Des Moines Families

REVIEW: Nature Storytime, Greenwood Park

Submitted by Molly

My 3-year-old daughter and I went to Polk County Conservation’s Nature Storytime at Greenwood Park.   It was a lot of fun and very informative, but unfortunately swarming with mosquitoes.

The theme for this week was turtles. The guide read us a story, told us a fable about a turtle using a puppet, and then showed us some old shells and a live box turtle tha had recently been rescued. 

We then went on a guided hike around the pond to look for turtles and frogs. My daughter was surprised that turtles live outside, so I guess we could stand to get out into nature more often. If it hadn't been so hot and buggy, it would have been terrific. We’ll definitely try to go to more of these events.

For more information on similar events, visit www.leadingyououtdoors.com. If you go, be sure to bring your bug spray.

REVIEW: Des Moines Arts Festival

We've never really done the Arts Festival with the kids before. All in all, it was pretty good. They have a ton of kids crafts and a lot of room for them to roam.

The fireworks are tonight (and our 3-year-old didn't get to get his face painted earlier), so we're heading back around 7 p.m. How can you resist this weather... although, as I type that, I'm looking outside at what appears to be rain clouds. Better bring our umbrellas. Anyway, here are a few shots from today... [take special note of the shirt on Jack... available here!]

REVIEW: Sunroom Escapes, Ankeny

Submitted by Gary

My wife and I had been considering adding an addition to our home as our children’s families began to grow. We happened upon Sunroom Escapes at the 2008 Des Moines Home and Family Show and were immediately impressed with salesman’s integrity and his willingness to offer a walk-through of a finished sunroom similar to the size we were interested in. The homeowner allowed us to view the room and answered questions regarding his experience with Sunroom Escapes favorably.

The owner met with us to discuss our wants and offered several beneficial suggestions that ultimately led to what has become the entire family’s favorite room. He led us through the contract, the timing of the construction process and who would perform each portion.

All phases of the actual construction came off without a hitch.  All the subs were professional, honest and clean. Even with our wet spring, the total construction phase took only two weeks to complete.

REVIEW: Family Friday Night at Blank Park Zoo

Submitted by Molly

We went to the zoo on Friday night; they stayed open until 8 p.m. for Family Friday Night. We saw the new Asian elephants, Rosie, the mom, and JP, the baby. They put on a bit of a show to demonstrate their skills. These elephants are endangered species so in a way the “ranch” that sends them out is keeping the species alive. 

Here's a cute pic of Rosie doing one of her tricks. It was a 15 min show. We all loved it. They have these elephant demonstrations during the day, as well.

The Family Friday Night is a lot of fun because the zoo stays open until 8 p.m., and they sell food and beer.  Here are the dates for rest of the summer: June 13 & 27, July 11 & 25 and Aug 1 & 15.

REVIEW: Creations with a Twist

Have you seen this talented guy? OMG... you'll be wowed. He's not your average balloon animal maker. He's more like a balloon artist.

Here's a shot of my son with the monkey this genius with inflatables made at the Drake Relays Family Night at Boston's. This is only one of the outrageous creations he makes. Just check out his Web site to see some of the awesome little creatures he makes.

His name is Daniel Poe, and he's everywhere. As I was putting together the June calendar at DesMoinesFamilies.com, I noticed he'll be at several of the libraries in the coming weeks.

Also, he'll be at the East Village Books Family Fun Night. It starts at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 6.

REVIEW: IMAX at the Science Center

I was thrilled to see several parents taking their young kids to the IMAX at the Science Center on Saturday. Why? Because I didn't want to be the only one with "talkers" in my row.

We took both my 3-year-old and my 1-year-old, and they loved it. The 3-year-old talked quite a bit, but no one seemed to mind.

His perception of the film was precious, as he thought we were actually moving. He said, "We're going up, Mom!" "We're tipping!" The best part was when he told me he wanted popcorn, and I said we'd eat at the cafe as soon as the 45-minute film was over. To which he responded, "Are we going back to Des Moines?" So cute.

