Don't Let the Weather Ruin Spring Break

Does anyone else feel that Mother Nature is the one playing the ultimate joke by having it snow in April? With the weatherman forecasting more snow, sleet, and temperatures in the low 30's  for the remainder of spring break I am predicting severe cabin fever. In my home cabin fever leads to petulance, animosity, and, occasionally, take my brother down brawling.



If you did not flee the frozen wasteland that is Michigan for Florida (or some other place where the sun is shining) you are probably wondering how to prevent your children from turning you into a gibbering, drooling, loon by the end of the week.

Since my family does not go away for spring break, my husband and I at least try to take the kids on a couple of fun day trips. Of course, with three kids even a trip to the movies can end up costing more than $40.

Sometimes just a quick change of scenery is all that is needed to avoid open hostility between siblings. I feel so fortunate to live in a community that has a library with a cheerful and spacious children's area that offers so many activities for kids. It probably sounds like I am tooting my own horn a little, but before I worked at the library I was a stay-at-home mom of three kids and the library was one our favorite places to go. Now my kids are 11, 9, and 6 and they still love to come to the library.

If you and your kids need to escape the confines of home this week don't forget the Portland District Library. In addition to our usual story times on Tuesday at 6:30 and Friday at 11, the library is offering a different program every day this week at 2pm.

Today Kristie organized a video game tournament. About a dozen kids had fun competing against one another in MarioKart, Wii Sports, and a couple of other games.

On Tuesday there is going to be a daytime sleepover. Come to the library in you pj's ready to play games, eat snacks, and watch a movie.

Wednesday is Lego day and there will even be a Lego cake  to eat while building your master creations.

Sierra is going to lead kids in making several crafts out of duct tape on Thursday.

Finishing off the week will be a presentation of Rise of the Gaurdians and, of course, who can watch a movie without popcorn!

I am sure that most kids (and parents) would rather be soaking up the sun in Florida. For those of us looking for more local and less expensive entertainment for our kids this week, check out the library. We offer activities that are fun, free, and right in your neighborhood.