Google’s “Year in Search 2018” Video Put Kids & Families Front & Center

by Erica LoopJanuary 2, 2019

What have you Googled this past year? It’s time for Google’s “Year in Search 2018” video, and the results won’t disappoint. The last 365 days were filled with some pretty amazing and just plain rad moments. Most strikingly, families and kids took front and center in Google’s recap of 2018.

This year’s recap montage opens with moving clip of a baby hearing his mother’s voice for the first time—and it only gets more inspirational from there. (Grab your tissues. You’re going to need them.)

Photo: Rawpixel

2018 was quite the year—and Google wanted to capture and share all the good that happened over the past 12 months. The “Year in Search” includes clips from the dramatic rescue of the Thai soccer team trapped in a cave for two weeks to Americans doing our civic duty and proudly voting on Election Day.

We celebrated the crazy-good moments of inclusion in Hollywood, from Crazy Rich Asians to the lasting impact of Black Panther and “Wakanda forever!” We celebrated all the little moments, from singing out loud (like the so-sweet seven-year-old who showed off some serious vocal chops while belting out the National Anthem) to all kinds of dancing gone viral.

There were lots of big moments this year, too—from the Royal wedding, to the loss of the iconic Stephen Hawking or New Zealand Premier Jacinda Ardern being the ultimate working mama. LeBron James continued to be awesome. U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth gave birth in office (not literally in her office, of course).

What did we love in 2018? Cute puppies, kids doing the floss, Cardi B doin’ her thing and Chloe Kim killin’ it in the Olympics.

As the video comes to a close, Google shows us some moving military family reunions ends with a poignant quote from the late, great Anthony Bourdain: “Life is good. The world is filled with people doing the best they can, you know? Who love their kids and who would like to live their lives with a little dignity and hope—just like everybody else.”

Watch the video below—and make sure you’ve got those tissues handy.

Wow—what a year! And here’s to great things for you and yours in 2019.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Rawpixel

10 Viral Stories Our Readers Couldn’t Stop Talking about This Year

All the Celebrity Parents We Couldn’t Get Enough of This Year

Here Are the 2019 Hottest Kids & Parenting Trends

The Biggest Kids Health Stories of 2018

Disney Introduces Its First Latina Princess, “Elena of Avalor”

by Red TricycleMay 11, 2016

Photo: Disney Junior

Disney is introducing its first Latina princess in a new animated television series, “Elena of Avalor.” The television show will be about Elena, the brave teen who saved her kingdom from an evil sorceress and now is ruling as a crowned princess until she is old enough to become a queen.

The show will focus on the traditions, foods and customs of Latin and Hispanic cultures, and each episode will include original songs in a number of Latin musical styles such asChilean hip-hop, salsa and mariachi.

The star voicing Elena is Dominican-American actress Aimee Carrero. “What I love most about Elena is she’s her own hero,” Aimee told ABC News. “There’s no ‘Prince Charming,’ so I hope people at home watching will just be inspired her sense of self, her confidence and her leadership.”

The series will premier on July 22nd,7 p.m. ET on Disney Channel.

Are you excited for “Elena of Avalor?” Tell us in the comments below!

H/T: ABC News

‘Doc McStuffins’ Sets Fourth Season Premier Date After Threats of Cancellation

by Red TricycleMay 7, 2016

Oh the power of #RenewDocMcStuffins. After threats of cancellation, Disney executives decided to renew Doc McStuffins for a fourth season.

“We’ll be delivering more Doc McStuffins episodes, beloved characters and great stories, for a long time to come,” the network announced in a statement. “We’re in the midst of production on season four which introduces a new setting, ‘McStuffins Toy Hospital,’ new music and new characters in addition to Doc, Stuffy, Lambie, Hallie and other established, popular characters.”

