create a support group and bring in experts to share trauma-informed parenting advice. Emily and Jeff both agree that children and teens who have been abused or neglected will be impacted by that experience throughout their entire lives, but they’ve also seen firsthand how resilient kids are. Each child or teen’s healing journey begins with a foster family ready to provide a home when it’s needed the most.

Carla and John Londo – Colorado Springs

Twenty-three years ago, Carla was working at a child placement agency when she heard about a teen who needed a place to stay that night. Could she and John help? Carla said yes, and they haven’t looked back. The Londos knew early on that they connected best with teen boys, so they made a commitment to each other, to the teens in their home and to their community to stick with these young men and help them grow and become adults. In the more than two decades that they’ve fostered, and after adopting 11 kids, John and Carla have learned that young people in foster care need love, but they also need to feel safe and to know that someone who cares about them will always be there to help.

Anne Marks and Ingrid Olson – Fort Collins

Anne and Ingrid had been friends for 15 years before Ingrid asked Anne if she wanted to become foster parents together. In the past, they had each thought about doing it on their own, but this new idea — two friends who didn’t live together and had never been parents becoming a foster family — sounded impossible. They, and Larimer County, made it work. Anne and Ingrid have found that they have different parenting styles that complement each other. The friends have plans to move to separate homes in order to provide permanency for two teens in foster care, but they’ll continue to serve as certified foster care providers and a family of friends.

Ann and Mario Perricone – Denver

The Perricones believe that everyone should give back to their community, and they give back by being foster parents. For the past 11 years, Ann and Mario have offered a safe, loving home for kids of all ages. Their focus is always on the child’s family — whether that means reuniting with a parent or meeting, and eventually living with, a pre-adoptive family. The Perricones currently do mutual care, which involves caring for a pregnant mom who is in foster care or a new mom in foster care and her baby. The Perricones choose to remain close with the mom of an infant they have cared for, and together, they speak about their experiences with potential foster parents who are going through the certification process.

For additional information, go to http://co4kids.org/foster-care-colorado.