The Sun Thief
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…
More than Just Grades
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…
Learning Safety While Having Fun
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…
Thriving Children
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.…
Magnificent Autumn Glory
One of the many benefits of a park system is the opportunity to view trees that may not be common to the area. Irrigation and soil modifications let us plant trees that offer spectacular fall color displays and special places to enjoy autumn’s glory. Shevlin Park is our best forest effect: explosions of aspen with…
Let’s Get Cozy
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…
Things I’ve Learned, with 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…
Bend Nest Fall Calendar 2026
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…
Editor’s Note, Fall 2026
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…
Bend Author Becca Seago Announces her Second Book
Have you ever wondered what your pets are doing after you go to sleep? In this new children’s book, “Doug & Gary Adventures: Midnight Snack Attack,” Doug and Gary prove that nighttime is when the real adventures begin. Doug and Gary are author, Becca Seago’s real cats, and this story is based on a very real…
Pine Mtn. Sports supports Family Access Network through bike raffle
To help raise funds for the nonprofit, Family Access Network, Pine Mtn. Sports is donating a new bicycle through their annual community raffle. The lucky winner will choose any single, available bike from Trek, Cervelo or Santa Cruz in the size of their choice, valued at up to $7,000. Participants can buy multiple tickets with…
Expert Q&A with Scott Rowles, MA, PE/T
Q: My tween son is easily distracted in the classroom and seems to be struggling. He is bright but unfortunately, is developing a reputation as a troublemaker. What can I do to better support him? A: Great question! This is a common scenario that can happen at multiple grade levels. Adolescent development and increasing rigor…
Proceed with Caution
It seems like artificial intelligence is everywhere these days, from AI-generated photos and videos to AI influencers taking over social media to digital chatbots that sound eerily human. It’s hard to conceive that AI technology only became commercially available less than four years ago, when OpenAI launched ChatGPT on November 30, 2022. Within two months,…
Amber Golden Goodness
Every year, as summer winds down and harvest season arrives, a special gourmet treat makes its way to our tables: honey!Late summer and early fall are when many beekeepers harvest their honey. As local flowers begin to fade and bees bring less nectar back to the hive, inside the combs are filled with a rich,…
We Want Leaves: A Fall Chant
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…