Photo: Disney

So when can we expect the new season to begin? It is scheduled to debut on July 29th. Just as exciting are the major stars lending their voices to the series this upcoming season. Glee‘s Amber Riley is set to perform the show’s new theme song in an episode debuting Friday, August 5. Other guest stars throughout the fourth season include Black-ish’s Anthony Anderson, Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts, actor and rapper Ludacris, Empire’s Gabourey Sidibe, and actress Vanessa Williams.

Are you or your little one excited for this fourth season? Tell us in the comments below!

H/T: Essence

Baby Got Bach: Music Concert Series Just For Kids

by Mimi O'ConnorOctober 18, 2015

So you want your child to have an appreciation of music beyond Katy Perry, Daniel Tiger or Frozen? Great news! Not only is NYC home to premier music companies and organizations, many create programming just for kids. (Even better: several just launched kids’ music series with programming that will have the whole family singing and grooving until spring.) Here are some of the best places in the city to introduce kids to compositions beyond “Wheels on the Bus” and “Bad Blood.”

art: LOS Kids

LOS Kids
The Little Orchestra Society is all about getting them while they’re young. The organization is staging a new concert series for families this fall, dubbed LOS Kids. The series is recommended for kids ages 3 to 7 and will feature four of the classical giants and their greatest hits. “Mozart! Starting Small to Become Great” will include Magic Flute, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and the Marriage of Figaro; “Dvorak! Exploring the New World” will feature Humoresque, New World Symphony and Slavonic Dance; “Gershwin!: Got Rhythm?” spotlights Rhapsody in Blue, I Got Rhythm and Summertime,” and “Tchaikovsky!: Bigger Than Ballet” rolls out the Nutcracker, Mozartiana, Serenade for Strings and Swan Lake. Tickets are available as 4-concerts subscriptions, 2-concert subscriptions or individually. All concerts take place at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College.

LOS Kids
Sat., Nov. 7 to Sun. March 6
Tickets: starting at $15
The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College
695 Park Ave. at 68th St.
212-971-9500
Online: littleorchestra.org/

photo: Jeffrey Bary via Flickr

BAM Kids
The Brooklyn Academy of Music brings its funky sensibility to kids programming too, and that includes music. The arts organization’s kid’s music series is already underway, and this season will feature a bilingual concert by Sol y Canto for kids ages 2 to 5 (Nov. 7); a jazzy holiday concert by Grammy-winning Jennifer Gasoi for kids 4 to11 years old (Dec. 12), and Brooklyn viola and violin duo Chargaux performing original songs and pop favorite for those 5 to 11 (Jan. 23).

Brooklyn Academy of Music
Nov 7 -Jan. 23
Tickets: $10
Peter Jay Sharp Building
30 Lafayette Ave.
Fort Greene
718-636-4100
Online: bam.org/kids

photo: New York Philharmonic Facebook page

New York Philharmonic Young People’s Concerts and Very Young People’s Concerts
The New York Philharmonic offers concerts for the tiniest of culture vultures and their parents. Started in the 1960s by Leonard Bernstein, the Saturday afternoon Young People’s Concert series for kids six years old and up explores symphonic music through a theme each season. This year, “Once Upon a Time,” with concerts such as “Fables and Folktales”, “Myths and Legends” and “Babble and Verse” will demonstrate how stories, poems, legends, tales of heroes and villains all come to life in music by great composers. Works by Strauss, Gershwin, Mahler and others will be featured this season.

For even younger kids (children 3 to 6 years old), the New York Philharmonic produces the lively and interactive Very Young People’s Concerts on Sunday afternoons. Designed by Philharmonic musicians together with faculty of Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, Very Young People’s Concerts combine games, storytelling, and great music in one fun-filled hour that unlocks children’s imagination and talent. This season’s theme of “Philharmonic Playground” explores musical concepts such as treble and base, forte and piano, allegro and adagio with works by Bach, Tchaikovsky and Grieg. Check out an example of a Very Young People’s Concert programs here.

