In the Butterfly Wing

Reiman Gardens, on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, is always a beautiful pace to visit.  Following Iowa’s seasons, there is always something new to discover.

Each year Reiman Gardens chooses a theme that carries through the gardens, educational programs, events, and even the gift shop.  The theme for 2012,”Some Assembly Required”, drew my family’s attention in a big way- with fun Lego sculptures throughout the grounds!

The Water Platters and Koi on the pond are a surprising placement

27 individual Lego sculptures are scattered both indoors and out, some pieces so seemingly delicate you wonder how they can stay together.

The larger than life Lego hummingbird hovers over a bed of tulips

My girls ran along the paths of the gardens proclaiming, “We found another Lego sculpture!”  With no true route in mind, we wandered, willy-nilly, through the myriad of gardens.  As we examined each new sculpture, Brenna, my eldest, would read the information in the brochure, telling us how many Lego pieces each sculpture took to create.  Hummingbird & Flower: 31,565.  Mother Bison: 45,143.  Calf: 16,229.

Mother Bison and Calf graze in the Stafford Garden

But the Legos aren’t just for looking at.  Take time to wander into the corn crib in the Children’s Garden and try your hand at creating sculptures.  Add on to building that has already begun, or create your own masterpiece.

Future Lego Artists?

We spent just over two hours at Reiman Gardens.  Not only was it a fun family adventure, but we snuck in some education as well.  Brenna learned to read large numbers, we talked about how each sculpture fit into the theme of “Nature Connects”, the girls asked whatever questions came to their minds and we had great discussions about everything from germinating acorns to where frogs go when it’s cold.  Because the true beauty of displays like this is that they bring your family together.

Even if you do have to visit the butterflies twice…

Delicate butterflies fill the Butterfly Wing at Reiman Gardens

Lego sculptures are on display at Reiman Gardens through October 28, 2012.  Reiman Gardens is open daily for fun, and educational, family outings. 

Family Rambling would like to thank Reiman Gardens for passes to view the Lego sculptures.

The state of Iowa is often called by many names, but on April 23 it will be known as the “State of Now” as nearly four dozen speakers from across the country share their social media stories.

A while ago I posted a comment on a local blog about why people should come to the 140 Character Conference.  Since I can’t really explain it any better than I did there, here is my answer, again, to why you should attend the State of Now:

For those of us involved in the world of social media this presents an opportunity for us to venture outside our known groups and hear other stories of succeeding online, learn new tricks that may enhance our own goals and to meet people we may have only seen in 140 character snippets.

But, more importantly, I think this is a great event for those who may only be dipping their toes into the realm of social media- or who may be too overwhelmed to even begin. It’s a terrific way for small business to see, first hand, how a free tool like Twitter may be able to spread the word about their unique product or amazing customer service. Or maybe Pinterest or Instagram, things they have never even heard of, can give them the visual boost their company has been looking for. It’s a non-threatening environment filled with inspiration- and a great opportunity for every business in Iowa to meet the people who may be able to help them become a national competitor in their own business.

I urge you to take a look at the speakers and the session tracks- you’ll see a wide variety, including education, agriculture, business, and (of course) travel.  No word on if we can expect Ashton Kutcher, who recently invested in local payment system company Dwolla, to show his face in the crowd.

But I would love to see yours.  And so would sponsor Verizon Wireless- just use code ‘verizon’ when you buy your ticket to save $30!

(Be sure to come for the whole day!  But if you are really interested in hearing me speak (of course you are), I’m scheduled for 10:30am. 

Famous Last Words

Sunday, April 15 marks the day, 100 years ago, when survivors saw the last bit of the Titanic disappear beneath the dark waters of the northern Atlantic.  A tragedy like no other, the loss of the “unsinkable” ship had a huge impact on Transatlantic ocean voyages that has only recently recovered.

