Garage sale season is upon us. Personally, I love finding a good bargain. So many treasures can be found at garage sales if you look close enough. For me, the best way to hit the sales is when an entire neighborhood or town gets together to hold sales on the same day. It makes it so much easier when you can just park the car and walk from sale to sale to sale.
I thought I would share a list of upcoming city wide sales.
April:
18th – Maize & Colwich
23rd, 24th, 25th - Wichita neighborhood sale (Fox Ridge Addition- 29th & Tyler Rd.)
25th – Valley Center (24th & 25th), Peabody, Oxford, Rose Hill, Benton
30th - May 2nd - Goddard
May:
2nd – Mulvane, Wellington, Sedgwick, Sedan, Garden Plain, Bentley, Inman, Goddard
9th – Fredonia & Buhler
16th – Towanda
23rd – 30th – Belaire (29th & 30th) & Smith Center
June:
6th – Derby, Clearwater, Howard, Park City, Andover, Hesston, Halstead, Cheney
13th – Kechi & McPherson
20th – Augusta
27th – Potwin
August:
8th – Haysville
15th – Minneapolis
September:
5th – Chetopa
19th – Council Grove & Marysville (18th & 19th)
26th – Park City
October:
3rd – Sedan, Howard, Haven
If you know of any others, please leave them in the comments.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Rainy Day Activity: Create a Play
Once again the weather has taken an ugly turn here in Wichita. It's a cold, rainy day. So what can you do with the kids on a day like today? How about creating your own play? This is a fun and inexpensive activity you can do with the kids that sparks creativity and imagination.
I am going to use Cinderella as our example play theme here today. Begin by sitting down with your kids and taking turns telling the story. Have each person tell a different part, such as beginning, middle and end. The more children you have, the more you parts you will need to split the story into. If you have just one child, then you should take turns with her in telling parts of the story. Be sure to write down your child's version of the story as they tell it. (or you can record them telling it) I absolutely love to hear how children interpret stories. It is seldom the same as the original, and tends to be far better and often quite funny. Make sure you write down the date and age of your children on your written transcript of their version and save it for the scrapbook.
Next, decide who is going to play which part in the play. If you don't have enough children to assign one for each character, they can each play more than one, or they can assign a character to a favorite doll, stuffed animal, or pet. Just imagine the family dog playing the handsome prince or the cat as the fairy Godmother. The sillier the play gets, the more fun and entertaining it is. Next, send everyone off to find their perfect costume. Play clothes, that fancy dress they only wore once, or even some of mom and dad's clothes work great for costumes.
Be sure to create a special area to hold the play. You can do this as simple or intricate as you wish. A stage is created simply by hanging a sheet or blanket to use as a curtain. A couch can become a castle when draped with a pretty sheet. Maybe your kids would prefer to simply draw all the scenes on large sheets of paper or create them from cardboard boxes.
Now, using the version of the play the children wrote, and dressed in their amazing costumes they designed themselves, it is time for the play. Chances are the story will change once again. Children, especially the younger ones, will not remember the story they created exactly. It really does not matter, because they will still have fun.
Whether you prefer to join in and take part in the play or simply sit back and watch, this is a wonderful activity that will put a smile on your face as well as your kids. Don't forget to bring out the video camera and record the show!
Want more fun with Cinderella? Take the kids to see the children's theater version of Cinderella at The Crown Uptown this weekend. Cinderella is playing through April 11th. Individual tickets are $8.95 + tax per person. Tickets include a kids' fare buffet lunch: Hot dogs, chicken nuggets, french fries, macaroni and cheese, applesauce and a cookie for dessert. Matinee performances are on Friday and Saturdays. Doors open at 11:00 a.m., Buffet at 11:15 a.m. and the show starts at 12:15 p.m.
I am going to use Cinderella as our example play theme here today. Begin by sitting down with your kids and taking turns telling the story. Have each person tell a different part, such as beginning, middle and end. The more children you have, the more you parts you will need to split the story into. If you have just one child, then you should take turns with her in telling parts of the story. Be sure to write down your child's version of the story as they tell it. (or you can record them telling it) I absolutely love to hear how children interpret stories. It is seldom the same as the original, and tends to be far better and often quite funny. Make sure you write down the date and age of your children on your written transcript of their version and save it for the scrapbook.
Next, decide who is going to play which part in the play. If you don't have enough children to assign one for each character, they can each play more than one, or they can assign a character to a favorite doll, stuffed animal, or pet. Just imagine the family dog playing the handsome prince or the cat as the fairy Godmother. The sillier the play gets, the more fun and entertaining it is. Next, send everyone off to find their perfect costume. Play clothes, that fancy dress they only wore once, or even some of mom and dad's clothes work great for costumes.
Be sure to create a special area to hold the play. You can do this as simple or intricate as you wish. A stage is created simply by hanging a sheet or blanket to use as a curtain. A couch can become a castle when draped with a pretty sheet. Maybe your kids would prefer to simply draw all the scenes on large sheets of paper or create them from cardboard boxes.
