Movies and TV

Dorothy returns to Oz in new film

L. Frank Baum's "The Wizard of Oz" has inspired all sorts of books, musicals and films, including "Legends of Oz: Dorothy Returns," based on the adventure books...

ASU Gammage presents musical “Once”

The musical "Once" imagines the life of a Dublin street musician forever changed by an encounter with a young woman. "Guy" has decided to...

“Rio 2”: It’s not easy being Blu

It's your typical family of five. One parent prefers order, the other favors spontaneity. One sibling bounces through life while another lives in perpetually...

“Divergent” has plenty for parents to ponder

For days teens have been flocking to local theaters, eager to see the girl with three birds in flight tattooed below her left sternum....

“Muppets Most Wanted” leaves viewers wanting

It's not easy being green, especially when there are two of you. The latest in a long string of Muppet movie sequels pits Kermit...

When your dad is a dog: A “Mr. Peabody” review

"It's an adoptive relationship," characters sometimes explain during "Mr. Peabody & Sherman," a film about a genius dog who adopts the baby boy he...

“The LEGO Movie” as parenting manual

There are two types of folks in LEGO land as envisioned by "The LEGO Movie" filmmakers: rule followers and creatives. The first do everything...

“The Nut Job” offers lessons in teamwork

Animals face the prospect of a perilous winter as their food source dwindles in "The Nut Job," yet most haven't quite finessed the fine...

Three ways to walk with dinosaurs

Most families have at least one dinosaur lover, sometimes more. In our family, it is Christopher. He is in college now, but once upon...

Movie review: “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”

English author J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit," first published in 1937, was "must-read" material for a generation of youth dubbed the "baby boomers." Some read it...

“Frozen” film a charming sister tale

A preschooler in pink twirled away in a movie theater aisle last night before getting scooped up by her big sister. They'd gone with...

Sparks fly in new “Catching Fire” flick

Sparks of rebellion. Sparks of romance. Sparks of ambition. Sparks of hope. They're all part of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," the second film...

Talking turkey: A review of “Free Birds”

Why does the stuffed bird sing? You won't find answers to questions quite this profound in the new "Free Birds" film, but that doesn't...

New “Romeo and Juliet” film a true delight

The impetuosity of youth. The fickleness of fate. The passion of new-found romance. The ire of parents disobeyed. It's all beautifully conveyed by a...

Film explores family wounds and healing

Far more children than we realize are wobbling atop a fence, ready to fall to one side or the other with just the slightest...

“Planes” film inspires time with real aircraft

Small planes will be on plenty of kids' minds in coming days and weeks as families head to movie theaters for the new Disney...

PARTY ARTICLES

Money Lessons from Birthday Parties

Teaching Kids the Value of Gifts & Gratitude Between the cake, balloons, and wrapping paper tornado, birthday parties are often all about fun, but they also provide the perfect opportunity to teach kids early lessons...

Time to Paw-ty

Celebrating your favorite furry friend Call me crazy, but when my husband and I adopted our first dog together, we threw her a birthday party complete with cake, streamers, guests, appetizers, games, and more. Was...

Unique Ways to Host a Joint Birthday Party

My brother and I have birthdays that are just one day apart—his on March 3rd, mine on March 4th, and our oldest brother just a few weeks later on March 21st. Fast forward 31 years...

Out-of-the-box Birthday Party Ideas in Phoenix & Tucson

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Birthday Traditions & Clever Theme Ideas

Childhood birthdays are unlike any others. I have fond memories of waking up on my birthday morning anticipating all the fun that was in store. With three kids who had birthdays all in the same...

Out-of-the Box Birthday Party Ideas

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Party Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, you may be wondering—do people really RSVP anymore? What about goodie bags, are those still a thing? Do I need to stay with my child at...

How to Throw a Birthday Party that Won’t Break the Bank

I remember the days when birthday parties consisted of colorful balloons, streamers, a simple cake, and the classics like musical chairs and tag with a few friends. Times have changed and suddenly it feels necessary...

How to do a drive-by birthday party

As we get deeper into quarantine, people have gotten creative with birthday celebrations. One result: the drive-by birthday party.

Home pool party? Hire a lifeguard!

Drowning happens silently and quickly. That’s why children are at risk even when — and sometimes especially when — adults are nearby. Even a "designated pool watcher" can avert his or her eyes for a...

Hiking birthday party

For a child who loves adventure and outdoors, turn a hike into a birthday party.
Tour de Liam, Biking birthday party theme, bike race, outdoor activites, arizona parties

Bike race birthday party

When there are lots of neighborhood friends who love to ride their bikes together, host a birthday party that feels like an official bike race.

Island birthday party

Pool parties are popular in Arizona. Make a stylish upgrade at your next birthday party by incorporating décor and details that will transport guests from the desert to a tropical island paradise.

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