With museums opening in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where the ship was built, and Southampton, England, the Titanic’s home port, just in time for the 100th anniversary, 2012 could be called the “Year of the Titanic”.  Thankfully we didn’t have to go quite that far to get our own brush with the most celebrated ship of all time.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at Union Station

Union Station in Kansas City never fails to impress us with the quality exhibits it brings in.  Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition is no exception.  The staging rooms are designed to take you back to the exciting days when the ship launched.  From the enlarged newspaper clippings to the clothing worn a the time, you can feel excitement and progress in the world.

“Breakfasts sat untouched”.  That little bit of a title in the Kansas City paper made me realize just how like the tragedy of 9/11 the sinking of the Titanic really was.  It was unfathomable to people; it shocked them to their core.  How could such a marvel of machinery sink? 

Boarding the Titanic

Boarding Passes

Before “boarding” your photo is taken at the Grand Staircase, a unique souvenir of your visit.

Luxurious First Class Cabin

As you make your way through the interactive exhibit you see blueprints of the ship, scale models and artifacts salvaged from the water after the sinking or from the wreckage so many years later.  Each piece of history has a story to tell; a story that may make you cry, or gasp at the irony, or even laugh.  Black and white photos of the ship’s rooms and decks help put the artifacts in perspective and serve as a reminder that no matter how grand something is, it can disappear in an instant.

Quotes from the Titanic

While many of us know the stories of Ida Straus and the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, I was especially touched by the tales of those who worked on board the ship and the passengers who wouldn’t have been on board if not for an unfortunate coal strike.  As with any tragedy, we left with heavy hearts, questions beginning with “what if” circling through our minds.

Did We Survive the Titanic?

As we made our way through the exhibit, we wondered if we would survive.  I felt sure that my passenger, a 6 year old girl in second class, would survive due to age and status.  (She did.)  Doug’s passenger, a 65 year old man in First Class, was more difficult to guess.  Would his station save him?  He also traveled with his young daughter- maybe that would be cause for him to enter a life boat?  Or would he face the watery grave with dignity?  (Evidently he did the latter, as he did not survive.)

Helpful Tips for Visiting Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at Union Station

• The Titanic exhibit runs through September 3 (Labor Day weekend), 2012.  The exhibit is closed Mondays, open Tuesday through Sunday and on Monday holidays.
  

  Second Class China Souvenirs

• Tickets are $19.12 (the year she sank) for adults; $16.12 for children, seniors & military.
• Special events take the week prior to- and the anniversary of- the Titanic sinking.
• The Titanic Exhibit has some of the greatest souvenirs I’ve seen.  Replica China from all three classes of cabins, coal taken from the wreckage, replica boarding passes, books, movies, clothing…  Plan to bring some spending money as there is something for everyone.
• Note: While the exhibition is open to all ages, children younger than 7 will find themselves easily bored.  Much of the exhibit is “hands off” and many displays are secured with alarms.  Children who are fascinated by ships will really enjoy time spent here, especially if they can read on their own and adults take the time to discuss what they are seeing.
  

I have to admit, I’m pretty thrilled that I’ve made it into the 2nd month of p52.  I’m not really a “joiner” and following themes is difficult for my overly right-brained self.  But this week’s theme was custom made for the weather we’ve recently experienced here in Iowa.

I took this image on Wednesday, February 1.  I had a couple hours to myself and no pressing appointments so I decided to enjoy the 56ºF day and go biking for an hour.  If you live in the Midwest you know how rare these days are in the dead of winter.

Biking

I covered 15 miles- not bad for not being out on my bike since September. 

I took this image with my DroidX and, honestly, was afraid I was going to drop my phone and shatter it.  I don’t recommend biking and using a smartphone at the same time.

We often make the drive from Dallas to Des Moines in one fell swoop- 12 straight hours of driving with short breaks. After discovering the fun family activities in Tulsa we may never drive straight through again!

