Kids are back to school and we are finally heading into fall.  It’s so fun to see the Halloween decorations at different stores and to start planning for fall festivals, farm visits and holiday adventures.

Although this heat is keeping many of us away from parks and biking and hiking trails, it cannot keep us from all the wonderful activities and events throughout the Valley.  Bookmark our Events Calendar – you might be surprised to learn how many events are Free!

I’m excited to share that Mom Index continues to grow and to be a comprehensive resource for the Valley.  In addition to offering a great events calendar, Mom Index keeps you informed about everything related to raising kids in the Valley of the Sun.  Visit our website for tips, articles, recipes, freebies and more!

Join Us – It’s Free and with your registration, you are automatically eligible for our September member contest!  Also, be sure tell us you “Like” us on Facebook and to follow us on Twitter.  We post a “MI Find of the Day” every day of the year and strive to keep you up-to-date about important recalls, new products and services and attractions to make your everyday life a little easier and brighter.

Finally, please join us for the upcoming Phoenix Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® on 10.10.10.  Click here to join our “Mom Index Challenge” team.

Below are Mom Index’s top September activity and event recommendations:

1. LEGO Store Monthly Mini Model Build: September 7, 2010 5pm Ages 6-14.  Lego Store Chandler Fashion Center 3111 W. Chandler Blvd Chandler, AZ 85226 Phone: (480) 899-0228.  Visit your local LEGO Store on the first Tuesday of every month and learn how to build a cool mini model, and take it home – for free. Quantities limited and offer good while supplies last.
2. My Gym Back to School Beach Party: September 10, 2010 6pm-10pm.  Register your child for the Parents Night out “Back to School Beach Party” at My Gym Scottsdale.  Drop your potty trained kids off from 6-10 in their Fun Beach or Luau attire. There will be music from “DJ Pulse” (Mr. Jerry) with Dancing, Limbo, Pizza and more.  RSVP and non-refundable deposit are required. $35 Members, $40 non-member, $20 for siblings.  My Gym Scottsdale 9171 E. Bell Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260 480-483-5936.
3. Glendale Teddy Bear Day: September 11, 2010 10am-4pm.  Celebrate National Teddy Bear Day and enjoy make-and-take arts and crafts, beary special treats and exclusive deals in Historic Downtown Glendale.  Also, donate a new Teddy Bear to benefit the Glendale Fire Department Trauma Teddy Program, the Glendale Crisis Response Team and United Way. Historic Downtown Glendale 58th & Glendale Avenues.
4. Whole Foods 30th Birthday Bash Weekend: September 17-19, 2010 Whole Foods Market is turning 30 this year and it is celebrating with three days of festivities. Whole Foods Chandler 2955 West Ray Road, Chandler, AZ 85224, 480.821.9447, Whole Foods Scottsdale Raintree 8688 East Raintree Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 480.368.1279, Whole Foods Tempe 5120 S. Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282 480.456.1400, Whole Foods Paradise Valley 10810 N Tatum Blvd Phoenix, AZ 85028 602.569.7600, Whole Foods Scottsdale 7111 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85054 480.515.3777.
5. 2010 Shrine Circus: September 17-19, 2010.  Friday 6:30pm, Saturday 11am, 3pm, 6:30pm, Sunday 11am, 3pm, 6:30pm.  Westworld Equidome, 16601 North Pima Road (101 Fwy & Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.), Scottsdale, AZ, 480-946-3696.  Free Children’s tickets at all Safeway Stores, Fry’s Foods, Bashas & Food City Stores, and all Circle K, and 7-11 locations. Adult tickets can be purchased in advance at all Valley Safeway locations or one hour before each show at the box office at Westworld.  Proceeds benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children which provide pediatric specialty care to children in 22 hospitals across the United States.  
6. Fisher-Price® Presents Luv U Zoo at the Phoenix Zoo: September 18, 2010 9am & 11am.  Relaxing hour of music, refreshments, and girlfriend-to-girlfriend chat.  Get ideas for planning, designing and organizing the perfect nursery. See the latest baby gear and toys from the Fisher-Price® Luv U Zoo™ collection and enter to win a Grand Prize valued at $900 or one of 20 First Prizes valued at $50.00.  Limited seats available—only for moms-to-be.  To register click here or call 602.914.4333.  FREE admission for moms-to-be who register by September 15.  455 North Galvin Parkway Phoenix, AZ 85008
7. Fountain Hills Oktoberfest: September 24-25, 2010 5pm-10pm Fountain Park 12925 N. Saguaro Blvd. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268.  Brats, Beer, Polka Dancing, and more.
8. Science for Girls at the Arizona Science Center:  September 24, 2010 5:30pm-7:30pm.  Eco-friendly fashion showcase.  Because green is not just a color! Zero in on the ways to take care of you – from head to toe – in a natural and healthy way. All ages welcome. Pre-Registration Members $12/pair, Non-members $15/pair. Tickets are $12 per person at the door. To register, call 602-716-2028.  Arizona Science Center 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-716-2000.
9. 11th Annual Mariachi Festival Celebration: September 25, 2010 Chandler Center for the Arts 250 N. Arizona Place.  Performers at this year’s festival include: Mariachi Sol De Mexico De Jose Hernandez, Mariachi Flores Mexicanas and Mariachi Los Cabelleros.
10. City of Hope’s Walk for Hope: September 26, 2010 Registration 7am, 8am – 5K Run, 8:15 am 1.3 Mile Leisure Walk Adults $25, Children 12 & Under $20.  Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix / Victory Lane 22603 N. 43rd Ave. Glendale, AZ 85310.  Questions: Barbara at [email protected] or (602) 340-8925

Allison Small is the founder and owner of Mom Index, the premier online resource for the Valley.  As a mother of three children ages 2, 5 & 7, she is passionate about sharing everything she has learned about motherhood and raising children in the Valley of the Sun.  Since launching Mom Index in February 2010, Allison has added a blog and continues to support our local communities and to provide everyday parenting solutions in an eco-friendly, practical and fun environment.    To contact Allison, email [email protected] or call 480-277-4761.

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