Colorado Parent November 2023

How to Fight Seasonal Depression

Picking the Perfect Tree

Meet the Gerber Baby Parents

Family Favorite Winners

NOVEMBER 2023

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PREPARING PETS FOR THE NEW BABY

A professional dog trainer answers questions to help you prepare for your two babies to meet.

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BOOKLIST

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Check out our booklist that features new and loved stories for parents and kids.

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E-NEWSLETTER at ColoradoParent.com.

AN EMPTY NEST IS A NEW CHAPTER

Here are ideas to get you thinking creatively about a new space.

PUBLISHER Amy Foreman ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Brandon Foreman SENIOR EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR Alexis Alexander BUSINESS OPERATIONS Director of Operations Laurie Acosta Client Relations Coordinator Sarah Miller Accounting Coordinator Brittany Duplessis

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CHILDHOOD CANCER SERIES

In the Childhood Cancer Series, learn about new treatment advancements, signs and symptoms to look out for, survival rates in low-to-middle-income countries, and more.

EDITORIAL Managing Editor Amanda Miller Associate Editors Austria Cohn Madison Voorhies Editorial Intern Lauren Taeko Chase ART/PRODUCTION Senior Graphic Designer Grace Knox Graphic Designers Madison Graham Alex Herring ADVERTISING Account Executives

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Crystal Barrett Camille Cavin Jade Gray Jennifer Hoffmann Martine Melancon Ryn Whiteside MARKETING Marketing Specialist Schuyler Olson COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Director of Community Partnerships Teri Hodges Community Outreach Roxane Voorhies

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Christmas Tree Cutting

Cutting down your own Christmas tree can be a memorable and festive experience for the whole family, but it’s key to do this activity safely and legally. In Colorado, you typically need a permit to cut down a Christmas tree on public lands. Here are some spots where you can obtain a permit and some tips for doing this activity responsibly. All permits can be purchased online at recreation.gov.

1. Plan Ahead: Contact the forest service or visit their website for more 2.

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information on permit availability, cutting dates, regulations, and designated cutting areas.

Choose the Right Tools: Bring a sharp saw for cutting and ropes or straps to secure the tree to your vehicle.

Select a Healthy Tree: A healthy tree will have vibrant green needles (avoid trees with brown or dry needles).

Dispose of the Tree Properly: Find a recycling program, chip the tree for mulch, or compost it.

South Platte Ranger District

Close to Denver: November 24 - December 10 South Platte Ranger District is a part of the Pike National Forest and is the perfect place to scavenge for your Christmas tree this season. The permit applies to specific harvesting areas like Buffalo Creek, Sugar Creek, and Camp Fickes. Permits may sell out.

Pikes Peak Ranger District

Colorado Springs: November 25 - December 18 Pikes Peak Ranger District is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, scenic vistas, and rich diversity of wildlife, as well as being a hot spot to find a magnificent Christmas tree. There are specific cutting areas near Woodland Park. Permits will not sell out.

South Park Ranger District

Fairplay: Through December 31 At South Park Ranger District, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding ranges and the wide-open landscapes while taking in the beauty of the high-altitude grasslands. Most of this district is open for tree-cutting. Permits will not sell out.

— Austria Cohn

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A Local Teen’s Publishing Journey

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Solutions How To Build An Uplifting Gratitude Habit In Your Home

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Things We Love Turkey & Thanks

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Gift Guide Our Top Picks for this Season

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Make this Thanksgiving Meaningful

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Top 5 Places for

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Dig into Your History

Green Chili

If you’ve lived in Colorado long enough, you’ll know that green chili is one of the quintessential dishes to enjoy Denver to the fullest. Spare your effort because we ventured out to find five of the best places to eat. This traditional Mexican dish can be devoured in several ways, like smothered over burritos, as a soup, or drizzled over tacos.

Mariscos El Rey 3 Decorated with luscious seascapes, this restaurant provides friendly service and delicious food. Although seafood is their specialty, do not overlook their signature Molcajetes, suitable to share with the whole family. The dish arrives at the table in a large stone mortar, heated in a large oven, containing a medley of meat and vegetables. Pour your soup of choice into the hot mortar at the table and savor that sizzle. Lakewood. mariscoselreyco.com La Loma La Loma, a family-owned Mexican restaurant in a quaint auburn brick house resting on a hilltop, serves food as picturesque as their location. Their menu includes fresh house-made flour tortillas, signature margaritas, and Grandma’s award-winning Green Chili Soup. Denver. lalomamexican.com Adobo Known as the best food truck in 2019, Adobo is now recognized in the Top 100 restaurants in Denver and Denver’s Best New Bar in 2023. Take advantage of $2 tacos on Tuesdays, including Grilled Watermelon, Pork Belly, Sofritas, and Smoked Carnitas decorated with house-made green chili salsa. Parents, be sure to keep your Thursday nights free for salsa and bachata classes open to all levels, accompanied by a live band for an unforgettable date night.

Denver. adobodenver.com El Taco de México This walk-in restaurant has been family-owned since its grand opening in 1985, making consistent and delicious Mexican food. A casual eatery designed to share flavors from Mexico, best appreciated on its front patio or while you’re walking through the Santa Fe Art Walk, searching for a rich bite on the go. Their most ordered dish is the Chile Relleno Burrito smothered with green tomatillo salsa. Denver. el-taco-de-mexico.business Los Carboncitos Dine in for an early lunch or a late-night snack from one of three locations serving authentic Mexican food. From their Tres Queso Tacos and roasted Green Chile Rellenos to their soups, you’ll wish you saved room for more. Partake in family dinner on their beautifully luscious garden-style patio with live music from their outdoor stage while the weather is still nice.

Denver. loscarboncitoscolorado.com

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learn

— Lauren Taeko Chase

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Winter Blues

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family favorites

2023 Family Favorites Winners

happenings

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Our Top Picks for November

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To Do Today

fresh mindset

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Fresh Mindset 2023 Gerber Baby Parents

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A Local Teen’s Publishing Journey

By Lauren Taeko Chase

A clever house cat named Claude sneakily escapes home one day when his owner forgets to close the door. On his spontaneous adventure, he encounters a variety of everyday outdoor animals and wonders.

Bicycles, bunnies, and butterflies, oh my! After a day full of fascination, Claude manages to slip back inside before his absence is noticed.

Allegra Gelose, a remarkable 13-year-old 8th-grade student, has achieved a notable milestone by releasing her debut picture book, Claude in the Great Outdoors. Astonishingly, Allegra managed to release the book in a mere six months, a testament to her dedication and exceptional time management skills.

Juggling her responsibilities as the manager of her school’s volleyball team, participation in soccer, running track, taking piano lessons, and keeping up in school, some may begin to wonder when she finds time for sleeping and eating.

People may think her book was sparked by her love of reading and writing when in reality, her true passion is science.

Fueled by her deep-rooted affection for animals and natural sciences—a subject she avidly pursues in school—she honed her artistic skills by practicing illustrations of various animals.

“It's hard sometimes to keep motivated and just finish, but it's worth it 100 percent,” says Allegra.

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As her collection of animal artwork grew, she wove a charming story around her illustrations.

What sets Allegra apart from her peers is taking on both roles of illustrator and author of her own picture book. This requires learning the new digital software, Procreate, as well as writing a narrative, drafting the storyboard, and designing and sizing the pages digitally for print. Typically, this amount of work is divided between two people, yet 13-year-old Allegra embraced both roles, all while in school. Before learning Procreate, she would create realistic drawings of animals using colored pencils and watercolor, her favorite mediums.

Allegra had created two illustrations and soon realized she could use these designs for her first book.

And just like that, Claude in the Great Outdoors was already underway.

However, no accomplishment can be done alone, and Allegra thankfully had the support of her loving parents and extended family.

Carolyn Lamb, Allegra’s mother, claims her daughter drew inspiration from the thousands

of picture books they’ve borrowed from their local library over eight years, enjoying playful stories portrayed through endless artistic variety. As all the pieces came together, they realized her book became an ideal read for parents with their babies or toddlers. With the help and guidance of her mother, she was able to breathe life into Claude and the creatures he encountered.

To support Allegra’s work, you can follow her art and future publishings through Instagram @pacranchpress. Her next ambitious projects include The Three Naughty Puppies Trap Santa, a collaborative effort with her mother.

Another tale to look forward to is Bob and the Thanksgiving Feast, initially just a whimsical story Allegra wrote in the second grade but has plans to incorporate illustrations to have it published. Her first picture book, Claude in the Great Outdoors, is available on Amazon for $12.

This is just the beginning of her literary journey, as she aspires to release more books before embarking on the exciting challenges of high school.

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solutions

How To Build An Uplifting Gratitude Habit In Your Home

By Sandi Schwartz

Photo by Freepik.com

Gratitude is one of the most important ways for us to get a happiness boost, providing us with so many wonderful psychological, physical, and interpersonal benefits. It improves our health, reduces stress, and helps us focus on the positive. Stepping back and being thankful for what we have gives us energy, inspires us, and transforms us. It also helps us realize that life is truly a gift.

Learning how to be grateful is definitely something that we should pass on to our kids.

If you can get them into the habit of expressing gratitude from an early age, it is likely to have a positive effect in the long run. Here are some ways to build a gratitude habit in your home.