Young People’s Concerts
Dec. 12 – May 14
Tickets: $13 and up
David Geffen Hall
10 Lincoln Center Plaza
Upper West Side
212-875-5656
Online: nyphil.org

Very Young People’s Concerts
Nov. 8 – April 4
Tickets: $24 and up
Merkin Concert Hall
129 W. 67th St.
Upper West Side
212-875-5656
Online: nyphil.org

photo: Carnegie Hall/Stephanie Berger

Carnegie Hall Carnegie Kids
Carnegie Hall is so serious about introducing young kids to music its concerts are free. Now entering its 20th season, the interactive concert series Carnegie Kids is developed for children ages 3 to six and features a diverse slate of performers and musical genres, from funk and bluegrass to “Indie Hindi”, Latin and classic kindie rock. Acts appearing in the 2015-26 season include Songs for Unusual Creatures, Shine and the Moonbeams and Little Big Tiny.

This season will also include two large orchestral concerts in the Stern Ausitorium/Perelman Stage just for families. We’re super psyched for the Carnegie Hall Family Concert: The New York Pops A Charlie Brown Christmas celebrating the 50th anniversary of the classic holiday special. The December 20 concert will include a singalong, dance, a reading of the story and other surprises. (This one isn’t free, but ticket prices start at $10. Buy now: tickets are going fast!)

Carnegie Kids
November 15 – June 12
Tickets: free
Carnegie Hall
154 W. 57th St.
Upper West Side
212-247-7800
Online: carnegiehall.org

What’s your favorite spot in the city to catch a concert with kids? Tell us in the comments below!

—Mimi O’Connor

Go Explore! Discover San Diego’s Hidden Treasures

by Marissa MullenJanuary 19, 2015

Many of San Diego’s beloved treasures are right in front of us -– the beach, the zoo, and dozens of parks and gardens. But to see some of the unknown treasures around town, you have to do a little digging. Luckily, we’ve done the work for you. If you’re looking for a unique adventure, check out our guide to a few little known spots that you and the kids can explore together.

Photo Credit: Shawna C via Yelp

Message In A Sand Dune
You may be a frequent visitor to Coronado Beach, but this one holds a secret. Next time you go for a walk along the beach, take notice of the large sand dunes scattered throughout the area. These are not natural dunes; rather they are man-made by somebody with a bit of creativity. At first glance, the maze-like dunes appear to be just large humps of sand but look a little closer: the dunes form the word “Coronado.” See if your kiddos can spell out the whole word!

Insider’s Tip: It’s more easily seen from high above, so if you ever have an opportunity to take a blimp, a helicopter, or an airplane ride over the beach, you will be able to clearly read the secret sand message.

838 Ocean Blvd.
Coronado, CA 92118

Photo Credit: Ron Q. via Yelp

Little Free Libraries
Spending the day at the library curled up with a bunch of books is a great way to spend the day. But there’s another way to experience the library, and that’s with a Little Free Library. These look a lot like mailboxes only instead of letters, they hold books! You may have even walked past a few, while out and about. The concept is simple: Take a book (or two), return a book. In turn, the love of reading is brought to all. Little Free Libraries come in all shapes and sizes and can be found in many communities and neighborhoods. A great one to start with is at the entrance of the Quince Street Bridge in Mission Hills. Let the kiddos pick out a new book and stretch their legs as they walk across this 100-year-old landmark.

Insider’s Tip: Go on a hunt and see how many Little Free Libraries you can find. If you want, you can build and design your own Little Free Library for your own neighborhood!

400 Quince St.
(Locations throughout San Diego County)
Online: littlefreelibrary.org

McRae Albright Ranch House
Kids seem to be in awe of really big things, and the Moreton Bay Fig tree at the McRae Albright Ranch House is big enough to stop you in your tracks. This historic, premier Victorian ranch house in the Spring Valley area is home to the oldest and third largest tree in California. This majestic fig tree has roots that are probably bigger than some small kiddos!

