tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29142739206099624702024-02-18T22:33:05.296-08:00Kansas City At Home DadsA blog dedicated to the Kansas City area At Home Dads. Building a better tomorrow by brainwashing our children today.KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-26759602230607566422013-05-29T13:06:00.000-07:002013-05-29T13:06:15.660-07:00Activity: Leilia's Hair Museum<b>Location</b>: 1333 S.Noland Road, Independence Mo<br />
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<b>Hours</b>: Tuesday - Sat, 9am - 4 pm<br />
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<b>Website</b>: http://leilashairmuseum.net/index.html<br />
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<b>Cost</b>: $6.00 Adults, $3.00 for children.<br />
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<b>Experience</b>:<br />
To answer your first question, because we know it's going to be asked, what the hell is a hair museum. <br />
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Well, it's a museum dedicated to hair art. Yup, it sounds a little creepy when said out loud. <br />
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However, do not let that deter you, this place is worth it if only for the uniqueness of it. Leila's Hair Museum is the only hair museum in the world. From their site: <b> "<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">boasting over 500 hair wreaths and over 2000 pieces of jewelry made of human
hair. B</span></span></span>oasting over 500 hair wreaths and over 2000 pieces of jewelry made of human
hair.</span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just for this reason, you should go see this. What you will see are wreath's created from human hair. These are quite intricate with a lot of detail work. Apparently, according to Leilia, this art form came from an age when there were no photographs and this is how they shared family history's. Many wreaths came from funerals. Yup, good times. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beside the hair wreaths expect to see the pictures of baby's with real baby hair. It's the uniqueness that you are see here, just keep that in mind. She also has hair from some famous American figures, from Marylin Monroe to Elvis to George Washington. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">The jewelry is what we found the most fascinating because who would ever think that you could make a ring or a watch chain out of hair. Well, apparently a lot of our ancestors did. And now Leilia has them, just waiting for you to see them. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sure, the idea that all these people are dead or that the hair came from baby's long pest can get the creepy vibe going, but I ask you, doesn't history need to be a little creepy?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">A note on age appropriate: all manner of kids are welcome. But those with small toddlers that are mobile will need to be on your toes. The wreaths are framed all over the wall and many are low enough to the ground for sticky fingers to touch them. Although you can't touch the actual hair, I can imagine you can pull the frames off really easily. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Also, this museum shouldn't take you to long to get through, it's a 30 to 45 min trip so it's a good thing to do right before lunch, if you can maintain your appetite, you are good to go. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdKuHdcrqroLNobtq8rhK1xNpH0iN4PWH-dBhkDoZMf6jr9_Q8Itp13lrAVRklMNq5bmjkEvn7beeK3KotBnK5sjDUDYU2vZlkYbZM7LbIIMzAmpP5nK6FWZkmD0ydxprVF-PN2BndfyN/s1600/IMG_4086%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdKuHdcrqroLNobtq8rhK1xNpH0iN4PWH-dBhkDoZMf6jr9_Q8Itp13lrAVRklMNq5bmjkEvn7beeK3KotBnK5sjDUDYU2vZlkYbZM7LbIIMzAmpP5nK6FWZkmD0ydxprVF-PN2BndfyN/s320/IMG_4086%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></b>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-91383120771337675772013-05-22T06:35:00.001-07:002013-05-29T13:14:50.840-07:00Summer 2012Sure we didn't blog alot, but that didn't mean we weren't active. Here is summer 2012 in a nutshell for those wishing to have a trip down memory lane. Enjoy!<br />
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The Down Town KC Library doing yet another great activity hosted by Claire.</div>
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Race Weekend!!</div>
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Random garage sale hats. Free stuff, we love free stuff. </div>
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Our annual trip to Deana Rose's farm. </div>
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First official fishing trip. Apparently its more fun to touch the worms than the fish. </div>
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Our Annual out door movie trip for the whole family. This year's pic was Brave. We are a big group when everyone shows up. </div>
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<br />At the K with TVS Mike. Thanks for putting us up on the Crown Vision!</div>
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Tour of the control room at the K where we played a game of "What does this button do." </div>
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It's an elephant. </div>
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Pony Express museum somewhere in Kansas. </div>
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The midget auto racing Hall of Fame. One of the best museums in Kansas. </div>
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Somewhere in Kansas. </div>
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The worlds largest ball of twine. It exists and we have seen it. </div>
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<br />Camping at a Kansas State Park. No kids were injured in making this memory. </div>
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Believe it or not, this is a bathroom in Rural Kansas. </div>
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If the apocolypse happens, this is where it starts. Creepy man. </div>
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Motorcycle museum. It's very important not to touch kids, please god don't touch. </div>
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At Longview Lake beach. Worth a visit every year. </div>
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<br />KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-30815144551111822992012-04-02T18:50:00.008-07:002012-04-02T19:27:45.623-07:00Star Party at the H.M.S Beagle in Parkville<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMc7KXHTHq9ZCr_ccqujtqWz4-GZcxGSc5yT_cdwA8EMAQQU0-f2gguNu_19FKF-hP33iq67x3xbcy3VdAHFsnOIlvOruxyz-1FEsMURdbLunPYZtIqSK-XPR1Nc7_nKeCM0e2teOiyJV/s1600/54283+small+moon+pic.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMc7KXHTHq9ZCr_ccqujtqWz4-GZcxGSc5yT_cdwA8EMAQQU0-f2gguNu_19FKF-hP33iq67x3xbcy3VdAHFsnOIlvOruxyz-1FEsMURdbLunPYZtIqSK-XPR1Nc7_nKeCM0e2teOiyJV/s320/54283+small+moon+pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726991693928347570" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">By Mr. Rogers<br /><br />Location:</span> H.M.S Beagle Science Store<br />180 English Landing Drive, Parkville, Missouri, 64152<br /><p class="MsoNormal">telephone: 816-587-9998 </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Website:</span> <a href="http://hms-beagle.com/">http://hms-beagle.com/</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cost:</span> Free</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Parking:</span> Plentiful on the night we were there.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Age Appropriate:</span> <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If they are old enough to point to the moon they could enjoy it. But be warned, kids younger than 10 will have problems since the telescope eyepieces are usually far off the ground. I had to hold my kids up to all the telescopes, just a minor inconvience. If I go again I will probably bring a milk crate for them to stand on. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Review: </span><br />I have to say this was pretty darn cool.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">This wasn't a KC Dads outing (it was just my family) but it easily could be one. The Star parties take place every month from April thru November and a schedule with start times and a list of the various objects to be observed can be found on The H.M.S Beagle website.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We didn’t know what to expect but found it to be well worth the trip to Parkville. Our evening began with visit to the H.M.S Beagle store where they sell a wide range of science items. The kids loved wandering the store looking at all the kits, fossils, rocks, beakers, toys and equipment. We especially like the rocks, but what kid doesn’t. We ended up purchasing an actual fossil and a beautiful selection of rocks of various colors and textures as we passed the time waiting for the event to begin. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">At 7:30 Mr. Leif Bahl<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>started the program in the store with a slide presentation discussing what he hoped to show us. I was pleasantly surprised by the talk, it was very informative and gave me a new appreciation for hobby of star gazing. Did you know that line between the dark and light side of the moon was the best place to see the moons features, cause that is where the shadows are longest. Makes sense but I bet you never would have thought of it. He went on to explain a host of other things about nebula and star clusters and Messier objects. He was good with the kids and answered all of their questions. Many of which consisted of “I have seen the moon on my way to school” and "The Mars rover took a picture on my birthday”. (those knuckle balls were thrown at him by my two darling rocket scientists). At about 8:15 we headed out to the gravel space next to the parking lot as Leif set up the telescope on it’s first target. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">You are welcome to bring your own telescope, which three other individuals chose to do. The multiple telescopes meant there always seemed to be something different to look at. We simply walked between telescopes and waited in line to see what the owner had it pointed at.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The various equipment was also interesting and appealed to my inner Tim Allen. One guy's telescope was mounted with a lasor beam to help in aiming (so very cool). And I don't even know how to begin to describe the astronomy app on his iPad, all I can say it was freak'n awsome.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">All in all we saw Mars Venus, Jupiter, the Orion nebula, the Pleiades star cluster, and the moon of course. My 5 year old was into looking at everything she could, which foretells a promising career in Astrophysics I am sure. My 8 year old, however, was so busy playing tag with the other children in the gravel that he only looked twice in a telescope and at some very lame objects to boot. You can lead a horse to water…..</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The lame objects happened to be Mars and Venus. I don't mean to be disrespecting our nearest neighbors. It was kind of cool seeing them with my own eyes but, unfortunately, they just look like little balls. I guess I was hoping make out the rover on it or something. In contrast, I was floored by the clarity of the mountains and craters on the moon. You see the moon almost every night but the telescope really makes it pop. The biggest thrill was seeing three of the actual moons of Jupiter with my own eyes. You could also just barely make out the lines of color streaking across Jupiter’s surface. Had we stayed a little longer we could have seen a fourth moon appear from behind it but it was getting late and the kids needed to get home. We left around 9pm</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food Options:</span> The event takes place at dusk so you likely will have already eaten but there are many nice places nearby to grab a nice dinner/dessert should you prefer to eat in Parkville. (which I have not done but hope to one of these days) Snacks for the little ones will come in handy when watching the slide show and waiting for the telescopes to be moved between objects.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you have any interest in star gazing this is definitely a must see event. The staff at the H.M.S Beagle are friendly and helpful both in the store and behind a telescope. I had a telescope as a kid but having it in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing and where to look makes all the difference in the world. Before you make your trip out to Parkville, be sure to check the website to get an idea of what objects are in the sky and be warned that clear skies are a must for this event (But they do post make-up dates).