Happy New Year...

Here's hoping that 2013 is your best year yet!!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, December 31

• Enjoy Story Time Monday at Chick-Fil-A Cotswold this morning at 10:30am. More info...
• Don't miss the family-friendly First Night Charlotte with events beginning at noon today!! More info...
• This is the last week for WBT Holiday on Ice...don't miss out!! More info...
• Recommended for ages 10 and up, check out Opening Night Matthews tonight. More info...

Tuesday, January 1 - Happy 2013!!!

• Lace up your shoes for the First Footin' Five Miler this morning at Historic Rural Hill. More info...
• Make your New Year's Resolutions today at Discovery Place Kids at 11:15am and 2:15pm. More info...
• Head to the mountains for Hawksnest Tubing...fun for the whole family. More info...

Wednesday, January 2

• Head to the Tom Sykes Rec Center for Baby Sign & Play today at 11am. More info...
• Check out Icy Science at Discovery Place Kids today at 11:15am and 2:15pm. More info...
• KidzArt comes to the Tom Sykes Rec Center this afternoon at 2:45pm. More info...
• Ages 8 to 11 are invited to Imaginon to participate in Wii U Gaming today 4-6pm. More info...

Thursday, January 3

• Head to the Latta Plantation Nature Center at 10am to learn about Animal Discoveries: Magnificent Mammals. More info...
• Ages 3 to 5 should check out Listen & Move Storytime today at the Independence library at 11:30am. More info...
• Make some Snowy Scenes today at Discovery Place Kids at 11:15am and 2:15pm. More info...

Friday, January 4

• If you homeschool, don't miss the Homeschool Special: Weather Forecasting this afternoon at 2:00 at the McDowell Nature Center. More info...
• Head to Chick-Fil-A Cotswold this evening for Family Night: Kids Dance Party from 5 to 7pm. More info...
• Don't miss the McDowell Nature Center's Nature at Night Open House this evening beginning at 6pm. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Cleveland Cavaliers More info...

Saturday, January 5

• Lace up your shoes for the Joe Davis Memorial Resolution Run in Fort Mill. More info...
• Head to the Mint Museum's Randolph location for a Saturday Art Session: Windblown Winter Trees, 10am-3pm. More info...
• Check out AMC Theatre's Sensory Friendly Film version of Monsters, Inc. at Carolina Pavilion and Concord Mills at 10am. More info...
• Today is Winter Bird Day at Discovery Place Kids with special events at 11am and 2pm. More info...
• Learn about Tiny Pond Creatures  at the Reedy Creek Nature Center this afternoon at 2pm. More info...
• Decide Is It Getting Warm Out Here? this afternoon at 2:30 at the McDowell Nature Center. More info...
• Enjoy a Fitness Hike this afternoon at the McDowell Nature Center at 3pm. More info...

Sunday, January 6

• Learn about Tracks & Traces this afternoon at the Latta Plantation Nature Center at 2pm. More info...
• Enjoy a Family Nature Hike this afternoon at 3pm at the McDowell Nature Center. More info...
• Charlotte Checkers vs. Norfolk Admirals More info...

Save the Date:
January 30-February 3: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Dragons More info...

February 16: Yo, Gabba Gabba! LIVE More info...

March 23: Harlem Globetrotters More info...

Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.

Merry, Merry!!

Presents are wrapped, cookies are baked, Amazon.com just made their last delivery for "the big guy" yesterday, so we should be all set. Hoping for a joyous Christmas around here, and wishing the same to you and your family. Enjoy the week if you're in town...lots to see and do!!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, December 24

• Lace up your shoes for the first annual Following The Star 5K and Fun Run in Matthews. More info...
• Head to the Cotswold Chick-Fil-A this morning for Story Time Monday, 10:30-11am. More info...
• Only 2 more days to enjoy Snowland at The Great Wolf Lodge in Concord. More info...
• Speedway Christmas continues all this week through Sunday (closed tomorrow) at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. More info...
• McAdenville, also known as Christmas Town USA will turn off their lights on Wednesday night at 9:30pm...don't miss this holiday tradition! More info...

Tuesday, December 25 - Merry Christmas!!!

• Today's the LAST day to check out Gingerbread Lane at the Ballantyne Hotel. 9am-5pm. More info...
• After you've opened presents and stuffed yourself with Christmas sweets, head to WBT Holiday on Ice at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Open today 5-10pm. More info...
• This is the last full week of Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. More info...

Wednesday, December 26

• Discovery Place is offering some awesome Winter Break Camps until CMS resumes on January 2nd...register now!! More info...
• Don't miss Family Storytime today at Imaginon at 10:30am. More info...
• You can celebrate Kwanzaa today at Discovery Place Kids at 11:15am and 2:15pm. More info...
• Head to the NASCAR Hall of Fame's Plaza at 4pm for the Belk Bowl Battle of the Bands. More info...
• Zootastic Park's Christmas Wonderland of Lights ends on December 31st...lots of fun to be had for the whole family. More info...