Insider’sTip: This is a private residence, so don’t disturb the owner. But feel free to take pictures and marvel at this breathtaking beauty!

3754 Barbic Ct.
Spring Valley, CA 91977

What hidden gems have you discovered lately? Let us know in the comments!

— Marissa Mullen

Inside the Totally Awesome Nappy Shoppe with Sharni Vaughan

by writerredtriOctober 1, 2013

There’s a to love about Nappy Shoppe, the premier local source of natural, eco-friendly parenting products in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. In addition to offering a wide variety of classes and special in-store events, this unique community hotspot specializes in cloth diapers, baby carries, nursing supplies, teething needs, and more. Is it any wonder that Nappy Shoppe was your Totally Awesome pick for best baby and maternity shop and best mom-run business?

Nappy Shoppe owner recently took the time to chat with us about what makes her store awesome, how she balances business with parenthood, and more. Read on:
Red Tricycle: Congratulations on being voted “Most Awesome” by your community! What do you think your customers value most about your business?

Sharni Vaughan: Our customers love our in depth customer service. When someone walks in the door we will spend the time with them showing them the products they are interested in, answering their questions, letting them try out the carriers that we sell and more. They love the classes that we hold and they love the sense of community that we offer in store.

RT: What inspired you to start your business?

SV: I saw a need for a product, which was a cloth diaper insert, that no one else seemed to offer. And I was inspired to take my business from online only, to a brick and mortar when I saw there was a real need in the Dallas Fort Worth area for a place to see cloth diapers, baby carriers etc. in person. To get answers face to face.

RT: Any advice for new business owners just getting started?

SV: Be prepared to put in the hours. Many people start a website thinking that if they build it they will come. This is simply not the case. A successful small business requires time put into it, and not simply a basic 40 hour week. Be prepared to put in more hours than the average employee. Be passionate about what you do, customers sense it when you love what you do.

RT: Can you give us one tip for balancing entrepreneurship with parenthood?

SV: Set aside time that is family time, and keep it only that. I learned the hard way that it is important to NOT work at certain times and devote those times to your family. For me when I leave the store and come home of an evening, I am done with working on store things. I don’t do bookwork, or website work at home. I do it all at my store. And my day off is Sunday, and I spend that time totally devoted to my family.

RT: What is your proudest moment as a business owner or parent?

SV: As a business owner, the month of August 2013 was a great time. We were acknowledged by the Dallas Area Breastfeeding Alliance for our support of breastfeeding mothers. We had our 5th birthday celebrations and had an overwhelming amount of regular customers turn up to the events to support us, and then we capped off the month by winning not one but two Red Tricycle awards.

RT: Is there a special offer you’d like to include for Red Tricycle readers?

SV: Yes! RT readers can receive a free Credible Cravings Nutrition Bar with a purchase of $25 or more.

Intrigued by Nappy Shoppe? Follow this totally awesome business on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!

Tada! Red Tricycle’s CEO Reveals Her Fave Kids Gear

by writerredtriFebruary 10, 2013

Ever wonder what Jacqui Boland, Red Tricycle’s founder and CEO, considers her can’t-live-without kids styles and gear? Well, now’s your chance to get to know Jacqui as she reveals her fave cool things from hard-working outdoor gear that makes it fun to play in the rain to cool new must-try toys to kids clothes with an utterly playful design. If you know Jacqui, having fun with her six-year old son, Jamie is serious business in the Boland household and her picks definitely reflect that worldview. Read on as Jacqui dishes to our friends at Tada! her can’t-live-without list.

1. Being warm is a must for having fun in the snow. Polarn O. Pyret makes excellent high-performance all-weather gear, like these snowpants.

2. What better way to ensure happy dreams than with these dreamy striped, bicycle pajamas. Jamie loves the softness of Tea Collection pajamas.

3. A waterproof jacket is a must for Bay-Area living. This J.Crew version is super stylish. Bonus points for being reversible (bright yellow side is perfect for wet foggy days).

