If you go to one rummage sale this year, this is the one you do not want to miss! The Pleasant Valley Elementary School Rummage Sale in Novato takes place this Saturday, April 29, 2017 from 9 am–3 pm. This is the 6th major rummage sale for the school, and the PV's families have dug through closets, kids' rooms, and garages and contributed their treasures to this fundraiser. Rummage sale volunteers have weeded through the donations so only quality items will be available for sale—but at rummage sale prices, of course.

There's something about authentic street-style tacos that's so delicious, and one of our favorite variations is tacos al pastor—pork marinated in a red chile sauce with grilled pineapple. In taquerias the meat is usually cooked on one of those vertical spits like the ones used to cook shawarma or gyros, but we make a simplified version that we cook on the grill and I think it's a great approximation of the real deal. The enzymes in the pineapple help tenderize the pork, and the sweetness plays off the flavor of the red chile and spices.

Sometimes it's hard to think of going on vacation just down the highway from where you live, but when that place is Cavallo Point at Sausalito's Fort Baker, it's not hard at all! Cavallo Point is right in our backyard but feels a world away, and you can't beat its amazing location right at the Golden Gate. With spectacular views, historic buildings, great dining, and plenty of things to do, it's an outstanding destination for a luxurious family "staycation", even if you're just getting away for a night!

Marin Mommies presents a sponsored shout-out from the Marin Center for Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry.

Looking for comprehensive dental care for the whole family? The Marin Center for Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry is here to help!

Conveniently located in Novato, our office provides patient-friendly, state-of-the-art dental care to keep your family smiling for years to come.

• Family and pediatric dentistry
• Cosmetic dentistry
• Invisalign
• Same-day crowns
• Non-surgical periodontal treatment
• Dental implant replacement teeth
• TMJ care
• Sedation dentistry

Our office utilizes cutting-edge technology—like same-day CEREC crowns and non-surgical laser dentistry—so that you and your child can get the treatments you need quickly and comfortably. The Marin Center for Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry is completely mercury-free, and we use low-radiation digital x-rays for your health and well-being.

STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education and technology are showcased in the third annual Marinovators on Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 10 am to 3 pm at College of Marin Academic Center in Kentfield. This annual exhibition showcases the work of Marin’s innovative and creative student scientists, designers, programmers, engineers, and makers, and features hands-on activities for all ages. Admission is free, but you can reserve free tickets online.

This year’s Marinovators features projects from a variety of Marin County elementary, middle, and high school students and teachers, and includes themes like alternative energy, smart cities, environmental science, mobile apps, robotics, drones, virtual reality, immersive learning, coding for good, media and music makers, the Internet of things, VR art, digital health, hack your biology, and digital fashion.

Marin Mommies presents a guest article from Tahoe Luxury Properties.

With spring skiing in full effect, Easter is one of Tahoe's best holidays. The ski resorts, the towns, and the restaurants all host holiday events with something for everyone. 

Saturday, April 15

• Truckee Regional Park: Easter Egg Hunt on two ballfields with age groups, Easter Bunny, Facepainting, and Prizes - 11 am
• Commons Beach, Tahoe City: Golden Egg Hunt, Easter Bunny, Games and Activities - 10 am
• North Tahoe Arts: Kids' Easter Egg Painting Activity - 10:30 am–12:30 pm

This year, Passover begins on the evening of Monday, April 10 and ends in the evening of Tuesday, April 18. For many, Passover is the most important of all Jewish holidays, and it's easy to see why: it's a family holiday that's celebrated with a festive meal that recounts the story of Exodus from slavery in Egypt—a foundational story of the Jewish people. Passover is also a spring holiday that celebrates the rebirth of the earth.

Deborah Burg-Schnirman, the Kesher Marin concierge, put together this fantastic list of Marin County and San Francisco Bay Area Passover resources and events for families. Kesher is offering free Passover kits for families, filled with Passover goodies from the Marin Jewish community. These reusable fabric bags will bring extra joy to your family's holiday celebration, and include a LEGO frog kit, seder plate, matzah, grape juice, crafts kits, Kesher's Passover @Home guide ,and more. Sign up to get yours here. Supplies are limited and priority goes to families who haven't received a bag in the past.

