Des Moines Families

REVIEW: Legend's, Downtown Des Moines

I'd dined at Legends downtown 4 or 5 times without the kids and enjoyed it. Today, following the Noon Year's Eve celebration, we decided to try it with 'em.

It was pretty great. The extra-large booth are perfect for a roaming 2-year-old who throws a fit everytime a restaurant employee even suggests a high-chair, and the personal TVs in each booth are icing on the cake.

Our server was pleasant and prompt. She made chocolate milk for us even though it wasn't offered on the menu. And she was fast with the check with the littlest of us started to get cranky.

It's nice and loud, a good distraction for your booth neighbors if you happen to have a temper tantrum; has a nice selection for kids meals (although I will warn ya' that the buns on the kids hamburgers are gigantic... same as the adult burgers); nice coloring sheet and crayons.

My husband got a little bonus for joining us... Manute Bol came in about half-way through our meal. He's the tallest person I've ever seen in my life. It was fun to watch the restaurant manager call his buddies in to gawk at him and equally as funto eavesdrop on all the diners as they tried to remember which NBA team(s) he played for.

THIS JUST IN: A Particularly Special 'Saturday Special'

We've been to the Central Library's Saturday Special twice... once for Valentine's Day and another for Clifford. Now that I type this out, they might have been the same day.

At any rate, it was super fun. The Central Library children's librarians know exactly what they are doing. Their programing is perfect. Their crowd control is brillant. They're relaxed. They're in love with the kids who come there. In a word, they're great.

This Saturday's Saturday Special looks particularly fun... maybe a bit more so for girls, but I think we'll give it a try.

From the library:

The Des Moines Playhouse presents Prince Brat and the Whipping Boy. Afterwards, stay
and enjoy a tea party in the children’s area!

REVIEW: Noon Year's Eve, Science Center of Iowa (SCI)

What a nuthouse. I think the SCI employee at the ticket counter said it best when she shouted to me, “I think they could have waited to pass out the noise-makers.”

Imagine if you will 200-some (my estimate) families, each with two or three kids, including one baby in a gigantic stroller, crammed into the Founders Hall at the SCI. Now give each of the kids a cookie and a paper kazoo. Next, open up a juice stand and let them have lid-less cups of apple juice. For the love of all things holy… I’ve never heard such noise.

At noon, the SCI employees dropped balloons and confetti on this swarm, and I’m pretty sure the noise level exceeded safe levels. The kids freaked. All of them at the same time.

And then, just when you thought it couldn’t possibly get any louder, the little scientists got an idea: balloon drop… how about balloon pop? Yes, all 400 children started popping red, yellow, pink, green and orange balloons. Mass hysteria.

All in all, I’d say it’s a cute concept with an even cuter name. But I don’t think I’ll be pack for a few years – probably five. I think I read somewhere that’s how long it takes for your ear drums to regenerate.

THIS JUST IN: Spots Still Available for Songs & Signs

The Music Together winter session operated by Songs & Signs has a few spots remaining in the following classes, which run from Jan. 5 to March 14. Registration is available online, and classes are $158.

West Des Moines:
Tuesday 9:30 AM with Denise Schmitz & 6:45 PM Kristen Richer
Thursday 5:45 PM with Ingrid Anthan
Friday 9:30 AM with Jodi Stanfield
Saturday 9:30 & 10:30 AM with Ingrid Anthan

Ankeny:
Wednesday 10:00 AM with Jodi Stanfield
Friday 9:30 AM  with Ann Merkley
Saturday 9:30 AM with Kristen Richer

Downtown Des Moines:
Tuesday 9:30 & 10:30 AM with Skyla Mann
Thursday 5:45 PM with Kristen Richer
Saturday 9:10 AM with Ann Merkley

THIS JUST IN: Botanical Blues Start Soon

Ok, so it's naptime for my kids, but I'd be going to this if it weren't...

The Botanical Center is getting ready to start its Botanical Blues program, a recurring Sunday afternoon blues concert taking place from 1 to 3 p.m. throughout January and February.

Here's more from the Botanical Center Website:

Join local musicians as they escape from the cold, dry winter to the warm tropical environment of the Botanical Center. Every Sunday a different artist will be performing in the Dome from 1 to 3 p.m. Admission is $4.00 per person. Come down and join us for food, fun and entertainment!

If you get a chance to go, be sure to send in a review and let us know if the event is as family-friendly as I hope.

THIS JUST IN: Noon Year's Eve at the Science Center.

We're going to give this a try on Monday. Looks like fun:

Noon Year's Eve at the Science Center

Why should adults have all the fun ringing in the New Year at midnight?  Bring the whole family to join KISS 107 FM and SCI to celebrate 12 hours early! Watch the time fly on the giant Countdown Clock, get lost in a massive balloon and confetti drop in Founders Hall, enjoy cookies, noisemakers and an apple juice toast at noon to celebrate 2008!

THIS JUST IN: The Onesies Are Here!

Time to snap our babies into some Des Moines style. The "Des Moines Baby" onesies are here and looking for some sweet little bodies to swaddle this Christmas.

Without further ado, drumroll please...

... Tah Dah!!!

Aren't they just the best? All the size, color and quality info (and the option to purchase the $18 baby Ts) are available here. In this post though, I want to give you some behind-the-scenes details...

Beyond the fact that the onesie is fantastic-looking, I'm most proud of the people behind it. Designed and screen-printed by SMASH, photographed by rock-star maternity and baby photographer Lori Nordstrom, and encouraged along by the genius moms at Slick Sugar and Pure Paper, this is more than a onesie. It's a manifestation of the creativity and talent present in young Des Moines.

Thanks to all of you brilliant people for making this possible. You gave our babies style!

LOVE THAT! Amy Prime of Newton... You Go, Girl!

Loved mom Amy Prime of Newton in today's Opinion section of the Register. Her call for the candidates to consider child care services during the caucuses was perfection. More of us should be sending letters like this to our central Iowa media. Here's a snipet from Amy's letter:

In order for both me and my husband to participate in the last caucuses, we had to find a babysitter for our children. In order for us both to attend in January, we will either have to do the same thing again, or take our young children with us, which would be stressful. Perhaps the candidates would consider providing on-site child care for parents who might otherwise choose not to attend.

Thanks, Amy!

THIS JUST IN: Drop and Shop in Ankeny

Looking to ditch the kiddos while you check-off your holiday to-do list? If your errands are in or around The Playground for Kids in Ankeny, you can do just that.

According to The Playground for Kids' Barb Wagner:

We are having a Drop and Shop on Tuesday, December 18th. Parents can drop the kids off from 4 to 8 p.m. and finish up any last-minute shopping, wrap presents or finish up their holiday baking. 

Barb asks that parents call 515-965-9899 for more details. 

THIS JUST IN: Portraits by Gerilynn in New Studio

Family and baby photographer Gerilynn (pronounced "Jerry-Lynn") has completed her studio and is open for shoots.

The in-home studio is located at 108 4th St. NW in Altoona (zip is 50009). Gerilynn does sittings Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Wednesdays and Fridays 9:30 a.m. to Noon; Saturday and Sunday various hours.

Here are a few of Gerilynn's recent holiday-cards to give you an idea of her work...