Thanksgiving Dinner Every Night

Gratitude Journals

Bedtime Routine

One of the most popular and effective ways to express gratitude stories is through journaling.

It encourages our kids to acknowledge the positive moments in their day, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Whether it is a smile from a stranger, a good grade on a test, a gift from a relative, or an awe-inspiring sunset, they will begin to feel calmer and more joyful by appreciating these experiences. Our children can greatly benefit from keeping a gratitude journal, but it’s important that we keep it fun for them, such as with multimedia ideas like blogs and videos.

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Just because Thanksgiving is in November doesn’t mean we can’t incorporate Thanksgiving traditions year-round as we sit down together at the dinner table. Enjoy your time with your family and encourage your children to tell you all about their day and the things to be grateful for. Ask them to remember to thank siblings and other family members. Some families find it helpful to put together a gratitude jar to collect their thankful statements all year, and then they can go through everything they wrote each year on Thanksgiving.

The most important stress buster that I added to my life was introducing a gratitude prayer with my children every night as part of their bedtime routine. We go around the room and each say one thing we are thankful for that day and one thing we hope for in the future.

It is such a special time we share together and has become a key part of our lives. I love this practice because it gives me a chance to think about gratitude every day, even if I don’t always say everything I am thinking out loud for my children to hear. And when you do it with your children, they hold you accountable.

My children love it so much that they now need to say thank you before they can fall asleep.

You can also read books about gratitude at bedtime, such as The Thankful Book by Todd Parr and My Grateful Book by Diana Smith.

Spontaneous Moments

Finally, try finding gratitude moments with your children throughout the day. A great time is during the car ride to and from school or when you are waiting in line at a store or in the doctor’s office. Connect with your children by asking them what happened during their day and what they are grateful for. Make gratitude part of your children’s after-school routine.

Add some fun and interest by asking your kids to use the alphabet, colors, shapes, or other categories to guide what they are thankful for. For example, ask them to find one thing they are grateful for based on the colors of the rainbow: the delicious red apple they had during lunch, the bright blue sky, and the beautiful purple flower blooming in front of your house. Next, spark their appreciation for nature by taking them to awe-inspiring places like gardens, the beach, parks, and hiking and camping spots. And just when your day seems stressful and out of control, take a gratitude break to calm everyone down and to gain a new, more uplifting perspective.

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Things We

Love

Turkey & Thanks

Make your space a little cozier this month while also preparing for a thankful season.

By Amanda Miller

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Add the perfect fall touch to your couch, bed, or sofa with this Cozy Lumbar Pillow, perfect for chilly evenings at home. $24.99, kirklands.com

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Enjoy your turkey time this month while you and your family wear this adorable Gobble Til You Wobble Shirt. Available in a variety of colors and sizes. $14.99, amazon.com

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This Sherpa Fleece Throw, a double-sided buffalo checkered blanket, features fleece on one side and sherpa on the other for extra warmth. $25.99, amazon.com

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Spice up your holiday wreath with the Holiday Wreath Sash. This personalized sash features a monogram of your last initial and a pumpkin. $49.99, etsy.com

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Add some decor to your front door with this festive Thanksgiving Wreath that will make your home stand out in the neighborhood. $29.99, amazon.com

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The 2023 Gift Guide Motor skills game that promotes creativity and coordination skills. 12 months and up. bababooandfriends.com

2 KIDdesigns CoComelon My First Sing-Along

Toddler Boombox. Sing along to songs from the show with the included microphone. 18 months and up. amazon.com

3 My Buddy Blippi. Give Blippi a squeeze to hear

9 Connetix Rainbow Magnetic Tiles–Mini Pack 24

Pieces. Explore shapes and colors in 2D and 3D. Ages three and up. connetixtiles.com

10 Crazy Aaron’s Mini Thinking Putty. This mini tin contains pieces of the original putty crafted in 1998. Ages three and up. crazyaarons.com

conduct and ride in their own train. Ages 1 ½-3. us.pegperego.com

5 Beat The Parents: Disney Edition. Go head-tohead in Disney-themed drawing and active challenges. Ages eight and up. amazon.com

6 Bright Stripes Magic Scrunch Pillow: Kitty.

Weave, loop, and scrunch your own kitty pillow. brightstripes.co

7 Canal Toys Slime DIY Magical Slime Potion Maker.

Make your own slime potions with the included recipes. Ages six years and up. amazon.com

8 Collapsible Ocean Sensory Bin. Just add water

and find the sea creatures hidden in the bin. 36 months and up. bighearttoys.com

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19 evidence, and solve crimes. Ages eight and up. thamesandkosmos.com

18 Adventure Awaits Piggy Box. This keepsake box helps children practice saving, while learning about spending and the importance of being charitable. Ages 4-10. thepiggybox.com

11 Jilly Bing. Jilly loves baking, and she even comes 19 Jigsaw Puzzle Snax. These puzzles are great for with a chef’s hat that changes into her friend, L’il Tart. jillybing.com

15 Blippi sounds and phrases. Ages three and up. 12 Ollie the Weighted Octopus. Infused with amazon.com French lavender, Ollie encourages relaxation

4 Peg Perego Santa Fe Train. Let your little one

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1 Bababoo and Friends Bead Maze Lolo’s Boat.

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and helps reduce anxiety. Ages three and up. mindfulandcokids.com

13 Mobo Malibu from Mobo Cruisers. Designed for

children and made with kid-size grips and seats.

Ages 6-10. mobocruiser.com

14 OG Slimes. Slime is taken to the next level

with fun themes, including Beach Towel, Bikini Bottom, and Chicken ‘N Waffles. ogslimes.com

15 Puzzle By Number Wreath. Deck the halls this

season by building your own wreath. Ages five and up. plusplususa.com

16 Scentco Smencils and Smens. Enjoy gourmet

scents perfect for the holiday season in all of your writings. Ages three and up. scentcoinc.com

17 Spy Labs: Master Detective Toolkit. Use

forensic science to answer questions, gather

on-the-go fun and make a perfect stocking stuffer. werkshoppe.com

20 Woom 2 and Kids’ Helmet. A bike and helmet

designed for a child’s use. Ages 3-4 ½, sizes XS-M. woom.com

21 AirCandy Inflatable Chair with Faux Fur Cover.

Add style and comfort to a bedroom with this inflatable chair. All ages. poolcandy.net

22 Old Pine Candle Co. Gift these handmade

soy candles with various scents, including Golden Hour, Summit, and Sweater Weather. oldpinecandleco.com

23 Wonderfold Stroller Wagon Mittens. The perfect combination of functionality and fashion. wonderfold.com

24 Chelsea Charles Ski Jewelry Collection. Minimalist jewelry that is perfect for on the slopes or aprèsski. chelseacharles.com

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home Make this

Thanksgiving Meaningful

By Sarah Lyons

When we think of Thanksgiving Day, delicious food, football, and getting together with family and friends comes to mind. The original purpose of Thanksgiving was to show gratitude and give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Now as we celebrate Thanksgiving, it is easy to get caught up in distractions like football games, Black Friday shopping, and the quest for the perfect meal and table settings.

Photo by Freepik.com

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Photo by Freepik.com

We tend to forget all about stopping to give thanks for all of our blessings. Make this Thanksgiving meaningful by starting some family traditions that help everyone in the family stop and count their blessings.

Make a List One way to remember your blessings is to acknowledge them. Go around the dinner table and have each person name something they are thankful for. This could be done each night at dinner during the month of November or for the week leading up to it. On Thanksgiving Day, have all your guests do the same. It is heartwarming to give thanks for the blessings we have.

Looking for a more concrete idea? Have everyone write down or draw a picture of what they are thankful for. After everyone shares their paper, place them all in a three ring binder. Each year, add to the binder and reflect on all the blessings of the past. “We do a Thankful Tree throughout November,” says Stephanie Loux, mom of three. “I drew a tree to tape on our pantry door and the kids cut out leaves from construction paper. Each night, we all write one thing we are thankful for on a leaf and tape it to the tree. Kids can be grateful for a variety of things from butterflies to Elsa. We look forward to this tradition every year.”

Donate to Charity Christmas is right around the corner and many kids will receive new items as gifts. In anticipation, have the kids help clean their closets and toy

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boxes and set aside items they no longer need.

Donate gently-used toys and clothing to a local charity or family in need. This process will not only reduce clutter around the house, but it will teach the kid to be generous to those that are less fortunate than they are. In the same spirit, talk with your kids about how some people may not have coats, hats, and gloves to keep them warm during the cold winter months. As a family, collect hats, coats, scarves, gloves, and blankets to donate to a homeless shelter. Gather items you may have in your home that you are no longer using and ask friends and family to do the same.

Go to the store and have the kids pick out items they would like to give to another child their age.

Take a Break Have each family member take a break from a luxury they enjoy. Ideas may include dessert, manicures, coffee, soda, or a favorite video game or TV show. This exercise reminds us to be grateful for the luxuries that are otherwise taken for granted.

Complete a Family Service Project Set aside time to do a service project as a family.

Ideas may include cleaning up trash in a local park, raking a neighbor’s leaves, working at a food pantry, purchasing items for a Thanksgiving meal and delivering them to a family in need, organizing a book drive for a local children’s hospital, or adopting a family for the holidays.