Fun family spring and Easter events begin this weekend.

Here are our picks for great events and activities for children and families this weekend. Find more events for the whole week in Marin and throughout the Bay Area in our Family Events Calendar.

Easter Bunny Photos

While your kids are waiting for the big day, they can visit the Easter Bunny and have their picture taken with him at his whimsical spring house at Northgate in Terra Linda. He'll be at the Macy's wing from March 29–April 15, 2017. Hours are Monday–Thursday, noon–8 pm, Friday-Saturday, 10 am-9 pm and Sunday, 11 am–6 pm. The Easter Bunny is located in the north mall entrance near Macy's. For more info, visit their website.

Friday, March 31

• Sticker Fun Friday
  Habitot Children's Museum, Berkeley
  Friday, 9:30–4:30 pm
  Stickers, stickers, and more stickers, back by popular demand! They’re fun to look at, inspire self-expression, improve motor skills, and best of all, you can stick them just about anywhere. Today in the art studio, tots can choose from a variety of objects to cover with stickers. Bring in a pack of stickers to share and receive a FREE adult admission pass to use on your next visit, limit one pass per group. Location: 2065 Kittredge Street, Berkeley. For more info, visit their website.
• French Storytime (L'Heure du Conte)
  San Anselmo Library
  Friday, 11–11:30 am
  For children of all ages and their parent or caregiver. Talk, sing, read, and play together. Share books, stories, rhymes, music in French. No registration required. Parents/caregivers are expected to stay with children during all storytime sessions. Free. Location: 110 Tunstead Avenue, Council Chambers, San Anselmo. For more info, visit their website.
• Free Meet + Make Day!
  Studio 4 Art, Novato
  Friday, 6–8 pm
  Come check out the summer camp offerings at Marin's Studio 4 Art and have fun getting creative on their free Meet + Make Day! This event takes place on Friday, March 31 from 6 to 8 pm at Studio 4 Art's Novato location at 1133 Grant Avenue. Read our article here for more info.
• Kids Night Out: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
  Rolling Hills Club, Novato
  Friday, 6–9:30 pm
  See your favorite turtles in their original 90's film! Create your own Ninja Turtle cookie and play Ninja inspired games. Pizza will be provided.  Ages: 5–12. Cost: $24 member and $34 guest. Register here. Location: 351 San Andreas Drive, Novato. For more info, call (415) 897-2185 or visit their website.
• Mother-Son Dinner Dance
  Corte Madera Community Center
  Friday, 7–9:30 pm
  Treat Mom like the "Queen of the Castle" at the annual Mother-Son Dinner Dance. It's a night of food, dancing, and fun. Tickets: $47. Location: 498 Tamalpais Avenue, Corte Madera. For more info, visit their website.
• Mark Day School Presents Disney's the Lion King Jr.
  Showcase Theater, San Rafael
  Friday & Saturday, 7 pm
  Mark Day Schools 4th through 8th graders present Disney's Lion King Jr. The African savanna comes alive on stage with Simba and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle—and back again—in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale about the circle of life, and the true meaning of friendship and loyalty. Tickets: $13 general admission. Purchase tickets here. Location: 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. For more info, visit their website.
• Outdoor Movie Night: Forrest Gump
  PIER 39, San Francisco
  Friday, 7:45–10 pm
  Grab your blankets and head to the Bay End of The PIER for free outdoor Movie Night, starting at 7:45pm! This month's movie is local favorite Forrest Gump in honor of Bubba Shrimp Co. Restaurant & Market’s 20th Anniversary at PIER 39. For more info and to download coupons, visit their website.

Saturday, April 1

• Free Access to all Parks
  Marin County Parks
  Saturday, All Day
  Marin County Parks is offering free access to all parks on the first Saturday of the month all year long! Includes Black Point Boat Launch, McInnis Park, McNears Beach Park, Miller Boat Launch, Paradise Beach Park, and Stafford Lake Park. For more info, visit their website.

