By: Shari Jacobs

My daughter recently finished a month long theatre class in May called, Circus Hilarious at the Coterie Theatre in Crown Center.  She had so much fun pretending to be a lion tamer, a tight ropewalker, an excited clown, and even a sad, scary, and confused clown! The Coterie Acts Theatre School will be offering more exciting summer theatre classes for grades K – 12 beginning in June. The list of classes being offered is long and class sizes are small so make sure to check out all the opportunities at www.coterietheatre.org and www.pembrokehill.org for Pembroke Hill classes.

This is a great chance for kids to be around other kids their age, make new friends, learn about theatre all while keeping it cool in the hot summer months!  Make sure to check out the class schedule to find out if there is a theatre class that is offered near you.  With a variety of classes and class locations convenience and fun could be just around the corner this summer!

Some of the summer classes offered for the older grades are “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”, “Comedy on Your Feet”, “Advanced Musical Theatre” and even “Fun Effects in Theatrical Makeup”.   For the younger students classes range from titles like “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” to “Summer Term at Hogwarts”!

My daughter looked forward to going to her “Circus Hilarious” class every week and the homework that her teacher assigned kept her excited and engaged!  Parents can visit the final class to watch performances. I was so surprised to see how much she learned, there was a big focus on teamwork and self-expression.  I have to say “Circus Hilarious” was definitely hilarious! The teachers at the Coterie Theatre are professionals, very good with kids and great at communicating with the parents.

Open to Public: Friday, May 24

The limited engagement exhibition features scientific and educational content from Jet Propulsion Laboratory and NASA and focuses on the search for alien life within and beyond our solar system.

WHAT:
Union Station will host a special media preview event to unveil the latest addition to Kansas City’s Science Center, Science City – an exciting new touring exhibition, Alien Worlds and Androids. Media are invited to explore the interactive exhibit, interview representatives from GES and USKC, and provide their audience a sneak peek of the out-of-this-world exhibit.

WHEN:
Thursday, May 23, 2013: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

WHERE:
Science City entrance, inside of Union Station Kansas City, 30 W. Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO 64108

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT:
Produced by Global Experience Specialists Inc, (GES), Alien Worlds and Androids addresses the question that has fascinated man for centuries: “Are We Alone?” Through the use of robots, telescopes, space probes and high-tech laboratories, scientists have been studying the possibilities of life existing beyond Earth and what forms may take depending on the environment. In this interactive exhibition, visitors will join scientists in their search for alien life within and beyond our solar system, discover strange alien-like creatures found here on Earth, and learn about the technologies used to explore remote solar systems and extreme environments found on Earth. Alien Worlds and Androids highlights scientists’ studies and findings in nine areas: Are We Alone?, Looking for Life in Space, Alien Life on Earth, Artificial Intelligence and Robots, Robot Space Explorers, Explore the Solar System, The Robotization of Planet Earth, I-Cyborg and The Human Microbiome. Science City at Union Station is the host of the world premiere of Alien Worlds and Androids.

About Union Station Kansas City, Inc.
Union Station Kansas City is a historical landmark and civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. The organization, driven by its mission of science and history education and entertainment, features Kansas City’s science center, Science City; the popular Model Railroad Experience open year round; new Gottlieb Planetarium, one of the region’s largest screen movie theater, live theater, shops, restaurants and home to prominent area civic organizations and businesses. Visit unionstation.org for details.

