Olympic Theatre

Can you smell the fresh popcorn?

Myself and another Savvy Mommy took the kids to see a movie this past weekend. We hit the JACKPOT when we discovered the Olympic Theatre in Arlington. Not only did we catch a matinee showing of the current Disney hit 'Brave', we also indulged in movie favs including; popcorn, candy, and soda, all in a very cool historic theater AND at a bargain price! We saw a matinee for only $4.50 per person! It was pretty busy when we arrived 15 minutes prior to show time but had no problems finding good seats for the 5 us. The lobby is small so the line appeared much larger than it was. The seats are probably original (not sure) and reclined slightly for a comfortable view. There are no cup holders in the armrests but you can by soda in a reusable pop-top container to help prevent spills. You can also purchase a reusable plastic bucket for popcorn. Not sure what they charge for a refill but they do offer a discount and I'm sure it's a great price. Like any theater, no outside food or drink is allowed but keep in mind, this is how small theaters stay in business so making snack purchases at this theater contribute positively and are priced affordably-- especially compared to larger theaters! Overall, the theater is small and intimate yet clean and well-maintained along with friendly service and an unbeatable overall value.

Check their website for current show times and prices as it changes frequently. Also, if I'm not mistaken, the matinee price is only on Saturdays and Sundays for the 2pm showing which is also a great idea for a rainy day weekend! Sorry I only got a few pics but there are a few more on their website.

Future of Flight

My very own Savvy Mommy was visiting from out of town and we thought it would be fun to take the kids to see the planes. We pass Boeing's Everett plant a few times a week and the kids always point and get excited to see the planes. Sometimes we are lucky enough to see the "Dreamlifter" take off or land. It's basically a 747 redesigned to accommodate parts for the 787 and bring them from Japan a couple times a week. The kids LOVE to see this plane in action. We have a great spot for viewing in a parking lot near the end of the runway. The plane is so huge it literally rattles your chest as it takes off seemingly just a few feet above your head. Boeing offers a tour along with a gallery named The Future of Flight. I have been on the tour a couple times but they have a VERY strict rule that children under 4 feet tall are not allowed to go. They can, however, visit the gallery! I could only find tour pricing information on their website so I took a picture of the gallery pricing while we were there.

Play area for toddlers

The kids loved everything! It's small enough that it really doesn't take much more than an hour or so to visit all the exhibits. There is a roof-top observation deck of the Payne Field runway which also features a great view of the Boeing plant, other than that, it's entirely indoors. A gift shop and small cafe are also available. More pics from our visit:

Interior of the Boeing 787 'Dreamliner'

View from the outdoor observation deck

Jet engine

Boeing 727

Boeing 727 cockpit

Lynnwood Recreation Center

We were tired of the cold, rainy weather so we went swimming.... indoors of course! The older kids didn't have school on Friday March, 23rd so we made it a late-night and went to the evening swim session on Thursday at the rec center in Lynnwood. The swim schedule changes every few months so make sure to check times before you go. We had so much fun! Our swim session definitely was not free but it was affordable. A flat-rate family admission is available as my fellow savvy mommy of 4 got her troop in for $15. Following a massive renovation, this is one of the best public swimming spots around and even boasts water slides, a lazy river, children's swim area, hot tub, and a lap pool.

Know before you go:
- ARRIVE EARLY. I cannot stress this enough especially during busy times. The swim sessions fill very quickly and once they are full, they DO NOT let anyone else in (even as people leave). We arrived about 30 minutes prior to our planned session to quite a few other people doing the same. Depending on which swim areas are open for a particular session, they let in 150 or 300 people total.
- life jackets are abundantly available in various sizes and are free of charge. Lifeguards are also on duty.
- children age 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the water at all times. I have 2 kids and my friend has 4 so we were reminded of this rule more than once so needless to say, we were confined to the "kiddie pool" most of the time.
-check which areas are open before you go! Believe it or not, during my very first visit, we came during a session when the slides and lazy river were not open.
-ample parking, however, it fills quickly.
-the only source of food for purchase is the vending machines (and they take credit cards!)