Spring in Savannah and the Lowcountry is an ideal time to have professional portraits made thanks to those oh-so many beautiful blooming backdrops.

EmmAva Photography  just made spring even better. EmmAva Photography has several mini sessions days coming up: March 26 and 27; and April 2 and 3. Each session is $45 for a 30minute session. You will receive 15 images on disc with the rights to print your pictures.

There is a cutest kid contest running on EmmAva Photography facebook page! Go and enter your kid’s picture and you could win a free session!  You can find EmmAva Photography on Facebook by clicking here .

Tell EmmAva Photography that Southernmamas sent you and you will receive 20% off your next session.

To book your session, email  EmmAvaPhotography@yahoo.com or call 912.429.7454.

Click here to view more photos by EmmAva Photography, which also is available for newborn, children, family, engagement, bridal shoots and weddings.

Saturday Mommy and Me dates are as scheduled at the newly renovated UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium on Skidaway Island, 30 Ocean Science Circle.

Pre-registration required. For pricing info, visit www.marex.uga.edu/aquarium and click on community programs.

Sat. March 26, 2011 9 am – 9:45 am

Sat. April 2, 2011 10 am – 10:45 am

Next Thurs. March 3 at 9 AM, the Aquarium will begin the 4 week, weekday session of Mommy and Me  titled Ocean Locomotion. If you have not already registered please do so. The Aquarium only has 8 spots remaining for next Thursdays program and 12 spots remaining for the other Thursdays in March.

Questions? Contact Karin Paquin at 912-598-2356 or email kpaquin@uga.edu

For info about the newly renovated Aquarium’s grand re-opening tours this weekend, click here.

The deadline is quickly approaching to receive a discount on Ms. Amy School of Music  early childhood music education classes 

Register before March 1, 2011 for one of Ms. Amy’s School of Music’s classes and you will receive one free class and only pay $50 for the 6-week term! Mention SouthernMamas to receive the deal. Start date is March 2 for Wednesday morning classes and March 5 for Saturday morning classes. Click here for more info.

For class descriptions, click here. Contact Ms. Amy’s School of Music in Savannah via email at msamyschoolofmusic@gmail.com with any questions. Payment is accepted for the term at the first class. Classes are held at 2421 Waters Ave. near Daffin Park. For a schedule of available class times, visit www.msamyschoolofmusic.com.

“Like” Ms. Amy’s School of Music on Facebook by clicking here to stay connected about class information.

An Art and Nature Family Day event will feature presentations by Oatland Island Educational Center and programs focused on William Bartram’s time, including the “Music of Colonial Georgia” by David and Ginger Hildebrand. A workshop for teens and young adults will introduce techniques for documenting local flora and fauna with the goal of producing portfolio quality works, and the resulting images will be displayed after the workshop at the Jepson Center.

Free of charge, thanks to project funding provided by the City of Savannah.

(3rd Thursday of every month)
May 19 theme: Symmetrical Creatures
Toddler Third Thursdays are great for parents, grandparents, and caregivers with pre-schoolers. Designed especially for children ages 3-5 and their adult companions, the program provides a developmentally appropriate gallery experience followed by a visit to the studios, where the children are introduced to an arts activity related to the tour. A different tour and project will be offered each month. Time to explore in ArtZeum is included.
Registration and adult supervision REQUIRED. Call 790-8823 to register. Enrollment is $5 per child. Adult admission is FREE for museum-members and $15 for non-members. http://telfair.org/learn/family-programs/

This month’s theme: Southern Craft & Tradition: Weaving
This program is recommended for children ages 5-9 and their parents or caregivers. Participants enjoy a gallery tour followed by participation in a related studio art project. A different tour and project will be offered each month.
Admission is free, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants should arrive prior to 10:30 am. Family Art Labs are sponsored by the Anderson Family Foundation.
www.telfair.org/learn

This month’s theme: Tune in to Symmetry
This program is recommended for children ages 5-9 and their parents or caregivers. Participants enjoy a gallery tour followed by participation in a related studio art project. A different tour and project will be offered each month.
Admission is free, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants should arrive prior to 10:30 am. Family Art Labs are sponsored by the Anderson Family Foundation.
www.telfair.org/learn

