This week we are celebrating grandparents in honor of Grandparent's Day this past Sunday.  Grandparents can play an important role in our children's lives, whether they live close by or in another part of the country. There are many grandparents who step in to take over the role of parent when the parents are unable to. There are other grandparents who become the daycare when there are two working parents. Grandparents have such a special role because, unlike parents who have to set rules and keep up with the day to day routine, they get to be the fun ones who spoil the kids. I have heard many times from my children, "I want to go live at Grandma's" to which I reply, "So do I." Little do they know, that Grandma was not nearly as much fun as a mom when I was growing up. That is ok though because one day I will get to spoil their children and be the cool and fun grandma. In the meantime, I am so grateful for what grandparents bring to our kids lives... they bring history and security and love and they create a home away from home.

Grandparents Day has been celebrated since 1978 as way to honor Grandparents. It is a wonderful time for grandparents to talk about their past and tell children about "the old days." Grandparents Day is a time for families to discover their roots and promote communication between the different generations. This does not have to happen one day a year... encourage the grandparents in your lives to share their history with your children. If you do not have a grandparent, consider adopting one by visiting a retirement home. There are many that would love the interaction. Share under our FAMILY FAVORITES what makes your grandparents special or your favorite thing to do with them (grandparents, you can share too) >>

• After you are done sharing on Family Favorites, let us know if you would like a complimentary ENTRY to the Sandcastle Festival on Saturday for your family!
  

Speaking of grandparents.... the American Girl Fashion Show is the perfect time for an outing with grandma and the granddaughters (moms too). Mark your calendars- Nov. 21st and 22nd.  Visit the Junior League of SB website for information about model auditions if you would like your daughter in the show >>

This is one of the biggest weekends of the year when it comes to events so make sure to scroll down and learn about... Day of Caring, West Beach Music Festival, Cottage Baby Fair, Family Travel Show, Sandcastle Festival, GEF 4 Miler and much more!  Hope to see you at one of these events!  If you come to the Baby Fair and Family Fitness Festival, stop by our table for a chance to win a trip to Cabo San Lucas courtesy of SB Travel Bureau!

Do you want a Target in Santa Barbara? If so, now is the time to sign the petition >> because things are heating up. Click to view the facts posted by Target supporters >>

Parent Tip: Make sure you are updating your browsers periodically (ie: Explorer, Firefox, AOL, Safari) so that you are able to view websites and newsletters correctly. These browsers constantly add updates and if you do not download these updates, you may have trouble viewing everything or filling out forms on various websites.

Below is only a partial list of upcoming events and activities so be sure to click on our EVENT CALENDAR so you do not miss anything >>

Use the PARENT PLANNER to click on events and resources you are interested in and click PRINT MY PLANNER to print or email your list.

Camp Calendar | School Schedules | Movie Showtimes

By Leslie Dinaberg

Sometimes I can't wait to be a Grandma.
Not that I don't love this stage of my life-chaotic carpools, homework hassles and morning mayhem aside-because at ten our son is old enough to take almost anywhere and still young enough to want to be with his parents. But I know those days are dwindling fast. The specter of his teenage years casts a long shadow every time he gels his hair or rolls his eyes, which is happening more often every day.

Being a Grandma seems so marvelously simple. As Robert Brault said, "To become a grandparent is to enjoy one of the few pleasures in life for which the consequences have already been paid." What could be better? You spend time with the kids and you love them. There's no way to do that wrong. There are no obligations to feel guilty about. No stretch marks, no late night phone calls to "pick me up" from sleepovers, no allowances, no dioramas, no lunches to pack and no laundry to do.  Continue Reading >>

The special role grandparents play in our children's lives...

• Julie... About a year ago, each of my daughters started doing pen pal letters with one of their grandmothers.  The letters they have exchanged back and forth have been priceless.  My in laws have done a special train ride from SLO to SB with 6 of their grandchildren when they each turned 7.  My parents started a tradition of going to a Broadway show in LA for the day as a 9th bday present. 
• Rachael... My daughters have been fortunate to be able to share amazing experiences with both their grandparents and great-grandparents. Their favorite are overnights on a regular basis and having their own alone time. As they have gotten older, it has been easier for them to keep in touch with their East Coast grandma through their own email exchange.
• Irene... When my children visit my parents the kids love getting away with things they don't get to do at home. Unlimited T.V. viewing, treats, and videos to name a few. Grandma hotly defends them if I try to interfere with the spoiling.

Local grandparents Pat & Joe share how they stay involved:
What are your favorite activities to do with your grandchildren?

• We have a designated closet in our home that contains toys, puzzles, musical instruments, games and art supplies. We love sitting at the dining room table or living room floor and playing with them.
  
• We take them to special holiday activities at the YMCA.
  
• We volunteer in their classrooms at school.
  
• We helped them build a club house in our backyard tree.