Bill Pierre Body Shop

We bought a used vehicle here and they were so friendly and didn't badger us to make the deal they wanted. They actually gave us a great deal and we couldn't be happier. The store was clean and the lot neat.

Fred Meyer

This Fred Meyer location is bigger than the one closest to me but I find myself shopping there every now and then. It's not laid our very well. The Playland here for the kids is the biggest one around, so if you drop them off, they will have fun. The cashiers have never talked to me and always seem in a hurry since there doesn't seem to be enough of them when I visit.

Valley Drive In Theater

Our family loves going to the Drive-In Movie theatre. I do wish they would play more kid-friendly movies together though. I would suggest bringing your own food and drink since consession prices can be high. Admission prices are reasonable. The bathrooms get really crowded in between movies and at the end, so try to make a break for it before everybody else does. Traffic can be hard to get out of right after the movie ends, so pack up quick and try to park closer to the way out.

Baxstrom Curtis R Od Fcovd

Dr. Baxsrtrom is great with kids! He treated my daughter with care and I fully trust his medical capabilities. The office is a fun place for kids and he even plays games with them to help them not to be afraid and to make sure they are working their eyes.

The staff is friendly and easy to talk with. You never have to wait very long to see Dr. Baxstrom.

Ingle Chuck R

The office of Dr. Ingle is very clean and inviting. The staff are friendly and they see you right away. There have been many times when I walk through the door only to have my name called a minute or so after I sit down. I have never had to check in after the first visit since the ladies seem to have a great memory when it comes to faces and names!

They have treated my kids with care and have a tv room they can be in while mom and dad are being taken care of. The kids can pick a toy on the way out.

They handle many insurances and send you a reminder of your appointment well in advance of the scheduled date.

Their hours are ok. Expect to take time off work for your appointment.

Also, be sure to check out the bathroom! It's the nicest bathroom I have ever been in in a professional place.

Midas

This is the nicest Midas location I've been too. The staff is friendly and they communicate so that you can understand what's wrong with your vehicle. They have helped us in the past when we had two vehicles in at the SAME time!! They have given discounts and seem very fair in their prices. Be sure to look at their Brake plan if you get a brake job done there. The have a program where they will guarantee even your brakes pads as long as you own your car.

The store itself seems to be neat. Parking can be a problem sometimes since it seems a little cramped with the auto parts store and Taco Time in the same area.

This is a good location right next to the mall so you can shop while you wait. There is also a movie theatre and restaurants close by. I don't mind going out of my way to go to this Midas.

Fairwood Vision Clinic

Expect to wait awhile to been seen here. The first time I visited with my kids, they took about 2 hours total for two kids. It was long and boring for the kids with not many activities to do. This vision clinic is better for an adult.

They do take many insurances but their prices seem a little high. We've had to pay over and above what our insurance pays out for glasses. Especially the lenses. You can find lenses for about half the price at an Optical Chain store. Get a prescription and take it elsewhere if you are on a budget.

The Doctors are nice - run by a Father and Son team. The office ladies are nice and they send you a yearly reminder to come in for your annual check-up.

Woodland Park Zoo

This is the best Zoo in WA state. The park is huge and the animals very spread out, giving most of them a lot of room to roam around in. The Zoo is always updating and making more room for the animals and offering more and more fun activities inside of the park.

They have a lot of animals raging from Elephants, Lions, Tigers (cubs too!), Bears, Giraffe, Hippos, birds, apes, monkeys, butterflies (in season), bugs, snakes, night animals, petting zoo and much more! No real sea animals at this Zoo, though.

The park is clean and safe and the admission prices reasonable. If you plan on going a lot during the year, a Season Pass is the best price. You do have to pay an additional $5 to park your vehicle.

They offer strollers and wagons for rent if you forget one. The gift shop is bigger than most and they have a lot of fun things to look at. A bit pricey though.

The food court can be a little expensive if that matters to your budget. You are allowed to bring food and drink inside the park, so pack a lunch/snacks if you are on a limited income.

PROS: Spread out and lots of animals
CONS: Food Court prices

Fred Nelsen Middle School

Nelsen is a nice middle school, offering kids in grades 6-9 a great education. They just put in new lockers this year, 2005 and I believe are updating other things inside the school.

Class sizes are average. The teachers all have email addresses to make it easy to stay in contact with them. One thing that could be better in communication from the teacher before a huge problem arises. Like if your child is goofing off and has had several warnings and the parent is not contacted until the situation gets serious.

The 6th grade goes on a field trip every year to the Federation Forest State Park. Since it's part of the curriculum, it's not likely to be cut anytime soon.

They have Incentive Days where the kids who are getting C's and better get a half-day to do sports, go to a dance, etc.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with my son attending here.

Cascade Elementary School

Cascade Elementary is a great school! They just put in a new play toy for the older kids un the summer of 2004. The teachers are friendly and the new principal knows what she's doing. I trust the school completely with my children every day. My third child to attend starts in the fall of 2005.

They offer some fun programs throughout the year including concerts, breakfast with Santa, lesson and lunch with your 4th grader, carnival, book fairs, find raisers, etc. You can always visit when you want so long as you get a visitor's pass.

Class sizes are average. My daughter has 26 students in her class.