Spring Saver Specials at UltraStar’s UltraLuxe Cinema

Spring Saver Specials go into effect Friday at UltraLuxe Cinemas, the flagship Arizona location for UltraStar Cinemas.

A Daily Early Bird Special is a chance to see the day’s first matinee showing for just $5. After the first matinee showing, all seats are $6 until 4 p.m. (Additional upcharges for 3D films, D-BOX motion seats & Star-Class auditoriums for ages 18 and over still apply.)

Movie lovers can also frequent UltraLuxe Cinemas on Tuesdays and Thursdays, when Discount Days feature $5 admission for select films all day.

Admission is $5 and $6 for students, military and seniors all day, every day.

“Movie going has always been a beloved pastime enjoyed by all ages, but in this economy, it can be difficult to budget for recreational activities,” says Julie Bravo, vice president of advertising and marketing for UltraStar Cinemas. “Our Spring Saver Specials are meant to make movie going as affordable as possible to the communities that we serve, so guests can continue to enjoy a well- deserved day or night out at the movies.”

UltraLuxe Scottsdale Pavilions is located at 9090 E. Indian Bend Rd. in Scottsdale at the Pavilions at Talking Stick. The theater offers a wide array of amenities, including 11 luxurious auditoriums, D-BOX motion seats, star class auditoriums for guests 18+ with in-seat food service, and a full- service Cinema Café serving gourmet movie fare, beer and wine. For a listing of movie show times, visit UltraStarMovies.com.

A chance to check out Studio Movie Grill – absolutely free

Studio Movie Grill, the Dallas-based pioneer of the first-run, in-theater dining concept, opened recently at the newly enhanced Sonora Village at 15515 N. Hayden Rd., just south of Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. in Scottsdale.

To celebrate the grand opening, SMG is offering unlimited free tickets to families. All you have to do is click on the following link:

Devon, my week with an 8-year-old

For the past few summers, I have had the pleasure of having a nephew or niece spend some time with our family for about a week. While they are here, we schedule time for them at local summer day camps that match their interests.

Last year, my niece Isabelle, who is 11 years old and a very competitive gymnast, visited. I called Julie Witenstein at Arizona Sunrays and scheduled Isabella for one week of an intense gymnastics/dance camp.

This year, her younger brother Devon stayed and I called Paradise Valley School of Karate. Sensei Mike Wall allowed my nephew to take part in a fun-filled summer camp with small classes and two karate classes a day. They went to a Harkins Summer Movie Fun screening one of the days to see “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” (Harkins Theatres brings back some of Hollywood’s best family films each summer to keep kids entertained and cool. The company works with many of the summer day camps in Arizona to make it affordable for the whole camp to see movies once a week.)

While at PV Karate, Devon met Sensei Chuck.

Sensei Chuck works with Devon at Paradise Valley Karate.

Sensei Chuck is an ex-military man who takes charge. He instructed Devon on entering the mat, discipline and rules. Devon found himself thrown into physically challenging activities every day. It was exactly what we wanted for him.

During the evening, we found ourselves driving to Hubbard Family Swim School for some private swim lessons. Devon was supposed to go swimming and I wasn’t thrilled with his abilities in the water.

The first evening, Bob Hubbard was in the small pool when we arrived. As always, he commands the attention of his students, fellow teachers and families watching their children through the glass. Our family has personally known Kathy and Bob Hubbard for years. They were among the first supporters of the magazine.

I respect them for many reasons. They have taught my own children at camps and swim lessons. They unequivocally love children. I knew that with their guidance Devon would become a stronger swimmer and I would feel more comfortable with him in the water.

Devon practices floating at Hubbard Family Swim School.

We finished off the week weary and fulfilled. While it is exhausting having an 8-year-old in the house again, there is a laughter and volume that I find myself missing. — MaryAnn Ortiz-Lieb