Thursday, December 27

• Check out Winter Numberland today at Discovery Place Kids at 11:15am and 2:15pm. More info...
• Don't miss The Littlest Angel at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte with shows today through Sunday. More info...
• The Belk Bowl FanFest, including a performance by Lady Antebellum, is today 1:00-5:30pm outside of the Bank of America Stadium. More info...
• Duke vs. Cincinnati tonight in Belk Bowl 2012 at 6:30pm at Bank of America Stadium.  More info...

Friday, December 28

• Head to the Main Street Children's Museum for I Spy Friday today. Recommended for ages 3 to 6. More info...
• Today is a New Year's Resolutions focused Fun Friday at Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville. More info...
• The Morrison Library hosts Paws to Read this afternoon at 3:45pm. Registration required. More info...

Saturday, December 29

• Today is your last chance to see the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra perform at Founder's Hall. More info... 
• Chick-Fil-A at Cotswold hosts a Kids New Year's Eve Countdown today 10:30am-12:30pm. More info...
• Head to the McDowell Nature Center this afternoon for Water Wonders at 1pm and 2:30pm. More info...

Sunday, December 30

• Head to the McDowell Nature Center this afternoon for a Puppet Show at 1pm. More info...

Save the Date:
January 30-February 3: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Dragons More info...

February 16: Yo, Gabba Gabba! LIVE More info...

March 23: Harlem Globetrotters More info...

Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.

Stopping to smell the roses

The countdown is on...Christmas is NEXT week, school gets out this week, need to shop, wrap, bake, etc...but I'm going to try to "stop and smell the roses" this week, too. My heart continues to break with each new story from Newtown, Connecticut. I don't have anything new to say about the situation that hasn't already been said, but like so many of us moms, I'm paying a little more attention to "the little things" with my kids, I'm never leaving them without a hug, a kiss and an "I love You", and I am just super grateful for the life God has given me...definitely not always "fun and games", but I wouldn't trade it!!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, December 17

• The Scaleybark library hosts Preschool Storytimeat both 9am and 10:30am this morning. More info...
• Head to the McDowell Nature Center for Gifts from Nature at 9:30 and 11am. More info...
• Don't miss the Parent and Tot Splash Time at Ray's Splash Planet today 10am-3pm. More info...

Tuesday, December 18

• Check out the Gaston County Museum's Victorian Christmas as part of their Terrific Toddler Tuesday program. 10-11am. More info...
• Tonight you can take your furry friend to the Santa Paws Pawty at Monroe Crossing Mall, 6-7:30pm. More info...
• Cirque Dreams Holidaze begins today at the Knight Theater with shows through Sunday. More info...
• Head to Matthews to hear the holiday sounds of the Matthews Concert Band tonight at 7:30pm at the Matthews Community Center. More info...

Wednesday, December 19

• Ages 6 to 12 are invited to Passport to Christmas at the JAARS Center today and tomorrow, 8:30am-12:30pm. Reservations required. More info...
• Today is a Wild Wednesday at the Berewick Recreation Center at 11am. More info...
• Enjoy Yoga Storytime this morning at 11:30am at Imaginon. More info...
• Children in grades K and 1st are invited to the South County Library for Creating with Books: Gingerbread Jamboree at 4:15pm. Registration required. More info...

Thursday, December 20

• Head to the Latta Plantation Nature Center for Animal Discoveries: Amazing Amphibians this morning 10-11:30am. More info...
• You can Swim with Santa this afternoon, 5-7pm, at Ray's Splash Planet. More info...
• Don't miss the Dickens Carolers this evening at Chick-Fil-A Cotswold, 6-7pm. More info...
• Did you make the "Nice List" at Monroe Crossing Mall? If so, don't forget about the Nice List Party tonight, 6-8pm! More info...

Friday, December 21

• Ages 4 to 6 are invited to McDowell Nature Center for Tree Decorating at 9:30 or 11am. More info...
• Enjoy Brunch with Santa this morning at the Tom Sykes Recreation Center at 10am. More info...
• Head to the Naomi Drenan Recreation Center today at 11am for A Special Merry Christmas Celebration. More info...
• The McDowell Nature Center hosts Evergreens for Everyone today at 1:30pm. More info...
• Celebrate the shortest day of the year at the Latta Plantation Nature Center for On a Winter's Solstice, a short sunset hike at 4:30pm. More info...
• This is your last weekend to catch the North Carolina Dance Theatre's The Nutcracker at Belk Theater. More info...