When you volunteer as a family, kids see you helping others and are more likely to continue

serving as an adult. Serving in an area that your children are already interested in helps create excitement for the project. If your child loves singing, go caroling at a senior center. If your child loves to play at the park, plant flowers or pick up litter to help maintain its beauty. If they love crafts, make blankets for a homeless shelter. There are many possibilities for children of any age and skill level.

Gather Together Encourage the kids to think of friends and neighbors who may not have anywhere to go on Thanksgiving and invite them to come over for dinner. Discuss the importance of hospitality and welcoming others into your home. If you are not hosting Thanksgiving, consider hosting a brunch the following day and opening your home to friends and family.

Encourage Little Helpers Thanksgiving dinner preparation is a lot of work.

Having the kids help prepare dinner and clean up for company will teach them how much work really goes into preparing a large meal like Thanksgiving dinner. This will teach them appreciation for the work that goes into a holiday meal and also encourages a good work ethic at a young age.

This Thanksgiving, take time to remember what Thanksgiving really means. It’s not about Black Friday deals or endless football. It’s about giving thanks for what we have, sharing with and serving others, and celebrating with those we love.

learn Dig Into Your History

By Austria Cohn

It’s November, and the smell of turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce is already floating in the air. Thanksgiving is a time when friends and family come together to celebrate one another. Some families might go around the table and share what they’re thankful for or wake up early in the morning for the classic Turkey Trot fun run; either way, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and spend time with loved ones.

Photo:Freepik.com

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learn

If you’re looking to celebrate Thanksgiving in a different way this year, or digging into your history has been on the to-do list, but you’ve never gotten to it, here are some reasons why learning about your heritage is important and how to get started.

Where to Start There are several ways to begin digging into your family’s history, but the best way to start is by talking to relatives and gathering documents or memorabilia. By sitting down and chatting with your relatives (especially the older ones), you can learn about stories and traditions and get a head start on the family tree. They also might be able to point you in the right direction when it comes to finding photographs, letters, certificates, and other related memorabilia.

This begins the process of tracking your family history, and this can be one of the most fun steps.

Hearing stories about great-grandparents can be a fun and engaging Thanksgiving dinner discussion.

Even the little ones in the family will enjoy “scavenging” through boxes of special things.

Another step to take is to begin creating a family tree. There are genealogy software and online tools to make this process easier, like Ancestry. com, MyHeritage, or FamilySearch. A good tip to remember is to begin with what you know and gradually work backward, adding more generations as you uncover information.

Skipping the Scavenging Speaking to family members or collaborating on a family tree can make great memories, but it can

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feel overwhelming or take a lot of effort. If you want to skip a few steps, try a DNA test to get faster results without the work and hustle.

DNA testing can be a powerful tool for individuals looking to dig deeper into their family history and heritage. DNA testing has several benefits, like finding out your ethnicity and geographic origins, connecting with distant relatives, confirming the paper trail, and even learning more about your health and family genetics.

“Genetic ancestry is based upon a person’s DNA, which can be traced back to the genetic sequences of their ancestors,” states the National Institute of Standards and Technology. “So, if a person’s ancestry report says they are 34% East Asian, then that means that person has genetic DNA most similar to the population of the people living in that geographic location now.”

There are several DNA testing companies like Choice DNA and Fastest Labs, as well as Validity Genetics, that even offer a DNA test for your pup, so you can learn more about their breed, health, and canine ancestry and see their relatives.

While on your journey to learn more about your heritage, you might connect with a relative you didn’t know you had. When others with similar DNA have taken the same test and opted to share their results, you can potentially identify cousins, second cousins, and more, which can lead to new family connections and discoveries.

My grandfather has quite a few wild and intriguing family stories, especially about the

history behind my family’s last name. He often shares two contrasting narratives, both shrouded in mystery and intrigue. In one version of the story, our ancestors changed the family name when they immigrated to the United States because they wanted to assimilate into their new homeland and wanted to avoid potential prejudice by having a Jewish last name, which, at the time, was Cohen.

In a more daring twist to the family lore, my grandfather spins the tale of a bold bank robber who, in a bid to evade the relentless pursuit of the police, cleverly changed his name.

Whether rooted in fact or fiction, these stories have added a layer of mystique to our family’s history. By using DNA Testing, it can help confirm or challenge the paper trail and word-ofmouth that has been passed down through the generations. Nonetheless, thrilling family tales should continue to be passed down because they’re great conversation starters and exciting tales.

Another benefit if you go down the DNA testing route is some places can offer health-related information based on your genetic DNA. This can help your family learn valuable information about potential genetic health risks that might be running in the family.

Local Resources Here are some resources that can help you on your journey - the Colorado Genealogical Society, local libraries (Denver Public Library), local historical societies, and cemetery records (websites like FindAGrave or BillionGraves).

wellness

Winter Blues: Understanding Seasonal Depression

By Austria Cohn

Some streets are already decorated with twinkling holiday lights; you might faintly smell delicious sugar cookies, and by now, Target has seasonal gear covering just about every shelf. Hallmark is in full swing of their Christmas movies, and the kiddos might even be asking: When is Santa coming?

For many, this is their favorite time of year that’s full of love, family, laughing, and creating new memories.

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Photo by Ddgfdgf

For others, the seasonal change isn’t something to look forward to because with it comes seasonal depression. The warm summer nights are gone, the beautiful fall leaves have disappeared and left the trees empty and bare, and cold mornings waiting for the car to warm up are upon us.

Seasonal depression affects children, teenagers, and adults, and the symptoms might present differently depending on an individual's age.

“I’ve certainly seen kids have seasonal depression,” says Lauren Kerstein, an author, psychotherapist, and speaker. “Especially my kids on the spectrum, who already have sleep issues…it just exacerbates their sleep issues.”

If you or your child are feeling depressed nearly every day, have low energy, problems sleeping, changes in appetite or weight gain, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, or difficulty concentrating, and these behavioral and emotional changes begin and end with the seasons, you might be experiencing seasonal depression.

The Days Have Gone Dark and Cold The technical term for seasonal depression is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which occurs when the seasons change (typically when fall turns to winter).

The sun is setting sooner and rising later, and it can deprive us of those warm experiences and memories. Hiking on the weekends, taking a bike ride after dinner, and the nights with a warm, roaring campfire in the backyard are less appealing when the wet, cold frost is on each blade of grass.

“Our biological clock changes in the winter because it gets darker earlier,” says Kerstein. “So that causes an imbalance in our chemicals, neurologically in our brain. It can also cause a vitamin D deficiency.”

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Typically, during the winter season, people’s lifestyles change, which can impact our diet, physical activity, and social interactions, and all of this can contribute to SAD. It’s easy to get into the cycle of not making plans, staying home, and overall, avoiding the cold.

The Empty Chair at the Table The seasons changing is what people usually think of when discussing seasonal depression, but the loss of a loved one is commonly left out of that conversation.

Especially around the holidays, whether it’s your first year without them or a decade later, losing a loved one can bring feelings of sadness, despair, and emptiness. Grief doesn’t take a break during the holidays.

When you lose someone close to you, the joyful holiday traditions and rituals might change or become nonexistent.

“Create the same ritual as you did and then maybe create some new ones, so there are new memories happening,” says Rachel Montez Minor, the author of the children’s book See You On the Other Side. “There are ways we can bring them [our loved ones who have passed] into our rituals.”

For young children, participating in holiday traditions, like cooking grandma’s classic pumpkin pie, can help them cope with losing a loved one. Children can also benefit from creating new traditions and memories together, like running the Turkey Trot or going around the dinner table and everyone saying what they’re thankful for.

Things That Can Help 1. Staying Active In the wintertime, it’s easy to lock ourselves inside and stay out of the cold. People experiencing grief may isolate themselves

from others, especially when it’s dark and cold. This kind of isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and despair. If you or someone you know is dealing with the death of a loved one, try to get out of the house Finding a winter hobby will help you stay active, like skiing, snowboarding, or sledding.

By going outside and staying in the sun, you will get Vitamin D, which can improve the symptoms of SAD. If you don’t like the cold, consider taking Vitamin D supplements and staying busy with an indoor activity, like indoor rock climbing or going to the local rec center to throw pottery.

2. Discussing Change Depression is sometimes connected to change, like starting a new school, splitting up with your partner, or losing an important person in your life.

“We can teach our children that change is part of nature; it’s part of the natural cycle,” Minor says. “I wish that more families started teaching children at a young age because I think there’s a lot of adults that have a lot of problems with change.”

Here are two books that can start the conversation about change: See You on the Other Side is a picture book that can offer comfort to children who may be grieving or coming to terms with the idea of loss or change.

Remembering Sundays with Grandpa by Lauren H. Kerstein illustrates how when someone is no longer part of the physical world, their love lives on forever.

If you or your child are struggling during this time, consider seeing a specialist who can provide valuable support and strategies to manage and alleviate the feelings of SAD.