</p>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-20933842572340867262012-03-28T16:52:00.004-07:002012-03-28T18:54:08.054-07:00Activity: Kansas City Auto Show<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><b>Kansas City Auto Show</b></span></span><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><b>Website</b><span style="font-weight: normal; ">: <a href="http://www.kansascityautoshow.com/" style="font-size: 100%; ">http://www.kansascityautoshow.com/</a></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><b>Location</b><span style="font-weight: normal; ">: Bartle Hall Convention Center, 301 West 13st, KC MO 64105</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><span><b>Cost</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal; ">: Adult Tickets: $10, although some coupons are out there. Kids: Free for under 7. </span><b> Parking is additional as well so budget accordingly. I believe it is about 10 bucks. </b></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><b>Age appropriate</b>: all</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><b>Review:</b></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">Things at Bartle Hall can be pretty cool if you get just a bit </span>adventurous<span style="font-size: 100%;"> and go. Sure, you would think that a bunch of toddlers wouldn't want to go to an auto show but you would be wrong. If you put some serious thought into it, then it is clear that an auto show is practically an amusement park to anyone under 6. Big motors, race cars on display and the chance to push the buttons on over 1000 vehicles without anyone telling you to stop. It's </span>practically<span style="font-size: 100%;"> Disney. </span></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">And as cool as it was to see the newer models of cars getting ready to roll off the line and into our hearts, the true greatness of this event were the oddities that surrounded it. Well, that and the </span>corvettes<span style="font-size: 100%;"> because those things are still bitching. I made the kids get out so I could sit in it alone and dream that one day, I would own one. And have hair. Both would be awesome. </span></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; ">But the things that surrounded the auto show is what I think made it a truly great experience for both the kids and the adults. Let's start with the U.S. Army that had a section of the floor. Look, I know that they are trying to recruit my youngsters and I'm fine with that. I'm fine with that because they had a life sized video game where my 5 year old held a life sized M-16. You want awesome, there is your awesome. And for the record those things are heavy. It turns out that my daughter is a pretty good shot as well. The Army section was well done and geared probably toward the young teen, but we enjoyed it as well. Along with the shooting gallery they had a football toss station, free golf towels for dad and at the end of it they gave the kids dog tags. We called them all patriotic necklaces. </div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">There was also a </span>museum<span style="font-size: 100%;"> of sorts of past Army vehicles that included a hummer, a racing motorcycle and various WWII vehicles. We do love our history at KCDADS. One of the kids did get stuck in a tanker truck whose cab was 6 feet off the ground. Entertainment followed when said father had to get up in there and get her. </span></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">Of all the exhibits for cars though, one of the best done was the Jeep section. They actually had an </span>obstacle<span style="font-size: 100%;"> course. You would ride in one of the Jeep models (they drive) and then proceed to see all that the jeep could do. From going over logs to driving up a 30 degree incline to simulate a mountain. I found it very well designed and promoted. The kids loved it although there is a height </span>requirement<span style="font-size: 100%;"> on it. However the younger kids did enjoy just watching the older kids go on it. </span></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">I also want to give a big thumbs up to the Kansas City Royals who set up an exhibit that included the worlds biggest baseball as certified by Guinness World Book of Records. I didn't get the stats on this thing, but it's probably over 13 feet high. We did get yelled at a bit when one of the kids disregarded the vaunted red ropes and touched the baseball. But let me just say this: the kid is less than 2 feet tall, what kind of damage is she going to do to a baseball? </span>Seriously<span style="font-size: 100%;">? I'm not saying that we should have touched it but I am saying that I could understand how a 2 year old would want to. It's a huge baseball, how could you not want to touch it. </span></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">Now for a few words of caution though for those who are thinking they might want to go. I would head down on one of the off days, which means not a </span>Saturday<span style="font-size: 100%;">. We had fun because it wasn't that crowded and it was easy to keep track of our kids running from one car to another. Second, bring a sack lunch and do not eat there. The only place to eat at the actually show was a Quizno's and I found that 23 bucks for a couple of sandwiches, drinks and chips was a bit to much for not that much food. So save some money and just brown bag it. There are tables to the side where you can sit and enjoy your food. </span></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; ">Also, bring some extra water. The space is large and there aren't many fountains around so be smart and just bring your own. Finally, beware the red velvet ropes and your kids. Easy to bypass and it's easy for dad to get distracted while drooling over the brand new minivan that he has his eye on. The price is a bit high for what we usually go to with the 10 buck ticket and then parking on top of that. I hate paying parking but we had fun despite that. </div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiExSx2CjQLOkuhm2A-Jqo8keRW97oV-qDb27G0TPcuMvN6lkxG2qq4npUkuYBv1ACIdNTmVz_4rIpH_RZrwchyuUbuVmIIVl3XahRPwEHzbn5X4Ikrw3O7FCWIMlWuTeEq6Kgf02Z2viH/s320/IMG_2240.JPG" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3ntn2rGA7Kdm_1fn-gsut1dV1eaxt9YW0aDR0rwFpl-CaUCydet5rzVrdy6F8ITh6hmNcJHvVwE_vTx3Svhr3-vaUwNBpTi29EH5Kuc60p7Y10hRCRqhbEMLMliqr5eUplft07SeYxu1/s320/IMG_2237.JPG" /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVtUpjCvGj6DIou-SnkuuMfz6xfYErrCsjJE2a8hfFrxKfdnAzBy-jqwebcD7_1CUnxFh9KEVgEXmxIXhK9qyLkTpObbgAtErb_AOBf6QluJ4saj1VdI3Qn6HrjaGrDG_82qbXqNjXPKZ/s320/IMG_2235.JPG" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xwRJOF_8QhmO50UdQpdY_0Bj9-KfEuhGKLyxqTPBxDJwI_BouZZfMEyivAY-3bk69lTa6WBlB1r0Dml9Cv9bH9jNqGKYPt5BHMJ3_hFdvPEV28xSo-BIWsDh_y_ZJreKIA6FlhsyuuEo/s320/IMG_2229.JPG" /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; line-height: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0DBx6FtEb5I7J9iuF8Y_NFsV7a7ObgQF0qc7OlSQFpURrqWlgBmpkETnqi7k7CkKk5BiJgVaSXDvFuc_LLqgIOxV0tnATc3ja4W3HWls1HJMBkFSFscJjYjx4fghSjzFYvMllNx8ItIn/s320/IMG_2223.JPG" /> </div>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-75909633569847629982011-10-02T11:05:00.001-07:002012-03-28T16:52:19.407-07:00Activity: Camping at Clinton Lake<span class="Apple-style-span">Location: 798 N 1415 Rd, Lawrence KS. Park Office Phone: 785-842-8562</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><div><br /></div><div>Website: <a href="http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/State-Parks/Locations/Clinton">http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/State-Parks/Locations/Clinton</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cost: Varies depending on what type of site you want. But in general: Under 10 for a basic site, Under 20 for site with hookups. There is also a park registration vehicle fee upon entering the park, $4.</div><div><br /></div><div>Age Appropriate: Depends upon the child, Dad's call on this one. </div><div><br /></div><div>Review:</div><div>KCDADS do like to camp and hopefully I'll be able to put up all the sites we go to on the blog here for future KCDADS so that they will know what to expect. I won't be able to include all that there is to offer but will do my best to tell you about our experiences there. </div><div><br /></div><div>We have been camping at Clinton Lake several times and have had an enjoyable experience each time. Let's start with the campsites themselves. There are many to choose from and I believe that Clinton Lake has 3 separate campgrounds to choose from. Some may be closed at times so make sure you call if you have your heart set on any specific campground to check availability. </div><div><br /></div><div>The sites that we have been to I have found to be pretty decent. They are spacious and offer heavy tree areas if that is what you are looking for, which we were. But there are also camp sites that are more open and spacious so feel free to use those. We wanted areas that provided good shade and space and we were easily accommodated. You will also want to check the website for the rules of the campground and hours of operation. But in general, the park closes down at 10pm and quiet time is from 11pm to 6 am. The campsites we stayed at were well drained and offered nice flat levels. I believe that the rule is 2 tents per site max but again, please check the campground and sites.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for activities, there is plenty to do around Clinton Lake and you wont' be disappointed if you are eager to get your outdoors on. We'll start with the beach because this is one area that I was a bit disappointed about. The beach itself is a bit rocky and access is not easy. It's a pretty good hike to reach it and you have to climb down long stairs to get to it. This makes it difficult when you are trying to lug a cooler out that way. It's not bad but it could be better. There won't be much in the way of building sand castles here though and your feet will get a bit sore after a while. </div><div><br /></div><div>Clinton lake does offer some great hiking trails that I found pretty decent, maybe around average from what I've seen around her. But there are plenty of them so if you like to hike this is a good place. They offer a little challenge but do give you some great scenic views of the lake. The upkeep is ok, not great, but I don't think that's a bad thing at all considering the number of miles that there are to hike. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you have a boat, this is a great lake for that. Easy access to the lake which is a must when boating. The lake itself offers some great places to roam around on and the kids will have a great time out on the water. The other boaters are courteous and it makes for a very good time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now back to the campsite. Sitting out by the campfire enjoying the stars is what makes this a great place to go. Clear skies and easy going park staff make a night here worth it. If you are looking for an easy experience, this is a good place to start. There are some playground equipment at some of the campgrounds but they are older and not much to write about. The second time we went camping here we didn't even bother with going to them. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for the bathroom and facilities, I would again say it's about average. Showers are neither hot nor cold but spacious which makes it easy when trying to get a kid to wash off mud. The toilet area can be bug covered so if you have a kiddo, go in there first and kill some bugs and spiders first so that they don't freak out. </div><div><br /></div><div>Clinton Lake is a good campground for us to go to. It's decently close and offers what we like best: peace and quiet. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></span>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-56419478846855230052011-10-02T10:53:00.001-07:002012-03-28T16:51:52.702-07:00Activity: Puppet Show, Downtown Library<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Location:</b> Downtown Kansas City Library, the best library in the state. 14 w 10th St, KC MO.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Cost: </b> Free</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Website</b>: <a href="http://kclibrary.org/">http://kclibrary.org/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Age Appropriate:</b> All ages</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Review:</b></div><div>Once again our children's librarian, Claire, takes care of the KCDADS. I have no idea why she takes such good care of us and our kids, but she does and we are grateful for it. This time, Claire and her library had a puppeteer come in and put on a puppet show for Kansas City. Claire made sure that we knew the date and the time and we offer her our thanks for making sure we were included. </div><div><br /></div><div>When Claire does bigger events such as this, it's usually not held on the 2nd floor of the library but up on the 5th floor. Keep that in mind if you get lost. And if you remember, this is also where you go to have lunch on the roof, one of our favorite places in all of KC. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now for the puppet show. It was amazing. There was quite a large crowd there but seating was plentiful. The kids got to sit on the floor in front of the stage and it was easily accessible for the rest of us. The show itself was fun and kept the attention span of both us and the children. The jokes were pretty decent and the kids loved it when the puppets ran into stuff or banged each other with fake swords. The show lasted for about 30 minutes which was a good amount of time to expect the kids to stay still. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the best parts though was after the show when the puppeteer came out from behind the stage and answered questions. He also brought the puppets out for the kids to see and gave a short demonstration on how they worked. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once again, another great free even put on by Claire and the KC Library. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pxl8XDRCwZmq3YGtOvEltQZo0flqJ_oXCr-8_h3RJpFJ0N3MMX1IoycDf504yNUToIE0rTTsFPnqnssEHoNxx1hmHDJHv0yi1Qmll8J8RuOHLESyT_7nCBig2hUku04TDIGeW-6c7TzJ/s320/Picture+295.jpg" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwGa890AK7yKiq0LUGtDeJ0e9mkcHtQVq9B_11oFX9w-7Dzz1Tfqma6N9hZo5tLzdXG7D9-gfb9_Nk0-AWYI3xpyt9j7fjbC9ObPy-4_cRHJbW0IDcOoNKotJQ2JHGGpPDtmGB22AJRbF/s320/Picture+291.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANYhhfxWN1dRbzGQ84YL6WFYRvMn05y4RYmO2Z0fHL7Dg5AgWmba7cgTAb3dvEAHjCdae8AXoThiM-JShCdynypCL2lICg_PX0MB3DSLTfNgnz8cUnzj-5IA_eeEaTXA7PvMz_PQuUsCV/s320/Picture+290.jpg" /></div>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-2496906366356132122011-10-02T10:35:00.000-07:002011-10-16T16:00:34.132-07:00Activity: Ice Skating<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Location</b>: There are several ice skating rinks and community centers that offer this activity. We went to: Line Creek Ice Arena. Contact nubmer 816-513-0760. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Cost:</b> Varies depending on where you go. Look for the fee to be under 10 bucks a head. Our cost was 5 bucks for ice time and 2 bucks for skate rental. </div><div><br /></div><div>Age appropriate: 3 and up. Keep the younger kids at home. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Review:</b></div><div>The KCDADS were fortunate enough to have a KCDAD set this up for us which might have made all the difference in the world. He offered to take us and our kids out on the ice and give us Ice Skating lessons. We would like to offer a big thank you to Jimmy for taking the time to do this for us!</div><div><br /></div><div>With that said, I did find that the staff at the community center very helpful. They took their time with us and helped make sure that we got the right sized skates for the kids. Most of our kids, and some dads, had never been out on the ice before so it was reassuring that we had Jimmy there and the staff to help us make a smooth transition.