Saturday, December 22

• Head to Chick-Fil-A Cotswold this morning for Cookies for Santa this morning 10:30-11:30am. More info...
• The Reedy Creek Nature Center hosts A Morning for the Birds today at 10:30am. More info...
• Carolina Stixx percussion group will perform in center court at Southpark Mall today 1-5pm. More info...
• The Charlotte City Ballet presents Holiday Enchantment today at 3pm and 7pm at the Matthews Community Center. More info...
• Recommended for ages 8 and older, The Actor's Theatre of Charlotte presents Winter Wonderettes with shows through January 5th. More info... 

Sunday, December 23

• Head to the Reedy Creek Nature Center for a Holiday Trails hike at 2pm. More info...

Save the Date:
December 27: Belk Bowl More info...

Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.

Elf Antics...

www.elfontheshelf.com

Do you have an Elf on the Shelf? Does it do funny things around your house, or make messes, or is it lazy like mine, and just hides in a new place each night? I was trying to be SO good this year, that I even took our stinkin' elf "Triggidaw" to the beach with us this weekend. Guess what? He is STILL hanging from the chandelier at our family's house...ooops!! Luckily we also have a My Secret Angel, so she'll be making her debut in the morning with a sick note from Triggidaw until he returns next week!!

Last December 9th, this entry was posted on the People I Want to Punch in the Throat blog. If you haven't read it, please do...it is just too funny. Would love to hear any great elf/angel ideas you have!!

Blessings,
The Buzz

Monday, December 10

• Don't miss Drive Thru Christmas tonight and tomorrow night at Carmel Presbyterian Church...it's awesome. More info...
• Theatre Charlotte presents A Christmas Carol with shows through December 16th. More info...
• Head to the Harrisburg YMCA for Hot Chocolate with Santa, 6-8pm. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Golden State Warriors More info...

Tuesday, December 11

• Reedy Creek Nature Center hosts Nature Story Corner this morning at 10am. More info...
• Head to Discovery Place Kids to make Healthy Holiday Pet Treats today at 11:15am and 2:15pm. More info...
• Charlotte Checkers vs. Milwaukee Admirals More info...

Wednesday, December 12

• Create a special ornament during Tree Trimmings today at Discovery Place Kids at 11:15am and 2:15pm. More info...
• The Charlotte Symphony and the Charlotte Oratorio Singers present Handel's Messiah tonight at 7:30 at Belk Theater. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. LA Clippers More info...

Thursday, December 13

• Gingerbread Lane opens today at 9am at the Ballantyne Hotel. More info... 
• Listen and create today at Discovery Place Kids. They'll host The Polar Express today at 11:15am and 2:15pm. More info...
• The Dickens Carolers will be at Chick-Fil-A Cotswold tonight 6-7pm. More info...

Friday, December 14

• Today is a FUN Friday at Discovery Place Kids. Make Gingerbread Cookies today at 10am and 2pm. More info...
• The Main Street Children's Museum hosts I Spy Friday today. More info...
• Head to the Gaston County Museum for their Annual Holiday Open House, 3-7pm. More info...
• Don't miss the fun at Ray's Splash Planet's Swim with Santa this evening 5-7pm. More info...
• McAdenville (aka Christmastown USA) hosts their annual Yule Log Ceremony & Parade beginning at 5:30pm. More info...
• Gastonia's Schiele Museum hosts SchieleVille this evening, 6-8pm. More info...
• The Children's Theatre of Charlotte presents The Littlest Angel with shows beginning tonight and running through December 30th. More info...
• Charlotte Checkers vs. Houston Aeros More info...

Saturday, December 15

• Lace up your shoes for the Krueger Reindeer Romp this morning at the Harris YMCA. More info...
• Head to Santa's Workshop this mornings 10:30-11:30 at Chick-Fil-A Cotswold. More info...
• Don't miss the Charlotte City Ballet performing at Southpark today. More info...
• Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens is the place for Santa's Workshop today 3:30-5:30pm. Registration required. More info...
• Charlotte Children's Choir presents Christmas is a Feeling: A Children's Holiday Celebration today at 4pm at Sharon Presbyterian Church. More info...
• Latta Plantation hosts A Candlelight Christmas this evening, 6-9pm. More info...
• Charlotte Bobcats vs. Orlando Magic More info...
• Charlotte Checkers vs. Houston Aeros More info...

Sunday, December 16

• Head to Reedy Creek Nature Center this afternoon for Night Tree Tradition at 1:30pm. More info...

Save the Date:
December 21 & 22: Cookies & Cocoa with Santa More info...
December 27: Belk Bowl More info...

Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.