Family s e t i r o v Fa 2023

NE AZI AG

COLOR A

PARENT M O D

ER’S CHOICE R EA D

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Favorite Animal Encounter Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Runners Up Butterfly Pavilion & Denver Zoo Favorite Family Entertainment Venue Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus Runners Up Denver Museum of Nature and Science & Kids Wonder Favorite Makerspace Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus Runners Up artSPARK Creative Studio & MindCraft Makerspace Favorite Museum Denver Museum of Nature and Science Runners Up Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus & Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum Favorite Music Program School of Rock Runners Up Altitunes Wheat Ridge & Rocky Mountain Aardvarks Favorite Nature Center Denver Botanic Gardens Runners Up Butterfly Pavilion & Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Over 61,000 votes were cast in this year’s Family Favorites, and now, we get the honor to share them all with you now.

Congratulations to all of the winners, and thank you for continuing to provide excellent service and care to all of us here in Denver and the surrounding areas.

Favorite Place to Ice Skate Evergreen Lake House Runners Up South Suburban Parks and Recreation & YMCA of the Rockies Favorite Ski Resort Winter Park Resort Runners Up Breckenridge Ski Resort & Keystone Resort Favorite Theater Program Apex Performing Arts Collective Runners Up Parker Arts, Culture and Events Center & Stagebugz TheatreLTH Favorite Water Park Water World Runners Up Bay Aquatic Park & Pirates Cove Water Park

FAMILY HEALTH Favorite Allergist Lora Stewart, MD (Allergy & Asthma Care & Prevention) Runners Up Dr. Mark Ebadi, MD (Colorado Allergy and Asthma Centers) & Jennifer M. Toczyski, FNP-C (Colorado Allergy and Asthma Centers)

The Center for Cosmetic Surgery Runners Up Atagi Plastic Surgery and Skin Aesthetics, BEAUTY by BUFORD, & Facial Aesthetics Favorite Day Spa Woodhouse Spa (Denver) Runners Up VIVE Med Spa & Woodhouse Spa (Littleton) Favorite Dental Care Group Northfield Pediatric Dentistry Runners Up Hope Pediatric Dentistry & Kids Choice Dental/ All About Kids Dental Favorite Dermatologist Dr. Vinh Q. Chung, MD (Vanguard Skin Specialists) Runners Up Dr. Harvey Alan Arbuckle, MD (Kaiser Skyline Dermatology) & Dr. Karen J. Sundby, MD. (Denver Skin Cancer) Favorite Dermatology Group Vanguard Skin Specialists Runners Up Advanced Dermatology Skin Cancer and Laser Surgery Center & Clearview Dermatology Arvada Skin Cancer and Aesthetics Center

Favorite Chiropractic Clinic Kambeitz Chiropractic Health & Wellness Center, P.C. Runners Up Live Loud Chiropractic & Performance Chiropractic

Favorite ENT Doctor Dr. John Bangiyev, DO (Rocky Mountain Pediatrics) Runners Up Christian R. Francom, MD (Children’s Hospital Colorado) & Dr. Ryan Mitchell, MD, PhD (Rocky Mountain Pediatrics)

Favorite Cosmetic Center

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Rocky Mountain Pediatric ENT Associates, Denver Runner Up Associates of Otolaryngology - ENT Specialists of the Rockies

Runners Up UCHealth Steadman Hawkins Clinic Denver & Western Orthopaedics

Favorite Eye Center Kids Choice Vision/Bright Eyes Vision Runners Up Children’s Eye Physicians & Hellerstein and Brenner Vision Center, PC

Favorite Orthopaedic Doctor Jaren Riley, MD (Rocky Mountain Pediatric OrthoONE) Runners Up Andrew Pytiak, MD (Rocky Mountain Pediatric OrthoONE) & Brooke Pengel, MD (Rocky Mountain Pediatric OrthoONE)

Favorite Family Physician Veena Mathad, MD (Sunflower Pediatrics) Runners Up Andrew Schiavoni, MD (Skyline Primary Care) & Wendy Quiles, MD

Favorite Pediatric Therapy Group Developmental FX Runners Up Kimel Psychological Services, LLC & Parallel Play, LLC

Favorite General Dentist Davood Manshadi, DDS (Kids Choice Dental/All About Kids Dental) Runners Up Kim Miyamoto, DDS (Miyamoto Family Dental) & Robert Greene, DDS

Favorite Pediatric/Children's Dentist Rosalyn Shkolnikov, MD (Northfield Pediatric Dentistry) Runners Up Betty Yip, MD (Clover Kids Dentistry) & Dr. Lisa Phillips (Hope Pediatric Dentistry)

Favorite Hospital Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children Runners Up Children’s Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora & Rose Medical Center

Favorite Pediatrician Danielle Clancy, MD (Advanced Pediatric Associates) Runners Up Darren Zimbelman, MD (Kaiser Permanente) & Noah Makovsky, MD (Colorado Kids Pediatrics)

Favorite Local Pharmacy Sky Ridge Compounding Pharmacy Runners Up Centura St. Anthony North Hospital & King Soopers Favorite OB/GYN Doctor Lisa Schwebach, MD (Midtown OB/GYN) Runners Up Jacqueline Ziernicki, MD (Esprit OB/GYN Center) & Mathew P. Breeden, MD (Rocky Mountain Women’s Care) Favorite OB/GYN Practice Midtown Obstetrics and Gynecology Runners Up Esprit OB/GYN Center, Sky Ridge & Partners in Women’s Health Favorite Orthodontic Clinic Cronin and Czarnik Orthodontics Runners Up All About Braces/Colorado Orthodontics & Lowry Orthodontics Favorite Orthodontist Carolyn Cronin, MDM (Cronin and Czarnik Orthodontics) Runners Up Hilary Baskin, DDS (All About Braces/Colorado Orthodontics) & Kristen Lowe, DDS Favorite Orthopaedic Clinic Rocky Mountain Pediatric OrthoONE, Denver

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Favorite Plastic Surgeon Brooke French, MD (Children’s Hospital Colorado) Runners Up David Khechoyan, MD (Children’s Hospital Colorado) & Tanya Atagi, MD (Atagi Plastic Surgery) Favorite Psychiatrist/Psychologist Lies van Bekkum, PSY.D. (The Catalyst Center) Runners Up Patricia Westmoreland, MD (Medical Center of Aurora) & Susanna Kovari, MD (Denver Health) Favorite Therapist/Counselor Jackie Neyhart, LCSW (Collective Counseling Solutions) Runners Up Lena McCain (Interfaith Bridge Counseling) & Rachel Glase Lawrence, OTR, MOT Favorite Urgent Care Facility CareNow Urgent Care Runners Up Children’s Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora & PediaClinic Convenient Care Clinic Favorite Veterinarian Parisa Kariminejad, DVM, MBA (Animal Dental Clinic) Runners Up Erica Runkle, DVM (Coal Mine Animal Hospital)

& James Sumerfield, DVM (Broomfield Meadows Animal Hospital) Favorite Veterinary Clinic Coal Mine Animal Hospital Runners Up Aurora Animal Hospital & Harmony Veterinary Center

IT'S A PARTY Favorite Entertainer Farmer Dave Runners Up Firehouse Farms & Rocky Mountain Aardvarks Favorite Party Supplies Party City Runners Up Curate: A Local Mercantile & Halloween Costumes and Party Store - Fun Services Favorite Party Venue Kids Wonder Runners Up Activate Indoor Activity Park & Carousel of Happiness

LOCAL Favorite Church / Family Worship Center Lakewood Vineyard Runners Up Cherry Hills Community Church & Mission Hills Church Littleton Campus Favorite Community Event Apex Park and Recreation District: Kids TRYathlon Runners Up 2nd Saturdays at CSU Spur & Youth on Record’s Block Party Favorite Entertainment Venue for Kids Kids Wonder Runners Up Apex Center & Main Event Highlands Ranch Favorite Festival Colorado Renaissance Festival Runners Up Parker Days & Pumpkin Festival Favorite High School Football Team Rock Canyon High School Runners Up Cherry Creek High School, Mullen High School & Ralston Valley High School Favorite Library Branch Douglas County Libraries Runners Up Koelbel Library (Arapahoe Libraries) & Standley Lake Library (Jefferson County Public Library)

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Favorite Local Sports Program Gold Crown Foundation Runners Up Colorado Avalanche & Ta Da Gymnastics Favorite Mom’s / Girl’s Night Out Denver Art Museum Runners Up Game Train USA & Postino Highlands Ranch Favorite Outreach Program Build with TACT Runners Up Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum & Yanam2m Favorite Pumpkin Patch Anderson Farms Runners Up Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, Four Mile Historic Park, & Miller Farms Favorite Radio Station Colorado Public Radio Runners Up Alice 105.9 & Mix 100 Favorite TV Station RMPBS Runners Up FOX31 KDVR / Channel 2 KWGN & KUSA

MOM AND BABY Favorite 3D / 4D Ultrasound 3D 4D Ultrasound Flatirons Prenatal Imaging Runners Up Blossom Baby Co. 3D 4D HD Ultrasound, Little Bellies Ultrasound and Pregnancy Spa, & Moments Captured Ultrasound Favorite Baby Gifts Wanderling Babywearing Jackets Runners Up Curated to Grow & Little Bird Denver Favorite Birthing Hospital Seasons Community Birth Center Runners Up Colorado Birth and Wellness & Rose Medical Center Favorite Doula Lindsey Eden Photography and Doula Support Runners Up Ariel Haynes (Blooming Footprints) & Julie Allick (Colorado Birth & Wellness) Favorite Midwife Aubre Tompkins (Seasons Community Birth Center) Runners Up Neko Upson (St. Joseph’s Hospital) & Valerie Hauk-Sorenson