See the cherry trees in bloom at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park.

Here are our picks for great events and activities for children and families this weekend. Find more events for the whole week in Marin and throughout the Bay Area in our Family Events Calendar.

Friday, March 24

• Breakfast with Enzo
  Sports Basement, San Francisco Presidio
  Friday, 10 & 11 am
  Enzo Garcia plays guitar, banjo, accordion, musical saw, Jew's harp, enzotar, appalachian dulcimer, slide flute, percussion and more. Recommended for children 7 and under. Drop in any time. Cost: $15 for one child & $10 per each additional child siblings under 7 months free For more info, call (415) 652-2474 or visit his website
• French Storytime (L'Heure du Conte)
  San Anselmo Library
  Friday, 11–11:30 am
  For children of all ages and their parent or caregiver. Talk, sing, read, and play together. Share books, stories, rhymes, music in French. No registration required. Parents/caregivers are expected to stay with children during all storytime sessions. Free. Location: 110 Tunstead Avenue, Council Chambers, San Anselmo. For more info, visit their website.
• Friday Fun Day!
  South Novato Library
  Friday, 3–4 pm
  Enjoy an afternoon of fun with the family at the South Novato Library. Whether it’s story, art, music or science, this drop-in program promises to be packed with fun! For All Ages. Location: 931 C Street, Novato. For more info, visit their website.
• Crazy Awesome Science!
  Children's Museum of Sonoma County
  Friday, 2 pm
  Bring the kiddos for a scientific demonstration followed by hands-on science. Past topics include: SPF, Elephant Toothpaste, Dry Ice Bubbles, Fizzy Rockets, Sheep Eye Dissection and many more! Museum admission applies. Location: 1835 West Steele Lane, Santa Rosa. For more info, visit their website.
  
•   MC Spring Musical 2017: Little Women the Musical
  Marin Catholic Performing Arts Center
  Friday & Saturday, 7 pm & Sunday, 1 pm
  Little Women the Musical has amazing music and is full of adventure, romance, hilarity, and hope. For the entire family. Tickets: $15. Purchase tickets online here. Location: 675 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Kentfield. For more info, visit their website.
• San Domenico Middle School Presents Fiddler on the Roof
  San Anselmo
  Friday & Saturday, 7 pm, Sunday, 2 pm
  Winner of nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, Fiddler on the Roof has touched audiences worldwide with its humor, warmth and honesty. Tickets: $15. Purchase tickets online here. Location: San Domenico School, Carol Franc Buck Hall of the Arts,1500 Butterfield Road, San Anselmo. For more info, visit their website.

Saturday, March 25

• Marin Country Mart Farmers Market
  Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  Enjoy the best local and organic produce, flowers, pastured meats, seafood, organic cheeses, yogurt and milk, breads, baked goods, pasta, confections, olive oil, and brunch and lunch offerings! Kids can take a pony ride and visit the petting zoo (10 am–2 pm), try out some arts and crafts (9 am–2 pm) and listen to music (9:30–10:30 am). For more info, visit their website.
• Special Exhibit Opening: Rainforest Adventure
  Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
  Saturday & Sunday, 9 am–5 pm
  Rainforest Adventure is a multisensory expedition that introduces children to tropical rainforests around the world, highlights the challenges facing these unique ecological wonders, and suggests ways that people can make a difference. Learn more here. Cost: museum admission applies. Location: 557 McReynold Road, Sausalito. For more info, visit their website.
• Easter Market
  Treasure Island, San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
  Come out for a special Easter market this weekend. Enjoy over 25 food trucks, shop 400+ local artists, hunt for golden eggs throughout the market, photos with the Fleaster bunny and more... $3 Entry; Kids 12 & Under Free, free parking and pett friendly. For more info, visit their website.

Marin Mommies presents a delicious and healthy sponsored recipe from Whole Foods Market, with Marin locations in Mill Valley, Novato, and San Rafael. Don't miss the great coupon at the end of the article!

Serve these stuffed squash halves immediately or fill with the stuffing and refrigerate them, covered, one day in advance. Simply reheat them before serving.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 medium spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil