We are a sports family to the core and even though there is often music playing in the background like a soundtrack to our day, we haven’t done a very good job of exposing our kids to the arts. Unless of course craft time counts? LOL. I guess it’s better than nothing, but there are always those thoughts in the back of my mind — am I providing them with all the experiences they need to be a well rounded human being? (Prob. not) Should we sign then up for piano lessons? (Prob. yes) What if their heart and talents aren’t on a soccer/football/baseball field? (Hmmm) If they have a knack for, or interest in music, theater, dance or art, will I notice and be able to support them in it?! (Gosh I hope so!)
I know worrying and feeling guilty isn’t the answer and trust that if I pray about it and then do something productive, things will fall into place. Which takes the pressure off, !? Anyways, our schedules are a little too full at the moment to add another commitment so Johan and I have been talking about doing a better job of taking them to performances and museums, to get a sense of what they might be interested in trying themselves.
We’ve heard so many wonderful things about the Seattle Children’s Theater it seemed like the perfect place to start so we planned a little date with Espen and Griffin to see Go, Dog go! and it did not disappoint! Here’s a little recap…
Of course, every good boy date starts with pizza! Zeeks on Queen Anne is a favorite and right up the hill from the Seattle Center where the children’s theater is.
The booths are roomy with tall benches so we weren’t worried about bothering our neighbors when the boys got a little rowdy and loud. A dream come true when eating out with kids! Another dream come true? Delicious personal sized pizzas for only $6 (during happy hour)! No negotiating over toppings :)
Next we hopped in the car for a quick drive down to the theater which is right next to the Space Needle. It’s not often we are in this area at night so it felt like an extra treat to see it all lit up!
A few pics before the show! Cameras and phones weren’t allowed once the show started… I may or may not have gotten in trouble for trying to add a few moments to my Instagram Stories (oops!). It was just so hard to resist!
So you get a good idea of the look of the play, I grabbed a couple pics from their site:
It was definitely geared towards ages 3 to 6 or 7, but both of the kids L O V E D it and asked when we can go back to see another play! If you are in the area we highly recommend it. Very kid friendly and there is a family area at the top of the theater if things get a little too loud or squirmy.
You can find more info on the Seattle Children’s Theater site, facebook and youtube.
Wish we had all the kids with us, but individual time is so sweet too!
Thinking we’ll probably take the girl’s to something festive over the Holiday season and have been thinking about adding a piano to our family Christmas wishlist.
How do you guys keep things balanced (or not!) when it comes to activities, sports and art for your kids?!
xo, Rae
Have you considered the Nutcracker as a holiday tradition? We started when our girls were 4 and 6 years old (now 8 and 10). The girls were captivated. If you can find a youth ballet that tends to be a little more relaxed but still so magical. Last year we actually went to the San Francisco Nutcracker, Sacramento Nutcracker and my girls dance in a youth ballet production too. ;) We love it.
We are all sports like you all. Def love the idea of trying to keep a better balance with other family outings and activities. I also love that you all did just the boys and then are thinking of doing something else with just the girls. It for sure seems to make the evening more of a special treat. Thank you for sharing – looks like fun was had by all :)