Planning some 'extracurricular' social time

This year, we're joining two regularly meeting social groups. The first is MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and the second is like MOPS, but not affiliated. I think. I haven't been to that one yet.

We went to the first day of MOPS this morning, and I think it will be just what we need. I tried a different MOPS group 2 years ago when Vivie wasn't even crawling yet and Johnny was 2.5. We went to the first meeting but I just wasn't in a good physical place to commit to going more.

But now, I think it will be great for my kids and myself. Johnny will be in a class of 4-5 year-olds and Vivie will be with the 2s. They'll have their own activities, do a craft and have a snack and playtime and such. I'll be with the other moms and there's usually guest speakers, a hands-on project and social time.

This group meets 2x/month, and on weeks that it doesn't meet, there's also Bible study offered (with childcare as well). I'm thinking that would also be good to join.

The second group meets once per month, and the first meeting isn't until September.

I really want my kids to have a chance to play with other kids their age, and see the same kids on a regular basis to develop friendships. Since we're not doing away-from-home preschool, this is the next best thing for playing in a group, as far as I can tell.

I know I'll need to take some time away from everything once the baby comes. I just hope I can spring back to stuff sooner rather than later. Perhaps it will help my kids from being too restless.

I briefly considered also signing up for Kindermusik -- but the price is a bit much considering we will probably miss several weeks. Perhaps we will do it next semester when I have a better handle on life with three kids.

Also on my radar is Awana, but it doesn't look like we'll be able to do it this semester. I can't find a location that has a class for both Johnny and Vivie's ages, and I'd really like them both to be involved rather than just Johnny. Vivie wouldn't really appreciate being left out, but she's too young to be in with Johnny's age group. Plus, the classes near me meet pretty late in the evening -- it wouldn't be done until after 8 p.m. which is our target bedtime.

So...maybe next fall for Awana?

Not sure if we'll make it to any library classes. There is a preschool class with no parent in the room for ages 3.5-6 or so, but again that's just Johnny and not Vivie so I don't really know how I'd handle that. There's a few story times that we could all do, so maybe just that.

Lastly, there's a homeschool group that meets at a park every week. It's as laid-back as it gets, which is perfect. I'm hoping to connect with some families who also have some young ones like me.

What else am I missing? I really want to keep it all fairly low-key so not to overwhelm myself. But, I do value having things like this to do.