About GES:
Global Experience Specialists, Inc. (GES), a Viad Corp (NYSE: VVI) company, is a leading marketing agency that produces exhibitions, events, exhibits and retail environments. GES provides a wide range of services, including turnkey official show services, cutting-edge creative and design, marketing and measurement services—all with an unrivaled global reach. GES partners with leading shows and brands, including Spring Fair Birmingham, International Woodworking Fair, CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE, Bell Helicopter, L’Oreal, Warner Bros., and Simon Property Group. GES’ National Servicenter® has been recognized with certification under the J.D. Power and Associates Certified Call Center Program℠ for the past five years, and for the fourth year in a row Ad Age has named GES as one of the “World’s 50 Largest Agency Companies.” For more information, visit ges.com or the GES blog at defyingconvention.ges.com

Let’s be honest: Life is busy and no matter what we do, time just doesn’t seem to slow down. That’s probably why they say that we should always remember to ‘stop and smell the roses”. Thankfully beautiful flowers, and the opportunity to take a break and enjoy some time with your family, are in abundance at Johnson Family Farms in Belton. Nestled on 140 acres of land, the location is as vast as it is beautiful and their selection of plants is unparallel to anywhere I’ve seen in the metro area. With nearly five thousand options to select from, Johnson Family Farms is sure to appease the horticulturist in all of us. But that’s not all that the location has to offer. The family friendly atmosphere, play areas, and live animals provide for an enjoyable day out with the entire family.

Last week iFamilyKC hosted a morning out for children and families. The two hour event offered the opportunity to witness, first hand, what Johnson Family Farms is all about. Laid back back and relaxed, it made for a really comfortable experience. Participants were given the opportunity to put their green thumbs to good use by potting either a vegetable or a flower. Afterwards, the children enjoyed a quick snack before heading out to explore the rest of the farm. From the jumping pillow to the pig races (which the farm does daily), Johnson Family has something to offer guests of all ages. My two year old spent a majority of her time playing on the slide and in the old school bus which has been converted to a sand pit. They had a large tunnel area for older children and several animals for the entire family to enjoy.

Keri Nichol

http://newfrugalmomma.wordpress.com/

Rockfest is here in Kansas City today and over and over again I hear all the kids wanting to go. Between our kids and various friends the kids range from the ages of 6-16 years old. It makes me think about when the perfect age is for kids to attend concerts. I definitely do not think that all concerts are created equal. I don’t even think I am old enough to go to Rockfest…. (jk).

My 6 year old knows every word to a lot of the Taylor Swift songs. She is a sponge when it comes to music. Her dad listens to lots of heavy metal and rock and she will repeat songs that she has only heard one time. I have always thought that music is food for the soul but it’s the lyrics and lifestyles that I am afraid to expose my young children to. However, what is the point of sheltering them completely from it if we are going to pull up at a gas station or stop light just to hear some person blaring profanity that they call music so loud that my children are forced to listen.

I was talking to a friend who has a 16 year old that wants to go to Rockfest with her Dad and he says that he is afraid to take her because he would end up in an altercation. I never really thought too much about that part of it since my girls are so young. However, I can imagine taking my 16 year old daughter and having some drunken 40 year old hitting on her. I am pretty sure things would go all downhill from there.

I think when my girls get to be teenagers I will begin taking them to concerts that are more mellow like country and some of the more teenage bands. However, I am afraid that Rock and Heavy Metal are going to have to stay for the adults. I am going to have to set an 18 year old age limit on that just because of the element that those concerts draw. I am not saying that they are bad people, we are those people, but it’s just not for children. Anyways, Rockfest just got me thinking about this and I thought I would open the subject up to see what other views are on the subject.

By: Keri Nichol

 http://newfrugalmomma.wordpress.com/

There is so much to do this time of year. It is easy to get overwhelmed as you look at the house and realize how badly it needs that spring cleaning, the yard is a nightmare from winter, and you need to decide if the kids will go to summer camp or if you’ll have to hire a babysitter for the summer. As mom’s we want to tackle all these things and seem to let ourselves fall last on the priority list. I wonder if it is coincidental that Mother’s Day falls during this hectic time. As if someone knew that moms were going to need that one day of extra pampering to keep their spirits up.