Now, using the version of the play the children wrote, and dressed in their amazing costumes they designed themselves, it is time for the play. Chances are the story will change once again. Children, especially the younger ones, will not remember the story they created exactly. It really does not matter, because they will still have fun.
Whether you prefer to join in and take part in the play or simply sit back and watch, this is a wonderful activity that will put a smile on your face as well as your kids. Don't forget to bring out the video camera and record the show!
Want more fun with Cinderella? Take the kids to see the children's theater version of Cinderella at The Crown Uptown this weekend. Cinderella is playing through April 11th. Individual tickets are $8.95 + tax per person. Tickets include a kids' fare buffet lunch: Hot dogs, chicken nuggets, french fries, macaroni and cheese, applesauce and a cookie for dessert. Matinee performances are on Friday and Saturdays. Doors open at 11:00 a.m., Buffet at 11:15 a.m. and the show starts at 12:15 p.m.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Great Plains Nature Center
The city may be covered in white right now as we endure a spring snow storm, but my mind is on true spring weather. Warm temperatures, sunny skies, and of course the Kansas breeze.
One of my favorite things to do with the kids in the spring is go on a hike at Great Plains Nature Center. We get to enjoy the fresh air, get some much needed exercise and spend time talking as we hike.
There are both paved trails and dirt trails throughout the park. The paved trails are perfect for pushing a stroller or walking with smaller children. However, when it is just my older children and I we prefer to be a bit more adventurous and explore the dirt trails through the woods.
On our last hike (over spring break) we decided to take one of these little paths. The scenery was simply beautiful. As you can see in the photo below, the trees have actually grown in curved arcs, forming a sort of tunnel over the trail.
Not too far off the main path we were lucky enough to experience another beautiful bit of nature. If you look very closely at the center of the photo below, you will see a deer. We encountered a pair of these and simply stood quietly and watched as they foraged in the woods.
One of my favorite things to do with the kids in the spring is go on a hike at Great Plains Nature Center. We get to enjoy the fresh air, get some much needed exercise and spend time talking as we hike.
There are both paved trails and dirt trails throughout the park. The paved trails are perfect for pushing a stroller or walking with smaller children. However, when it is just my older children and I we prefer to be a bit more adventurous and explore the dirt trails through the woods.
On our last hike (over spring break) we decided to take one of these little paths. The scenery was simply beautiful. As you can see in the photo below, the trees have actually grown in curved arcs, forming a sort of tunnel over the trail.
Not too far off the main path we were lucky enough to experience another beautiful bit of nature. If you look very closely at the center of the photo below, you will see a deer. We encountered a pair of these and simply stood quietly and watched as they foraged in the woods.
Of course the trails and hiking are not the only thing that Great Plains Nature Center has to offer. There is the nature center itself. Inside you will find the Koch Habitat Hall which is 3500 square feet of wildlife displays. Included in this are various animal and plant life exhibits, a hands on area for inter-active learning and a 2200 gallon aquarium.
In the photo below you can see a bit of the aquarium. This is housed in it's own small room with a bench along the wall. It is the perfect place to sit and relax while the kids marvel over the fish.
The photo below is of one of the hands on activities. This one gives the kids the chance to feel the fur of many different Kansas native animals.
Another highlight of Great Plains Nature Center is the Coleman Auditorium. Seating nearly 200 people and featuring state of the art audio-visual equipment, the auditorium presents special features relating to wildlife.
In the photo below you can see a bit of the aquarium. This is housed in it's own small room with a bench along the wall. It is the perfect place to sit and relax while the kids marvel over the fish.
The photo below is of one of the hands on activities. This one gives the kids the chance to feel the fur of many different Kansas native animals.
Another highlight of Great Plains Nature Center is the Coleman Auditorium. Seating nearly 200 people and featuring state of the art audio-visual equipment, the auditorium presents special features relating to wildlife.
The GPNC also has programs for families including Crunchy, Munchy Icy Tales and Little Nature Lovers.
If you are looking for a wonderful way to spend time with the kids, enjoy the weather, and have a good time, I highly recommend the Great Plains Nature Center.
Autism CARE walk at Heartspring - April 4th
The Autism CARE Walk raises awareness about autism spectrum disorders in our community and across the nation. This year’s walk will be approximately 1.5 miles and will start and finish on the Heartspring campus at 8700 E 29th St North in Wichita on April 4th.
The Autism CARE Walk at Heartspring is more than just a walk – it is a walk with a mission! CARE stands for Community of Autism Resources and Education, and any funds raised through this event will help benefit local children who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder through workshops and programs offered by Heartspring. The need for autism resources in Sedgwick County has never been greater with over 700 families identified as having a family member with autism.
How can you help? Just visit My CARE Walk page at http://tinyurl.com/c3aape and click the 'Sponsor Me' tab to make a donation on my behalf. You can also sign up for the 1.5 Mile walk, sign up as a virtual walker, or just make a general donation towards raising autism awareness.