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for the ice itself, I have no idea what makes "good" ice and "bad" ice so I will say that it seemed great to me. Another neat little thing that they had was bleachers and a locker room with a glass wall so that you could watch others skate while you tied your own boots on. As you would imagine, this was helpful when some of our kids darting out that way while we were still lacing up. </div><div><br /></div><div>What made this a great activity for us and the kids though was the home made "ice walkers" that they provided to us. As you can imagine, none of our kids really knew how to ice skate. To avoid a bad experience of noses and butts hitting the floor, we were giving the ice walkers. These were little walkers were made out of plastic tubing and resembled a walker. The kids would grab on to these to maintain balance while out on the ice. We had enough of them as well so that almost every child could have one. And when we were short the kids easily shared between breaks. As you can imagine, this can be a physically challenging task which is good. We need to push our kids at times and this was a good activity to do that. </div><div><br /></div><div>We were able to skate for about an hour while our KCDAD gave pointers to the kids. As this ice rink was inside, this is also an activity that is good year round. It was a good activity and something that I think we will do again next year. I know that this activity can sound daunting but don't let that deter you from giving this a shot with the kids. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5A2mIYJ2Xun7KzYAEI4P8_Vss0hOKJhBZmmwuUNsq4FbffK64CNmxnLHLSbFXDC2hB5uT1-vGZ1J1UoSfF2cx6HoKUOAbLPjPEhtfTAHRHEMlL3nCHkTBElDvgvGl_aACZJTycmogdV2/s320/Picture+277.jpg" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8U1szSBxf1NH-QiHvy-RrM6RxWbzQKNJ84uGfPnfMGZ931MMYf5SaKWD7bO10KzdFKQkwmcn2JLeaafDk_2EXKYlmzS5_kJ9EoripUFkSIQXcnMlvTJf3zchXtSKsJzNDcPo8UoriHt9A/s320/Picture+282.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiGdPdhqBpvvbTjFcaxJ0zNY2gfb4gOtTxTr2ALY9NSN-s26h8YTzchEULmkdYwOYmufYb4LeGxtUN28Q-x50u0TZoHv8SAQ-KodvMTCkM7n1f40CYEujHi15ybdUFgk6viufhV9GKDOs/s320/Picture+279.jpg" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DuvCOKGXROonVg4fHF6qDt-4n-MRQX2VNLydtm3tHzt-Kj7j-mKWOt_axq7l8sRdD8tj3K8j98xQ83ALQcyDUF2F632CyDv6_1tezbC3WpUdfQM5y8uJPkkxbypiFASZAYUP_e9G8mIF/s320/Picture+272.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-19441064653251989282011-10-02T10:13:00.000-07:002011-10-16T15:57:20.094-07:00Activity: The Berry Patch<div style="text-align: left;">Location: The Berry Patch, 22509 S. State Line Road, Cleveland Mo. For directions see website!</div><div><br /></div><div>Website: <a href="http://theberrypatchonline.com/">http://theberrypatchonline.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cost: Varies upon how much you pick. It's free to go and play but you pay for what you pick. I found the prices way, way cheaper than buying blue berries at the store though!</div><div><br /></div><div>Age appropriate: All Ages</div><div><br /></div><div>Hours of operation: Varies based on season. Visit website for more details but in general, harvest time are in the months of June, July and August.</div><div><br /></div><div>Review: </div><div>Go and pick some blueberries! It's a fun and great thing to do and this is the place to do it at. </div><div><br /></div><div>For starters, you should check the website provided here for more information on how to get to the Berry Patch and what can be picked at the moment. Crops size and availability will vary from year to year based on growing conditions. Also make sure you check the picking report that is also on the website to see what the harvest will be like. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, on to the picking. We went when the it apparently was a "low harvest" and the picking report did not make it sound all that great. I was pleasantly surprised though when we showed up and there appeared to be plenty left to choose from. There are big fields where the blueberry bushes are and there were still some to be had. You had to work for them a bit more than usual apparently, but the group and our kids were up for the task. What we learned was that a 3 foot tall kid is the perfect height to get right up under the bushes for those hard to get berries that most people would skip. After an hour of fun work, and it was fun, my kids and I were able to walk away with a good 2 pounds of blueberries and that doesn't count the ones that they ate directly from the bushes. </div><div><br /></div><div>The fields themselves were well kept and easy to navigate. Be warned though that you do need to keep an eye on the kiddos for several reasons. 1. blueberries stain. 2. The bushes are high enough that it is easy to lose track of your shorter kiddos. It was also somewhat of a busy weekend when we went as well but I found the entire site well organized, the staff friendly, and the other visitors friendly as well. It made for a good time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now once your picking is done, there are other farm like things to be done here. For a small fee (2 bucks a kid) you can have your child ride on their "train" which is a bunch of little cars being pulled by a tractor. There are also plenty of hay bales to climb on which is always a great activity for the kids. Finally, there is a small playground that the kids can run around on. It's a bit run down but still fun. There was a large drainage tube there as well that the kids loved to get inside of while their friends pushed it down a hill. Don't worry, this is intentional and it's not a construction site leftover. It's really fun and there are plenty of places from some great pictures with the family. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once you have picked your berries, it's now time to pay for them. If it's busy, you are going to have a bit of a wait. You have your berries weighed at the front and then get in line to pay for them. The line to pay for them though is through the actual gift shop, which I'm pretty sure is intentional as they are trying to get you to buy various nick nacks. It works and we walked out of there with some honey sticks and also the best glass of blue berry lemonade that I have ever had. Honestly, it was worth waiting in line just for that glass. I didn't even know there was such a thing. However, if your kids are waiting in line with you be prepared to grab a lot of darting hands here and there. There are a lot of interesting things in the gift shop and they love to grab them when you are not looking. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you have planned well, and I'm assuming you did as you are reading this, you have brought a packed lunch. This is a great place to have lunch at on a good cloudless day. There are picnic tables but also bring a blanket and throw it between some trees. We did this and it worked out very well. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is defiantly an activity that we will do again next year. I'm also hearing that Blackberries will be good to go in 2012. Expect to see the KCDADS in full force. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiHL9KjjJrZbd6Nf2s3MTrhqd7fDiI6lm_Mo2YZWpWr0UU9euQM5JZS9Nre36fTq9CDIIUtLm08yk-2G4QiVP2cnxCp8Wg02ahsiR1T6tIe6C191EmKCAcANe5eu-MB3bXKIP312Yxq5J/s320/Picture+179.jpg" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCYLjodPleR-zLPiWI5Q08WhpVHVVHWJfluXWhwz3ux8jVrMCLCaln4Q3CwoLVKxJwXq7p8gVYhvNn58WxRD3Pw1dmCsfVR6QXAP2sq7FitTIk2NibzzPX4PVE88pkuIdimGepfYpYANc/s320/Picture+190.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1UMZ5rJmkz_Wt9wCmpiIsDTV4Okzthmu9OISC9TcMDRCiyvi2xZqUvWiefSgYq7tq8bDZNH7a7cV3YRqb3KrVaF4T_QWPiYrGM4fyb328AQ3U7fY1K5uh-JI1hELAmaIu3MpVtnpBrv8/s320/Picture+177.jpg" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRtLdGraIgsKP__z4kxrEbl7cu2qxRR-snVt6QdUAQAI3gDc0PB2HX1dq1P5MdxwUaMn8NFu98eAXemK0Bd76WLh8cAe1RIjyHSeV_VTbIYrkkVJ5qDGrb4Nyq7XhZ3UjiBJgJSX0IwnQ/s320/Picture+171.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rkV53o7_CXoV5hp55dM9HBGZe7SsidjVHrOKmRVBRb-kUfcqEHMsrXZH9G8p6nK-bfm-yTnWqg7yu0-hh579zxw7IBeV_wbQHHuwhPWgjJkw4CQBfAqJJSpkT_2xBJaY0Q0N1nNeP_bx/s320/Picture+166.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-86935645289609695122011-10-02T09:36:00.000-07:002011-10-02T12:15:04.733-07:00Activity: Drive in Movie Theater<div style="text-align: left;">Location: There are several around time, please use Google. We used the Twin Drive In located at 1320 N. 291 Highway, Independence Mo</div><div><br /></div><div>Cost: The Price of a movie ticket, about 8 bucks</div><div><br /></div><div>Age Appropriate: 2 years of age and up. I think the younger kids would be a bit bored. </div><div><br /></div><div>Review:</div><div>There are some good things to say about this place and some bad things. The idea was great and the KCDADS and wives got together for a showing of the Smurfs. I won't comment on the movie. </div><div><br /></div><div>The drive in costs the same as you would pay for a movie ticket so that's a good thing. The facilities though are a bit worn down. There is no grass to lay blankets on and most of the joint is in need of a serious paint job. I can't comment on the quality or cost of the concessions either becasuse we brought our own stuff. </div><div><br /></div><div>That is one of the great things about doing a drive in movie. Basically, we tailgated. And that's what made this place worth it. We had a whole set up. We had blankets to go over the gravel, coolers that acted as tables with fresh refreshments. We brought in prepopped popcorn and plenty of other snacks. </div><div><br /></div><div>We found four great little spots in the middle and backed our vans up. We then popped the trunks and the kids could either sit in there (sometimes they did), on the blankets, or in the lawn chairs. It was mostly wives at first but another dad did join us. One of the other things that I liked about doing a drive in, other than reminding me about my own youth, was that if the kids did get bored, they could run around a bit. It wasn't very crowded and they didn't bother anyone and there was enough space to run between our parked cars. This became an issue the later the movie got. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was like a late night picnic was some easy entertainment. The adults could also catch up and talk and since we were outside, it didn't really bother anyone. The sound for the movie now comes through your radio as well so that was acutally a nice touch.<br /><br /></div><div>Finally, if you were so inclined and the smurfs were about to melt your brain, there were 3 other movies showing behind us. I found it fun to turn around and watch 10 minutes of Planet of the Apes to a Smurf soundtrack. This probably explains my last beef with this place: there was some pot smoking going on. I don't know who and I don't know where but I know what doobage smells like. Just a word of caution on this one. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's a fun activity and we will go again next summer but I'm guessing we might try to find a different place.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8O2KuxGAMzwETFTzpA59FBpiaXWM_B6JDyaUSvVqcoOnadf4q5_7XHo9LFmrd9upybI3mWE98mJioHlRO7i_Y4w1ijCjNsHTirxpDpKHhapRYBMQMczbO4q8Z1j4wqJ5lxHT-E3ZKts5/s320/Picture+350.jpg" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LRdmwxczs17TznmbXrKD3K-f6E7JY_BkYHBqeppUHfxbUBWNJgNQtN6QjdFnRw2O05ogDDVfVss7ZtFBIm6Hn0qmQYmNiPbLLUsTv7ZuMuFZ0jDkUkQsFuAlwRVHKLqoNJL1Y8I2oQaP/s320/Picture+347.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Fl2ikYw6rrayFR-555CnvRwkevsDjrQ7PbBc35fNsEpBbVxzEuVTxXbx18dXpljaLEtJu_5q0TIuUIf4-dNMWAW4yhlcQmbUm26G1Wns7yp2wAwVfHfEij__fVrun34pUx1zn6rpr3iy/s320/Picture+348.jpg" /></div>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-88584137641116458332011-10-02T09:09:00.000-07:002011-10-02T09:34:08.065-07:00Activity: Kansas City Community Gardens<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Location:</b> 6917 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kensington</span>, KC MO</div><div><b>Phone:</b> 816-931-3877</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Website</b>: <a href="http://www.kccg.org/">http://www.kccg.org/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hours: Monday Through Friday: 9am to 5 pm</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Cost</b>: Free</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Age appropriate</b>: All</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Review:</b></div><div>From their website: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 93, 40); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span" >a not-for-profit organization that provides self-help and educational assistance to low-income people, children and community groups in the metropolitan area to grow their own food from garden plots located in backyards, vacant lots, schoolyards and at community sites.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 93, 40); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >This description just doesn't do this place justice. Yet another KC gem hidden in the rough. For starters, this place is what it sounds like, a community garden. But it is much more than that. It's a place where we can all learn about sustainable growing and have a good time doing. And as usual with most of the places we visit, this place is made even better by the attentive staff that gave us our tour. Our tour guide was patient and worked extremely well with the kids. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >The garden is a couple acres big and does have many native MO and Kansas plants growing there but they also have many wonderful fruit and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">vegetables</span>. In fact, the tour is not just a mindless information only kind of thing. It's highlighted by picking your own peppers, figs, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Asian</span> pears and other interesting oddities right off the tree and eating them right there. Our tour guide brought along a small knife and would cut up each sample for us right after it was picked. For the record, fresh <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">cantaloupe</span> that you pick your self tastes very, very good.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >The tour did include seeing some of the native plants and our tour guide was great at answering any growing questions that we had. As one of our local farmer boys was with us, this was a great thing to have as we had a lot of questions. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >We also got to try some things that we never would have tried before such as French <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sorrel</span> (leaves taste like a sour patch), a Mouse Melon (looks like a baby watermelon, tastes like a cucumber) and fresh peanuts that we dug out ourselves. Interesting note about peanuts, they are dry roasted for a reason. Eating one straight out of the ground was not so good. Kind of mushy. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >The kids enjoyed all of it though and were very game to try everything from the candy peppers to the purple beans. So with that said, it turns out we were actually healthier just for going. