Thursday, June 16, 2016

DSM::Farmer's Market, Downtown, & East Village

Last Saturday, Adam worked on the Jeep with a friend, so I took the kids downtown.  Our primary goal was the Farmer's Market, but we had no agenda and ended up walking around for hours. We ran around at Cowels Commons, ate through the Farmer's Market, watched runners prep for the Dam to Dam 5k, shopped at Locally Grown & RAYGUN, explored and played the piano in the East Village, ran around and sang at the Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater, and splashed in the sprinklers by the Des Moines River before calling it a day. It ended up being pretty warm {90+} and I wore jeans {duh!} and blister-causing flip flops, but it was worth it because we all had a super fun morning!  We ended up spending 4 hours sitting in an auditorium for Jordyn's dance rehearsal later that day, so it worked out perfectly!

 
























Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Toddler Gift Guide

How is it December already?!


If you're looking for a gift for a toddler this holiday season, here are a few of our favorites.  Everything listed here is under $50.  As you know, we're into {wooden & metal} unisex toys for the most part.  The table & chair set and art easel are especially cheap & are a blank canvas to fit your space since they're easily paintable. We don't have the travel chalk board, but we're in the car {10+ hours each week right now & my kids love chalk, so I think we're going to need to get a set of those asap.  We already have a teepee, kitchen and many dolls and accessories, so this year we're adding more cars {we already have this and these and a bunch of these Wonderworld vehicles}and a car mat to the mix, sleeping bags, and a doll house for Jordyn, &  tons of TEGU blocks {they're wooden and magnetic and awesome for building--I can't wait!}  I would still like to get them some superhero capes.  We got the felt matching game set {& a few other games like Trouble, Hungry Hippos, etc.} for Jordyn since she loves learning so much.  Plus we can teach Cullyn to count with them {double win!} Adam and I are also throwing around the idea of a real guitar for the kids to learn on.  Because our house is so quiet & all.  Ha!

When Jordyn was born, we started the Something you Want, Something you Need, Something to Wear, Something to Read {plus a large, unwrapped gift from 'Santa' & stocking stuffers}.  Oh, and a special gift from the elves on Christmas Eve {jammies, a movie or game, & hot cocoa}  We've always been into quality over quantity, so it's been perfect for our family.  And since we were living in a condo, and now we're all in the {1400 sq. ft.} lakehouse, space has always been an issue. 

A few more ideas here and here.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Farmer's Market | 2015




































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Some of our favorite LOCAL EVENTS

I've posted in the past about Better Homes & Garden-test gardenPhelps Youth PavilionSeven OaksSports ClassScience Center of Des Moines, GlitterazziArt Class @ the Des Moines Art CenterElmo LiveiCubsShear MadnessB&B DeliTriad TumblingZoo TotsThe RitzBaconfestBackyard AdventuresSkyZoneSculpture ParkZoo TunesIowa State Fair 2012Iowa State Fair 2013Iowa State Fair 2014Tubing at SevenOaks in BooneFree Little LibrariesJumpin Jacks, and tons of local Christmas Activities.  I've briefly mentioned the farmer's market {which is a pretty big deal here} few concert and shows, and tons of restaurants, but there are so many places we've been and things we've experienced around this city that I haven't even mentioned.

*None of these places have any clue who I am or what this little blog is.  I pay for our entrance/membership like any other customer and blog only my honest opinions.

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