Vacation time will be here before we know it.  Edgewood Travel in Savannah has some enticing family travel deals right now including:

Traveling with a Nanny or a Granny or just looking for a bit of breathing room on a family Getaway? Here are two hotels offering 2nd room ½ off!
Fairmont Pacific Rim – Vancouver, Canada
Families traveling together can get the second room for a 50% discount when booking the “Family Affair” package. Children under 18 stay free when sharing a room with an adult. Rates start at $249 CAD for first room or suite and $129 CAD for 2nd .

Rocco Forte – Hotel Savoy – Florence, Italy
The “Unforgettable Family Affair” package is tailor made for the entire family. Children’s rooms are half off and are themed for their enjoyment. Children under three eat free and children four through 12 get a 50% discount. Package is available through December 22, 2011.

Offer ends Mon. Feb. 28 for a great deal at the Atlantis!
The Cove Atlantis – Paradise Island, Bahamas
Book by February 28th and children stay and eat for free.
Book the “Taste of Atlantis” package and guests will enjoy several complimentary drinks and a sushi meal. Offer ends February 28th.

Offer Ends March 15th for a great deal to Dominican Republic!
Paradisus Punta Cana or Paradisus Palma Real
Golf enthusiasts can get two rounds of golf complimentary for a 5- or 6-night stay. Book seven or more nights and get four rounds of golf complimentary. Plus, receive a $100 spa credit. Offer ends March 15th.

Caught up in the Royal Excitement across the pond?
Avanti Destinations
Offering the “The British Royal Wedding Escape” package that includes 4-night stay at the 4-Star Deluxe Kensington by Doyle and a private walking tour of the Royal Wedding processional route. Travelers depart April 27, 2011

Or let Edgewood put together a tailor made package for you and your family to England this summer!

Also –check out the Edgewood Travel Website for more specials at www.edgewoodtravel.com. Edgewood has group space on a few cruises this summer including the Brand new Allure of the Seas. Like Edgewood on Facebook by clicking here to get daily updates. Edgewood looks forward to hearing from the SouthernMamas readers.

To start planning your family trip, call 912-351-0570 or email admin@edgewoodtravel.com. Visit Edgewood Travel at 105 Wheeler Court or at www.edgewoodtravel.com. Edgewood Travel is a SouthernMamas sponsor.

1pm Parade route runs along Butler Avenue
FREE and open to the public. www.MardiGrasTybee.com

An evening of historic fun at Old Fort Jackson. Dinner, breakfast, and a soldier’s haversack are included.
FOR: Ages 4 and up.
Parent/ Guardian participation required.
COST: $35 per person for CHS members
$40 per person, non-members
To make your Family Campover reservation email childrensevents@chsgeorgia.org or call 912-651-6823 x3
Advanced reservations required by Wed. March 9.

Enjoy a free short stack of IHOP’s famous buttermilk pancakes on March 1, when National Pancake Day returns for its sixth year. From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at IHOP restaurants across the country, customers can enjoy a free short stack of pancakes and in return, make a donation to IHOP’s national charity partner, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. This charity helps improve the lives of children at 170 network hospitals nationwide. All of the funds raised locally will benefit The Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center.

With more than 1,500 restaurants participating in National Pancake Day, IHOP hopes to raise $2.3 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities. For more information on this worthwhile campaign or to find an IHOP near you, please visit www.ihoppancakeday.com

Savannah Christian Prep’s 8th annual school-wide Broadway musical, Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka”.
•Friday, March 4, 10:00 am
•Friday, March 4, 7:00 pm
•Saturday, March 5, 7:00 pm
•Sunday, March 6, 3:00 pm

Prices: $9 (additional service fees may apply) Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here, by phone at 912-525-5050, or at the Savannah Box Office window, 216 E. Broughton St., or at the door 1 hour prior to the event.