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >The tour didn't end there either. Once completed with the outside, we went inside where we planted our own Sweet Basil that we got to take home. For Free. We love free stuff. The kids also got a chance to look at a very big spider that I wanted to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">smush</span> and to play with a very large Praying Mantis that I wanted to run away from.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >In the spring or late summer, make this one of your destinations, you won't regret it. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-SSrRRRs8ci4VvDCAYZFanAqwfpH07-DEIZVJofVFE7ngu09Du3etZeiYBdA4Ii_AD7RrEEGrQKVbzvlpuRLOhnsryU6SRXE3CHbNyVmE_KAZnebxj0Uy43IyvriEvS-4HZHNSiXYg30/s320/IMG_1632.JPG" /> </span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_FMQj5zKVBpvlGb9yJrd-rxLYUcoMpWlATSTzPQEVgClIgi4eSUQtDRn2hWZCnnH3S1cGbLEFsP0ZZXZHOsWlNf9BTl-R17lSBBsM8QXHCOlHYMVYHMjfxDXHudN0WGR5w2nfZCDTHuI/s320/IMG_1629.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRZ5U8ag1nKparwnU9oSAe6bNrVY1Epz7HM5dtPo-pVK9ceuTCHR9hNLgAL127KVpl6nNcilaq91-x7O_V3QjtTg_fP6DtHkEvJGrESeZ4ED9C2QUm2apc9boFLJ6eaXw3mf7J_n4xym-/s320/IMG_1623.JPG" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulJ9uun2NMaYozyeJRQQ1zgaesyV4gd2n3OTjnMcw3GfxRPXyUqhxKPQ5nW-QrCuzjdU6e-yb9OFvPMo1PrK_2cOD7b8DkrVmydBrqSEquyjdVDxMHG0pK6eCMjahXCO5YpH9UD5m3M3o/s320/IMG_1620.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0u2DnWF9hyZplQFW4rXrEIKQYBRZ0l6trGlRxheoXoK5iuf1khZKDn-rzxB52URcELzNnU2dF0R5apeE7Z5p64A1UEzHftZAF3EUNJhE3ug3khIOoH8GG8Jd-icAX2jz66iAAq3kPJigc/s320/IMG_1619.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-60536331900089695742011-07-31T19:40:00.000-07:002011-07-31T22:08:53.190-07:00Activity: Longview Lake Beach<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWjan1aPu6zqQlYrRcvHuW8Vfyo109IrHJTvi3h1OXRFeUFNgAMLjWBx2Xkda_YP80LKJIdSTD8wxxE6Uu0TLtJjsTf1dGvSpgC0Z_Ku0ED1Oe7SMfuAeYNTgu6hU0D60piqJjCSLrYzk/s1600/IMG_1318%255B1%255D"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWjan1aPu6zqQlYrRcvHuW8Vfyo109IrHJTvi3h1OXRFeUFNgAMLjWBx2Xkda_YP80LKJIdSTD8wxxE6Uu0TLtJjsTf1dGvSpgC0Z_Ku0ED1Oe7SMfuAeYNTgu6hU0D60piqJjCSLrYzk/s320/IMG_1318%255B1%255D" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635748920846378322" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIc_j0N595-avvdc605tpc2tWBlg6dXFiAFkWlOGLUEtDjDqfuQZRy3-DCHLZtkh9ZL-AaxxKN1z1cBLPhODISB2TMvA22_0kTUSqPG-f0zDgZnvuoxWcaz_7CUZzLwr3kI5cvabUwZc_C/s1600/IMG_1323%255B1%255D"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIc_j0N595-avvdc605tpc2tWBlg6dXFiAFkWlOGLUEtDjDqfuQZRy3-DCHLZtkh9ZL-AaxxKN1z1cBLPhODISB2TMvA22_0kTUSqPG-f0zDgZnvuoxWcaz_7CUZzLwr3kI5cvabUwZc_C/s320/IMG_1323%255B1%255D" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635748916183240130" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yPdi2jGSE96eSVAcY-hGTkooKNVDeYj-LlZQWdXfLPJRuuDAHk2cyRwFSeo02blb5B6MCSD7BdZGcI_w-tOvQcRfgFHxe-B_N6C9OUoSoeHVlj8IvQkzVIXNtlHncWChQGOqji2iVCq2/s1600/IMG_1316%255B1%255D"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yPdi2jGSE96eSVAcY-hGTkooKNVDeYj-LlZQWdXfLPJRuuDAHk2cyRwFSeo02blb5B6MCSD7BdZGcI_w-tOvQcRfgFHxe-B_N6C9OUoSoeHVlj8IvQkzVIXNtlHncWChQGOqji2iVCq2/s320/IMG_1316%255B1%255D" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635748911024203458" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBHXzTeitz64bv4AMLunCdiUl70fCeBMRZyI_R1g60_PahlgzsAhP2fEsY6JNoq9h5M14102wRM-6iuIvhfO_rgKAoVczMnP1m3LYkRQzN6npX6FwPKVA7QpnkKmUUlIbWvnw2npMqDRR/s1600/IMG_1315%255B1%255D"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBHXzTeitz64bv4AMLunCdiUl70fCeBMRZyI_R1g60_PahlgzsAhP2fEsY6JNoq9h5M14102wRM-6iuIvhfO_rgKAoVczMnP1m3LYkRQzN6npX6FwPKVA7QpnkKmUUlIbWvnw2npMqDRR/s320/IMG_1315%255B1%255D" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635748908249546498" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Location: </span></span><span style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;">Take I-470 to Raytown Road and turn south, go approximately two miles, turn left. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Website: <a href="http://www.jacksongov.org/content/3279/3763/default.aspx"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Longview Lake Beach</span></a> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Ages: Appropriate for All</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Cost: $3.00 for children under 15, $5.00 for adults<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px;"><div><p class="InsertHeader">Hours of Operation: WEEKDAY</p><table style="width: 403px; height: 94px;"><tbody><tr><td><p>May 31 - June 10</p> </td> <td> <p>3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m </p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>June 13 - August 12 </td> <td>1:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m. </td> </tr> <tr> <td>August 15 - August 19</td> <td> <p>3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p class="InsertHeader">WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS</p> <table style="width: 407px; height: 24px;"><tbody><tr><td>May 28 - September 5</td> <td> 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><br />Review:<br />This is the second great lake beach we have found in the KC area. In the summer, it's a great place to go.<br /><br />Located on west side of Longview lake, it can be a bit difficult to find. But just drive around the lake and you'll come across the facility that serves as the gate for the beach. A word of caution though, the gate to get in can be a bit tricky if you are carrying a load of stuff that going to the beach with children requires. But be patient and persistent, the beach is worth it.<br /><br />This is a large beach, probably a bit smaller than a football field. It's covered with good sand, not the crap that you can sometimes find at lake beaches. This sand extends into the lake itself so there is no mud or seaweed that could freak the kids out. However, there is no shade or chairs on the beach itself so you will need to bring an umbrella (if you have it) and chairs. Or you could just lay down on a towel which is fine but just remember that the sand can get mighty hot. Bring sandals or flip flops for the whole family to make it past some of the hotter spots.<br /><br />But once the kids get down to the water, it's all play. Sand castles, moats, little wars between good and evil, it's perfect. The water itself also slopes gently and goes for a pretty long way so it is deceptive about how deep it is. Make sure you keep a good eye on the kiddos when they are out there.<br /><br />There are also a couple of beach volleyball courts out there for a couple of you more athletic dads. As for locker rooms and bathrooms, I honestly can't say as we had no need for them.<br /><br />This is worth several trips in the summer where you can spend a great day at the beach.<br /><br />j<br /><br /></span></div></span>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-33365159150692597772011-06-25T20:12:00.000-07:002011-10-02T12:26:23.185-07:00Activity: The Fort at Ft. Scott, KS<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; ">Location: Ft. Scott, Ks. You can probably, ya know, find the city.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Website: <a href="http://www.nps.gov/fosc/index.htm">Ft. Scott visitor's page</a>. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/minecreekbattlefield.htm" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; "></a>Ages: Appropriate for All</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Cost: Free</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Hours of Operation: Open year round. April through October--8:00am to 5:00pm. November through March--9:00am to 5:00pm</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Review: </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">I love history and I love free. Put them together and give me some free history and I'm a pretty damn happy guy. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">The Fort of Ft. Scott is located about an hour south of Kansas City. Head straight down highway 69 and you will run smack into the town. The Fort itself is actually part of the town and it's really hard to miss. It's across the street from down town. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">So that's where it is, but now let's get to what it is. From their website: </span></div></span><ul style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); font-size: 11px; "><li>The story of Fort Scott is the story of America growing up. When the fort was established in 1842, the nation was still young and confined largely to the area east of the Mississippi River. Yet within a few years, Fort Scott's soldiers became involved in events that would lead to tremendous spurts of growth and expansion</li></ul><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); font-size: 11px; "><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">It's a Fort. Should be pretty obvious as it's in the name and all. Actually, it's 1/2 original and restored from from 1842 and it's 1/2 recreated. Somewhere in it's long history several buildings were lost and destroyed. They have been rebuilt to match the restorations of the other buildings and this provides a very nice scene when you arrive. </span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">The Fort is layed out in a square, as you would expect from forts, with the armory located in the middle. It's bigger than some of the other forts that I have been to and takes a little over an hour to walk around with the kids if you stop to read some of the history markers that are presented. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">They do offer guided tours but as I had a 3 and 5 year old, we tend to skip these. Thankfully they also let you do self guided tours. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">On these self guided tours you basically go from building to building exploring the lives of the soldiers that lived there. It's really well done, the exhibits in each house are well presented, simple and informative. I was able to get a lot out of it and still keep my kids from wrecking something historic and expensive. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">There are the officers quarters, the stables, armory, bakery, quartermaster's house and the commanders house and a lot more. When arriving, the visitor's center provides you with maps so you will always know where you are going and what you are seeing. </span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">I do want to add that the bathrooms are located throughout the property and are all very well kept. When you are traveling with kids, this is a pretty big deal. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">As for lunch, I would recommend eating across the street in the downtown area. We ate at the 1950's style cafe and it was super cheap and good. Lunch for the kids and myself and we got out of there for about 15 bucks. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Take a road trip, Ft. Scott is a great place to spend a day and as it's only an hour away from KC, give it a shot. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8v-Ur3Pd_hJ_fsVc2GEGGTnmfLUtl1aVmB8enFeib6abKeiVsb46uPa0qD7di5TVRl7ISpuf4-13Af95Z19bxaO7dLaFXUqaklC18vF0MiocT-w2hph7dRfAGZCh5yq6bc97LSSHSjdL6/s320/IMG_1286.jpg" /> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWYhqJOg3WbdiSOtOfiRbIvdE-8TjzcPRK4evuYkqbvpcvj-LPP1BnGlAnywfVJ75mNGxHXwuwiGpBWfhKZ9nVXBmdzRLLZL9IMa4nFfN0gXLqOysd10DPMCs9nP3qqq4QDnslc0Gz7Pn/s320/IMG_1274.jpg" /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnjPflqUD6g4k85gp6XIj89g_Lsa7vu1EchHSFyZ41GAQK6XxVl1uDVAtGHfUwoxtdVA1kMyk3UsiWBnLi1ypCwDVGCLSFS-IpmS3jzmeIB6Z8xm8yIb0f0j-HRgxYmJ3zWiAzqRtGeTd/s320/IMG_1267.jpg" /> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0O-j-jud9msMD8x-Chu3WstRgOcOWBe8ocTPtjs2ZMzxIpN2Kgk7qWITp3a9ABq_Fx_VKCNbzCgg3O84zFYKSSrvsAIUrnmPWMkB-qjT6WtzmSWIlYoA1mlnh5Yr5BjyyrZK31-ZUAcis/s320/IMG_1265.jpg" /></span></div>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-90560427714585001572011-05-27T20:57:00.000-07:002011-05-27T21:31:53.033-07:00Hiking: Burr Oaks, Habitat Trail<div style="text-align: left;">Location: Burr Oaks, Habitat Trail, 1401 NW Park Rd, Blue Springs MO</div><div><br /></div><div>Website: <a href="http://mdc.mo.gov/regions/kansas-city/burr-oak-woods-nature-center">http://mdc.mo.gov/regions/kansas-city/burr-oak-woods-nature-center</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://mdc.mo.gov/regions/kansas-city/burr-oak-woods-nature-center"></a>Cost: Free</div><div><br /></div><div>Appropriate for: All ages, no strollers though on this one.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hike Length: 1.5 miles</div><div><br /></div><div>Review:</div><div>Who's up for a good hike? If you are and you want to bring the kids with you, try this pretty easy trail. Check the website for a map of the trail and the others that they have there, it's located a little bit before you get to the nature center on the left. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is an easier hike that my 3 year old and 5 year old did without to much trouble. Of course, we took frequent breaks at the numerous benches provided along the way. This was a nice addition as it gave us a chance to try and see some wildlife while we were out there. Along with the benches are educational placards placed to describe what it is your are seeing and what you are looking for. As our hike was a little bit later in the day, we didn't get a chance to see much but we have come across deer and rabbits in the past. These were all nice touches when hiking with toddlers.</div><div><br /></div><div>The trail itself is decently well maintained and free of any overhanging or over grown grass. For the most part, it is covered in gravel or rock and flows well with it's surroundings. Several bridges span streams and these are also nice places to stop and watch some wildlife while teaching your kids about nature and stuff. Also while we were walking, I did not see any trash or garbage left behind by previous hikers. This is something that I always look for and can tell you alot about the people who walk the trail and those that maintain it. </div><div><br /></div><div>For the most part, the trail is not difficult with few hills. However, the habitat trail does feature some "limestone bluffs" in the middle of the trail and these provide just a touch of excitement for the little ones. They are really no more than 6 foot high out croppings but provide a decent beginners challenge for kids that like to climb them. They are easily navigated and provided a good chance for the kids to break up the hike a little bit. </div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, it's a good hike for the younger kids wanting to get the kids outside. Nicely covered by a canopy of trees, the hike provides just the right amount of activity and challenge for younger ones.