The Autism CARE Walk at Heartspring is more than just a walk – it is a walk with a mission! CARE stands for Community of Autism Resources and Education, and any funds raised through this event will help benefit local children who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder through workshops and programs offered by Heartspring. The need for autism resources in Sedgwick County has never been greater with over 700 families identified as having a family member with autism.
How can you help? Just visit My CARE Walk page at http://tinyurl.com/c3aape and click the 'Sponsor Me' tab to make a donation on my behalf. You can also sign up for the 1.5 Mile walk, sign up as a virtual walker, or just make a general donation towards raising autism awareness.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Spring Break in Ahs
Spring Break is right around the corner. Techinically it starts on the 16th, but they aren't fooling me with that "in-service day" label they have attached to the Friday before. Come on, we all know it is just a way to get one more day of vacation time. Or, for us moms, one more day to find something for the kids to do.
I have created this list of special activities going on in Wichita over Spring Break.
The Wichita Public Library is offering several activities all week long including:
I have created this list of special activities going on in Wichita over Spring Break.
The Wichita Public Library is offering several activities all week long including:
- Jay and Leslie’s Laughing Matters. Using juggling, comedy, mime, magic, and other nonsense, Jay Cady and Leslie Seifert-Cady will present a uniquely original program. Their circus and vaudeville skills are timeless and will leave children in stitches! For ages 3 and up.
- Craftplay Children in kindergarten-second grade will make a craft project that they can take home.
- A Movie Under the Stars Bring your blankets and pillows to watch a 3-D movie under the “stars.”
- Fantastic Flicks a showing of Wal-E
- Eragon Party Come celebrate the many adventures of Eragon and his fledgling dragon by participating in dragon games, stories, puzzles and crafts for ages 8-12.
- Weird ScienceGross out your friends by learning how to make slime from household supplies. For ages 8-11.
- Junie B. Jones Party Come to the library and celebrate this outspoken and humorous kindergartner by playing games, activities and making crafts for ages 6-10.
- Artistic Kids Children in grades 3-5 will make a craft project that they can take home.
- A Spiderwick Adventure Challenge goblins, boggarts and trolls to games of skill in this fantastical world.
- Night in the Afternoon Pillows and flashlights are not just for the dark anymore! Join in games and crafts for ages 5-11 about nighttime.
For more specific details on library activities such as times and location click here.
The Sedgwick County Zoo is holding a Wonders of Wildlife program over spring break. This program is for children in grades 1–5. where they will learn about the animals. For details and program costs click here.
Exploration Place is having several special activities during spring break.
- What Floats Your Boat? Monday, March 16 & 23, Noon - 5 p.m.
- Celebrate the Luck of the IrishTuesday, March 17 & 24, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Sand Castle Building (weather permitting, no admission required)Wednesday, March 18 & 25, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Ready, Vet, Go!Thursday, March 19 & 26, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Super Science DayFriday, March 20 & 27, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Radio Workshop*Saturday, March 21, 9 a.m. - noon
*Must register to participate, call 263-3373, ext. 305.
Older children who are capable of participating in a quiet, relaxed activity may enjoy Birding at Botanica on March 17th. This is a one hour walk through the gardens with birdwatchers Pat and Roy Beckemeyer. price is included with admission or membership
Why Ahs?
I moved to Wichita 25 years ago from a very tiny town in Nebraska. I mean tiny. My school had two classrooms and each room had three grades mixed together being taught by one teacher. The summer after sixth grade we moved to Wichita where I would soon be starting my first year of junior high (yes, we had junior high then instead of middle school) in a class of 500 rather than a class of 5 like I was used to.
For me, Wichita was a big city. For many others, however, the mention of anywhere in Kansas brings only one thought to mind... The Wizard of Oz. The "big" city I was suddenly a part of did not remind me of that dusty Kansas farm in the movie at all. For me it was more like the Emerald City.
My first week in school, my history teacher began our lessons with the history of Kansas. I can't say I really remember much about it. There was one thing he said that has stuck with me all these years though. He mentioned that one of the slogans Kansas had coined for itself was "The Land of Ahs".
Having come from my tiny little town (population 220) to this city of over 300,000 I was truly in awe of it. Now, here I am twenty five years later raising three kids in the Land of Ahs.
For me, Wichita was a big city. For many others, however, the mention of anywhere in Kansas brings only one thought to mind... The Wizard of Oz. The "big" city I was suddenly a part of did not remind me of that dusty Kansas farm in the movie at all. For me it was more like the Emerald City.
My first week in school, my history teacher began our lessons with the history of Kansas. I can't say I really remember much about it. There was one thing he said that has stuck with me all these years though. He mentioned that one of the slogans Kansas had coined for itself was "The Land of Ahs".
Having come from my tiny little town (population 220) to this city of over 300,000 I was truly in awe of it. Now, here I am twenty five years later raising three kids in the Land of Ahs.
Monday, March 9, 2009
the start of something new
this will be a blog that highlights things for moms and kids to do in Wichita
this is a work in progress
the blog is under construction but will be up and running soon
check back soon
this is a work in progress
the blog is under construction but will be up and running soon
check back soon
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