The search for a Golden Ticket has begun! In this fun-filled, musical based on Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a boy named Charlie and four other winners get the tour of a lifetime in a mysterious candy-maker’s fantastical factory. Join us for a scrumptious musical theatre treat, as 85 talented 3rd-12th graders from Savannah Christian Preparatory School present: “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka.”

Esther F. Garrison School of Visual and Performing Arts dance students present DANCE WORKS, an evening of contemporary dance. The 4th through 8th grade dancers are presenting their First Annual Winter Contemporary Dance Concert. Music includes Bach, Sweet Honey In the Rock, Glee and Michael Jackson. The performance is free and the public is welcome!

Monica Eusebio Photography 2011 Cutest Kid Contest kicks off today Wed. Feb 23 2011. The winner will receive a free photo session with Monica Eusebio Photography, as well as $100 print credit and 20% off A La Carte.

Please read EVERYTHING below before you enter! Here are the details:
WHO CAN ENTER
The contest is open to anyone. However, the winning session must be held at a location within the Hinesville/ Savannah, Georgia area otherwise a travel fee will be charged of 75 cents per mile, each direction. Please contact me if you have any doubts about a location.
Any child from birth to the age of 17 may be entered in the contest. Only one entry per child.
TO ENTER
Your first step in entering in the contest is to email a photo of your child to Monica Eusebio Photography at monicaephotography@gmail.com  and list the child’s first name only along with your location. You must include this information.
Photos will be accepted from Wed. Feb. 23 2011 until 11:59 PM Sat. March 5 2011 via EMAIL. Only emails with the Subject line CUTEST KID CONTEST during the entry time will be accepted.
Once your entry has been uploaded I will email you a link to Monica Eusebio Photography fan page and a link to your specific photo. (This is to ease the confusion of how to vote.)
To vote for a photo you MUST ‘like’ Monica Eusebio Photography on Facebook.
You will then need to click ‘like’ for the photo you are voting for in the album labeled ‘Cutest Kid Contest’.

HOW PHOTOS WILL BE JUDGED
All entries will be uploaded into the album ‘Cutest Kid Contest’ no later than Sun. March 6 2011, on the facebook fan page.
NO professional photography photos allowed in the contest. ALSO photos cannot be heavily edited but may be black and white and they may not be watermarked. This is to keep things fair. You must OWN the photo you submit!
You will need to click ‘like’ for the photo you are voting for in the album labeled ‘Cutest Kid Contest’.
The photo with the most ‘likes’ will be the winner. Comments permitted, but WILL NOT count towards the total number of votes.
Please understand that this contest is voter based, you control your chances to win.
You may only vote once per photo, but may vote for more than one photo. Monica Eusebio Photography will verify that all ‘likes’ of the winning photo come Monica Eusebio Photography facebook fans; ‘likes’ from non-fans will not be counted.
There will be NO DRAMA and if there is even a suspicion of a person cheating you will be removed and disqualified from the contest.
Voting will close Sun. March 13 2011 at 11:59 PM.
Official winner will be notified and announced no later than Mon. March 14 2011.

WHAT YOU WILL WIN
The parent or legal guardian of the child in the photo that receives the most ‘likes’ will receive a free photo session with Monica Eusebio Photography, $100 print credit and 20% off A La Carte. The photo session must be booked within 30 days of winning, and completed before Aug. 30, 2011.
Prize retail value of $350 – cannot be altered or changed in any way, and not redeemable for cash. Additional prints will be available for purchase at 20% off. No other promotions or discounts can be applied.
The runner-up with the most ‘likes’ will receive a $100 print credit and 10% off A La Carte.
As a bonus ANYONE who books an appointment during the contest will receive a $100 PRINT CREDIT!!
Good luck and if you have any questions please feel free to email  monicaephotography@gmail.com

Monica Eusebio Photography – a SouthernMamas sponsor – offers SouthernMamas.com readers a $35 print credit.  To book a session, contact Monica via email at monicaephotography@gmail.com

Tara Feis is a free, non-alcoholic event geared towards families and children.  The Tara Feis children’s stage will feature a full day of entertainment, including performances from magician Magic Marc, the puppets of Conrad Hartz, and traditional Irish dancing performances from Glor na h’Eireann Irish Dance School and the Irish Dancers of Savannah. 

