Movie ratings

To go along with the last post this is a great web site. It is called Common Sense Media and it rates movies, books, TV shows, web sites and games. Please check it out because I would love to see it grow and have more ratings. I can look at it to see which videos are appropriate for my 3 year old and it will tell me the content just in case I haven't seen it in a while, or at all. I hope it can help you too!

Movies!

Some days you really just want to see a movie - maybe when it is in the 90s outside or raining or you just feel like some popcorn! Fairfax Corner has "G" rated movies every Saturday and Sunday morning at 10 am. This month the new Thomas movie is playing and I think my boys will love it. Tickets are $3.50 and you can get a discount at the concession stand as well. Enjoy!

Here is a link that will give you more info. There is also great shopping at Fairfax Corner. Check out their web site for all the stores.

Map of Parks in Reston

Reston Asociation does have a link on their web site that shows parks/ playgrounds and recreational areas. If you click on this link and then the district that you want to look at it will give you a brief description of the park and some images of the structures available. It is fairly limited but it does help!

Cabots Point Playground

I was just introduced to this playground It is a great area close to the South Lakes shopping center. Not only does it have this structure with swings and wonderful trees to give you shade but it has a field to play in as well.

If you pass the South Lakes Village Center on the right, you turn left onto Cabots Point Lane. You can't miss the park, it will be on your right when you turn down the road.

We really enjoyed our day here!

Reston Town Center

Last week we were able to see one of the Monday shows that Mr. Knick Knack performs at the Town Center. He plays there every Monday during the summer at 10:30 am. Click here to see the schedule of events for the Town Center.

Starbucks

I am a huge fan of Starbucks. I love the treats they offer me in the middle of the day when I need an extra burst of energy. Here is a link that shows you the Starbucks close to you and even ones with a Drive-thru. It is wonderful driving to get a coffee as your little ones sleep in the back seat!

Lake Anne Village Center

I have yet to see one of the performances at Lake Anne this year but here is the schedule for the summer. The performances are every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 am and last about a half hour. This is such a relaxing area. The fountain is fun to play in (you may want to bring an extra change of clothes for your toddler) and it's nice to browse the used book store, grab a coffee, and look at the children's consignment store. It is also a free wi-fi zone!

You will also see the free Art classes if you click on the link, those occur on Saturdays.

Jammin Java

This is one of my favorite places to go with the kids. It is so fun to hang out, sip coffee, and watch your child dance and sing along to performers. Actually my children didn't dance for a while, they just stared, but now that they are older they participate a lot more. They have shows every weekday morning at 10:30. It is located in Vienna so it takes a little while to get there but it is worth it. All the singers are so much fun and really have a great love for kids. I am amazed at their patience! I believe it is $5 a child and then a few bucks less with each additional child. Here is the schedule.

Reston Regional Library

I am embarrassed to say that I just started using the library frequently a few months ago. I had gone a year ago and been so worried about the noise of my 2 sons that I left quickly. Now I love going, I am still working on the volume level with my boys but they love it too. I don't know why I ever bought DVDs! They have so many that you can borrow (Thomas the train, Scholastic, Barney, Dora, etc.) and they give you a week with them. There are also tons of books and cassette tapes if your child likes listening to stories while following along. I can also put books on hold so that they are waiting for me and I don't have to drag the kids through looking for titles.

I haven't hit the story hour yet, it doesn't quite fit my schedule, but hopefully by the end of the summer. Here is the link. You might also want to check out this event list that includes all the libraries in Fairfax County. There is a separate list for older children.

Go for a hike!

We took a wonderful walk around Lake Thoreau today, picking up trash in honor of Earth Day. If this appeals to you check out this great web site that maps out the paths in Reston!