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
 
Here's the write up from the state's website:

http://www.dmgov.org/Departments/Parks/Pages/Union.aspx

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. 

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
 

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!

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

Lost on Purpose

www.kickstarter.com

Feature film starring Jane Kaczmarek, C. Thomas Howell, Aaron Hill and James Lafferty raising funds for theatrical self distribution.

 

 

Variety the Children's Charity Telethon

Amanda Krenz and Rachel Pierce

Actor David Anthony Higgins and Rachel Pierce

 Another year and another successful and fun Variety the Children's Charity Telethon.  The 39th annual telethon this year raised $3,603,013!  ABC5 is proud to have carried it every year, the entire staff knows how important the telethon is and how it makes such a difference in the lives of Iowa's children.  I serve on the board of Variety the Children's Charity and I love the fact that every dollar raised goes right back to the kids.  Thank you everyone for once again showing just how generous you are!!! 
Rachel Pierce
rpierce@myabc5.com

Making my daughters crowns in the Kids Corner

Mr. World, who's also an Olympic Pole Vaulter

Helping to raise money for the children of Iowa.

Playdate

 Amanda, her husband Brian and their boys Mercer and Maddox came over to play this weekend.  I don't think the boys have ever had the opportunity to play with so much girl stuff.  They were able to find some dinosaurs and trucks between all the dolls and play clothes. 
Lydia was way more interested in hogging all of Amanda's attention and Amanda being the kind soul she is, just played along.
We both said we need to do this more often!
Rachel Pierce
rpierce@myabc5.com

Five Months!

 Today my little peanut Piper is five months old!  The time has gone by fast but at the same time I can't remember what life was like before she got here.  She's one sweet happy baby and she already adores her big sister Lydia.  Lydia thinks she's pretty great too as long as Piper doesn't touch her.  We've had a few instances when Piper has gotten a hold of poor Lydia's hair, the little baby has a tight grip. Its so fun to see the two of them starting to interact, it just warms my heart.

Rachel Pierce
rpierce@myabc5.com

Zoo Tots

Lydia holding her craft "aquarium".

 We had so much fun today participating in Blank Park Zoo's Zoo Tots.   We enjoyed crafts, story time, songs, seeing a turtle and having a fun snack that we got to make.  It was all in a cute ocean theme.  It was so perfect for my two and a half year old Lydia and her little friend Mila. 
After our hour long class we strolled the zoo on this perfect winter day!  We saw the lions, tigers, snow leopards, otters, flamingos and we even got to see a sea lion show! 
The class wasn't expensive either, it was around nine bucks because we are members of the zoo. 
I can't wait to sign up for the next class!
Rachel
rpierce@myabc5.com

Lydia, Mila and Laura making our snacks, a little ocean scene made with crushed graham crackers, blue yogurt and fish gummies.

Piper before we left wanted to dress for the occasion.

Story time

Lydia did not want to touch the turtle

Me and my girls

Dancing during song time.