I am humored at these television commercials and shows that talk about “What Mom’s Want” according to
the latest surveys. Who in the world are they actually surveying because they have never asked me or any mom I know? I don’t need those $75 flower arrangements that will be in the garbage in 2 weeks, or my husband attempting to pick me out a new outfit in the latest style. Can you imagine him coming home with something 2 sizes bigger? What a way to make you feel special. If they asked me, I would tell them I want to sleep until 9 am without hearing the baby screaming for food, kids fighting and husband complaining about not getting to sleep in. I would then love to watch my husband cook breakfast, feed kids and the baby then clean up his own mess. I would sit back in a lawn chair outside and read my favorite new book while my house was being cleaned top to bottom and the laundry was being done too. I don’t mean over filling the washing machine so that it can’t spin out all the water and finding my daughters underwear in my top drawer. I also don’t mean sweeping everything underneath carpet and spraying some good air freshener. I mean really cleaning things like we do every day. Then they could finish off the day with a homemade card and a family dinner not cooked or cleaned up after by me. And all these things are practically free or at least not at any additional cost to the family.

So this year I am a mom to three beautiful healthy children and I would love to have everything I mentioned above for Mother’s Day but I would never give up what I already got. Sure things are insane and stressful most of time but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. So this mother’s day when I get that crazy gift I will be looking at my family and thanking God that I am so blessed Because that is the true gift of Mother’s Day. It is seeing all those little faces that you would die for and them to be happy and healthy another year and know that you had a big part in that. And we will look at our husbands who obviously haven’t a clue but you know stressed out like crazy all DAY trying to figure out what the best thing to get you would be, really does love you and appreciate all that you do even if they are just clueless in showing it. So mom’s know that you are appreciated and enjoy your day of seeing and being with the beautiful family that you have created.

Raise your hand if you attended the iFamilyKC event at Gage Center in Blue Springs.

Located on NW Jefferson (between 7 Highway and the Adams Dairy Parkway exit) in Blue Springs, Gage Center offers gymnastics, cheerleading, martial arts, and swimming lessons for children and adults in a spacious environment at affordable rates. In addition, they offer birthday parties and other fun events like the one held last Saturday. Best of all? The kids will have a blast.

I was thrilled to see that they had a dedicated space for children five and under with quite a few activities. Most of our time was spent in the room which offered balance beams, tumbling equipment, rings, and gymnastics bars for early learning and a small play set, trampoline, and zip line for fun. At first, my two year old was most interested in walking back and forth (and back and forth) on the balance beams. I’ll admit that watching her navigate across the beam for the first time (with help) was a proud mommy moment for me. It took her a little while before she was comfortable enough to try the rings, and the trampoline, but before long she was at ease and really enjoying herself. I used that time to sneak away and take a peek at the rest of the event (my husband was there, don’t worry!).

The room is really spacious and they had a lot going on. One of the first things that caught my eye was the massive purple climbing wall they have in the back. I have some great memories of going to indoor rock walls when I was growing up and I imagine there are a lot of fun parties to be had for any climbing enthusiast. Set up on their top level they have what’s called “Dodge Bow”. When they first explained to me what that was, I just assumed they were saying “dodge ball” incorrectly. They weren’t. Although they had it set up in a stationary space (like target practice), it was my understanding that the sport is a mix between archery and paintball. I definitely want to go back for a group activity and channel my inner Katniss Everdeen.

 There’s so much more fun to be had at Gage including their rope swing, foam pit, trampolines, a large inflatable slide, and even an indoor pool. It seems that Gage Center has something for everyone. Hungry for more?! Head on over to the Gage Center website or visit them on Facebook.

 

You can find more pictures from this event on It’s An Ordinary Blog, where Mom Squad member Holli Ann writes about life, parenting, food, and everything in between. You can follow her blog onFacebook.

Shari Jacobs

Do you wanna rock?  If so, head to Science City at the Union Station and go see the Science of Rock n Roll exhibit, you will not be disappointed. What does Rock n Roll make you think of?  Explore the science and technology of rock in this well equipped; very hands on exhibit! If you want to be a rock star for a day, then this is for you! It really doesn’t matter whether or not you’re a musician or whether or not you’ve ever played guitar hero or rock band. You’ll have no problem playing the drums and guitar here!