Tara Feis is free and open to the public.  For more information, please contact (912) 651-6417 or visit www.savannahga.gov/arts.

Tara Feis 2011 Schedule of Events

Main Stage

11:00 am               Opening Ceremony

11:20 am               The Savannah Pipe and Drum Corps

11:30 am               Glor na h’Eireann Irish Dance School

12:15 pm               Harry O’Donoghue, folksinger

1:00 pm                 Andy Cooney’s Forever Irish Show, Starring Andy Cooney, Kate Purcell and George Casey

2:45 pm                 Irish Dancers of Savannah

3:00 pm                 Meet the Andy Cooney Band (Autograph signing at the ticket tent)

3:15 pm                 Harry O’Donoghue                                                        

4:00 pm                 Andy Cooney & Band

4:55 pm                 Closing remarks

Children’s Stage

11:30 am               Conrad Hartz Puppets

12:05 pm               Irish Dancers of Savannah

1:00 pm                 Magic Marc

1:35 pm                 Glor na h’Eireann Irish Dance School

2:35 pm                 Conrad Hartz Puppets

3:15 pm                 Magic Marc                                                 

3:45 pm                 Last Fling (Dancers from both Irish Dance Schools)

4:30 pm                 Stage Closed

Celebrate “Read Across America” with one of the most famous Dr. Seuss book characters.
As “The Cat in the Hat,” Reuben Haller (a musician, clown and former Cirque du Soleil performer) brings this classic book to life. The show, complete with Things 1 & 2, a grumpy fish, and a balancing birthday cake, involves children as participants from start to finish. Don’t miss this one!
Ages 3 & up.

Bull Street Library, Monday, Feb. 28 – 4 p.m.
Thunderbolt Library, Tuesday, March 1 – 11 a.m.
Islands Library, Tuesday, March1 – 4 p.m.
West Broad Library, Wednesday, March 2 – 11 a.m.
Rincon Library, Wednesday, March 2 – 4:30 p.m.
Pooler Library, Thursday, March 3 – 10:30 a.m.
Southwest Chatham Library, Thursday, March 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Hinesville Library, Monday, March 7 – 10:30 a.m.
Oglethorpe Mall Library, Monday, March 7 – 4 p.m.

TWO Toddler Tuesdays timeslots each week. Same topic and activities for each one. One program will be at 10-10:45 AM and the second at 11-11:45 AM. Gates open at 9:45 AM. Preregistration is required. Register via phone at 912.395.1500 or 912.395.1517 or sign up at Oatland’s gift shop. REGISTER BY NOON MONDAY. Limit of 20 toddlers per program, so sign up early. $3 program fee per child and adults free! Cash or checks only. Included in the program fee is entrance to Oatland including the opportunity to walk the trails or visit the Barnyard after the program. Toddler Tuesday is now held in its own spanking new classroom in the newly renovated main Oatland Island building.

Harvest Festival at Oatland Island Wildlife Center
10 AM-4 PM Sat. Nov. 10.
Annual cane-grinding event. Old time music, cane boiling, butter-making, apple-pressing and cooking on the hearth and open fire. Hay rides, crafts and games, cane syrup and other festival food.
Adults: $7 Children $5

Toddler and Children’s Spanish Classes – offered by Bilingual Speech Therapy L.L.C – start again March 11, 2011.

Register your child now for Spanish class!
• Classes meet 1 time weekly for 45 minutes
• Class consists of bilingual music followed by an activity/game or craft
• Introductory rate of $60 dollars monthly fee
• Toddlers 3yrs and older meet Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15p.m.
• Young toddler class 1 ½ yrs to 2 ½ yrs meets Fridays 10:30 to 11:15
• School age kids ages 5-12 years meet Fridays 4:30-5:15

Learning a second Language is fun and easy if introduced to your child at a young age. Classes utilize music, fun and games to make learning a second language easy.

