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Utah County Fall 2011 Activities

While the weather may still be summer like, we are quickly headed for Fall.  The kids are headed back to school and it won't be long before our beautiful scenery changes from a lush green to a wonderful mix of reds, oranges, and yellows.  Here are a few fun activities to help you enjoy this Fall to the fullest.  Please comment if you know of any other family friendly activities we should include in this list.

Back-2-School Bash
August 27
Legacy Resorts is hosting a back-to-school party to send off the summer in style.  At Homestead Resort, there will be a slip-n-slide, water games, wacky science experiments, giant bubbles, and a sidewalk chalk contest.  Games will begin at 11:00 am and end at 4:00 pm.  In the evening, enjoy a picnic dinner and a FREE concert on the lawn.

Homestead Resort
700 North Homestead Drive
Midway, UT
Phone: 435-709-9580
Price: Wristband for all activities - $2/child
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Pumpkin Patch Hayride
September 19 - October 31
This year will be our 15th annual hayride season and the best pumpkin patch that we have ever had.  Pick a pumpkin for Halloween, and have some fresh apple cider in the barn.

Rowley's South Ridge Farms
300 West 900 South
Santaquin, UT 84655
Phone: 801-754-5511
Price: $3 Adults, $2.50 child under 8
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Hee Haw Farms Fall Activities
September 23 - October 31
Looking for a family fun night out, here is the place.  Featuring lots of activities for all ages.

Hee Haw Farms
150 South 2000 West
Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
Phone: 801-368-4335
Price: Price varies on activity
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Cornbelly's Corn Maze & Pumpkin Festival
September 30 - October 31
On any given fall day at Cornbelly's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Fest, the sounds and smiles of kids, families and teens will fill the air.

Thanksgiving Point
3003 North Thanksgiving Point Way
Lehi, UT 84043
Phone: 801-368-4335
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Halloween Adventure Cruise
October 1 - October 31
Enjoy an adventure riverboat ride on the lower Provo River.  There are over 100 pumpkins reflecting off the water, with a scary story and song.  A pirate even attacks the boat and ends up handing out candy.

CLAS Ropes
3606 West Center Street
Provo, UT
Phone: 801-373-1897
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Eat Like A Pilgrim
November 17 - November 21
Join us and ye shall partake of our plenty as the Show Barn is transformed to immerse ye in the culture of the pilgrims with the sights, sounds and foods of the 17th century.

Thanksgiving Point Show Barn
3003 North Thanksgiving Way
Lehi, UT 84043
Phone: 801-768-4900
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Earn Your Turkey Run/Walk & Kids Races
November 24
Since 1982, the Orem Fitness Center has sponsored the most prize-laden Thanksgiving Day run/walk in Utah.

Orem Fitness Center
580 West 165 South
Orem, UT 84058
Phone: 801-223-7010

Brush, Floss, and Clean Your Teeth!

How many times has the following scenario played out nightly in homes across the world? 

Just before your child heads off to bed, you gently remind them to brush their teeth.  Either your request is met with outright resistance comparable to a Civil War battle or, if your child is as sneaky as I was, they run upstairs to "brush" their teeth (read as: do anything and everything except brush their teeth).  I think I was 6 or 7 before I finally figured out that a dry toothbrush was a dead give away to my mom that I hadn't actually brushed my teeth.  Instead of changing my ways and just brushing my teeth when I said I would, most of the time I just went into the bathroom and ran my toothbrush under water for a few minutes.  Sound familiar?

So what is it about brushing teeth that has kids running in fear or concocting all sorts of lies just to get out of doing it?  Its not like its a painful thing, especially if done on a regular basis.  Perhaps its an assertion of independence or maybe the toothpaste just doesn't taste good.  Likely, its just not fun.  After scouring the Internet and accessing the knowledge of our amazing doctors and dental assistants, here are some things you can do to (hopefully) get your kids excited about brushing their teeth.

- Use a tooth brushing chart.  One of our favorites can be found HERE (its free!)
- Lead by example.  Brush your teeth with your children.  Make it a family affair.  As you're brushing your teeth together, shout out areas to be brushed as you go - "Now brush your tongue!"  "Left side!"
- If you child isn't too keen on letting you help brush some of those spots they've missed, let them brush your teeth first and then brush theirs.
- Get an awesome toothbrush.  It may cost a few extra dollars to get a Lightning McQueen toothbrush, but in the end it'll be worth it.
- Does your child take a daily bath?  Have them brush their toys' teeth and then brush their own in the tub.
- Use a plaque detecting pre-rinse to help kids see where they need to brush...and where they've missed.  Try Listerine's Agent Cool Blue (more information HERE).  They've got two yummy flavors: Glacier Mint and Bubble Blast.

Your Child's First Visit

While this isn't our office, the principles in this video teach you exactly what you need to know about your child's first visit to the dentist.  We'll take a video tour of our office soon so you can see how amazing and kid friendly everything is.  For now, visit our Facebook page to see some pictures.



And just remember, there are only 2 1/2 weeks left to get all your entries in for a chance to win a brand new iPod shuffle!!