32 COLORADO PARENT NOVEMBER 2023

Favorite Newborn/ Maternity Photographer Lindsey Eden Photography Runners Up Alima Blackwell (Raven’s Nest Photography) & Jessica Dory (Rabbit and Fox Photography) Favorite Pre- and Post-partum Classes Holistic Childbirth Education by Melissa Force Runners Up Baby Café at the JCC Denver & Colorado Birth & Wellness

SCHOOLED Favorite Afterschool Program School of Rock Co-Op Runners Up MindCraft Makerspace & Sage Canyon BASE Favorite Charter Elementary School Global Village Academy Douglas County Runners Up Global Village Academy Aurora & Stargate Charter School Favorite Charter Elementary School Principal Nicole Wetzel (GVA North) Runners Up Karla Deters (GVA Aurora) & Stacy Bush (GVA Douglas County) Favorite Charter High School Renaissance Secondary School Runners Up Golden View Classical Academy & Stargate Charter School Favorite Charter High School Principal Amy Stuart (Renaissance Secondary School) Runners Up Cindy Lamgo (Addenbrooke Classical Academy) & Leslie Foster (Pinnacle Charter School) Favorite Charter Middle School Global Village Academy - North Campus Runners Up Global Village Academy (Douglas County) & Renaissance Secondary School Favorite Charter Middle School Principal Amy Stuart (Renaissance Secondary School) Runners Up Nicole Wetzel (GVA North) & Stacy Bush (GVA Douglas County) Favorite College University of Colorado Boulder Runners Up Colorado Christian University & Colorado State University Favorite Magnet Elementary School Hulstrom K-8

Runner Up Renaissance Expedition Learn Outward Bound School Favorite Magnet Elementary School Principal Trena Hand (Renaissance Elementary Magnet School) Runner Up Amy Odell (Polaris Elementary School) Favorite Mother’s Day Out Program Wellshire Presbyterian Parents' Day Out Runners Up Apple Tree Christian Preschool and Kindergarten PEPC Early Learning Center Favorite Preschool Program Montessori Academy of Colorado Runners Up Hope Montessori Academy, Iliff Preschool, & Kindergarten and School-Age Summer Camp Favorite Private Elementary School Midtown Montessori Runners Up Denver Christian School & Montessori Academy of Colorado Favorite Private Elementary School Principal Alicia FaJohn (Montessori Academy of Colorado) Runners Up Dana Kohls (Aspen Academy) & Mark Twarogowski (Denver Academy) Favorite Private High School Humanex Academy Runners Up Denver Academy & Denver Christian School Favorite Private High School Principal David Ness (Lutheran High School) Runners Up Kati Cahill (Humanex Academy) & Mark Wood (Denver Academy) Favorite Private Middle School Montessori Academy of Colorado Runners Up Denver Academy & Denver Christian School Favorite Private Middle School Principal Alicia FaJohn (Montessori Academy of Colorado) Runners Up Beatrice Skoog (Ave Maria) & Mark Twarogowski (Denver Academy) Favorite Public Elementary School Sage Canyon Elementary School Runners Up Parmalee Elementary School & West Woods Elementary School

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Congratulations to the Family Favorites from the Douglas County School District!

2023 Family Favorites - Reader’s Choice Favorite Public Elementary School - Sage Canyon Elementary (Castle Rock) Favorite Public Elementary School Principal - Mandy Hill, Sage Canyon Elementary Favorite Public Middle School - Rocky Heights Middle School (Highlands Ranch) Favorite Public Middle School Principal - Erin Kyllo, Ranch View Middle School (Highlands Ranch) Favorite Public High School - ThunderRidge High School (Highlands Ranch) Favorite Public High School Principal - Andrew Abner, Rock Canyon High School (Highlands Ranch) Favorite High School Football Team - Rock Canyon High School Favorite Charter Elementary School - Global Village Academy-Douglas County (Parker) Favorite Charter Middle School Principal - Amy Stuart, Renaissance Secondary School Favorite Charter High School - Renaissance Secondary School (Castle Rock) Favorite Charter High School Principal - Amy Stuart, Renaissance Secondary School Favorite Magnet Elementary School Principal - Trena Hand, Renaissance Elementary Magnet School

2023 Family Favorites - Runners Up Favorite Public Elementary School Principal - Amy Moyle, Redstone Elementary (Highlands Ranch) Favorite Public Elementary School Principal - Amy Rahne, Coyote Creek Elementary (Highlands Ranch) Favorite Public High School - Douglas County High School (Castle Rock) Favorite Public High School Principal - Tony Kappas, Douglas County High School Favorite After School Program: Sage Canyon Elementary BASE Favorite Charter Elementary School Principal -Stacy Bush, Global Village Academy-Douglas County Favorite Charter Middle School - Global Village Academy-Douglas County Favorite Charter Middle School Principal - Stacy Bush, Global Village Academy-Douglas County Favorite Charter Middle School - Renaissance Secondary School Favorite Magnet Elementary School - Renaissance Elementary Magnet School

Learn More About What Sets Douglas County School District Apart! www.dcsdk12.org Join our team: www.dcsdk12.org/careers 34 COLORADO PARENT NOVEMBER 2023

DCSD Kindergarten Enrollment Week November 27 - December 1, 2023 Visit a DCSD elementary school or go to www.dcsdk12.org/kindergarten

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Favorite Public Elementary School Principal Mandy Hill (Sage Canyon Elementary) Runners Up Amy Moyle (Redstone Elementary) & Amy Rahne (Coyote Creek Elementary) Favorite Public High School ThunderRidge High School Runners Up Douglas County High School & Ralston Valley High School Favorite Public High School Principal Andrew Abner (Rock Canyon High School) Runner Ups Michael Burke (Prairie View High School) & Tony Kappas (Douglas County High School) Favorite Public Middle School Rocky Heights Middle School Runners Up Drake Middle School & Evergreen Middle School Favorite Public Middle School Principal Erin Kyllo (Ranch View Middle School) Runners Up Megan Madsen (Three Creeks) & Tim Vialpando (Evergreen Middle School) Favorite Special Needs Program TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades) Runners Up Feel the Beat & Kimel Psychological Services, LLC Favorite Trade School TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades) Runners Up Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology (Broomfield Campus) & Warren Tech South Favorite Tutoring Program Top Notch Tutoring, LLC Runners Up Cherry Creek Tutors & Hopkins Education Services

SERVICES Favorite Adult Hair Salon Paisley Salon and Spa Runners Up Colour Me Chic & Do the Bang Thing Salon Favorite Attorney Pamela Maass Garrett (Law Mother) Runners Up Hardin Waldrip Law & Sarah Morris Law Favorite Bank Young Americans Bank Runners Up Bank of the West & FirstBank

36 COLORADO PARENT NOVEMBER 2023

Favorite Car Wash Waterway Carwash Runners Up Colorado Auto Wash & Jazz Car Wash and Detailing Favorite Catering Company Love Pop Runners Up Footers Catering & Mici Italian Favorite Child Care The Goddard School of Aurora South Runners Up Hope Montessori Academy & The Goddard School of Westminister (Orchard Park Place) Favorite Credit Union ENT Runners Up Bellco Credit Union & Westerra Credit Union Favorite Hotel Great Wolf Lodge Water Park Runners Up Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center & The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block Favorite Kids Hair Salon The Hair Salon at Little Bird Runners Up Jack and Jill Children’s Salon (Park Meadows) & The Knotty Kids Salon Favorite Lawn Care Service Lawn Doctor Runners Up B. Gardening Landscape Design & Giannini Lawncare Favorite Maid Service Bucket and Shine Runners Up Merry Maids in Centennial & The Cleaning Authority (Broomfield) Favorite Pest Control Service Bee Smart Colorado Runners Up Berrett’s Pest Control & Four Seasons Pest Control Favorite Pet Care Service DoggEdayz Runners Up Animal Health Care Denver & Dogtopia of Highlands Ranch Favorite Photographer Anna Phillips Photography Runners Up Brittani Chin Photography & Raven’s Nest Photography Favorite Photography Studio

Anna Phillips Photography Runners Up From the Hip Photo & Jennifer Lynn Photography, LLC Favorite Tree Service James Tree and Shrub Care Runners Up American Arbor Care & St. Nicks Tree Lighting

SHOPPING Favorite Adult Boutique Curate: A Local Mercantile Runners Up Inspyre, True at Stanley Marketplace, & Willow and Tulaire Favorite Car Dealership Emich Volkswagon Runners Up McDonald Automotive Group & Schomp Honda Favorite Children’s Boutique Little Bird Denver Runners Up Broomtail & Real Baby Favorite Consignment Store Just Between Friends Runners Up Kid to Kid Aurora & Once Upon a Child Favorite Farmers Market Mile High Flea Market Runners Up Parker Farmers Market & South Pearl Street Farmers’ Market Favorite Florist Poppy and Pine Runners Up Cherry Blossoms Florist, The Owl Nest Flowers, Plants, Art, and Gifts, & Veldkamp's Flowers Favorite Gift Store MindCraft Makerspace Runners Up Curate: A Local Mercantile & Wish Gifts Favorite Grocery Store Tony’s Market Runners Up King Soopers & Niwot Market Favorite Jewelry Store Trice Jewelers Runners Up Sarah O. Jewelry & Sather’s Leading Jewelers Favorite Lawn & Garden Store Nick’s Garden Center and Farm Market Runners Up Big Tool Box, Highlands Ranch Garden Center, & Jared’s Nursery, Gift and Garden

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Favorite Meat Market Sam’s Meat and Deli Runners Up Edwards Meats & Tony’s Meats and Market Favorite Toy Store Timbuk Toys Runners Up MindCraft Makerspace & Second Star to the Right Children’s Books

SPORTS AND REC PROGRAMS Favorite Cheer Program Ta Da Gymnastics Studio Runners Up Apex Park and Recreation District & Shyhawks SuperTots Sports Colorado Favorite Dance Program Littleton Contemporary Dance Center Runners Up Dual Star Academy of Dance & Elevate Dance Center Favorite Gymnastics Program Ta Da Gymnastics Studio Runners Up 5280 Gymnastics & Dardano’s School of Gymnastics Favorite Health & Fitness Studio Fit N’ Lean Runners Up Shred415 Castle Rock & YMCA of Northern Colorado Favorite Martial Arts Program Colorado Budokan Runners Up Kicks Martial Arts & Parker Academy of Martial Arts Favorite Ski or Ride Lessons Keystone Ski Resort Runners Up Shredder: Indoor Ski & Snowboard School & Winter Park Resort

Tokyo Premium Bakery Favorite Bar & Grill Hops and Pie Runners Up Cactus Jack’s Saloon and Grill & The Lazy Dog Sports Bar and Grill Favorite Barbecue Restaurant Rolling Smoke BBQ at Stanley Marketplace Runners Up GQue BBQ (Westminster) & GQue BBQ (Lone Tree) Favorite Brewery Brewability Runners Up Acreage by Stem Ciders & New Terrain Brewing Company Favorite Brunch Restaurant Snooze A.M. Eatery Runners Up Bistro Vendome & HashTAG Favorite Burger 5280 Burger Bar Runners Up Park Burger (Pearl) & Great Divide Brewery and Roadhouse Favorite Coffeehouse DIRT Coffee Bar Runners Up Dutch Bros Coffee & Stella’s Coffee Haus Favorite Date Night Restaurant Guard and Grace Runners Up American Elm & Cuba Cuba Cafe and Bar Favorite Donuts LaMar’s Donuts and Coffee Runners Up Parlor Doughnuts, The Donut House, & We Knead Donuts

Favorite Summer Camp Program Camp IdRaHaJe Runners Up Dream Big Day Camp & School of Rock Co-Op

Favorite Family-Friendly Restaurant Mici Italian Runners Up FlyteCo Towers & The Post Chicken and Beer

Favorite Swimming Lessons Ocean First Swim School Runners Up Goldfish Swim School (Superior) & Little Kickers Swim School

Favorite Food Hall Stanley Marketplace Runners Up Edgewater Public Market & Freedom Street Social

TREATS AND EATS

Favorite Food Truck Magic Kebab Runners Up Los Dos Bros Food Truck & Slife’s Devil Dogs and Sweet Freeze Shave Ice

Favorite Bakery Rheinlander Bakery Runners Up Taste of Denmark &

40 COLORADO PARENT NOVEMBER 2023

Favorite Fried Chicken The Post Chicken and Beer Runners Up Kickin Chicken & The Wishbone Family Restaurant Favorite Ice Cream Shop Sweet Cow Runners Up Bonnie Brae Ice Cream & Gelato and Co. Cremeria Italiana Favorite Italian Restaurant Mici Italian Runners Up Randi’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant & Romano’s Pizzeria Favorite Kids Eat Free Mici Italian Runners Up Illegal Pete’s Northside & Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant Favorite Meal Delivery/Meal Prep Services Easy Entrees by Silver Spoons Runners Up Hello Fresh & Hungryroot Mexican Restaurant Los Dos Potrillos Mexican Restaurant Runners Up Casa Bonita & Los Chingones Favorite Pizza Place Mici Italian Runners Up Blue Pan Pizza & Virgilio’s Pizzeria and Wine Bar Favorite Seafood Restaurant Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar Runners Up Big Mac and Little Lu’s Seafood & Guard and Grace Favorite Steakhouse Guard & Grace Runners Up Shanahan’s Steakhouse & Simms Steakhouse Favorite Sushi Sushi Aji Runners Up Hana Matsuri Sushi, Land of Sushi, Misaki Sushi, & Sushi Rama Lone Tree/Osaka Ramen

Learn more about this year’s Family Favorite winners by visiting us online and checking out the Family Favorites online directory. coloradoparent.com

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42 COLORADO PARENT NOVEMBER 2023

happenings Our Picks

NOVEMBER

1

Ms. Lauryn Hill & Fugees Feel the energy of the marvelous Ms. Lauryn Hill & Fugees this season in Denver as she returns to the stage, singing beloved classics on her 25th-anniversary tour. Tickets start at $80. Nov. 2. Ball Arena, Denver.

ticketmaster.com

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happenings Our Picks

2

History Colorado Kickstart Native American Heritage Month by observing indigenous art while learning about the ancestral origins of Colorado. Free admission, Nov. 4. History of Colorado

Center, Denver. historycolorado.org

3

Skate in the Park

Tread carefully as temperatures begin to drop for a day of ice skating out in the park. Adult entry is $10; children under four are free. Nov. 10-Jan. 31. Acacia

Park, Colorado Springs. downtowncs.com

4

Cat Fest

Join in on feline-themed fun for cat craft-making, a costume contest, shows, tarot readings, and more.

Admission for children ages five and younger is free, family four-packs are available for $70, and individual entry costs $20. Nov. 12. National

Western Expo Hall, Denver. catfestco.com

5

Christkindlmarket Denver

Recognized as Colorado’s most “authentic German Market,” enjoy hot cocoa or a cold beer while shopping from local vendors. Nov. 17-Dec. 23. 16th St. Mall, Denver.

christkindlmarketdenver.com

HEADS UP! Events may change after publication deadline. Please phone ahead to confirm important information and check with locations about individual COVID rules.

44 COLORADO PARENT NOVEMBER 2023

happenings Our Picks

6

Holey Moley Golf Club Enjoy a fun night out with the family, putting through a vibrant, multi-themed mini-golf course and restaurant. 1201

18th St., Denver. holeymoley.com

7

Turkey Trot Denver Walk or run off a hearty Thanksgiving feast with the family alongside United Way, a local nonprofit connecting families to educational and financial resources across Colorado, this Thanksgiving.

Nov 23. Washington Park, Denver.

unitedwaydenver.org

10

Small Business Saturday

Boulder offers a refreshing alternative to the frenzy of Black Friday shopping. This event showcases local boutiques and the exquisite work of friendly neighborhood artisans sharing their crafts and creations.

By shopping locally, you don’t have to deal with the middleman or be forced to wait for the postal system to deliver your precious belongings.

Small Business Saturday is coordinated by the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC),

8

an essential resource for small businesses offering a wide

Friday Night Jazz Parents, immerse yourself in soulful tunes and unwind in the cozy ambiance every Friday. Hear Jason Greenlaw perform in the beautifully historic lobby of Boulder’s longest-standing hotel.

Nov. 24. Hotel Bouldererado,

Boulder. boulderado.org

range of services to get started. The SBDC provides free personal business consultations, training programs, financial planning, marketing strategies, and more to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills to navigate the challenges of the business world. By collaborating with the City of Boulder, SBDC aims to offer locals opportunities to engage with locally-created goods & services they may have never had the chance to encounter otherwise.

Choosing a small business fair supports local economies, enabling small business owners to thrive and sustain themselves amidst the competitive retail landscape. By investing in local businesses, you contribute to the vitality and uniqueness of your

9

community. Ultimately, the sense of authenticity

Pueblo Parade of Lights

The 33rd annual Parade of Lights, themed “Winter Holidays Around the World,” will be on Saturday. Free to enjoy and witness a spectacle of lights to excite families for Christmas time. Nov. 25. Colorado &

Abriendo Ave., Pueblo. puebloparadeoflights.com

and genuine care for customers often found at these fairs stands in stark contrast to the commercial chaos associated with Black Friday shopping.

Nov. 24-26.

Pearl St., Boulder bouldersbdc.com

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happenings November together for the Estes Park beer event to pour unlimited samples and talk allthings beer. There will be live brewing demos, opportunities to chat with hop farmers, and more. Estes Park. fallbackbeerfest.com

Low-Sensory Evening at the Children’s Museum on Nov. 8.

Photo by the Children’s Museum.

Night at the Museums 5-10pm Experience the Clyfford Still Museum after hours during the annual Night at the Museums, a Denver Arts Week event. This is a free activity for the whole family, and there will be a shuttle to take guests to the participating museums.

Clyfford Still Museum, Denver. clyffordstillmuseum.org

5 Sunday

Sensory Inclusive Passport to Culture: 123 Andres 4pm Join 123 Andres for catchy songs that get the audience dancing, singing, and learning. There will not be startling noises or visually overstimulating components. The Lone Tree Arts Center even offers a “quiet room,” and audience members are free to come and go as needed. Lone Tree Arts Center. lonetreeartscenter.org

to do today November 1 Wednesday

Candlelight Día De Los Muertos 7:30pm The Candlelight Día De Los Muertos: Celebrating the Day of the Dead is a multi-sensory musical experience.

