When you move to a new state, there are a TON of new things to learn – new addresses (doubled if you use a post office box), new phone numbers (unless you are able to keep your same number, which is a HUGE help), new neighbors and their names, where your favorite stores are now located – assuming they are near you, and more.
When you have kids and grandkids, you also like to learn where some other vital things are – like where there's a Chuck E. Cheese, where the various museums are, what holiday happenings will be going on in your area, and where the best parks and playgrounds are located. After all, “a merry heart does good like medicine” works as well with our wee ones as with our senior parents, don't you think?
There are many useful resources to help us all, even when you aren't new to the area. Like The Red Tricycle. It's a cool site for parents and grandparents that has a national website BUT it also has local information for several major cities, including San Francisco, only a couple of hour drive from the Roseville and Sacramento area of California and I get their newsletter for that, as well as follow them on Facebook, Twitter, AND Pinterest.
On their national page today, they have suggestions for gift ideas for Hanukkah, a fun vacation to Mexico, and a great-looking science book for kids. But when I turned to their local page, I found a calendar for this weekend that included several fun activities and ideas to keep me busy with grandkids who live near me or are visiting. And by subscribing to their newsletter, it gets even easier!
I do love excellent resources – especially when they help me find interesting and educational ideas to share with my family – don't you? AND I'll be posting these to my Pinterest local area pages. They're a huge help as they easily remind me of all the zillions of new things I'm learning and I'm hoping they'll be a grand help for you as well. 🙂
P.S. I am also posting a ton of fun holiday activities going on in the area. If you're also looking for various outings and ideas for Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc., lovely Christmas music and plays, and more – do check out my holiday boards as well.
P.P.S. Here's a fun coloring page for our kids and grandkids!
debra@ HOMESPUN AND FRUGALLITTLE BUNGALOW says
Hi Kaye 🙂 My son interned at Microsoft years ago and I visited there and just loved it. For some reason ( blessing?:) my entire visit there was rain-free and sunny.
Loved the area and all of the places that he took me to see! 🙂
Kaye Swain says
Hi Debra – what fun for you and your son! And what a sweet blessing to have such a nice long rain-free visit 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving!
Sara Chapman says
Welcome to the area! We moved here ten years ago and are still finding our way. There are many wonderful resources as you have discovered. As you will find out, it’s not the rain that gets to you, but the endless gray days can start to seem a bit gloomy. But a good attitude will take you a long way. That, and a full-spectrum lamp or two!
Write any time if you have questions, OK? Sara
Kaye Swain says
Thanks Sara – Great tips and I appreciate the offer! 🙂