I'd recommend taking your young kids... really. Even my baby was wide-eyed and loving it.

REVIEW: Friday Fest, Urbandale

Listen, I miss going to Clive After 5 just as much as the next mom. But thanks to a commenter on my Juice blog, I was introduced to the mom's version of CA5... Friday Fest.

At Friday Fest, you get virtually the same experience (live band, beer, social atmosphere) with one very large difference -- your kids are completely welcome. They're not just welcome, they're catered to with a faux tattoo parlor, bouncy house, softball game and a clown. And there's food!

Because we have an every-other-Friday babysitter, we're going to alternate between CA5 and FF. (But between you, me and the blogosphere, I'm kinda looking forward to the Friday Fest nights).

REVIEW: Phanfare.com, Family Photo Album Site

Submitted by Adam

The title in and of itself does not begin to give credit to the amount of things you can do on this website. Like your typical website, you are able to upload your photos to the website and display them while selecting different backgrounds (themes) to use for each album on your site.

It’s easy to get started... you just need to open an account. After that, it’s just a matter of setting up your albums in an edit mode. Then, you can select “View on the web” to see your finished product. It is easy to do and you can alter the albums anyway you like, whenever you like. You can also do minor alterations to the photos themselves (cropping, red eye reduction, etc.).

The fun part to this site is the actual sharing of your family photos, because in all honesty, that's why we display them in the first place. Phanfare used to allow anyone and everyone too view all photos and albums. Not so any more, and this new security feature is a nice one.

The album owner (you) would need to send an invite to a person to view your album. That person would then have to set up their own password, but after that, they are free to view all albums on your site. I like this in that only those people I want viewing my photos can do so. There is also a feature to be notified whenever new photos are added.  So when you're  done adding photos of your Saturday afternoon picnic with the kids here in Des Moines, Grandma in Denver would get an e-mail saying there are new photos on your site, and she could view them that day.

There are also many other features you or visitors can do. You can upload videos (baby’s first steps for example); visitors are also able to order photos directly from the site using many different vendors (Snapfish, Shutterfly, etc.). They can also order products with photos on them, if you like that sort of thing, as well as download music to accompany the albums to add to a specific theme.

There is 1GB of space available for free from the site to start and maintain, anything greater requires a fee of $54.95/year. In my opinion, it's well worth it for the ease of sharing, choices available and security provided.

If you are looking for a site to house your photos and make them accessible to family members while providing security, in my opinion, Phanfare is for you.

REVIEW: Porky's Diner, Des Moines

Porky's Diner is a great place for breakfast! I had no idea. I always thought of this little joint up on Douglas as a biker hang-out. And while I'm pretty sure it still is during the summertime, it's also a great place for families right now. They only have morning and lunch hours until summer.

Couple of fun things... Ask for a coloring sheet; they'll post your kids' artwork up on their giant corkboard. And, there's a life-sized piggy bank over by the bathrooms, but it's in the smoking section, so you might not notice it if you don't make a special trip. If your kid is as tickled by dropping coins into ceramic objects as mine, you'll love this excuse to get up from the table.

Have fun!

REVIEW: Christopher's, Beaverdale

I've been meaning to review Christopher's for some time, as it's a family favorite.

While my husband and I love to have "date night" there, we also take the kids quite a bit. While the candle-light atmosphere and linen table cloths might lead you to think otherwise, this is actually a very family-friendly place. With plenty of high chairs and a super friendly staff, every Des Moines family should feel completely comfortable and welcome.

I'm pretty sure there is not a changing table, though, so pack those changing pads, 'cause you might need to use the countertop. (I could be wrong about this, so if someone knows differently, comment away!).

The food is great, and there is a kids menu with upwards of five choices.

This is one of Des Moines' most storied restaurants, and parents should definitely get there... even if they don't have a sitter.

Oooh, one other thing... Wednesday night is free dessert night!