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dIASxUvuzsMEu_LN8lGICndbphiTWgZ9w0F2XiGSO0CnoDkIzRBb_E7OfbeFFPHyj3HK0fG_dIDsH_t7IGuCWeM6WY3fpNGiu_LAOA9p2CzMF5INivuJ3vurCe-narMtP5lRGDgaEFSN/s320/IMG_0987.JPG" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMfbNOcFPXWQkzPTHaesBWl9s5Tn8fiKCe1wV6s_8oyDEaCggZaJp5L2MZRmqK5m5spoGD95mKtvS_kEoy-ARoFAF-z-Zfbw2L6eAG9If9ZEqlIHjlG4HvYGOb3-85RxZ-Ep6jRWK6LLs/s320/IMG_0981.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedFtSqOIQJKEK7CKZFPlFN2R1q-koSu08D8fkCJWY4UOY4ucs5QW4WZ-Z-4rzZpU5Gyy8Ng_zGdlcx89dvjnJDMJ2z5g9rdpqVDO68YqGA1NyvFVfeIeh0tdH1O6DIfvIfJdQ5w1V0jJ0/s320/IMG_0976.JPG" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiALwkquzhMH-0jTuj1Q0iJ6KN8fDR1kZPdHBlVI1Xk_vKmT6Wffx9dEQcjvwI7tYT5UKTsD1usuScp3ZD3trWexcfD4eqAFcH3O3I7uvp8Nhtqtx0jrcAjg3IkI-OgxNbHFybDUIL5TVM/s320/IMG_0974.JPG" /></div>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-54568170142661664672011-05-27T19:46:00.000-07:002011-05-27T20:57:08.047-07:00The Kite Festival<div style="text-align: left;">Location: Metropolitan Community College Longview, 500 SW Longview Rd, Lee's Summit Mo</div><div><br /></div><div>Website: <a href="http://kckiteclub.org/kitefest.html">http://kckiteclub.org/kitefest.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://kckiteclub.org/kitefest.html"></a>Ages: Appropriate for all</div><div><br /></div><div>Cost: Free!</div><div><br /></div><div>Dates: Check website but it is normally an annual event held in April.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Review:</div><div>Yet another festival in the KC area that is a must see. We seem to have a lot of these but this one might be the best. Located on the front lawn and surrounding campus of the Longview Community, the kite festival features hundreds and hundreds of kites. This is pretty much what you would expect from a Kite Festival I suppose but it's still pretty awesome to look up into the sky and see 500 kites being flown like a scene from Mary Poppins. </div><div><br /></div><div>The majority of kites being flown will be amateurs and families that have come out for the day. All crowd on the lawn and send up their little representations of their families. It can become crowded at times, both on the ground and in the air, but this in no way has ever taken away from the joyful experience that it is. Everyone seems to be very respectful and courteous to everyone else. Sure, there are times when you kite gets tangled with others, but this is always handled well and with laughs. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not all the kites in the are are amateurs though (and there are some bitchin kites by amateurs). On the far end of the field is a special roped off section that features the more hard core kite enthusiast. If there is such a thing as a professional kite flyer, and I don't know if there is, this would be it. This section of the field is not for people to wander around in but to gather at the edges and look up and some the spectacular things that are flying. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are kites and windsocks as large as football fields. There are cartoon characters, animals, flags, just about anything that you could imagine. And they are HUGE. And of course, because this has to be part of it, there are several dragon kites because those are cool and would eat your little kite for lunch. </div><div><br /></div><div>But don't dispair if you don't have a kite, you can buy one here for a pretty reasonable price. Sure, they have some of the more expensive and creative kites, but they also have good quality kites for the everyday family that can't spend 50 bucks on a kite. We bought our triangle kite here for 15 bucks and it's been going strong for three years.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are also things to do as you would expect at such a festival. Booths are plenty and there is even a little workshop where kids can make their own kites out of paper. To the credit of the craftsman, these things actually fly and the kids seem to love them. Just be warned though, this is the most crowded part of the festival and if you hit it at the wrong time you may be in for a bit of a wait. </div><div><br /></div><div>The best part about the fesitval is just being able to sit on the grass, look up and enjoy all the kites in the air while your little one takes the helm of your family crest that took you a good 30 minutes to get airborne. </div><div><br /></div><div>Check the website in April and make it a point to go to this thing. Your family will love it.<br /><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXvqUAeN-FdkyC3spSLcHV6CFphnKi3HXYj5Y1W42CAEj-ROfhPETAdT3LYOPB-jn5rQin2xe8M_4Aa81YZMZPcKD1KMlUSXeI2m0vr4pn1750tJv5mSv2FmGffiUGEpimuQtggWIzzsd/s320/IMG_0870.JPG" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHf5cPkxdU6t2QoHwA_Jymm9LrPt5xYF64qXWV1m_ELvNueJK6uS79oGbQbke8Nqp3cBk3zml1M-4kuCB3kNoKboW5cLeQT4qevXUJ38xAwwK1RG3rvvAF0n_pvMA0xsCKTKuik2Hr977R/s320/IMG_0872.JPG" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qMcjhjr4OIlEDBuF6roeE7oCXrsPdEZu87LV0EF4NCHEQbqo0Vd2zV3GfnMlQrllaK-XB19ku7MI3p6TJgaJsBzo2fo40ewGDZeDueDqdlq_JuwEEVLUMq7x9i7OC-IQT-66PG0ZLNgk/s320/IMG_0889.JPG" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUd01Gm1GOIvalVVWcESc65LQ5-kQ0ojiyJ-E5YvgCfbWFHFGFdAnsm1SFWhKPRwbqVyws2H4pIXRveopinmtkOH686ghiLFd4TQoJx7bUgrDwxCVXurPwPuLjVzkRvaAbPPfZXbygwSV/s320/IMG_0893.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-52993807319620947462011-04-20T18:43:00.000-07:002011-04-20T19:55:10.969-07:00Negro Leagues Baseball MuseumNegro Leagues Baseball Museum<div><br /></div><div><b>Website:</b> <a href="http://www.nlbm.com/">http://www.nlbm.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Hours</b>: Tuesday-Saturday: 9:00 am to 6:00pm. Sunday: Noon to 6:00pm</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Cost</b>: $8.00 for adults. $3.00 For children under 12. Free for children under 5.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Appropriate Ages</b>: Stroller kids. Kids probably aged 7 and up and enjoy baseball. Not the best place for toddlers.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Location</b>: 1616 East 18th, Street. KC MO</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Parking</b>: Parking is free and on the street in front of the museum. This area can get a little busy so you might have to drive around a bit. We parked on a Thursday morning and really had no problems. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Review:</b> The museum is in the 18th and Vine area which does give off a very cool vibe. It's a place that has some history and the museum fits in well here. The museum itself is in the center of the street and shares the same space as the Jazz Museum. We didn't get a chance to do that one but it's worth a second visit to do so. </div><div><br /></div><div>Like many museums in the KC area, this one is well done. It tells the story of the players and the people behind the Negro leagues. There are historical exhibits here to see but this is a more of a read as you go thing. That's not to say that there are not artifacts there as well, there are. But the true greatness of this museum is the story that is told that is behind all the artifacts. </div><div><br /></div><div>The museum does a great job telling you this story. Pretty soon, you feel like you are taken back to that era. The owners, executives and the players guide you through that time. As one of the dad's said, it does a great job or recreating the era that we were there to learn about. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are a few interactive type exhibits there but not many. You can type in a players name and it will search for it and give you the background or known information on them. There is also a movie but we were unable to see it as the kids tend to have problems staying still for very long. </div><div><br /></div><div>We did the self guided tour and it ended in one of the highlights of the museum. They have recreated a miniture baseball field at the end and have statues of at each of the positions of famous players. This is actually pretty cool with the low lighting. </div><div><br /></div><div>A quick note about taking the kids though. There is way to much reading for kids unable to read to really enjoy this. You'll spend most of your time chasing them around. The kids did like looking at the bats, uniforms and balls as much as the dads did. However, they had little patience for the abundance of reading. My advice is to leave toddlers at home and only take stroller kids or older kids that can truly get this a little bit better than ours did. </div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, this is something that I would want to visit again without the kids with me. Take a chance on it and you won't be sorry. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-13336119157991753072011-04-11T18:31:00.000-07:002011-04-11T20:16:08.790-07:00Activity: Grocery Store Tour<div style="text-align: left;">Who tours a grocery store? Who would come up with this idea? The KCDADS apparently. When I first heard that we were doing this, I was a bit surprised. Don't get me wrong, we like doing new things. It has become the hallmark of our group to do things with the kids just for the sake of doing them. Psych museum? We did that. Mormon historical site? We were all over that. But this, this might be pushing it. How awesome cold it really be?</div><div><br /></div><div>Apparently really freaking awesome. I know, who would have thought. And yet, it was. It was an original idea and executed perfectly by our fearless leader. The kids had an absolute blast and the dads were pretty much laughing the entire time we were there just from watching the kids.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for the set-up, I can tell you a little bit on how we did this. We contacted the manager of the store and told them that we would like to a tour of their store if at all possible. We told them a little about our group, that on a scale of 1 to 10, we were an 11. They thought it would be a great idea to. So we set up a Friday adventure day and met the store manager at the front of the store. I suppose any store would work so to do this, just call the one that you go to most. </div><div><br /></div><div>But what is there to tour at a grocery store. After all, don't the kids go there every week for our shopping. Surprisingly, there is a lot. We started in the cafeteria section that most stores seem to carry now. The kids got free fortune cookies and then everyone had fun poking pizza dough. The kids seem to feed off each other's enthusiasm when we do this and this is I think what got the dad's laughing so much. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next was the bakery which is surely one of the highlights of tour. We got to go behind the scenes and watch them do their thing. This particular grocery store, Hy-Vee, makes their own bread. They showed us how they made the bread by putting dough in some sort of flattening machine thing. They also showed us the actual dough making mixer. This got the kids more excited than just about anything else. They kids loved seeing the big dough hook rip through the dough. </div><div><br /></div><div>I do want to mention at this time how great the staff of the store was. They seemed to be enjoying themselves as well and all of them were willing to talk to us for a little bit and show us how things work. And they gave us free cheese, who doesn't like free cheese. The staff was great and I think that this outing was great because of them. </div><div><br /></div><div>We also got to see the staff decorate a few cakes. The Dad's took special notice of this I think in hopes of recreating this. Good luck with that boys. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next was the seafood section for our big surprise. They had live lobsters and the staff actually took on meaty looking bastard out for the kids to get a closer look at. At first the kids were a bit standoffish but excited. The staff here encouraged the kids and waited patiently. Eventually they kids each came up for a quick pet of a the lobster. Personally, I think those things look like the devils spawn but the kids liked it. When the lobster jumped a little bit so did the kids. The funniest part of the whole tour. </div><div><br /></div><div>We got a chance to also meet the in house chief and the Dad's made a point of getting the recipe for his awesome fish that he had cooked up for us. The tour then went into the back but just at the beginning of the back doors. The kids enjoyed yelling here. </div><div><br /></div><div>We ended up at their classroom/meeting room where the manager had taken the time to make us some homemade chips. Very nice touch, stay classy San Diego. </div><div><br /></div><div>And of course we had to tour the pharmacy where no free samples were given. </div><div><br /></div><div>This tour was an unexpected fun thing to do. I would highly recommend it to any group looking for something to do thats free and fun with the kids. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnmyO4416KcoBnX4Pg-f76E0J4GMNY4eprgcYBRSqKkj8JKrhfiFzTjvYj3sZDgdbj0STz5Q6kgMid1MXKFj7Dg-YqRC2I5w-i2Gqao73aFVmisAnVuf5RjC1_hfiO81ZReT9R-1hU-ED/s320/Picture+343.jpg" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlmlMTQ_MHvjYyEbhVTxLM3FH2eU64BK-ZBsfI7YNzr6wfUllMg7n4OOsSbhVWRmkQRH2Ze9X8tAJomXmnFP4J5h-gJQt_y0MVkEDY0sn0Zag_wlTLsNi-Zb0kvU1ueMxSPRo4qcJGgpR/s320/Picture+348.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMk-z0kIWkOkEjcz_5v9PS9VRdk6K3C4UU4IvQA9TeNI-ZzcdmqAVyZeECurSdovkHEXTsbPvKEFRC_qOqbmvh69Gf65CHI5E70L0ADYkDF24Yu2f6jVsY1AMslcKhHQzqtlC1iikvaoM_/s320/Picture+342.jpg" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U3a_-_s8xxsVnq4UVIkqPdgdRrwxiX2IQ1rddU0DSfvPrnlwona89Ers0PTLx8DAoTjdO7NRn-UZ0-BGDsqQgpljNq2AesbK5ssRBpJ1bsOQ_D8OQowAeGKGF4TgE-rNe1oXhj8RRDTc/s320/Picture+339.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-8943066595079004172011-04-10T18:24:00.001-07:002011-04-10T20:16:36.637-07:00Man Vs. Weeds<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_ez1Gu_14fbpbz1CVpZNNz4V7ltkkZiC87NvlmVHG_DbG1N9uUnAL3kjQa7HfVnoK6OhHN5ms8ZJ38dupl5BE6y37dKqCcw9eUpXKYSPS5LAy3UdiA8uCZbpunz091Wqs-mphhprXu3s/s1600/weeds.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_ez1Gu_14fbpbz1CVpZNNz4V7ltkkZiC87NvlmVHG_DbG1N9uUnAL3kjQa7HfVnoK6OhHN5ms8ZJ38dupl5BE6y37dKqCcw9eUpXKYSPS5LAy3UdiA8uCZbpunz091Wqs-mphhprXu3s/s320/weeds.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594159296779116450" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It's going to be tough today. I know it, my wife knows it, and the kids sense it. They notice that good old dad isn't talking. They see a worried look on my face, my brows are creased in thought. They hit me in the balls a couple of times and are shocked that I don't react. They look at each other and then run off. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>I've got other things on my mind today, I've got a job to do and I'm not feeling good about it. I've got to go out to the yard. I have to face something that so far has gotten the best of me. This is my last chance or I'll lose it. I'll lose it bad. I'll go to a very dark place and I may not come back from it.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's the weeds. It's always the weeds. They're back. And they're out front. Waiting for me to come back, waiting for the final battle. </div><div><br /></div><div>When we bought this house, no one had lived in it for 2 years. That means that no one put any weed prevent down either. The first year we lived here I didn't do much. I didn't have time, I was trying to settle the family in a new city. The second year I launched my first offensive. I laid down <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">prevent</span>, weeded, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">aerated</span> and laid down new grass seed. Some of it came up to. And the weeds came back up. </div><div><br /></div><div>About a week ago the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">dandelions</span> came back followed quickly by the clover. The clover came back in strips so it looks like it was intentionally planted. It's either aliens or my neighbors, I'm not sure. But I am sure that they have allies. But that's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ok</span>, because I do to now. </div><div><br /></div><div>I bought a special chemical. Something deadly. Something that I'm pretty sure I'm not qualified to handle. If it was any stronger I think I would need military <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">clearance</span> and an FBI background check. It is the agent orange of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">suburbanite</span> weed killers. My sperm count goes down just when I hold the bottle. </div><div><br /></div><div>I do not have good experiences with chemicals but I feel that drastic measures are necessary at this point. I'm losing this battle, this war is not going my way. Those who follow the blog know that I've had a bad experiences with weeds and weed killers. Last year the big war was against the vine killing my evergreen bush. So I took drastic measures then to. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, I won. There is no doubt that I won. But at what cost? At what cost! I killed the vine. I killed it good. And I killed the bush. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's time, I head outside. I read the bottle. Mix with water, be careful not to get into eyes, blah blah blah. The bottle says that I should add 1 table spoon per gallon of water. I took this to mean to add 1 tablespoon if you had sand in your vagina and liked to sing show tunes. 2 to 3 will work better. Trust me, I've got a good feeling about this. Maybe I can turn the tide right now??</div><div><br /></div><div>I pour the chemical into the sprayer. I add water. The vapors sting my eyes and I get a little light headed. Suddenly, and for no apparent reason, I'm feeling down right giddy about this. I'm positive that this will work. In fact, I'm feeling damn fine about everything in my life. I'm also a little hungry. </div><div><br /></div><div>I step out into the lawn and I eyeball the weeds. They eyeball me right back. The clover gives me the finger. I start to cry a little bit. There is no turning back now, I've reached the point of no return. </div><div><br /></div><div>I grip the sprayer. I walk into the yard with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ipod</span> blasting. One of us isn't coming back, the only question is which one. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-43599376763857500002011-04-04T12:48:00.000-07:002011-04-04T18:07:15.700-07:00Activity: Cars at Crown Center<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; font-size: small; "><b>Location</b>: 2450 Grand Blvd, KC MO:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Website</b>: </span></span><a href="http://www.crowncenter.com/Event-EventEngine/Index.htm" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; ">Crown Center</a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">. This link takes you to the Crown Center Event Calendar. </span></span></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/minecreekbattlefield.htm" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; "></a><b>Ages</b>: Appropriate for All usually, depending on what activity is being offered at Crown Center. </div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "><b>Cost</b>: Usually Free, however an </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">UNVALIDATED</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "> parking ticket will cost a min of $7.00. </span></span></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "><b>Hours of Operation</b>: Visit Crown Center Event </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">Calendar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "> for more details. </span></span></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><b>Review:</b></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; ">Although we will be talking about seeing the replica vehicles from the movie "Cars", this review is really for all of Crown Center. </div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; ">Crown Center, one of our area shopping centers, can offer some pretty great stuff from time to time as far as free little programs come through it. We have seen the Lego Exhibit, a replica of The Wizard of Oz, Santa and now the "Cars" cars. </div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">So let's get right to it. Parking kinda sucks. It just does. There are some free lots around the mall but expect a pretty long walk. There are parking garages that offer pretty good spaces though and that's what I went with. However, if you do not have a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">validated</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "> ticket from someone in the mall, it's going to cost you a min of 7 bucks. If it's </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">validated</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">, you get 3 hours free. I forgot to get my ticket validated so I had to pay. In general, I hate paying for parking and I hate it even more for something like this. 7 bucks is just way to much to pay for parking unless there is beer involved. So that part was a bit of a rip off.</span></span></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; ">Onto the event itself. The cars were in front of the mall in the fountain area. Other Crown Center Programs are usually on the second floor. For this one though, there were 3 cars to look at. Lightning McQueen, Mater, and the new car from the new movie. They were full size and I will say, were very well done. They looked exactly like they did in the animated movie. If your kid is a fan of Cars, this was a cool thing to do. They also had 2 bounce houses that the kids could play in. The set up was pretty nice and really well done visually.</div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; ">Now this is where I start panning Crown Center stuff.</div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">The </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">organization</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "> for this event, and for several Crown Center events usually just isn't that good. In this case, it was a one day showing so everyone and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">their</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "> dog was there. The crowd was huge. I don't like crowds so maybe this sours me a little. However, I don't think so. In order to see the front of the cars, you had to wait in a very long line for about an hour. Then a professional photographer would take your picture in front of the cars, which were roped off and no touching rule was in force. I thought this was kind of crap. </span></span></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">Have you ever waited an hour in line with a kid for a 3 second payoff? Not good man. And since other people were behind you waiting </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">their</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "> turn, you couldn't really just sit and look. To do this, you had to go around the side and see the cars that way. Mater, a child favorite, was just to far away for the kids to really get into it. I chose not to wait in line that long and we just looked from the side and took a few quick pictures. It was a lot of hype and waiting for very little payoff. The kids quickly lost interest and it was time to move on.</span></span></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">For us, this is the story with events at Crown Center. They can host some really cool and original ideas. But if you go, you have to be prepared to fight the crowds as they are always, always busy. And that means that you won't be able to spend much time at any individual thing as other people are waiting to get in. It's a tough call on whether to go to these things or not. Good and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">original</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; "> ideas with bad organization. So it's a crap shoot. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">I believe this is our fourth venture into Crown Center for a display and it's been true each time. To many people in to small of a space with to little time to actually enjoy it. We've even gone on "off times" but there usually a crowd waiting. There is to little space to accommodate the large crowds. Use your own judgement on whether or not to go to the next event held there. It will probably be well done, but chances are you and 5000 other parents will be knocking elbows while your child tries to see what there is to see. Just don't forget to buy $1 dollar worth of some crap to get your ticket validated. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGGgQUyAEPbOMjFEdkuW8FweRPZDQoIRafWRbCj39JIbYxlxo4X8J2gUYYss1CVk5SpKiFcXcG5v0nrM8wb0L3Ks5DbRiQqQqdIqyovEqkEssEE6Dlg-NWTnaZRu7CGP-nts26EWAi4d4/s320/cars2.jpg" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAVE9V2vI2KUPFcodwzapzr_HKLkVSZGIUjTBhYF_dLwQq-zO4HeqlTKKD_-Tx_rwzSKZFk2hfQGlbPOWuoRl9Ypr9INY_BvfmDx3HMYHkyuqS9FFEfG7LQm3_bCzHzXwuCrTcQIVqX2k/s320/cars1.jpg" /></div></div>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-19715570054447063022011-01-08T20:59:00.000-08:002011-01-20T08:00:21.310-08:00How to make a Yoda cake<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqEq9-j_a9P8hnkCjYbmiFFkj6DgMSH1uIxwYatMmQ-plPue95ngjDYMbt9ra2veHjLtM_oyuGsBxUSoH6N7hNBKg9W4Rmm-VYbNYWGOta19DRZb3SSHT76dref876P6BDYTdPvHzR6GQ/s1600/DSCN8561_final.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 404px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqEq9-j_a9P8hnkCjYbmiFFkj6DgMSH1uIxwYatMmQ-plPue95ngjDYMbt9ra2veHjLtM_oyuGsBxUSoH6N7hNBKg9W4Rmm-VYbNYWGOta19DRZb3SSHT76dref876P6BDYTdPvHzR6GQ/s320/DSCN8561_final.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560791900436900258" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />By Mr. Rogers<br /><br />My son wanted a Star wars cake for his birthday. Being a Dad and thus the maker of miracles meant a sheet cake with the words "May the force be with you" wasn't going to cut it. If my son wanted the force to be with him on his birthday then he was going to have the mother of all Jedi - Yoda himself.<br /><br />Several KC Dads had mentioned they had made cakes out of marshmallow fondant so I wanted to give it a try. Thanks to Teacher Dad and Enforcer Dad for all of their advice on the application of this alternative to icing. It turned out pretty well so I figured I would share how I did it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnBkZP4y5zJo5IYLe5JTkQjjL9Y62xKbf2DPZOUJ3YQ9psJ8KUIjHZ0JWOXxAshQ04p3G08nLc1VJHawzyNDhpIWtW7pnnJ3t2_HZDQG6y7T40kVuASY9yZcWRXSjAE90TIdOgZpCnynl/s1600/DSCN8521_playdough+head.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnBkZP4y5zJo5IYLe5JTkQjjL9Y62xKbf2DPZOUJ3YQ9psJ8KUIjHZ0JWOXxAshQ04p3G08nLc1VJHawzyNDhpIWtW7pnnJ3t2_HZDQG6y7T40kVuASY9yZcWRXSjAE90TIdOgZpCnynl/s400/DSCN8521_playdough+head.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560787505885531810" border="0" /></a>1. If I was going to make his head out of fondant I figured I'd better get real acquainted with what it looks like so I printed up a bunch of Yoda head shots from the Internet and then using the kids play dough made a small model of Yoda.<br /><br />2. I found several recipes for marshmallow fondant on the internet and it was easy to make. Mine consisted of: 24oz mini marshmallows, 3lbs powdered sugar, 6-7tbsp water and Crisco Shorting to keep it from sticking to everything. I made the fondant earlier in the week and stored in the fridge with no coloring.<br /><br />3. I cut some thick cardboard 15” by 9.5” and wrapped it in foil for my cake to sit on. It was just small enough to fit in my freezer (damn the side by side) but barely big enough for the cake.<br /><br />4. I then baked two sheet cakes using a boxed Betty <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rwGx5bpkIm2FgCVpcDRZcQ6u8qnLt7eZWqRAchUra7GTbPGNEGvUYd-2u1Eoi7xgaeUXOJXV-dUo921puGjD5-hOYYD6cuKHK2oFKaGNks2ikDN5iY4BQuozqokDpVV5QWuGfaO82msL/s1600/DSCN8518_templates.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rwGx5bpkIm2FgCVpcDRZcQ6u8qnLt7eZWqRAchUra7GTbPGNEGvUYd-2u1Eoi7xgaeUXOJXV-dUo921puGjD5-hOYYD6cuKHK2oFKaGNks2ikDN5iY4BQuozqokDpVV5QWuGfaO82msL/s320/DSCN8518_templates.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560788350173598018" border="0" /></a>Crocker chocolate cake mix in a 9” x 13” baking pan. Some websites recommend using a denser cake so it can hold the weight of the fondant. I didn't notice any collapsing using the boxed mix, but when it came to carving the face it might have been advantageous to have a denser cake. Once cool I leveled them at about 1.5 inches in height.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpoPBAq7Dp7bEDy84dNQ6ZyKaB1MXo44fvQlzIGlBzvZ0VeVvGCEadnPPWspvFt2jWus1fCswfawNVGTFJ_aOEPrY9Nu9YOCIRpdzXu62ReiYOMBRIhxjLlnkupp8zL0uhiWy7pe7UcNH/s1600/DSCN8526_stacked.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpoPBAq7Dp7bEDy84dNQ6ZyKaB1MXo44fvQlzIGlBzvZ0VeVvGCEadnPPWspvFt2jWus1fCswfawNVGTFJ_aOEPrY9Nu9YOCIRpdzXu62ReiYOMBRIhxjLlnkupp8zL0uhiWy7pe7UcNH/s320/DSCN8526_stacked.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560789252946888034" border="0" /></a>5. I then placed my templates on top and cut out my shapes for stacking. I used a can of Betty Crocker butter cream frosting between the sections.