Des Moines Families

THIS JUST IN: Photo Workshop for Moms & Dads

Danielle Fox Photography is planning to host several photography workshops for Des Moines moms and dads.

Ms. Fox sends the following note:

I will be hosting a series of workshops on how to take better pictures of your children. You'll learn the
basics so that you can document your kids' lives on a daily basis.

Each session will have 15 to 20 attendees, as I'd like to be able to answer everyone's questions.

Please let us know if you are interested by emailing Danielle at

♫

danielle@daniellefoxphotography.com, and we will put you on the list. We are in the process of setting up different times and locations and will be in touch with those details as soon as they become available.

We also wanted to let you know we are in our new studio downtown. We are still photographing on location, as well.

REVIEW: Jordan Creek Town Center Family Festival

So the Jordan Creek Family Festival is a lot less festival and more... well... three bounce houses and a face painter. Really, calling it a "festival" is a bit much.

That's not to say we didn't have fun. It's actually the perfect amount of activity if you're looking to get there right after work, do a little bouncing, get a puppy painted on your toddler, grab a bite to eat and make it home in time for bed.

This might be a little tough for a single parent, but it worked out great for us, as my husband and baby graciously held a spot in the face-painting line for our toddler while we did the bounce houses.

Because we got there at 5:30 on the dot (starting time), we were only 10th in line for the face-painting, which gave us exactly enough time to go down the slide, do the obstacle course and bounce in Scooby for 5 minutes.

Then it was over to Joe's Crab Shack for some playground and burger time. Kid's meals are only $2 on Tuesdays, so we saved a little there. And our toddler loves to play while waiting for his food. We love it, too, as it gives us a chance to talk (we always request an outdoor seat in view of the playground).

So, I'd recommend the family "festival" with a two caveats... don't expect much and get there early!

THIS JUST IN: Free physicals for student athletes

Tired of dinking with co-pays, flex plans and other insurance hassles? Then this is right up your alley, parents...

Middle school and high school athletes from Des Moines and surrounding areas can receive a free sports physical on July 26 at Des Moines University.

The school will provide free physicals on Saturday, July 26 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., in DMU's Medical Education Center, 3200 Grand Avenue in Des Moines. 

In addition to educational information on health topics, the event will also include free dental and vision screenings, EKGs and, if indicated, ECHOs. All services are free.

More info here.

REVIEW: Baby & Kids Expo, Hy-Vee Hall

Submitted by Heather

The Baby and Kids Expo at Hy-Vee Hall this weekend was great! Lots of neat vendors and activities for kids.

I loved the bounce house and activities provided by Pump It Up (Urbandale), Little Padded Seats and Language Schoolhouse. Our family cloth diapers, has taken classes at Language Schoolhouse and loves to jump at Pump It Up. 

These are just some of our favorites. Check out their websites for more information.

www.pumpitupparty.com

www.littlepaddedseats.com

www.languageschoolhouse.com

NAPPY HOUR: The Perfect Photo Storm

Welcome to Nappy Hour... pull up a chair.

Your question is...

What makes the perfect photo storm?

Show and tell us about the time your portrait fantasy went ary, resulting in the all-time worst family photo.

After you've posted your "photo answer" at your own blog, jump back here and give us the URL of the post (not the URL of your blog), and add it to Mr. Linky here...