Upon entering the rock exhibit we were given really cool VIP back stage passes to wear and use (they made great souvenirs too). There is an option to record the music that you play and then send it to your email with your pass! We sent our recordings and watched them when we returned home. We looked like rock stars, the music sounded professional and it was super fun to watch!  A great extension to the day!

The karaoke booths were lots of fun…they made you feel like you were in a real recording studio! Yes, you can even record and send a video of your karaoke experience to your email as well! The only downside here was that there were only a few songs to choose from in each booth and the younger kids will only be heard and not seen because of their height.

The rock n roll nostalgia is fun for the little kids to look at as well as adults.  The girls were looking at records and eight track tapes (in amazement) for the first time ever while grandma was taking a stroll down memory lane. Lastly, on the journey, if you’ve never been to a concert, this room will let you experience what a concert is like first hand by using flashing lights, loud music and a super sized video!

The coolest things at the museum aside from all the awesome nostalgia were the drums, guitars, the keyboard and the karaoke booths! But there is much more to explore here: whether you’re with the kids, or having a date night with the hubby, this is a great exhibit to check out!

by Keri Nichol

www.newfrugalmomma.wordpress.com

I know that every generation faces its own challenges in regard to raising their children but our generation is the one that we are affected by at this moment. It us that are afraid to send our children to school, to a movie, a mall, and now a parade or marathon.  It wasn’t that long ago that we had to just watch our children who may be playing in the yard or riding their bike in the street. It’s as if we can no longer give our children a care free place to live, learn and enjoy being a child. As parents we are always worried and afraid for what could happen to our children. However, more and more these fears become reality and the tragedy gets closer and closer to home. The experts say to only tell your children what is age appropriate to handle. How do you tell a six or eight year old that people were watching a movie at a theatre and were murdered? How do you explain a bomb going off at a marathon killing people who were just there to watch? And, how do we promise them that we will be able to keep them safe?

How do you continue living your life and not let the terrorists win by making us live in fear if we have a family plan for tragedy everywhere we go? So, when I send my third grade and kindergarten students to school, is it age appropriate to say that if you see a man with a gun or hear gun shots to hide under your desk and wait for help? Obviously not! A couple weeks ago I took my girls to see the sneak peak of the new Disney movie The Croods. Should I have told them to hide under the seats if there are shots fired? I mean, seriously, you can’t prepare your family with a plan before everything you do and still not live in fear.

Further, I see people talking about hiding the newspapers and turning the channel to shield their children from the current news. We can’t shield them from that child on the bus or in class that asks them if they seen all the kids that were shot at school. This is because we cannot control what other people are telling their own children.  I am not saying that I have all the answers but I surely question whether some of these experts even have children since their advice seems so generic and unhelpful for real families.

I don’t want to feed my children with fear. I don’t want to make them afraid to go to family movie night. Yet, before we entered the theater that Saturday to see The Croods, my eight year old did ask how we know noone will hurt us while watching the movie. I don’t believe in lying to my children. I told her that we don’t know that but that those were isolated events. I told her the man that committed that crime was behind bars and that even if there were other crazy people out there that they would have to go through their mommy first.

So, even though I won’t be the one to give my child gruesome details that they may hear about from friends or through other forms of media after the fact; I will be certain that I have given them enough details that they know I informed them and I didn’t lie to them.  I will tell them what, when and where the tragedy happened. Then we will discuss how this affects our family and at that moment I will have their attention to make plans to protect them and have a plan ready in case we are ever involved. However, after that discussion we are done with it. I will not bring it up before ever family outing.

I also think that it is important that instead of focusing on the tragic details with my children, I focus on the good. When we are watching TV and something comes on about the tragedy, I will make it a point to show them all the brave first responders that are their helping these people. I will tell them to look at all those good people out there who are helping in all different ways. I will tell them stories of locals who took people into their homes to shower and rest. For my family, we will focus on the heroes of the story and not of the monsters. I believe in doing that, we take the power away from these evildoers. I will educate my children and help them to understand but I refuse to allow these predators to win by making my family live their lives in fear. After all, there was nothing that that little eight year old Boston Marathon boy could have done differently to save his own life. And there was nothing his parents could have done different to prepare him for that event.