<br /><br />6. The next morning I stuck the cake in the freezer for about two hours to firm it up before carving it. It did make it firmer (mainly due to the frozen Icing). I then carved the cake, taking a little off at a time. It looked horrible at this stage. It was such a fluffy cake that it was hard to shape it without tearing sections of it off. A denser cake may have made this <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXTubT3chgxUP7r1n6q3IZWK35gmDmEnNnZXRqycpYehT144AkRf4E8e1F7J_lpJ6CnSSQjxCZvz4dYTQhh8nCXR0qHl9Re9nSU8C_ekSbHCpS6w3po4UDHO2zMnMpv8e0La4BGxSmUr6/s1600/DSCN8532_Carved.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXTubT3chgxUP7r1n6q3IZWK35gmDmEnNnZXRqycpYehT144AkRf4E8e1F7J_lpJ6CnSSQjxCZvz4dYTQhh8nCXR0qHl9Re9nSU8C_ekSbHCpS6w3po4UDHO2zMnMpv8e0La4BGxSmUr6/s320/DSCN8532_Carved.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560789624184271650" border="0" /></a>process less troublesome.<br /><br />7. Next I crumb coated the entire thing in butter cream frosting.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZXg9NglWVPIV_o71R-XjZ46RFVX0itK0wg1IBd7qlLcD2PJAsNUTMDTw_aUYBhd-IGY9PJ5wz0u79hqMEdgrmn1SOYR6VTiU0QFm0pKvKTrq1B6RS4yG8T1AzTCUE1fcvoFbIl0vsumh/s1600/DSCN8540_crumb+coat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 264px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZXg9NglWVPIV_o71R-XjZ46RFVX0itK0wg1IBd7qlLcD2PJAsNUTMDTw_aUYBhd-IGY9PJ5wz0u79hqMEdgrmn1SOYR6VTiU0QFm0pKvKTrq1B6RS4yG8T1AzTCUE1fcvoFbIl0vsumh/s320/DSCN8540_crumb+coat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560790073198679570" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />8. I had taken my fondant out the night before to get to room temperature, but I still had to knead it a little to get it workable again. I separated a little of the fondant to use as the white of Yoda’s eyes. Then I added green and a little black Wiltons gel food coloring to dye it the right shade of green. A little goes a long way when it comes to the gel food coloring.<br /><br />9. I then rolled out the fondant to a little over 1/8 of an inch thick, using corn starch to keep it from sticking to everything. Some sites say to use Crisco Shortening and I might try that next time. Once on the cake, I had to stop working details into the fondant after the surface started drying out and Crisco might extend that time by holding the moisture in longer.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclIGhigLilhs7jQzbpvtYioGBI637_5-0Y1e7r8kLXrcvDJxZH-c3SIh1YFMZPBMB5WQHqzoyaf7_TMG0JpbR88tZA4F57kkaznmX3Aor7BvhauEdKvYMgw1bHZulw0bGP4AWrPSPjd_8/s1600/DSCN8545_fondant.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclIGhigLilhs7jQzbpvtYioGBI637_5-0Y1e7r8kLXrcvDJxZH-c3SIh1YFMZPBMB5WQHqzoyaf7_TMG0JpbR88tZA4F57kkaznmX3Aor7BvhauEdKvYMgw1bHZulw0bGP4AWrPSPjd_8/s320/DSCN8545_fondant.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560790467066037170" border="0" /></a>10. I transferred the fondant to the cake by rolling it up on a rolling pin. (avoid using a french rolling pin if you can) In the process it started stretching like crazy so I think next time I might roll it out a little thicker.<br /><br />11. I then just shaped in the details using a tool I stole from my kids play dough set (gotta love that play dough). I added the white eyes and used additional green fondant to make the eye lids.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpRWF_Pm5MvxX0J850zDl9FOfhyInipOwKLqE6PBE8Ng3aZYwcsC9mvny05iUkkuuBpthqSGm1u0sjIPg6szfaTWVgwlpg05LIzgdpk47h3xKpw38D7sWM6hql1P7fNIg7lG8NdVxH-UG/s1600/DSCN8551_fondant+eyes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpRWF_Pm5MvxX0J850zDl9FOfhyInipOwKLqE6PBE8Ng3aZYwcsC9mvny05iUkkuuBpthqSGm1u0sjIPg6szfaTWVgwlpg05LIzgdpk47h3xKpw38D7sWM6hql1P7fNIg7lG8NdVxH-UG/s320/DSCN8551_fondant+eyes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560790705035894978" border="0" /></a>12. I then mixed the Wiltons gel food coloring with vodka to make a kind of water color to shade the face. I used a much thicker consistency to color the eyes. And then presto I had a Yoda cake.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRmPS6UiRftorExkZU-wCIlbNH6dLJSBTeuHAveyDIvhSs59cgvd2nbW7SlM3p8NBt50DZ5uYRQjl-9H16AWjUy4LCqVKa-YQ2YhcxqddN-cPcTg3mNjvLnMjUo-3onGEH_K6skgJBoo1/s1600/DSCN8571_yoda%2526Me.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRmPS6UiRftorExkZU-wCIlbNH6dLJSBTeuHAveyDIvhSs59cgvd2nbW7SlM3p8NBt50DZ5uYRQjl-9H16AWjUy4LCqVKa-YQ2YhcxqddN-cPcTg3mNjvLnMjUo-3onGEH_K6skgJBoo1/s320/DSCN8571_yoda%2526Me.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561860549008282882" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPCzmFkucrN4XAXFnPH12eMkpdI2QI7a9HodwWCd41E787r4h_833FwV5UPCAXkMDazYt444xSZbHJakMwvBE9SjMgMBv9-rlyItL6pm6S3JzRrqCk984cYFdn7HmLZqKwuf8yh4WO-5J/s1600/DSCN8562_final+detail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPCzmFkucrN4XAXFnPH12eMkpdI2QI7a9HodwWCd41E787r4h_833FwV5UPCAXkMDazYt444xSZbHJakMwvBE9SjMgMBv9-rlyItL6pm6S3JzRrqCk984cYFdn7HmLZqKwuf8yh4WO-5J/s320/DSCN8562_final+detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560793159115853970" border="0" /></a>Materials used:<br />24 oz mini marshmallows,<br />3 lbs powdered sugar,<br />6-7 tbsp water<br />Crisco Shorting<br />2 Betty Crocker chocolate cake mixes<br />2 cans of Betty Crocker Whipped Buttercream frosting<br />Wiltons Gel Coloring for Frosting (Black, Brown and Green)<br />1 Fondant Paint Brush<br />Foil<br />Cardboard<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTC46Rl2Dlk9roj9IJPdFaTFiaTSoaT5ZI7ajaLvaBjg4UunfZhK64qF4D8Da1A1GSzHFeaJzF5qnFxLpkAS1tSC_5NcVyUcZMbqDSslcqYmTjmv6tnRx6wJyP_GYUoOdU1QCXeJtcc_0/s1600/DSCN8597_cutting.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 257px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTC46Rl2Dlk9roj9IJPdFaTFiaTSoaT5ZI7ajaLvaBjg4UunfZhK64qF4D8Da1A1GSzHFeaJzF5qnFxLpkAS1tSC_5NcVyUcZMbqDSslcqYmTjmv6tnRx6wJyP_GYUoOdU1QCXeJtcc_0/s320/DSCN8597_cutting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560792883247235522" border="0" /></a>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-10031277119590264902010-12-21T20:06:00.000-08:002010-12-21T20:30:47.078-08:00How Playgroup WorksPlaygroup is our time each week to get together and let the kids socialize as well as ourselves. <div><br /></div><div>Here's what you need to know:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Playgroup Times: </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Playgroup is held every Wednesday from 10:00am to 2:00Pm. </span> We have a second "playgroup" on Friday but we term this "Adventure Fridays". </div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;color:red">Playgroup locations</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial">: Playgroup will rotate between North and South locations around the KC metro area so that, in general, at least twice per month a playgroup should be within 20 minutes from you. The North/South boundary is <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">47<sup>th</sup> St.</st1:address></st1:street> in KCMO.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:red">Hosting:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" > Everyone is eligible to host a playgroup but it is not necessary in order to join the group. The hosting list is set 6 months in advance and posted in the secure section of the website. The Host decides where the playgroup will be but typically we ask that the Wednesday Playgroup is at someone's home to accommodate all the members with infants. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;color:red">Playgroup notification</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial">: When you are assigned to host PLEASE remember to send out an email to the group <b>at least 2 days </b>(3 is better) <b>before playgroup</b>. Also, not everyone in the group knows who you are or where you live so ALWAYS give your address and phone number so everybody can find you. If there hasn’t been an email, or you want to know sooner than 2 days before, CALL OR EMAIL the host - the host’s full contact info. is right on the playgroup schedule.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;color:red">Lunch</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Arial">: Lunch is typically handled by the host but is not required. The host will serve what best fits his budget and time table. Bringing extra food to playgroup to help out the host and is always encouraged. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;color:red">Host trading</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial">: If for some reason you are unable to host on the day(s) designated, please find someone to switch that day with you from your “area” (North or South). As a last resort you may email the group and someone will pick it up for you. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:red">Check your email</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial; color:navy">: </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial">ALWAYS check your email for ancy changes made that week by the host.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Adventure Fridays:</span></b> We use the Friday playgroups to adventure out into our community and get everyone out of the house. The Host is responsible for determining where the Friday activity will be. Times are also subject to change, due to start times of community events, but do try and keep it from 10:00am to 2:00pm as well. For example, a museum may not open until 10:30am. For lunch, everyone is on their own and the host provides nothing. Past activities for Friday adventures have been open gyms, civil war battlefields, or field trips to a museum. Weather plays a big part in Adventure Fridays and you should check to see if the activity has been canceled due to weather such as rain or snow depending on where we are going. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></p></div>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-59038729806195357562010-12-21T19:54:00.000-08:002010-12-21T20:06:10.799-08:00What Is Dad's Night OutLet's face it, we need a break. We need a break from getting spit up on us. We need a break from reading the same book over and over and over again. We need a break from getting kicked in the balls. <div><br /></div><div>This is our solution: Dad's Night Out and this is how it works. </div><div><br /></div><div>Dad's Night is exactly what it sounds like, Dad's going out. All Dad's are welcome. New dads, dad's that have aged out and dad's that have had to go back to work. Everyone is welcome. Except Mom and the kids. They are not welcome. Sorry guys, we love you but we need just a short break.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dad's Night Out is usually the second Thursday of the month. We schedule these events 6 months in advance typically but it is subject to change by group vote. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also note that during special seasons we change the night of Dad's Night Out from time to time. For example, during March Madness we try to match up the night with the opening Thursday of the tournament. We also choose at least one Monday Night Football game a year as well. If there are other events, like the Hockey Playoffs, we also try to accommodate those as well. Typically, these decisions are left open to a majority vote and discussed on email and facebook. </div><div><br /></div><div>As far as what we do, believe it or not we have a plan. One month we try and schedule an activity. The next month we schedule a bar. We alternate between these two things for the year. We also try and mix up locations so that everyone has a chance to make it. One month we may have the DNO (Dad's Night Out) in the North part of KC. The next month, we might head East, West or South. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for the activities, we try and diversify and are always open to ideas. We have gone bowling, pool halls and our favorite: Dinner and a Movie. If you have an idea for DNO, bring it up and let's see if we can get together.</div><div><br /></div><div>But no matter what we choose to do the idea is always the same. A time and a place once a month to get out of the house without the kids and family to spend some time with our own members. It's a good chance to really get to know each other and blow off some steam without worrying about the little ones are. </div>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-57912856039670803342010-12-21T19:27:00.000-08:002010-12-21T19:44:33.816-08:00Activity: Mine Creek BattlefieldLocation: 20485 Kansas Highway 52, Pleasanton KS<div><br /></div><div>Website: <a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/minecreekbattlefield.htm">http://www.kansastravel.org/minecreekbattlefield.htm</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.kansastravel.org/minecreekbattlefield.htm"></a>Ages: Appropriate for All</div><div><br /></div><div>Cost: $2</div><div><br /></div><div>Hours of Operation: Battlefield is open from sunup to sundown. Visitor Center times vary, so check the website.</div><div><br /></div><div>Review: </div><div>We should really have a special section on civil war battlefields. </div><div><br /></div><div>From the website: </div><div>"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">One of the largest cavalry engagements of the Civil War (and the largest west of the Mississippi River) was fought at the<b>Mine Creek Battlefield</b> in Kansas on October 25, 1864 near present day Pleasanton when 2,500 Union soldiers defeated nearly 3 times that number of Confederate soldiers."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">When one thinks of "Civil War Battlefield" the image of this place should come up. It's just a huge field in the rolling hills of Kansas. Seriously, it's gigantic. And it's a huge field. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">Kids love huge fields though. They love space to run. They love space to tackle each other. And they love space to hide in the tall grass and hide from Dad. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">The field is set up for a walking tour and walk you will. To walk the entire dirt track of the field is at least 2 to 3 miles. But you can get a stroller down there if you so choose. We made it about halfway before screaming kids asked us to turn around. But the parts that we did get to was well worth it. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">Standing out in the middle of that big field made you really realize something about the Civil War. Mostly that if you were a lowly infantryman on either side, you were basically screwed. There was no hope for you pal. None what so ever. Where are you going to hide in the plains of Kansas? It's flat. There is no where to go. Now imagine that you were facing down charging Calvary on this plain. Yup, now you are double screwed. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">That's the feel you get from this. The insanity that was that war and the bravery it took just to stay still. In the end, this is the battle that ran the Confederate army out of Missouri and Kansas once and for all. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">The visitor center is a pretty nice setup. It's nicely built and well maintained. The local curator proved that he was very knowledgeable about the site and was very friendly with the kids. He seemed to enjoy their reckless abandon more than we did. There are several exhibits inside the visitors center that are well worth the stop off to read. There is also a display of all the bullets that have thus far been found on the battlefield and that is pretty interesting. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">Take a trip to a big battlefield when you have a day to kill.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">As for where to eat, your guess is as good as mine. There's not much in Pleasanton. My companion for the trip described it this way as we made our way through downtown:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">"This is the kind of place that you always see the zombie Apocalypse come through." </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">All we were missing was a breeze and a tumbleweed.<br /></span></span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-65567633798664392522010-12-21T19:03:00.001-08:002010-12-21T19:25:46.155-08:00Activity: CW Parker Carousel MuseumLocation: 320 South Esplanade, Leavenworth KS<div><br /></div><div>Website: <a href="http://www.firstcitymuseums.org/carousel_main.html">http://www.firstcitymuseums.org/carousel_main.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.firstcitymuseums.org/carousel_main.html"></a>Ages: 1 and up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cost: The carosel ride is $1.50 a ride. There is a museum tour at $6 for adults, children 12 and younger are $3</div><div><br /></div><div>Hours of Operation: Thrusday, Friday, Sat--11-5, Sunday 1-5.</div><div><br /></div><div>Review:</div><div>You've got to do this. Get off your caboose, load the kids, and take an adventure in Kansas. </div><div><br /></div><div>Of all the unusual things that we may have done, this might rank right up there. It was certaintly one of the most fun. It's a little hard to find but luckily Leavenworth isn't that big of a town. If you get lost, just ask a local. </div><div><br /></div><div>The carosel museum offers two things: 1. A musuem tour. You are not allowed to look around by yourself and it must be guided. As our kids are notorious for not listening and wrecking things, we opted out of this. However, it is the second thing here that you really can't miss.</div><div><br /></div><div>You get to ride a 100 year old carosel. Sound boring? Sound mundane? Dude, try it and then come back to us. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is a working carosel from 1913 that is open for rides during normal business days. It's like no other carosel ride that you have ever seen or been on. First, there isn't really music like you would expect. The music for the ride is supplied by some sort of machine and I'm not really sure how to describe it but I'll do my best. You remember Dick Van Dyke in Marry Poppins? Ok, that's it. It has a drum that beats as you go around and the music is contained on a metal cylinder. And it's loud. Keep that in mind. </div><div><br /></div><div>The carousel itself is from 1913 and has been restored by the museum. All the horses are hand painted and the look is truly unique. The ride even more so. </div><div><br />Having children I think that it fair to say that I've been on my fair share of carousels. However, I have never actually gotten dizzy on one until I rode this monster. We were told that the carousel moves along at "8 Knots" Now, I'm not a seafaring man, I have no idea how fast a "knot" is. So allow me to translate. It's really freaking fast. Fast enough that you must hold on or you will go flying off. My son only wanted one ride on this contraption but my daughter wanted 6. It was very, very fun. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also in this room they have another very old carousel. It dates from 1850 and is an oddity that is worth seeing. It's a hand cranked carousel, I didn't even know those things existed. It's fun to look at and wonder though who was doing the cranking on this thing. </div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, a fun trip and worth the time to get out there. Highly recommend and the staff was gracious and accommodating. </div><div><br /></div><div>And while you are out in Leavenworth, on a side note here, feel free to drive by the federal prison. After you do, you will be sure that THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL ANYONE IS EVERY ESCAPING THAT PLACE. It's an interesting little side trip to scare your children straight. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">320 South Esplanade, in Leavenworth, KS</span></div></div>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-27392700179823969552010-12-21T18:39:00.000-08:002010-12-21T21:09:00.591-08:00Natural History Musuem, Lawrence KS<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Location</b>: 1345 Jayhawk Blvd. Lawrence KS<div><br /></div><div><b>Website:</b> <a href="http://naturalhistory.ku.edu/visit">http://naturalhistory.ku.edu/visit</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Ages:</b> Appropriate for all ages.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Cost</b>: Free--but parking is $1 an hour</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Review: </b></div><div>The museum is located on the actual campus of KU so get your rock chalk jayhawk thing ready and come on down. Although I wouldn't even think about hitting on the coeds my brothers because you are now an old, old man with baggage. The baggage being the kiddos that you drag along to this thing. Coeds don't like that kind of baggage. However, you can buy beer so maybe you have that going for you.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Museum is a little difficult to find so make sure you visit the website first to get directions. Parking is also a bit of a pain and it costs a buck an hour so bring some quarters and some dollar bills. </div><div><br /></div><div>But once you find it, it's a great place to go. The museum itself is actually free and we always love free. Free is greatness to all of us single income people. And as is the nature in these parts, free doesn't mean crap. This place is great. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are 4 levels to the museum. The bottom floor is dedicated to the creepy and the crawly. Giant roaches? They have them. Things that fly and land on your neck ready to suck you like a vampire? They got those two. The whole space down there though is really well thought out and kid friendly. It's a touch and learn type of place. It's a smallish room but it's set up well and seems to encourage the kids learning on their own. And although the giant Godzilla like cockroaches freaked us all out, the bottom floor is really well done.</div><div><br /></div><div>The rest of the floors are dedicated to other things, the highlight being the dinosaur bones. I didn't think we would find that much when we first arrived and I am happy to say that we were surprised. They the head of a triceratops and without a doubt the biggest damn turtle shell I have ever seen. Seriously, it's like a dinner table. Most things are also set behind glass so your kids won't destroy them. The exhibits are set up on either side of the hallways so there is plenty to look at. It was fun seeing the kids reactions to everything that we had seen. </div><div><br /></div><div>The top to floors I found a little spooky but still well done. They were filled with stuffed animals of every size and shape. The highlight here is the giant stuffed bear. The signs say "do not touch" but I don't think the kids could help themselves although I'm proud to say that no permanent damage was done. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you see one thing though in this museum though, see the beehive. It is freaking cool. On the top floor is a hollowed out tree trunk covered in plexiglass. This is where the bee's live. They get to the outside through a glass tube. You and the kids get to see everything, inside and out. It is one of the most original exhibits I have ever seen. </div><div><br /></div><div>The museum is worth the drive out there and I would recommend it for anyone looking for a cheap adventure. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for lunch, you have a couple of options. You can go into the town of Lawrence and find you something as there is plenty there. It's a nice town with helpful people so I would expect no problems. </div><div><br /></div><div>Or you can head to the student union and try to relive your own glory days of eating Roman Noodles and sipping on very cheap beer. We did the student union and I was pleased with the space, the prices and the coeds. </div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XJY5HRpCiwYzibvEWH84KicMHEZOJERF462_dPpHa-tf36CEKq7iP6qtGM70EQrKWePwbtHBfzJQOUNqTGOeOxrqE8wLaQ8PvTSoqClaPR6IQYkrigPaIGDBgKe2Zhu45u-UW1LdCGZ6/s400/Picture+206.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQm3DzbNXVxgUsUsJeOc97bDbYjQtS5UnxXatiaGWv6xs17v9gVzYjIaPv2XRgywQuNmZm4kXEf87JJguOHwP3i3J_tJp9X9XvkdJX1e8o5_q_NcAqZE77w4pjZ00pyC00SpDjS6UN2955/s400/Picture+210.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0a10DiwvSQ_qoQS50ODyBqwb6eEfSc4p2CKy_3PFKU9KrG2C_uz212VPzvYCq3ULg5muNC42rAYsDuSoJicLnK81H_FeKrt4bCqffzMICJOjydD_cLFgbH9Ung3nLGw-aPoUVAwZKKqnz/s400/Picture+211.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMC7XuN909C6Gca2vNvdXjOS9SpDqui_HSMlbgrUPDHkAYBWeRLTpimAEd0QIvDJYALRHwaUbV1GEAkBj1xAFiBXyn3pNKNRS676ZTfZZvjXYPn-oNABDWt6xagtvBL1-g1vSeoHWT2hFB/s400/Picture+219.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914273920609962470.post-74297785144832248832010-12-16T19:37:00.000-08:002010-12-21T18:25:04.269-08:00What I learned At the Convention<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxbPT7X5qJcM9ohFofSmKvpJnptVf6QGotLmK0rYxs_HlBuWqmmsYbNQPIeDRw-iE9n7-FBlrcMBD2yW9mrYunhbyorB1085PMg_nAUKhCprgBBK-3M-dJE97QfMyqqI6PbZVm_xa-AUC/s1600/con3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxbPT7X5qJcM9ohFofSmKvpJnptVf6QGotLmK0rYxs_HlBuWqmmsYbNQPIeDRw-iE9n7-FBlrcMBD2yW9mrYunhbyorB1085PMg_nAUKhCprgBBK-3M-dJE97QfMyqqI6PbZVm_xa-AUC/s400/con3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551492987558503922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKUjtoQ-6FqPuieR-rYfWirbs8RxNui1V05NGSXOVjQMEoXq6VyQUpgKTrooV37L14VGiNTiDv0GeodA-hW9C7CFW0vvouaedIja7bA1e5Y5x5-BMmC0tq5EJdytCwfR3UfpY79MY0bDU/s1600/con2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKUjtoQ-6FqPuieR-rYfWirbs8RxNui1V05NGSXOVjQMEoXq6VyQUpgKTrooV37L14VGiNTiDv0GeodA-hW9C7CFW0vvouaedIja7bA1e5Y5x5-BMmC0tq5EJdytCwfR3UfpY79MY0bDU/s400/con2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551492982931963922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gBPak1Mzc0lvEIi7k5PZyDl54LOqSsf8aUPRs51PBUUQfGX6mj2kv8TaOnezms-1g2PXuwEcGKcjif2UgWYD1htL7OcXLRgklg4jftzD-zlmD-2bu8HoV9Sftm2BF3KpCRaJUTG4k62n/s1600/con1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gBPak1Mzc0lvEIi7k5PZyDl54LOqSsf8aUPRs51PBUUQfGX6mj2kv8TaOnezms-1g2PXuwEcGKcjif2UgWYD1htL7OcXLRgklg4jftzD-zlmD-2bu8HoV9Sftm2BF3KpCRaJUTG4k62n/s400/con1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551492981305905570" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 14px; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 18px; "><p>So you didn’t get a chance to make it to the 15th annual SAHD convention? No problem. I got you covered. </p><p>This is what I leared at the 15th Annual SAHD Convention: </p><p>That to parent effectively, I have to keep the situaiton from escalating above my “emotional” line.</p><p>That if you open a bar tab, your friends will find out about it and put their drinks on it, too. Then they will call your wife and tell her about the great prank that they just pulled. I now have to sell my Xbox. Thanks guys. </p><p>That drunk dialing your buddy’s wives in vengence for the above prank at midnight doesn’t work out as well as you would think it would. </p><p>That having a “yuk” list is a good idea to empower your children during dinner time. </p><p>That 8 Crown Royal and Cokes vs. Fancy Beer is not a fair contest.</p><p>That using “product” is essential in combing a little girls hair if you want to keep her from running away from you in the future and calling child services on you.</p><p>That two grown men can go down a slide at the same time if one sits in the other’s lap. </p><p>That children want attention, sometimes even if it’s negative.</p><p>That you should never open a package that came from the front desk in front of a group of people you don’t know because it may contain a book called “Miss Vera’s Guide To Becoming A Transvestite” that your buddy’s thought would be funny as hell to send to you. Again, thank you fellas. </p><p>That there is somewhere between 158,000 and 3 million stay at home dads in the country. I’m glad we could go ahead and nail that one down.</p><p>That Omaha, Nebraska serves the best milkshakes. Ever.</p><p>That we shold be partners with our children’s teachers and not their adversairies. </p><p>That I can pluck a CD case out of the air after it’s been thrown at Mach 3 at my head and still have the presence of mind to come up with a witty one-liner. I am an action hero. </p><p>That everyone deserves a door prize.</p><p>That you should never argue with the driver of a minivan who has access to the window locks when there are 6 guys driving cross country after a night of heavy drinking. Trust me, the driver always wins the arguements.</p><p>That chicks dig the SAHD.</p><p>That talking about potty training with other Dads can still morph into a discussion about sports.</p><p>That my wife may get tired of the phrase “That’s not how Daddy does it.” after I’ve been gone for 2 days.</p><p>That the one guy that roots for Iowa State. will find you and brag about hanging 52 points on your beloved Red Raiders even if he has to mow over a bunch of orphans to do it. </p><p>That the loud knocking at 2 am does not signify an emergency but is an indication that your new-found friends closed down the bar. </p><p>That everyone wants to hang out with Liam so that they can go home and tell thier wife “Oh man, there was this one guy……..”</p><p>That drunk texting the one guy in your group that coluldn’t go is still very childish but still very awesome. </p><p>That I want to be an All Pro Dad.</p><p>That drink coupons is the dude way of saying “I love you.”</p><p>That the next SAHD convention is on October 8, 2011 in Washington D.C.</p><p>That I miss my wife and kids and I’m a better father for going.</p><p><br /></p></span>KCdadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17935817140652710411noreply@blogger.com0