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Are you gearing up for the holidays?  We have some great book recommendations for you to read with your family this year!  Paige and Gretchen invited author and reading expert, Erica Perl, to share some of her favorite holiday books, including Mrs. Muddle’s Holidays, Celebrate Hanukkah, D.I.Y. Kids, and The Spatulatta Cookbook.  These books make great gifts, but if you buy one early, they also have wonderful ideas for making your holidays more fun and meaningful.  Erica also has her own delightful new book, Ninety Three in my Family.  We know you’ll enjoy it!

Season's Greetings!  Join Gretchen and Paige as they talk with children's book author and reading expert, Erica Perl, about some great holiday books for you and your family.

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Join Gretchen as she explores American history at the Library of Congress.

The “Exploring the Early Americas” exhibit at the Library of Congress features selections from the more than 3,000 rare maps, documents, paintings, prints, and artifacts that make up the Jay I. Kislak Collection at the Library of Congress. It provides insight into indigenous cultures, the drama of the encounters between Native Americans and European explorers and settlers, and the pivotal changes caused by the meeting of the American and European worlds. The exhibition includes two extraordinary maps by Martin Waldseemüller created in 1507 and 1516, which depict a world enlarged by the presence of the Western Hemisphere.

If you are unable to visit the Library of Congress, don’t worry, they have an interactive exhibit right online at http://myloc.gov/Exhibitions/EarlyAmericas/.

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Gretchen visits the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. and explores the new interactive "Creating the United States" exhibit. This new addition to the Library of Congress gives children and adults an immersive experience, bringing history to life.

“Creating the United States,” offers a remarkable opportunity to learn in a fresh new way how our country’s founding documents were forged out of insight, invention, and creativity, as well as collaboration and much compromise.

Visit http://www.loc.gov/exhibits to begin exploring with your family.

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"Every mom needs down time!"

Paige discusses her video gaming obsession and gives her list of the best family games.

If you want to play along with Paige, her gamer tag is Heningers2400. Come join her, she would love the company!

Paige’s recommendations for family friendly games:
Viva Pinata, RockBand, Wii Sports, Guitar Hero for Wii, Donkey Kong Barrel Blast and she is obsessing about Pokemon lately.