This is a true story. Normally, wild exaggeration is part of my job description. But not now. I’ve been sitting on this story since my daughter was 7, and now I’m finally comfortable telling the embarrassing, ridonculous, stupid truth: I believe in Santa Claus. We were headed out for the holidays. A young family, huddled […]
Culture
Posted inBend Nest
Ringing in the Holidays, Central Oregon Style
Central Oregon embodies the dream of a white Christmas. In fact, it offers up the idyllic version of every holiday that takes place during the winter season. From local events and celebrations to traditions made possible by the high desert’s natural gifts, the region’s holiday culture draws families from all over the nation looking to […]
Posted inBend Nest
Bottle Cap Snowmen Craft
Here in Bend, we live in the land of beer, kombucha, snow and sunshine. What better way to celebrate winter than with a fun up-cycled craft with your favorite kiddo? These adorable little ornaments make great gift toppers as well. You probably have most of the supplies for this project in your craft stash at […]
Posted inBend Nest
Death by Children
Itsy bitsy all consuming fear of spiders
My son is sasquatchian. His shoes are collections of remarkable biodiversity. Our doorways all have an arch worn into the lintel where his head knocks the wood away. When he was a baby, we called him bam bam for his chimp-like strength, which hasn’t waned in the least. He can palm a watermelon. He’s strong. […]
Posted inBend Nest
Bookshelf
Little Bird Explores Bend!
Little Bird is an adventurous soul. When he lands with the Busy Birds in Drake Park in our very own Bend, Ore., he imagines a fun day ahead. Children will delight in following along as Little Bird shares his tour of the natural environment, landing in places like Tumalo Falls, Mt. Bachelor, Pilot Butte and […]
Posted inBend Nest
Rock Stars Wanted
Young musicians get a chance to live the dream
I have come to a quiet residential street near the edge of southeast Bend on a warm summer night to witness the future of rock ‘n’ roll. It’s an unlikely location, but as I approach the outside of Rod DeGeorge’s home studio, the muted tones of what sounds like an Iron Maiden cover band drift slowly […]
Posted inBend Nest
Heading South
Adventure to Ashland and beyond
Looking for an interesting get-away for the whole family? Recently, my wife and I took a road trip with our six-year-old son and the grandparents to Ashland, where the grownups attended the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and found some exciting outdoor and cultural experiences along the way. There are about as many ways to get to […]
Posted inBend Nest
The Adventures of Knox the Fox
by Ric DeMarco Illustrated by Vicki Shuck
What rhymes with fox? A fun-loving fox starts his day with his best friend, Robby the Robin. Through a rhyming dialog, fox and his friends talk about his love of rocks and follow his adventures throughout the day. DeMarco creates a picture book filled with community and friendships. The illustrations are cheerful—filled with outdoor scenes, green […]
Posted inBend Nest
Bringing Diversity Home
How to Celebrate Black History Year-round
Take a moment to walk around your house. Look through the books on the bookshelves, take a peek in your pantry, and peruse the music and movies saved in your home entertainment system. How many cultures are represented in your household? Step back and expand your perspective. Consider all of the environments where your children […]
Posted inBend Nest
Mermaids vs. Unicorns
Mythical cooking competition provides indoor fun while the flakes fly
When it comes to mythical creatures, almost nothing gets kids’ imaginations going more than unicorns and mermaids. But which creature’s cuisine reigns supreme? What better way to find out than a fun cooking competition between two sets of creative sisters? A group of Central Oregon kids used a locally-produced app as the backbone for a […]