Visiting the Oklahoma Aquarium

Oklahoma Aquarium

A family can spend most of an afternoon here. The Oklahoma Aquarium is one of the few Midwest aquariums with salt water fish and a walk through shark tunnel.

I recommend walking the long, nautical hallway to the sharks and working your way back to the entrance. The Oklahoma Aquarium has dozens of nooks to explore and this may be the best way to ensure that you see it all.

Top 10 Things to Do at the Oklahoma Aquarium

1. Take a fun photo in the shark cage. With sharks “circling” above this is a fun photo opp! Then enter the shark adventure to let sharks “circle” you for real!
   

   Shark Tank!

2. Feed the turtles. For a small fee you can buy carrot shreds and borrow long sticks with clips at the end- you don’t want your fingers too close to the turtle’s sharp beak.
3. Get touchy feel-y. Multiple touch stations get you up close & personal with sharks, rays, shrimp, crabs and more.
   

   Touch Tanks of sharks, rays, crabs and more

4. Giggle at the antics of river otters. If you can, be there for the daily feeding at 3pm. The Ozark Stream also has a camera that allows you to see inside the beaver’s den.
5. Find the fish that breathes air!
6. Listen closely for the electric eel’s current. Eels are fed Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2:15pm- definitely worth seeing if you are there!
7. Find Nemo. And Dory. Learn to say anemone.
   

   Nemo, Dory & more Underwater Friends

8. See the diver in the coral reef daily at 3:30pm.
9. Find the starfish with more than 5 legs! Or find the starfish’s mouth- that’s really cool, too!
10. Wrestle and alligator outside. OK, so it’s just a statue of an alligator, but it makes for some really great photos.
    

    Alligator Wrestling!

The Oklahoma Aquarium is just one of many fun family activities in Tulsa. We can’t wait to experience more in the future!

Have you visited the Oklahoma Aquarium? What was your favorite feature?

Thank you to Visit Tulsa for providing my family with aquarium tickets!

The history of a place draws us, as travelers.  What was and what will be are so often interlocked.  And when a local group comes together to restore a precious piece of a community’s past, to bring visitors the stories that built a community, well, that’s something special.

A couple weeks ago my family was privileged to spend a weekend in Franklin County, Iowa.  We found a true community- one that came together to celebrate, to grow and to remember.  We shopped at fabulous- and affordable- boutiques, toured local historic sites and enjoyed their Harvest Festival.  One of the sites that most touched me was the Old Stone House which the community has come together to restore.

The First Permanent Structure in Franklin County

The Old Stone House

The Old Stone House was built in 1854 of native limestone.  As all surrounding structures were log cabins this two story, seven room house with a full basement  must have seemed quite opulent.  Even today it commands attention, its’ thick stone walls standing tall and brightly colored door only beginning its’ tale.

Two Seat Outhouse

Families who lived in the house have shared their memories.  The overlying theme?  “It was a cold house”.  But in all its’ years as a home the floor plan was never altered, electricity was not installed and the two-seat outhouse remained as the home’s toilet. 

Now the Old Stone House belongs to the Franklin County Historical Society.  A group of dedicated volunteers host socials, recreations of Pony Express mail delivery and events to raise money for continued restoration.  Thanks to their hard and tireless work the Old Stone House was entered into the National Register of Historic Places (as the Leander Reeve House) in 1979.

Making History at the Old Stone House

This weekend (October 22 & 23, 2011) is the Making History event at the Old Stone House. It will be a fun and affordable weekend- only $5 per carload of people!  Events like this are called “sneaky education” in my house- the two “seat” outhouse was a great lesson for my girls!