Bring the whole family (children must be eight or older) and enjoy the beautiful, awe-inspiring concert.

Tickets range from $35-60. St. Cajetan’s, Denver. feverup.com Mamma Mia! 7:30pm The Denver Center for the Performing Arts brings the romantic comedy Mamma Mia! alive on stage. The performance is recurring until November 5, so jump online today to

VISIT OUR DIGITAL CALENDAR FOR MORE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

snag a ticket. Tickets start at $35. Buell Theatre, Denver. denvercenter.org

2 Thursday

Grandmother’s House Boutique 9:30am Tagawa Gardens welcomes back this indoor boutique from November 2-4, featuring an array of curated artisans and crafters from all around our beautiful state. There will be more than 80 booths of food and gift items to shop from. Bring the whole family and make a day of it, and enjoy lunch while you shop local. Tagawa Gardens, Centennial. tagawagardens.com Day of the Dead Cooking Class 6-8pm The Plot Twist Bakery is offering a festive culinary adventure where guests will learn, cook, and devour their delicious dishes. Guests must be 18 and older to participate. Registration is $89, and space is limited, so jump online before spots fill up. Front Range Christian School, Littleton. eventbrite.com

3 Friday

Denver Christmas Show 8am-6pm Get ahead of the holiday shopping by heading to the Denver Christmas Show that’s happening November 3-5.

46 COLORADO PARENT NOVEMBER 2023

Explore different vendors, shop for unique gifts, and get into the Christmas spirit. Adult tickets are $16 online, and children (ages 13 and under) are free.

Colorado Convention Center, Denver. denverchristmasshow.com Messy Art 10:15-11am At the Public Louisville Library, bring your kiddo between the ages of two and five to the Messy Art event. This is an excellent way for children to learn, explore, and have fun. This is a recurring event; each month, there will be a new kind of art. The event is messy, so dress accordingly. Register online. Louisville Public Library. louisvilleco.gov Kids Night Out 7-10pm Bring your kiddo to a night full of play at the Wulf Recreation Center Gymnastics Gym. Kids, ages 3-13, will have fun with the open gym and enjoy pizza from BeauJo’s while you get the night off. Registration is $45-56.

Wulf Recreation Center, Evergreen. evergreenrecreation.com

4 Saturday

Fall Back Beer Fest 3-7pm Colorado craft breweries are coming

6 Monday

Storytime at Serling Ranch Atlas Coffee 10-10:30am Douglas County Libraries is doing a story time at Sterling Ranch Atlas Coffee. This storytime is perfect for all ages. This is a recurring event.

Sterling Ranch Atlas Coffee, Littleton. douglascountylibraries.evanced.info Kid’s Club 4-4:45pm Bring your kids to Standley Lake Library after school on Mondays to explore a different after-school activity. The kiddos will have fun with books, STEM, crafts, and games, and this is perfect for kids in kindergarten to fifth grade. Standley Lake Library, Arvada. jeffcolibrary.bibliocommons.com

7 Tuesday

Youth Climbing Class 5:30-6:30pm During this class, children (ages 7-13) will learn safety techniques and how to climb up a wall properly.

This event reoccurs every Tuesday, and registration is $40. BPRC Climbing Pinnacle at Buchanan Park Recreation Center, Evergreen. evergreenrecreation.com Tuesday Trivia Night 7-9pm Enjoy trivia and happy hour all night long with friends and family. Happy hour deals include $3 beers, $4 mixed

happenings November drinks, $5 glasses of wine, and $2 off several food items. Freedom Street Social, Arvada. freedomstreetsocial.com

8 Wednesday

Toddler Time 10:15-10:45pm Help your toddlers stay active by attending Toddler Time every Wednesday morning. Read, sing, rhyme, dance, and connect.

Golden Library. jeffcolibrary.bibliocommons.com Low-Sensory Evenings at the Children’s Museum 4:30-7:30pm For children who might be a bit overwhelmed at the Children’s Museum, bring them to the lowsensory evenings that will have limited attendance, quieter noises, and more space for children and their families to have fun. Email KayceM@cmdenver. org to reserve your space. Children’s Museum of Denver. mychildmuseum.org

9 Thursday

Library for All: Interactive Program 11:30am-12:30pm Head to Edgewater Library for the Library for All: Interactive Program for Teens and Adults with Disabilities.

Families and caregivers can make crafts, create art, play games, and explore the library during this event.

This event also occurs on December 14. Edgewater Library. jeffcolibrary. bibliocommons.com Tweens Dungeons and Dragons 3:30-4:30pm Bring your tweens to the Dungeons and Dragons session, where they will learn, connect, and complete campaigns.

New members are welcome, and no experience is required. This program is meant for ages 9-12. Penrose Library,

Colorado Springs. ppld.librarymarket.com

wowchildrensmuseum.org

10 Friday

The Great Candy Run 10am The Great Candy Run is celebrating its 20th annual event, all in support of the Fetal Health Foundation. Get your SWEET ON at this family-friendly event that will have delicious treats, prizes, and finisher medals for all 5K finishers. There’s also a free kids’ fun run. Washington Park, Denver. thegreatcandyrun.com

Hot Springs Fest The Hot Springs Fest is a three-day celebration in Pagosa Springs that will have live music, wellness activities, and access to three downtown soaking facilities. Enjoy the healing waters and a relaxing weekend with friends and family. Tickets are $80 for one day.

The Springs Resort, Pagosa Springs. pagosahotsprings.com

11 Saturday

Applewood Holiday Festival 10am-4pm The 3rd annual holiday festival is back at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday. There will be over 80 artisans, including fine art, handmade treasures, clothing, delicious food, and more. Jump online to snag tickets. Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, Aurora. applewoodfestivals.com Loveland Reptile Expo Show 10am-3:30pm Bring the whole family to the Reptile Expo Show on Saturday and Sunday.

Learn, see different kinds of reptiles, amphibians, and exotic mammals, and maybe even bring home a new family member home. Tickets start at $10. The Ranch, Loveland. eventbrite.com

12 Sunday

Sensory-Friendly Playtime at WOW! Children’s Museum Bring your kiddo with autism or sensory processing disorders to WOW! Children’s Museum for a sensoryfriendly playtime. There will be a limited number of families, the sounds and lights will be turned down, and adaptive equipment will be provided.

This event is $1 per person. WOW! Children’s Museum, Lafayette.

Family Fun Day: Supporting Community Noon-2pm Bring the whole family to the Girl Scout DreamLab and learn how to support your community. Tickets are free and can be reserved online to ensure there will be enough supplies.

Girl Scout DreamLab, Denver. girlscoutsofcolorado.org

13 Monday

Bilingual Storytime 10-10:30am Head to the Longmont Public Library for stories and songs in Spanish and English for children of all ages. An adult must accompany the children, and this event occurs every Monday. Longmont Public Library. longmontcolorado.gov A Charlie Brown Christmas 6:30pm The adorable and beloved holiday performance is coming to the Pikes Peak Center to share the Christmas spirit. Watch Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of your favorite characters uncover the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets start at $29. Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs. pikespeakcenter.com

14 Tuesday

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas 7:30pm Chip Davis, founder and creator of Mannheim Steamroller, brings the hallmark tour to Loveland, which features classic Christmas hits and multimedia effects in an intimate setting. Tickets start at $58.

Budweiser Events Center, Loveland. treventscomplex.com Kesha Performance 8pm Kesha comes to the Mission Ballroom in Denver during The Only Love Tour. The musician and songwriter Jake Wesley Rogers, will also be performing. Tickets start at $59.50. The Mission Ballroom, Denver. axs.com

Parents Night Out Nov. 17. Photo by Freepik

15 Wednesday

Printmaking for Kids 4-4:45pm At the Louisville Public Library, learn how to make prints using your own

handmade stamps and acrylic paint.

This is a great activity for kids in grades 1st through 6th. This program is free, but registration is required and can be done online. Louisville Public Library. louisvilleco.gov Community BINGO & Trivia Night 5:30-9pm Get ready for a fun-filled evening of BINGO and trivia. Have fun at Blue Spruce Brewing Company while you learn a few things about our community and politics. Admission is free, but you can reserve a spot online. Blue Spruce Brewing Company, Centennial. eventbrite.com

16 Thursday

ideaLAB 1-5:30pm On Thursday, enjoy the open lab at Denver Public Library’s makerspace, where you can use software to create music, sew, use a 3D printer, and do fun art projects. Bring ideas, and the staff will help you get started. Denver Public Library. denverlibrary.org Birth Mother Support Group 6:30-8:30pm Hope Promise hosts a Birth Mother Support Group on the third Thursday of every month. There is an in-person and virtual option to participate in the discussion. For more information, email rachel@hopespromise.com. Hope Promise, Castle Rock. hopespromise.com

17 Friday

Parents Night Out 4:30-8:30pm Take a night off and bring the kids to Shredder Central Park, where they will play games, ski/snowboard, make arts and crafts, and enjoy a delicious pizza dinner. Registration is $70 per class, but a sibling discount is available. This is ideal for ages 3-10. Shredder, Denver. shredderski.com

18 Saturday

Holiday Craft Fair 9am-4pm For all your craft needs, head to the Holiday Craft Fair to see over 20 booths of beautiful artistry and creativity and browse through handmade arts and crafts from local artisans. St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, Lakewood. eventbrite.com A Very Terry Christmas 7pm The Zarlengo Foundation proudly presents the all-ages performance, A Very Terry Christmas, to start the holiday season. Tickets start at $49.95.

Bellco Theatre, Denver. bellcotheatre.com

NOVEMBER 2023 COLORADOPARENT.COM 47

19 Sunday

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour 2pm Blippi is coming to Denver for a day full of dancing, singing, and learning. Get the wiggles out at the family-friendly musical party with monster trucks, excavators, and garbage trucks. Tickets start at $39. Paramount Theatre, Denver. blippithewonderfulworldtour.com Switch on the Holidays 5-7pm Kick off the holiday season by heading to Pearl Street in Boulder. The grand illumination will happen at 5:20 p.m., and guests can visit with Santa until 7 p.m. Pearl Street, Boulder. boulderdowntown.com Bonnie & Taylor Sims Band 5:30-9:30pm For an intimate evening full of dinner and live music, head to eTown Hall to see the Colorado dynamic musical duo perform. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m., and the band starts their performance at 8 p.m. For the VIP Dinner and Concert, tickets are $89, and guests can jump online to view the menu. eTown Hall, Boulder. bluebirdsupperclub.com Pentatonix - The Most Wonderful Tour of the Year 7pm Celebrate the holiday season with Pentatonix and their Grammywinning favorite songs. “Mary, Did You Know” and “Hallelujah” are some of the holiday favorites they will be performing. Budweiser Events Center, Loveland. treventscopmlex.com

21 Tuesday

Nov. 19. Photo by Natalie Jo Gray

School’s Out! Fun and Games at the Library 1-3pm Head to the library for fun and games during this special program for elementary-aged kids. This program is free and does not require registration.

Children’s Library, Broomfield. broomfield.org Steak House Favorites 6-9pm Learn how to cook Crab Stuffed Cremini Mushroom Caps, Cauliflower and

The Day of Thanks Nov. 23

Brie Gratin, Blistered Green Beans, Steak Diane, and Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookies with Vanilla Ice Cream.

It costs $295 per pair, and spots fill up quickly. Uncorked Kitchen & Wine Bar, Centennial. uncorkedkitchen.com

22 Wednesday

Downtown Denver Food Tour 1-4pm Sample five of the best restaurants in town in one afternoon; from authentic Neapolitan pizza to freshly baked empanadas, you’ll explore a world of flavor. During the tour, you’ll also learn about Denver’s Wild West History and Union Station. Tickets start at $75.

Marco’s Coal Fired, Denver. viator.com No School Family Day 2-3:30pm At Painting with a Twist, during fall break, create a neon Christmas tree painting with the entire family. Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early to get set up; no experience is required for this activity. Registration ranges from $27-39 per person. Painting with a Twist, Fort Collins. paintingwithatwist.com

23 Thursday 48 COLORADO PARENT NOVEMBER 2023

Thanksgiving To-Go Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful and a hassle, but The Little Nell’s culinary team is lending a hand this year. For $250, stop by and get some of the favorites for Thanksgiving dinner.

Orders must be placed by noon on November 21, and pick-up is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Jump online for more information. The Little Nell, Aspen. thelittlenell.com Turkey Day 5K Fun Run/Walk 8am Start a new family tradition and participate in the Turkey Day Fun Run/ Walk. This community event is not timed, and everyone in the family can participate. Enjoy a hot cocoa, cider, or coffee after the race. The 5K is $30, and space is limited, so jump online today to reserve a spot. Parker Recreation Center. parkerrec.com

24 Friday

Free Day - Botanic Gardens Bring the family to York Street or Chatfield Farms on Friday and enjoy the SCFD-free day. Register online today.

Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver. botanicgardens.org

Home Alone in Concert 7:30pm The Denver Performing Arts Complex presents the classic holiday favorite Home Alone. The Colorado Symphony will play live while the movie is played on a large screen. This Movie at the Symphony is happening on Friday and Saturday, and tickets start at $15. Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver. artscomplex.com

26 Sunday

25 Saturday

A Christmas Carol 1:30pm Get into the holiday spirit at the Wolf Theater with the beautiful and classic performance, A Christmas Carol, presented by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets range from $40-90 and reoccur from November 17 to December 24. This performance is recommended for ages nine and up, but children as young as four can attend. Wolf Theatre, Denver. denvercenter.org

The Brunch Comedy Show 1:30pm The Brunch Comedy Show doors open at 1 p.m., and the standup comedians take the stage at 1:30 p.m. Jump online to view the menu and reserve a table.

Wide Right, Denver. widerightdenver.com The Nutcracker 1pm The beautiful ballet performance returns to Denver starting Saturday until December 24. This festive, familyfriendly production brings the holiday spirit alive every year. A sensoryfriendly performance of The Nutcracker will be presented on November 26 at 1 p.m. Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver. coloradoballet.org

Soul Tree’s Holiday Bazaar 1-5pm There will be several artists and an array of gifts like jewelry, pottery, artwork, and more at Soul Tree’s free Holiday Bazaar. This is a great way to find handmade, affordable gifts for everyone on your list. Soul Tree Yoga, Lafayette. facebook.com/events

27 Monday

Fused Glass Ornaments 1-4pm Make beautiful and unique fused glass ornaments during this two-day class for adults and children (ages 12 and up).

The first class is on Monday, November

Spotlight Photo by Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center

27, and the second is on December 4. Registration for this class is $130. pARTiculuars Art Gallery and Teaching Studio, Lafayette. eventbrite.com

28 Tuesday

Durango Dash Scavenger Hunt 11am-1pm Enjoy a nontraditional scavenger hunt, where you’ll get your digital quest from your live and interactive remote host. You’ll have creative tasks and wacky challenges at the checkpoints and get pushed out of your comfort zone. This is family and dog-friendly, and admission is $18. Hermosa Cafe, Durango. eventbrite.com After Nap Club - A Playdate for the Littles 4-5:30pm On Tuesdays, head to the Mancos Public Library for the After Nap Club for caregivers and their toddlers. This is a great way to connect with other parents while the kiddos have fun. This club happens weekly at the Dolores Public Library as well on Thursdays. Mancos Public Library. mancoslibrary.org

29 Wednesday

Butterfly Pavilion - Sensory Friendly 3-5pm

30 Thursday

Genealogy Volunteers 1-3pm The Larimer County Genealogical Society has volunteer researchers available to help you with your genealogy and family history. The volunteers can help construct your family tree, show you how to use library databases and assist in your research.

Loveland Public Library. lovgov.org

made into magical creations. The

to jump online and snag a spot.

sculptures are hand-carved from

Tickets start at $29.99 for adults and

more than 2 million pounds of ice.

$19.99 for children. Dress for the

The larger-than-life sculptures

cold because the area is kept at nine

come together like a Christmas

degrees, but the Gaylord provides

miracle that’s sure to blow your

parkas for guests. The average time

mind. In addition to these icy

that people spend is between 20 to

creations, there are thrilling frozen

30 minutes, but there is no limit for

slides for kids and adults and awe-

exploring these intricate sculptures.

inspiring tunnels that you won’t want

The Gaylord Rockies is also doing

to miss. Make sure to bring your

a Cirque: Spirit of Christmas show

camera to capture the cool memories

with dazzling acrobatics, high-

or snap a shot for the yearly

flying stunts, performances done

holiday card.

by Broadway Singers, and more.

ends January 1, so you have time for another dazzling and immersive season.

Last year, ICE! was Charlie Brown’s Christmas theme; in 2023, the theme is A Christmas Story.

The family will love this immersive experience with adored characters and ice sculptures that are carefully

Wheel of Fortune Live 7pm One of the greatest game shows of all time has been adapted into a stage show to give more fans access and more chances to win at Wheel of Fortune Live. Contestants are selected from the audience to go on stage, and this is an all-ages performance. Tickets start at $35. Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, Colorado Springs. peakradar.com

Christmas at Gaylord Rockies

ICE! opens November 17 and With the holiday season approaching, it’s a great time to start doing family-friendly activities to get you and the little ones in the Christmas spirit. One way to start off the season right is by going to ICE! at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center. It’s back

During the sensory-friendly afternoons, experience the exhibits in a unique way that meets your family’s needs. At this time, the Butterfly Pavilion offers guided interpretation for each exhibit, optional activity guides, and access to the playroom. Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster. butterflies.org

Tickets for this start at $40 and can be purchased online.

6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd., Aurora christmasatgaylordrockies.marriott.com

NOVEMBER 2023 COLORADOPARENT.COM 49

fresh mindset

fresh mindset A value in Filipino culture is working hard, and I want to instill that hard work ethic into her.

JUN MENDOZA is an allergist and immunologist at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, and he’s a husband to Crystal and a father to the 2023 Gerber Baby, Madison. The Mendoza family are big foodies, and they had a goal for Maddie to try 100 foods before her first birthday. Maddie has already met that goal!

50 COLORADO PARENT NOVEMBER 2023