Thursday, April 25, 2013

Five Great Things to do in the Metro on the Cheap

On Thursday at 10 at 10 on ABC5 I showed viewers five fun family things to do on the cheap in the metro.  Here's the five and some addition info to help your family out this summer.

Number One: Metro Parks
We really like Union Park at 725 Thompson Avenue
 Union Park Playground
Here's the write up from the state's website:


Established in 1892 at E. 9th and Thompson Avenue, as one of Des Moines original five parks, this highly-used park features a free children’s water play area with zero depth entry and water features, basketball and tennis courts, two enclosed shelters and playground, with the historic and ever-popular rocket slide. Enjoy riding on the Heritage Carousel ($.50 admission), strolling through the Union Park Floral Garden and picnicking in the shade of hundreds of trees located in the park.

Ride a carousel that harkens back to yesteryear! The Heritage Carousel of Des Moines accommodates 35 riders on 30 animals and two chariots (wheelchair accessible) and is located in beautiful Union Park.  Available for parties.    
The Heritage Carousel Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday 12:00-7:00 p.m.
Friday-Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 
Children (with adult)  $0.50
Adults $1.00


Number Two: Metro Libraries
Most libraries have all kinds of amazing programs for babies up to adults.  I know the Urbandale library does eleven different story times, family movie nights, teen video game nights and more.  Check out your local library or Urbandale's:
http://www.urbandalelibrary.org/classes-programs-events/

Number Three: Splash Pads
Ashby Park has a nice one, located at 3200 38th Street
http://www.dmgov.org/Departments/Parks/Pages/Ashby.aspx


Ashby Park - Wading pool, splash pad, playground, picnic tables, rain gardens. Free. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays; 12 to 4 p.m. weekends. 



Ashby Park

Number Four: Jasper Winery Summer Concert Series

Jasper winery: http://www.jasperwinery.com/events/winery-events.php
Summer Concert Series will begin Thursday, May 16 and go through August 1st.  I got a sneak peak at the lineup, its good, they'll post it on their website soon.






Number Five: Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market

http://desmoinesfarmersmarket.com/
May 04 — October 26, 2013 7am-noon
HISTORIC COURT AVENUE
DOWNTOWN DES MOINES
 Saturday Location

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Disney World!


Lydia and Cinderella, she ran right into her arms she was beyond thrilled!
 For our sweet daughter Lydia's third birthday we planned a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida.  We went for three days April 12th-14th and were actually there on her birthday, April 14th.  We had super fun birthday for her in Cinderella's castle.  Like my mom said it is going to be tough to beat this birthday. We went to Animal Kingdom the first day and the other two days did Magic Kingdom.  We wanted to do others but our kiddos just loved Magic Kingdom so much we went back a second day.  I never have been into the whole Disney thing, but I am now and I can see why others love it so much.  Each "character" that we met really took on the characters persona.  The way they interacted with Lydia and the little stories they told her were totally priceless.  I'm sharing 18 of the 605 photos I took.  I can't wait to plan my next trip!


Afternoon parade at Magic Kingdom.  We had prime spots and all the characters waved to Lydia.



Dance party with Goofy, my mom and other characters

I didn't want our other daughter Piper left out of the fun...too bad she's sleeping, we will show her the pictures.


Night parade all the floats are light up at Magic Kingdom

My sister Magdalena, brother-in-law Justin and my niece Brielle all came along.

The girls road around in the double BOB stroller. 

Mickey Mouse and Lydia at Animal Kingdom

We went on a Safari in Animal Kingdom...yes those are real

I carried Piper most of the time...she likes to snooze

Lydia didn't want to be in the picture she said they are mean to Cinderella...too funny!





Monday, April 8, 2013

Lost on Purpose

I grew up in the small town of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.  Some big success has come out of that place.  I'm super proud of one of my friends Michelle Lang, she just produced an independent film, “Lost on Purpose.” The film is a sprawling epic about a tenacious dairy owner and her five renegade ranch hands starring Jane Kaczmarek, C. Thomas Howell, James Lafferty, Aaron Hill, Dale Dickey and Academy award winner Octavia Spencer! They're trying to raise awareness about our Kickstarter campaign. And I'm asking you to take a look and maybe help them out!  I know how supportive Iowans are toward the film industry.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/273375852/lost-on-purpose
“Lost on Purpose” is a film about fighting for love, pride, family and a vanishing way of life.

Feel free to share this information!

Rachel Pierce