Dear FAMILY Friend,

One year ago this month, Loudoun parents, Mark and Ellyn Miller, lost their daughter to a brain tumor the size of a walnut. More and more kids are being diagnosed with childhood cancers and there just aren't enough dollars dedicated to researching cancer affecting children. The Millers started the Smashing Walnuts Foundation to help fund cancer research focused on kids.

Read about the family's efforts and accomplishments here.
To learn more about the foundation, visit their website smashingwalnuts.org

13 Halloween Activities

There are tons of great Halloween events happening this month! We've compiled a list of the best 13 Nighttime Chills & Daylight Thrills- everything from zombie walks to creepy haunted houses!

Make sure you check the scare level to see which events are appropriate for your kids' ages.

Share your experiences with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Click here for Halloween costume ideas, party favors and other tricks and treats!

October Festivals and Fun

We've put together a master list of all things fall happening this month! It includes pumpkin patches, corn mazes, fall festivals, Oktoberfests, theater performances and more happening all month in the DMV!

CLICK HERE

to start planning your family's fall fun!

FAMILY FUN EVENTS

Marine Corp Marathon Kids Run

When: Saturday, Oct. 25

Time: 9 am-2 pm

Location:

Pentagon North Parking Lot
Washington, DC

For more information, click here!

Haunted Gingerbread House

When: Thursday, Oct. 23

Location:

McLean Community Center
1234 Ingleside Ave.
McLean, VA

For more information, click here!

"Hallowmarine" at the National Aquarium

When: Saturday, Oct. 25 - Sunday, Oct. 26

Location:

National Aquarium
501 E. Pratt St.
Baltimore, MD

For more information, click here!

Mom Blog: Scary Mommy

Title: 8 Things Nobody Told Me About Raising Kids

6. They only need stuff when it is inconvenient.

Almost daily, I will ask a child if they need something when I am up and it is easily accessible. They, of course, reply,

"Nope, I'm good!" and then soon as my ass hits a chair, or I am in the bathroom, said child will announce they need something. Every.Time.... to read the rest, click here!

We want to hear from YOU!

If you have thoughts or ideas on how we can become a better magazine and resource for parents throughout the region, we would love for you to join our new reader advisory panel!

What do you think this magazine should be? What kinds of content would you find useful?

CLICK HERE to find out more!

Thank you for reading!

If you have a great time at one of these events or have a story to tell, please share it with us! It is our mission to experience the great adventure of parenting with you!

Sincerely,

Your Friends at Washington FAMILY

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Review local shops, fun products, and more! Click here to find out how!

The results are in! Our "Best for FAMILIES" winners and finalists list can be found here and in our July 2014 issue! We hope you enjoy and keep a look out for next year's survey!

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