4. A fleece-lined hat that covers the ears is perfect for snow play. The pirate design appeals to a six-year-old aesthetic.

5. J.Crew comes through again with multi-functional, stylish kids gear that works for rain or snow.

7. Skinny kid=skinny jeans. Mini Boden does a great job of making soft kids jeans that my son actually likes to wear.

8. Rollnecks are so much easier than turtlenecks for six year olds to put on.

9. Our mini-jetsetter (who already has premier-executive status) definitely needs his own pint-sized headphones. The white makes them easier to spot at the end of a long flight.

Want to hear more? Check out Jacqui’s full list from Tada! by clicking here.

Tada! shop is a curated discovery shopping site for children’s clothing, toys, and cool gear. Tada! makes shopping for your kids easy and fun by bringing together unique finds highlighted by our editors, combined with the offerings of your favorite brands, from major retailers such as the Gap, to specialty brands and boutiques such as Polarn O. Pyret and Sweet William.

Sign Language Classes for Babies & Kids

by Katie KavullaJune 3, 2012

If you could see us in person right now, we’d be using sign language to tell you how cool these classes are. As babies, children often develop their motor-skills quicker than they develop speech skills, making sign language a more natural way for them to communicate.

But, even if you don’t have a kid who has been signing “please” and “more” since before they could walk doesn’t mean that you can’t get them started on sign language classes now that they’re older – kids who learn sign language at a later age still pick up on this second language quite quickly and it opens their brains to be responsive to other new languages as well. (Pretend we’re signing again)

Check out these sign language classes for babies, kids, parents and families in the Seattle area.

Hop to Signaroo
Location: Swedish Medical Center campuses in Ballard, Issaquah and on First Hill and Evergreen Medical Center in Kirkland, plus the availability to arrange for private or group classes in your home or location of choice. Summer classes will also be available at Birth and Beyond in Madison Park.

Ages: Hop to Signaroo classes are intended for parents of babies. Please inquire for details about creating custom classes for older children.

Classes: Based on American Sign Language, Hop to Signaroo was a 2011 Red Tricycle Totally Awesome Award finalist for their baby sign language classes. Public classes are in four-week sessions and you can choose whether or not to bring your baby to class each week.

Cost: $128 for a standard session, which includes instruction two people, plus a $19 materials fee

Phone: 206-789-SIGN (7446)
Online: www.hoptosignaroo.com

My Smart Hands
Location: Based out of Bothell, Washington, with classes and workshops available on the North side of Seattle

Ages: My Smart Hands focuses on sign language classes for babies.

Classes: Various classes are available from My Smart Hands, including more advanced levels for families who are ready to move past mastering the basics of sign language in their home. Parent-only workshops are also available, as well as sign language sign-a-longs (like sing-a-longs!).

Cost: A typical four-week session is $100 per family and includes all materials

Phone: 425-345-2345
Online: www.mysmarthandswithjenniferb.wordpress.com

Visually Speaking
Location: Various class locations around Seattle, including the Seattle Children’s Museum, the Microsoft Campus and the North Kirkland Community Center, amongst others. Or, they will come to your home!

Ages: From babies to middle schoolers – they have classes for every age!

Classes: Visually Speaking offers sign language programs for hearing children and their parents – there are one-time workshops for parents to learn how to effective teach their infants and toddlers to sign, interactive weekly classes for children of all ages and six-week long courses for families who really want to dig into this new language together.

Cost: Varies based on the classes you choose – one session is as low as $7.50 per person

Phone: 206-282-7571
Online: www.visuallyspeaking.info

Musikal Magik
Location: Alki Community Center, Ballard Community Center and Northgate Community Center

Ages: From one month to three years

Classes: Musikal Magik takes unique approach to American Sign Language, teaching ASL through the magic of music. Kids sing along and sign, pound on drums to keep the time as they discover a whole new and fun way to communicate through live music, dance, and play. Taught by Seattle’s premier ASL instructors, Betsy Dischel and Pearl Jenkins (Voted “Best in the City” by Seattle Metropolitan magazine).

