Kid Friendly Spots that Make Portland Awesome!

Where to relax and play....

Posies.... Posies is a great North Portland spot for coffee and treats. They have a great kids play space and have kids programs everyday at 10am. Both story time and music time have never disappointed. Additionally, they have added evening entertainment. Last Saturday night Jeff and I went to enjoy some great acoustic guitar, sip on some vino while the kids bounced between the music and the play area. The music was free, no daycare needed so our only expense was some wine and the great treats we had! I can't say enough, or can I???

Today I met another mom at Posies (during story time) who referred me to yet another great parents resource in my neighborhood called St. Johns Swap and Play. There are a few others in neighborhoods around Portland so scope it out if you do not live in NOPO. Apparently, you pay a mere $15/month to enjoy this venue which offers: play areas which are age appropriate, story time, music time, and a toy/clothing swap for kids stuff based on the honor system. You can bring toys and then take what you need for a period of time and return when you want to get something new. What a great concept. I am for sure going to the next open house. So, not only does Portland have great resources for parents, but an amazing community right out your front door. You just have to go and explore!

Resources:
Posies - http://posiescafe.com/wp/
St. Johns Swap and Play - http://swapnplay.org/

Happy New Year

It is a new year and and I want to recommit myself to many things including this blog. Initially, after the birth of my second, I relied on this blog as an outlet to share my stories with anyone who would read them about running, life, parenthood, etc... Now that Nate (my youngest) is older I have been out and about more and all of the sudden was busy. But, I realized that I missed this, so among my other resolutions (like limit the cheesecake) I am going to write a note at least every two weeks.

When I first started back at running I was predominantly using the jogger and now I rarely use it. With Nate sleeping better through the night I have been better able to run early in the morning before anyone awakens which has been nice. Time truly to myself. Also, as I have been running more miles, pushing a jogger gets increasingly difficult over 8 miles:)

However, I am going to be rejoining a group on Fridays called "Running Mammas" which leads runs/walks all over the city for a morning run on various days of the week. They usually incorporate some kidfriendly place into the run. I rejoined the group for coffee this week and realized what a great group of women they were and what a great support network they are as most are stay-at- home moms and dads. So, if you live in Ptown and are looking for a great group of moms to stay active with, check out this meetup group!

http://www.meetup.com/runningmamas/

The organizer of the group, Amois, is great! She is super supportive of parents who want to join the group to stay fit and find some support.

Happy Trails!
Robyn