Popsicles in the Park

What: Popsicles in the Park

When: Tuesday, July 12, 2011 6:00 PM

Where: 
McCoy Park
800 N Bess Truman Pkwy
Independence, MO 

Grab some chairs/blankets and Bring the entire family out for an evening of family fun!
*Live music with Dino O'Dell
*Puppet show by Picadilly Productions
*Art stations by Odd Ball Kids
*Prizes raffled away
*Free popsicles provided by Blue Bell!!!

Cost: Free
Event is from 6:30-8 pm. 

It's Practically Here!!!

This Friday is my last day at my full time job!! I will begin a part time position in a field that I LOVE and will be able to do some work from home. I am not sure how to feel about my new transition. While it is something I have wanted since I had my first child, I am still nervous about making such a huge change. I have come across some different things these past couple of weeks that I would like to share with other mommies whether you are SAHM or working:

I recently found out about local mommy groups in the area from another mother. I couldn't remember what she called her group so I just googled "Mommy and Me Kansas City" and was eventually brought to www.meetup.com . This is an EXCELLENT resource for anyone seeking a social network of like minded people or folks that have similar interests. I joined 3 different "Mommy" groups that are located in Liberty and have been receiving regular emails with info on gatherings that these groups are having. This isn't even something JUST for mommies, I also signed up for a local photography group and they have group photo walks and outings. What a great way to network and if you have a hobby this is a great way to meet others in the area that you can get advice or ideas from. I am pretty thrilled so far to have discovered this website and hopeful that at least one of these groups will be a great way for my kiddos and I to get out and about and socialize.

I was also given a tip from my mother in law about local discounts offered through Target. I am so suprised that I have never heard of this before but if you go to http://www.target.com/ and scroll down to "Company Info" and click on "Community". They have an "Arts and Culture" program that has great deals and discounts on local family friendly events! Pretty exciting! I love looking for new local things to try out with my family and I believe they were offering 2 for 1 to the Coterie Theatre on Saturdays. This is a childrens theatre that I have been dying to check out but I will probably have to wait until my kids arew a little older.

K & G Interiors: A Hip Tween Room

This Gal does some IMPRESSIVE work! LOVE IT!

K & G Interiors: A Hip Tween Room: "Client Wish List: * Black, White, and Her Favorite Blue. * Lots of Spaces to Display Photos. * A Desk Area Upon entering the room..."

WOW!

I began this blog on May 22nd and I already have had 350 page views! Holy WOW! That my friends, is pretty impressive... I would only say 150 were mine ;)


You like me, you reeeeeeeeally like me!

Kansas City Zoo Trip

The weather cooperated this weekend and we decided to go ahead with our plans to take the kids to the Kansas City Zoo. It was a pretty uneventful day, but the weather was AMAZING and the kids didn't fuss once! My 2y/o daughter really enjoyed checking out all of the familiar animals. She talked non-stop about giraffes, zebras, lions, el-fants, kangaroos, and all of the other animals. She even tweeted at the birds :) The parking lot was crazy so I thought for sure that it was going to be a miserably packed trip to the zoo but I was pleasantly suprised at how well we got around. I also didn't realize you could take coolers in until I saw about 10 people with coolers, so heads up for next time, we are taking coolers (2.50 for bottled water, sheesh!)

Here are some pics I snapped while we were there:

We really liked the exhibits where you can walk around with the animals, it really gives you that "up close and personal" feel that I think children especially really enjoy.

This lion was giving us the crazy eye!

I love how they have the walkway next to where the Giraffes are, if you are there at the right time you can get super close to these guys! Also, the African Sky Safari will be going right over that area when it opens. I personally think it will be awesome but Hubbs had anxiety at even the thought of taking the kids that high up. We will see if I get to take the kiddos on it this year.

Now, the elephants were the BEST part of the whole day! They had an employee in with them and he was handing them paintbrushes and letting them paint. My 2y/o LOVED that. Finger paints are a HUGE hit with her and to see that her friends, the el-fants love to paint too was thrilling to her. She talked about elfants paintin' all day yesterday.

My favorite shot of the day

Elfants getting rewarded for their mad painting skills. They better give them treats, they were selling the elephant paintings for TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS! Yeah, no thanks.

I did finally get to a point where I am able to stay home with my kids more. I am quitting my full-time job and staying home with my kids while taking on some part-time work with a local photographer. I couldn't be any more excited! Finally pursuing a dream and getting more time with my rug-rats :) I am looking into becoming a FOTZ (Friend of the Zoo) Member and taking the kids out for the Toddling Troops at 9am on Thursdays but I just don't know if I can get myself out of bed and wrangle the kids up to leave the house in time to get there by 9! We shall see! Have any of you other moms participated in special zoo events? How did they go for you? Let me know, I'd love to hear :)

April

The Zoo it is!

Amazing weather calls for outdoor activities for sure! Hitting up the
Zoo with Hubbs and the kiddos. No place I'd rather be! How is your
family spending the day??

April

Trying to Plan My Weekend With the Fam

As a full-time working mother, weekends are BIG for me. This is two straight days that are MINE, I get to spend the time with my kids however I choose. It's almost overwhelming for me on the eve of a weekend since there are so many great things to do locally. I search the web, and check the weather and try to find the perfect way to spend my allotted time away from work. My husband has been involved with tractor pulling his whole life (what is tractor pulling, you ask? Yeah, google it. I didn't know either until I met him). This is a hobby that pretty much consumes E V E R Y Saturday of the summer and some Fridays. While I admire his devotion to his hobby, it can be a thorn in my side. (sorry, honey, it's OK, I knew what I was getting into when I married you) This weekend, however, the tractor will be out of commission pending repair. This means that I get to have my husband this weekend so the pressure is on to find something even more awesome to do this weekend.

Upon notice of said breakdown I immediately wanted to go to the Zoo. My 2y/o is very good at identifying all of the different animals and I think she would really get a kick out of seeing them in person. I would hate for Hubbs to miss out on the first time she was at the zoo and old enough to talk about what she is seeing. I checked the website and was even more delighted to see that there was an event this weekend! They are having their Second Saturday Kid's Fest this weekend, featuring Astronomy Day Second Saturdays Kid Fest Event Page

My next step at this point is to check the weather...

Yeah, if you live in Missouri or Kansas you won't be surprised. It is calling for Thunderstorms Saturday. So, I guess there goes that idea. Now, I am on to finding an indoor family activity or else my husband is going to have us putting up shelves and organizing the garage. So, you see how serious this situation is! The only indoor place we have taken our oldest (who is 2) to is to Fun Run in Liberty. She LOVED it and had a blast but I am really hoping for something different. I definitely plan on hitting up the Rainforest Adventure in Crown Center before it leaves town Crown Center Rainforest Adventure Link but I think that is more of a play date thing. I am stumped. Guess this "Mom About Town" doesn't know as much about this town as she should ;)

I need suggestions! You all don't want me organizing garage junk this weekend do you?? Well, I hope not.