a positively perfect day

Today was an amazing day at kiddywampus. Owning a toy store makes every day a fun day, but today was spectacular. We hosted Free Art Friday, and KidzArt gave sample "mini-sessions" of the weekly art classes they'll hold at kiddywampus this fall. Many parents told us how impressed they were by the quality of the curriculum and instruction. We're very happy to have KidzArt with us and look forward to seeing them in action this fall. The place was jammin' and you could tell the toys were happy.

And a very famous customer, Edwin, was in the house today. I led Edwin's 3rd birthday party some two years ago...back in our little studio in the alley with no running water. Three years can be a little on the young side for paint throwing -- and over time we've learned that the stronger the arm muscles and gross motor skills, the farther the paint flies. And I will never forget looking over at Edwin during his party and seeing him going to town splashing and splattering paint in his own little studio corner....he was full of joy, completely oblivious to everyone around him and having the time of his life....just as I imagine Jackson Pollock must have been when in the middle of his huge creations. Edwin's 5 now and probably doesn't remember his party like I do, but it makes me happy every time I think about him, virtually unstoppable, at the paint wall.

Another very active customer today also brought back a happy memory...his Dad reminded me that this little guy (who was basically a blur in the store today he was moving so quickly) took his first determined steps at kiddywampus not so long ago. Wow. Big memories.

Sometimes the best parts of having a toy store have little to do with toys.

free storytime this Friday with illustrator Holly Welch!

Please join us for a free storytime this Friay morning at 10:30 am featuring illustrator Holly Welch as she reads her new work, Inside All.

We at kiddywampus have been a fan of Holly's work since we first met shortly after kiddywampus opened, and are thrilled to share her work with others.

Holly will also be available for book signings after the reading.

Space is limited to 25 kids (ages 2-6 for the reading, sibs always welcome); to rsvp, please reply to this blog with the # of kids you're bringing.

i get around storytime fun

We were thrilled to host the i-get-around crew on Friday to our first-ever free storytime...and the kids had a great time! For more pictures from the event, click here.

We're now planning some more free storytimes...stay tuned!

win a free interactive storytime this Friday!

Looking for a free fun fabulous event for the kids this Friday? We're delighted to have the folks from "i get around," our favorite toddler travel people, present

i get around in my imagination

What: story time with activity

When: 10:30-11:00 Friday, Aug. 8

Where: the large studio at kiddywampus

Who: kids ages 2-5

RSVP: this storytime is open to the first 15 kids (parents) who comment on this post. Please include in your comment the number of kids you're bringing and their ages (between ages 2-5 please, older and younger siblings are welcome to attend).