Bend Nest

Bend Nest is a place to discuss, consider and laugh about all that parenting brings. A quarterly magazine produced by some of the finest writers, editors and photographers in Central Oregon, Bend Nest is smart and informed.
Posted inBookshelf

We Want Leaves: A Fall Chant

Written by Jamie A. Swenson & illustrated by Emilie Boon | Sleeping Bear Press, 2025
by Chandra vanEijnsbergen

In simple romping, rhyming text, three adorable children look forward to all the activities they enjoy in the autumn, such as jumping in crunching leaves, hayrides and bonfires. Full of soft autumn colors and repeatable rhyming phrases, this book is perfect for reading with your little ones as summer comes to a close and the […]

Posted inBookshelf

The Sun Thief

Alice Hemming & Nicola Slater | Sourcebooks, 2026
by Chandra vanEijnsbergen

One of the things I really love in picture books about autumn is the information included about nature and the seasonal cycles. A perfect example is The Sun Thief. Squirrel loves the long sunny days of summer, but as autumn rolls around, he believes the sun is being stolen as it gets darker earlier. His […]

Posted inTrending

More than Just Grades

Family traditions around school make lasting memories
by Joshua Savage

It’s that time again—new clothes, fresh backpacks, sharpened pencils and someone is wondering where the lunch boxes disappeared to over the summer! Back-to-school season feels like a whirlwind of schedules, forms, practices and homework. That doesn’t mean family fun and bonding time should end, though. Quite the opposite­­—back-to-school is one of the best times to […]

Posted inKids In Action

Learning Safety While Having Fun

Kids’ Swimming Lessons
by Nicole Blume

Teaching kids how to swim is arguably one of the most important safety skills they can learn. Confidence in the water allows them to enjoy pool parties, river days with friends, family time at the beach and so much more. Swimming is a classic pastime that every child should have the opportunity to experience. While […]

Posted inCulture

Thriving Children

The Miracle of Music
by Shannon Dean

Most parents have witnessed a fussy baby calmed by a lullaby, a toddler who can’t resist bouncing to a beat or a preschooler inventing songs with hilarious lyrics. But beyond the joy and entertainment, there’s something remarkable happening inside those little brains. Music isn’t just fun. It’s foundational to how children learn, think, and grow. […]

Posted inKid's Corner

Let’s Get Cozy

DIY Fleece Blanket
by Nicole Blume

As the leaves change and the chilly wind begins to blow, now is the perfect time to cozy up to a fall craft that the whole family can make and enjoy together. And what better project than a warm fleece blanket? This sewing-free fleece tie blanket is super kid-friendly and easy to make! All you […]

Posted inThings I've Learned

Things I’ve Learned, with Alissa Guthrie

Owner & Director  of Mudpies and Lullabies Preschool Owner of Mountain Air Trampoline Park & Bouncing Off the Wall
by Alissa Guthrie

Alissa Guthrie is an entrepreneur and early childhood educator. She is the owner and director of Mudpies and Lullabies Preschool, the owner of Mountain Air Trampoline Park and Bouncing Off the Wall inflatable rentals with her partner, Eliot Collins. As a mother of five, she brings the same commitment to her family as she does […]

Posted inBend Nest Calendar

Bend Nest Fall Calendar 2026

Events this Fall
by Bend Nest Staff

Sundays Sisters Farmers Market FOOD – Head to Sisters to shop for fresh, micro-local produce, pantry staples and artisanal goods. Live music most weeks. Every Sunday through October.10 a.m.–2 p.m. Fir Street Park, Sisters | Free sistersfarmersmarket.com  Sunday – FridayParent-Child SwimMOVEMENT – This swim session is a quieter time in the shallow indoor pool for parents and children six and younger to explore the water and […]

Posted inBend Nest

Editor’s Note, Fall 2026

Happy fall, everyone!
Avatar photo by Angela Switzer

It’s easy to forget how much kids change and grow over the course of a single year. Clothes no longer fit, teeth have erupted, and backpacks that were once cool are suddenly not. What happened over the summer while you weren’t paying attention? The silver lining is that, behind the scenes, they are secretly becoming […]

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