Saturday October 22 beginning at 8am
Horse Drawn Plowing all day by Mike Mayland
…
Vendors all day include: Vern and Judy Harper from TownsEnd Winery, Crystal Hird fortune teller, Jamie Brass (look for the teepee), Calvin Liebold and Gary Knipfel blacksmithing, Jewelry making by Nancy Allbee, Cornerstone Cottage with pot holders, lace and more, Shelly Buckholder quilting, Hand Made paper goods by Cheryl Nachazel, engraver William Gull, baked goods form Betty Crieger, Barn quilts from Sharon Whipple, Yard decorations from Hope Polk, and glass work by Mary Tiso.

9 am Tour of Stone House, Maysville School and REA Plant and Museum – meet at Stone House

11 am Blacksmithing Demo by Gary Knipfel and Vince Tiso

Noon Tour of Stone House, Maysville School and REA Plant and Museum – meet at Stone House

2 pm Don Wrolson performs old fashioned blue grass music

3 pm Tour of Stone House, Maysville School and REA Plant and Museum – meet at Stone House

5 pm Kids Leather Making Demonstration – hands on kids projects until the leather runs out!

7 pm Bonfire and s’mores (if fire ban, plan B will go into effect)

7:30 pm Story Telling by Dennis Carlson and Darwin Meyer

Sunday October 23
Worship Service at 9:30 am
Pastor Harry Imlay and this is free to the public
Lunch for sale at 10:30

10:30 to 12:30 pie contest entries dropped off
12:00 Two Juhls and A Gem perform
1 pm Pie winners announced and pie slices and coffee go on sale
1 pm Blacksmithing Demonstration by Gary Knipfel and Vince Tiso

2 pm Pot Holders Demonstration and hands on activity by Keri Holmes

3 pm Kids Games gunny sack races, water carrying, don’t drop that egg and more!

Where to Stay in Hampton

Country Breakfast

Hampton has only two hotels- the AmericInn which features a full breakfast and internet and the Hampton Motel which has recently updated their rooms.  But for a true taste of Hampton hospitality stay at the Country Heritage Bed & Breakfast, just outside town.  The rooms are comfortable and the breakfast- YUM! Families can spread out in the well appointed family suite on the main level and the guest lounge has couches, a tv and even video games!  If the kids need to burn off excess energy the spacious yard is perfect for running around.

Couples will find the upstairs suites charming and romantic.  Fireplaces, private baths with whirlpools and private balconies make this hidden gem a wonderful weekend getaway.

I am spending this week preparing for my workshops at Kansas City Irish Fest, so I thought we would revisit a post from a couple years ago.

If you’re planning to come to KCIF make plans to see me share travel tales on the Kids’ Stage both Saturday and Sunday.  You can also find me on the Heritage Stage on Saturday sharing tips for travel with kids and why Ireland is such a magical place for families.

If you’re within driving distance I highly recommend Kansas City Irish Fest for family fun!

Kansas City Irish Fest, one of Kansas City’s favorite festivals, takes place Labor Day weekend, Friday thru Sunday, at Crown Center. Though this was our first time at the festival, 2009 marked the 7th year of celebrating Celtic pride in “Cowtown”.

Though I had browsed the website and tried to keep up with band announcements and other goings on at Tir na Blog I felt unprepared for the festival itself. I wasn’t sure just how family friendly it would be- or how crowded.

I shouldn’t have worried. After 7 years the organizers have the festival down to a science. Let me take you on a little tour…

Are you curious about the cows? Kansas City is often called “Cowtown” because, back when cattle roamed the range and cowboys “drove” cattle instead of ATVs, many of those herds ended their journey in Kansas City before becoming a juicy steak.

Entertainment

There’s no lack of entertainment. From over a dozen great Irish bands – everything from traditional pub tunes to new sounds that don’t compromise tradition- comedians and Irish dancers there is never a question of, “Is there something to do?” it’s a question of, “How can we do it all?”

The main stages, the Boulevard Stage and the State Street Stage, are at opposite ends of the grounds; far enough that they don’t overwhelm each other.

In between are the children’s stage- which features puppets, storytelling, kids bands and workshops- and the Heritage Stage where you’ll learn Irish history, tips on genealogy, pick up a bit of the Irish language and maybe take a turn in a Ceili.