To reserve a spot and confirm your attendance, please contact Bilingual Speech Pathologist Lorena Luna-Bradfield M.S. CCC/SLP via email at llbradfield@gmail.com or call work cell: 956-561-1576.

Toddler and Children’s Spanish Classes – offered by Bilingual Speech Therapy L.L.C – start again March 11, 2011.

Register your child now for Spanish class!
• Classes meet 1 time weekly for 45 minutes
• Class consists of bilingual music followed by an activity/game or craft
• Introductory rate of $60 dollars monthly fee
• Toddlers 3yrs and older meet Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15p.m.
• Young toddler class 1 ½ yrs to 2 ½ yrs meets Fridays 10:30 to 11:15
• School age kids ages 5-12 years meet Fridays 4:30-5:15

Learning a second language is fun and easy if introduced to your child at a young age. Classes utilize music, fun and games to make learning a second language easy.

Class Location:
106A Oglethorpe Professional Ct
Savannah, GA 31406

To reserve a spot and confirm your attendance, please contact Bilingual Speech Pathologist Lorena Luna-Bradfield M.S. CCC/SLP via email at llbradfield@gmail.com or call work cell: 956-561-1576. Bilingual Speech Therapy L.L.C. is a SouthernMamas sponsor.

The tall ship LYNX “America’s Privateer will sail into Savannah at 12 noon Wed. March 2. Savannah Riverfront on River Street was chosen as a host port for the LYNX’s spring tour because of Savannah’s rich maritime history. The LYNX will be available for dockside tours as well as sailing excursions throughout the month of March.

Lynx was designed and built to interpret a privateer or naval schooner from the War of 1812. Displacing 114 tons, she is 76 feet in length over all, with a sparred length of 122 feet, a 23-foot beam and a draft of 9 feet. She is fitted with period ordnance and flies pennants and flags from the 1812 era. She represents the first ships to defend our freedom. The Lynx crew wears period uniforms and operates the ship in keeping with the maritime traditions of early 19th Century America. History comes alive as students and teachers play an active roll in our nation’s maritime heritage though a hands-on interactive state standards-based educational program.

For a schedule of when the ship is open for public tours, visit  www.privateerlynx.org. Cost of public tours: $5 adults; children 12 & younger are free. CLOSED MONDAYS.

Savannah Fun Tours, will present “Shamrock Scramble”, a City Wide Scavenger Hunt. Funds from the event will be donated to local breast cancer organizations Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia Affiliate and Young Survival Coalition, Savannah Affiliate. 100% of all net proceeds will be given to the listed charities.

During the “Shamrock Scramble” teams will compete against each other for cash prizes in a variety of categories including: Best Team Costume, Best Team Spirit and First to Finish. All participants will be eligible for door prizes contributed by sponsoring businesses.
Savannah Fun Tours believes this event is a way for people to donate to worthy causes while having fun and getting value for their money.

Tickets to this event are $20 per person and include a t-shirt, event participation, inclusion for door prizes, and attendance at the post event oyster roast party. Participants can register by visiting www.shamrockscramble.com.

Savannah Fun Tours, a family owned, boutique tour business that designs memorable outings for locals and tourists, is hosting a fund raiser for breast cancer organizations in the area. The business is owned by Cayce Girardeau, a former VP of Human Resources who decided to branch out on her own after her second bout with breast cancer in 2007. After 20 years in “corporate America” she decided to do something related to things she truly loves: Savannah and FUN!

Savannah Fun Tours is committed to giving back by incorporating philanthropy into many of their events. For more information, contact Cayce Girardeau at cayce@savannahfuntours.com or (912) 667-9760.

One of our favorite annual Fall events.

A fun, safe, not-so-scary event for little trick-or-treaters.

TIME: 5-8:30 PM Oct. 19 & 20 2012

Walk with your trickster down our friendly forest trail to meet and gather goodies from our friendly animal characters. Let Mother Earth show you the way and sit with Mother Goose as she tells her favorite rhymes.

Face painting, spooky crafts, and many more monstrous activities await your arrival! Comfortable walking shoes and costumes are encouraged. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Admission: Adults……..$6.00 Children………$8.00