Cost: Varies based on the community center you choose. Private/ Group ASL lessons also available.

Phone: 206-328-7148
Online: www.musikalmagik.com

Has your family taken sign language classes in Seattle? Share your experience in the comments section below! But, not in sign language, if you don’t mind!

— Katie Kavulla

Red Tricycle + Portland Children’s Museum = Fun Fun!

by Drea LesterJanuary 31, 2012

Red Tricycle and the Portland Children’s Museum are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership, which will bring local giveaways, news, and even more fun right to your fingertips!

Portland’s Children’s Museum is the premier go-to destination for Portland families looking for some hands-on learning and imaginative creativity so it’s only logical that Red Tricycle is teaming up with such a fave local spot for kid-friendly fun.

Red Tricycle is all about providing Portland parents with five fresh picks a week for fun things to see, eat, and do with your kids in your neighborhood. Our local editors have their fingertips on the pulse of what’s happening around town and bring you the freshest content that you can trust. Our mission is simple: to help parents have more fun with their kids! Sign up now for your free local edition.

Date Night: Explore Japantown

by Erin LemDecember 5, 2011

Sure, you’ve driven through Japantown and maybe even headed over there for a meal, but did you know that this age old neighborhood is developing into a premier destination for food, art and shopping? There’s plenty to see, eat and do, so the next time you’re itching for a different date night experience, then check out Seattle Magazine’s guide for this cool neighborhood where you’re guaranteed to have a totally engaging and fun date night experience.

It may be one of Seattle’s oldest neighborhoods, with roots stretching back to the late 1800s, but Japantown is quickly becoming the city’s newest art destination. The vibrant, diverse spirit of the ’hood (which is anchored by the historic Panama Hotel and runs along Fifth and Sixth Streets between S Jackson and Main) is the perfect inspiration for a host of new galleries, shops and restaurants.

EXPLORE
>> Walking along the busy blocks, you are greeted with an array of Storefronts Seattle projects, the city’s initiative to offer free space to art collectives, such as the new IDEA Odyssey, a multiperspective space that explores identity and diversity through different mediums (666 S Jackson St.; 206.462.1359; ideaodysseygallery.com).

>> Get inked by Seattle tattoo legends Chula and Jimmy, owners of the immaculately clean and decorated Tiger Tiger Tattoo (614 S Jackson St.; 206.682.1176), whose warm hearts have made them heroes in the neighborhood.

>> For traditional Japanese fare, follow in the footsteps of Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods star Andrew Zimmern to 107-year-old Maneki (304 Sixth Ave. S; 206.622.2631;manekirestaurant.com) and try the seasonal ika no shiokara (fermented squid intestines) featured in the Seattle episode scheduled to air next month.

To learn all about where to eat, shop and get arty in Seattle’s bustling Japantown neighborhood, click on the full article here.

This is our weekly guest post from our friends at Seattle Magazine, which keeps readers on the pulse of restaurants, personalities, arts, entertainment and culture that reflect the tapestry of our dynamic landscape. We’ve teamed up for an exciting partnership to bring you a weekly dose of fantastic Date Night ideas throughout greater Seattle.

ML Interest Tag: premier

Disney Introduces Its First Latina Princess, “Elena of Avalor”

Related reads

‘Doc McStuffins’ Sets Fourth Season Premier Date After Threats of Cancellation

Related reads

Baby Got Bach: Music Concert Series Just For Kids

Related reads

Go Explore! Discover San Diego’s Hidden Treasures

Related reads

Inside the Totally Awesome Nappy Shoppe with Sharni Vaughan

Related reads

Tada! Red Tricycle’s CEO Reveals Her Fave Kids Gear

Related reads

Sign Language Classes for Babies & Kids

Related reads

Date Night: Explore Japantown

Related reads