I will also use this teachable moment to educate my children on empathy for others. We will pray for the victims and their families. We will discuss what we may be able to do to help. Maybe we will make cards or whatever other ideas my children may have for expressing their own sympathy for these people. I imagine I will have questions to answer about God and living and dying. I will allow them to lead the conversation and I will hope to ease their little minds and fill their hearts with hope for a peaceful future.

If nothing else gets through to my children, it will be that they have the ultimate body guards. That their safety is number ONE on these protectors lists. That if anyone tries to harm them they have a force given by the Creator himself to go through or to be accountable to (although we will probably leave that out)…..And this ultimate force, these protectors and body guards are called their Mommy and Daddy!!!!

Imagine a place where you can visit an Astronaut’s living quarters, solve crimes using forensic science, ride a bicycle in the sky, see Earth from space, fly a police helicopter, and power on the lights by walking on a treadmill. What if I told you there was a place that offered all of that, and much more, all in the same building? Science City at Union Station offers fun and educational resources for children and adults of all ages. Conveniently located inside Union Station, Science City is a fun way to enjoy a day right here in the metro.

Travelers who just happen upon Union Station wouldn’t really know what Science City was unless they were looking for it. I think that’s part of the charm in what makes it so fun- it’s like stepping into a secret room full of imaginative activities like Melody Park, the first interactive space you’ll see when you arrive. The three story space has a lot going on and is a place that you could easily spent an entire day enjoying. My husband, two year old daughter, and I went with our friends and their 20 month old daughter and we had a blast.

What I enjoy most about Science City is that there really is something there for everyone. My daughter was able to spend some time playing in Kinderlab, an area specifically for toddlers. They have building blocks, books, and a classroom for groups all within a safe, confined space that you can feel comfortable letting your little one explore. Also on the same floor is their playground and a small animal exhibit which were big hits with our little group. As an adult, I really enjoyed the wind and solar station on the second floor, an interactive area that helps you understand how making sustainable choices (like the wind turbines you can find in rural Kansas) helps to build a brighter future. I was also fascinated by the Science On A Sphere, an incredible way to look at our planet in a whole new way.If you’re looking for a rainy day (or any day) activity to enjoy with your family this spring, I definitely recommend spending some time down at Union City. There is so much to explore and enjoy and you might even learn something along the way.

 In addition to contributing on the iFamilyKC blog, Mom Squad member Holli Ann authors It’s An Ordinary Blog. You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

www.newfrugalmomma.wordpress.com

I have lived in the KC area my entire life and yet I had never been to Union Station. When my eight year old came home and told me they were learning about the planets at school, I thought it would be a wonderful time to take the kids to the Union Station Planetarium. I figured it would be fun and a great learning experience. That my daughter could take a lot of new info back to her class and contribute something new to their discussion. Union Station was very large and seemed to have many more things then I even knew of. I know the kids went to Science City on a field trip and loved it. They were advertising a tornado film that looked like it would be very fascinating.

My eight month old loved the planetarium. The dome ceiling caught his attention through the entire 40 min. show. I will admit that when it started my husband and six and eight year old daughters seemed thrilled at the display.  The dome screen was a totally new experience and when “flying” through space looking at the solar system, it felt like you were up in space yourself. All the info wore down my kiddos pretty quickly. They got bored with the Greek God names and all the moons of each planet. I think they were expecting something more entertaining than informative. I think this is a great learning experience for people interested in learning about our solar system but you need to prepare your children. If they are under the impression that they are going to something that is entertaining or more of a show then they will be disappointed. The visual effects get old on the younger audiences attention span pretty quickly so know your children and what they can handle. For the right audience this is a great experience but for the wrong one it could be a disappointment and a waste of money.