Saving Space...Great Giveaway!!

http://www.savingspacenc.com/shop/papaya-weekly-planners/ 

It's official...2012 is coming to a close. We turned the page of the calendar to the last month of the year last week, and 2013 will be here before you know it. To help you prepare, our friends at Saving Space are giving away a beautiful 2013 Papaya Weekly Planner (image and link above) to one lucky Buzz reader. Fantastic for yourself, or an awesome Christmas present for a friend. Visit our Facebook Page beginning Monday morning, and enter by Thursday at noon...winner will be drawn Friday. In addition, Saving Space is giving The Queen City Buzz readers 10% off and FREE shipping for all products on their website when you use the code thankyou at checkout. Do some holiday shopping with this great company committed to helping you "Organize Your Stuff! Organize Your Life! Organize Your Mind!"

Blessings,
The Buzz


Monday, December 3

• A beautiful day today...head to the McDowell Nature Center with the little ones for Babes in the Woods at 9:30am. More info...
• Ray's Splash Planet hosts a Parent & Tot Meet and Greet today 10am-3pm. More info...

Tuesday, December 4

• Latta Homeschoolers learn about Outdoor Cooking today at 10:30am. More info...
• The Myers Park Library hosts Holiday Family Storytime this morning at 10:30am. More info...
• Head to Huntersville to write Letters to Santa at 11:15am and 2:15pm at Discovery Place Kids. More info...
• The Belmont Christmas Parade steps off this afternoon at 4pm. More info...

Wednesday, December 5

• Learn more about the Festival of Lights at the Hanukkah Happening today at Discovery Place Kids. More info...
• Do you homeschool? Head to Latta Plantation for Christmas in WWII today 12-4pm. More info...
• Head to the Charlotte Nature Museum at 4pm for their puppet show, Wake Up Bear, It's Christmas! More info...

Thursday, December 6

• You can Learn About First Grade today at The Cannon School at 10am. More info...
• Ages 3 and under are invited to Discovery Place for Three Little Kittens today at 11:15am and 2:15pm. More info...
• Check out Christmas in Cramerton today with a Christmas festival, a parade and the annual tree lighting. Fun begins at 2pm. More info...
• Head to Hunter Farm for a wagon ride to see holiday lights and visit with Santa at the barn. Open Thursday-Sunday evenings. More info...
• Matthews Playhouse presents A Modern Christmas Carol with shows tonight, Saturday and Sunday. More info...

Friday, December 7

• Don't miss Cocoa with Santa this morning 9-11am at the Cornelius Arts Center. It's FREE and bring your camera! More info...
• Donate a toy for Toys for Tots today Discovery Place Kids, and get your own face-painted red nose! More info...
• Head to Bessemer City to celebrate Christmas in the City today 4:30-7:30pm with tons of activities including the Christmas parade! More info...
• Spotlight Performing Arts Academy presents Charlotte's Web: The Musical this evening and tomorrow afternoon. It's FREE, but tickets are required. More info...
• Great holiday lights and family fun at Light Up MillBridge this evening in Waxhaw. More info...
• Plan a date night to Jazz at the Bechtler tonight at 7pm. More info...

Saturday, December 8

• Enjoy Breakfast with Santa this morning at the Matthews Community Center at 9am or 10:45. Tickets required. More info...
• Be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth at the 5th Annual Cookies for Kids Cancer Bake Sale today and tomorrow at Blackhawk Hardware! More info...
• Attend Elf Academy today at Carolina Place Mall, 10am-2pm. More info...
• Head to Chick-Fil-A Cotswold for Photos with Santa. 10:30-11:30am. More info...
• Check out the James K. Polk Historic Site's Christmas with the Polks today 11am-3pm. More info...
• The Singing Christmas Tree for KIDS is today at Oven's Auditorium. More info...
• Enjoy Cookies with Mrs. Claus at Southpark Mall today, 2-4pm. More info...
• The Heritage Village Christmas Celebration is this afternoon 2:30-5:30pm at Dallas Park. More info...
• Historic Brattonsville hosts Christmas Candlelight Tours today 3:00-9:00pm. More info...
• Don't miss Santa's Workshop at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 3:30-5:30pm. Please register. More info...
• South park Mall hosts their Annual Menorah Lighting this afternoon at 4:30pm. More info...
• Myers Park Baptist Church is the place to see Christmas Gloria! with the Charlotte Children's Choir and the Youth Chorale tonight at 7pm. More info...

Sunday, December 9

• A holiday tradition, the NC Dance Theatre presents The Nutcracker with performances through December 23 at Belk Theater. More info...

Save the Date:
December 10 & 11: Drive Thru Christmas More info...
December 15, 21 & 22: Cookies & Cocoa with Santa More info...
December 13-25: Gingerbread Lane More info...
December 14 & 20: Swim with Santa More info...
December 14: Holiday Open House More info...
December 15: Charlotte City Ballet @ Southpark More info...
December 27: Belk Bowl More info...

Have an event or happening that The Queen City Buzz should know about? Email queencitybuzz@gmail.com with details.