This year Barry FitzGerald from Ghost Hunters International was on hand telling stories about the wee folk around Ireland.

For the Kids

Don’t even think the kids are going to get bored. Sprinkled around the festival grounds are bounce houses (a fee applies for these), 3 children’s areas with activities, Irish Rock Band and Dance Dance Jig Jig Revolution. Trust me, you won’t run out of things to do!

Irish Organizations

Whether you’re Irish- or you just wish you were- stop by the tents run by Kansas City’s Irish Organizations. Learn what they are doing- and what they have helped to do in the past.

Food & Drinks

It’s a sad fact… You cannot get a Guinness at Irish Fest. Nor can you get a hard cider of any sort. Blame that on the fact that Boulevard Brewing Company is in Kansas City. Other alcoholic beverages are served as well as sodas and water. If buying from a beverage tent you must have drink tickets.

Food ranges from traditional Irish fare- Fish & chips, pasties- to fair foods like pizza, turkey legs and ice cream. No one will leave hungry. If you can’t find anything that suits you just leave the festival grounds (get your hand stamped for re-admittance) and head into Crown Center – where the food may actually cost less!

For a great Irish Breakfast head to Raglan Road. You won’t be disappointed.

Shops

No festival is complete without shopping. If it’s Irish you’ll find it here. Food, clothing, jewelry, penny whistles, art, photography, crafts…

Where to Go When You’ve Gotta Go

The festival grounds are lined with porta-potties. These aren’t too disgusting until late evening. A baby changing station is located near the children’s area in the center of the festival grounds.

Irish Museum and Cultural Center

With all the fun going on it’s esy to forget about the Irish Museum and Cultural Center in nearby Union Station. We stopped in to buy a book and spent quite a bit of time there listening to Tom Meehan, an Irish balladeer. He was very kind and let Brenna sing a few songs with him- Irish Rover, Leaving Liverpool and Molly Malone.

Where to Stay

Crown Center has two hotels : Hyatt Regency Crown Center and Westin Crown Center.

My family wasn’t really sure if we were going to make it to the Iowa State Fair this year. Things are really busy and with school beginning today (the full week of the fair) we weren’t sure we could fit it in. Then my friends at Verizon Wireless asked if I wanted to play with some 4G technology. Since 4G isn’t available in Iowa yet they had set up a “traveling tower” just for the fair. Since I love playing with gadgets we made plans to go for a few hours opening night.

The weather was perfect and crowds weren’t too bad. With the 4G connection I was able to take video and load it immediately. FUN! *Note: videos had to be recorded in “normal” mode, so they aren’t as sharp as I would prefer. A few were taped in superfine mode and loaded when we arrived home.

Since fair food is about the funnest food you can find, I concentrated on finding some of the newest offerings at the fair, like Deep Fried Butter and Red Velvet Funnel Cakes, as well as favorites like shakes and Hot Beef Sundaes. I hope you enjoy the videos.

We also found the best hats ever- just ask my girls! They have been wearing them non-stop since we got them!

The 4G was smokin fast; the videos uploaded in under 2 minutes.  I was using the Droid Charge by Samsung.  A nice phone, lovely to use, but lacking the video options of my Droid X (most notably the microphone for recording objects in front of the camera).  I also had the new 10″ Samsung Galaxy Tablet which I used while we sat down for dinner to put the videos on my Facebook page.  Quick and easy!

A Quick Stop in Texas

We flew over Texas on Tour while riding the sky gliders and though they were getting ready to shut down, they let us make a quick run through.  We took a virtual kayak trip along Texas waterways and had a photo opp at the Fort Worth Stock Yards.  If you get to the fair be sure to find Texas on Tour – you may be surprised what Texas has to offer!

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this post. Fair tickets and food were purchased by my family. Verizon Wireless supplied the technology.