baby alabama
&child
Mother’s Day Reflections CHILDREN'S MUSEUMS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION
SPRING 2012 PRICE $2.95
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Inside: FAMILY-FRIENDLY
EVENT CALENDAR
baby alabama
April/May/June 2012
contents www.albabymag.com
& child
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PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF Cecilia Pearson DESIGN Amy Heise Murphree EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Charles Ghigna Jane Longshore
features 18 22
Dear Mom: Mother’s Day Reflections Great Alabama Children’s Museums
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Adrian Freeman
departments
AD DESIGN Karyn Hallman
08 10 14
News & Notes Children’s Health: Child Abuse Prevention Celebrations: Easter Picnic
DISTRIBUTION Pearson & Associates
in every issue Lifestages Publishing Inc., Copyright 2004-2012. Lifestages Publishing Inc. publishes Alabama Baby & Child quarterly. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Publisher assumes no liability for unsolicited art, photographs, manuscripts, or other material.
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Editor’s Letter Family-Friendly Event Calendar Boutique Shopping Guide
Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in Alabama Baby & Child are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lifestages Publishing Inc. Information provided should not be interpreted as medical instructions; editorial content is not intended as medical advice. Consult appropriate healthcare professionals prior to taking any action. Although great care has been taken in compiling and checking the information given in this publication to ensure accuracy, the authors, Lifestages Publishing Inc., and its servants or agents shall not be responsible or in any way liable for the continued currency of the information or for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this magazine, whether arising from negligence or otherwise or for any consequences arising therefrom. The appearance of an ad in Alabama Baby & Child does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service.
On the Cover Donna Ellis with daughter Lourdes and baby on the way. Photographed by Adrian Freeman
contact us LifeStages Media 130 Wildwood Pkwy. Suite 108-204 Birmingham, AL 35209 t. (205) 924-3636 www.albabymag.com www.babypaloozatour.com www.albabymag.com 1
from the editor I DEDICATE THIS ISSUE to my mother and father. This issue falls within both Mother’s Day and Father’s
Day and my parents are a big part of what makes this magazine possible. A few months ago I got really sick, so sick I could barely do anything for myself and it was mom and dad to the rescue. They walked the dog, ran the errands, cooked the meals, swept the floor at Babypalooza, whatever was needed. Couldn’t make it without them. So mom and dad - thank you. New parents take note -- parenting is forever!
See you online,
Cecilia “CC” Pearson
Photo of the folks catching me as I drive the trike into a pole. I’ve driven many more bikes, skate boards, cars, and such into poles since then. Let’s Go! God Bless you parents.
24/7 @ albabymag.com
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Located in Homewood next to Momma Goldbergs.
205.803.2133
www.theswankystork.com
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A NEW BABY STORE IN DOWNTOWN HOMEWOOD 2825 18th Street South (205) 870-3503 www.swaddleonline.com
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• protect • cleanse • clothe • enrich • nourish • explore •
nurture • protect • cleanse • clothe • enrich
Alabama Ballet presents
Featuring original music performed live by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
April 13–15, 2012 Wright Center, Samford University
Tickets on sale now! 205-975-2787 or visit alabamaballet.org Sponsored by Derry and Peter Bunting in honor of Betty Brice ŠľIJ 3ğįIJĿŠ3 .IJņIJĿ 'ğłĝĹĎŠĜğĝĺ t ŠľIJ )łĴľ ,ĎłĚ 'ğłĝĹĎŠĜğĝ ĎĝĹ ŠľIJ (ĚğĿĜĎ /ĎĿĿĎĺğĿIJ .ğğĹņ 'ğłĝĹĎŠĜğĝ 3FHJPOT t #MVF $SPTT #MVF 4IJFME t ,JOFUJD $PNNVOJDBUJPOT t 5IF #JSNJOHIBN /FXT "MBCBNB 1PXFS t 8FMMT 'BSHP t /BUJPOBM &OEPXONFOU GPS UIF "SUT t "MBCBNB 4UBUF $PVODJM PO UIF "SUT
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news and notes
autism awareness
1
Heart Child Ben Duffy Presents is proud to announce Heart Child a documentary about Crys Worley and her creation of the A.SKATE foundation. Heart Child is the story of twenty-nine year old Alabama native and resident, Crys Worley, who is the mother of a nine year-old autistic child, Sasha. It is a remarkable story about a mother’s struggles, not only with her own health (she has had several heart surgeries), but the well being of her son. Committing to Sasha that she will never give up on him and inspired by the challenges parents of autistic children face, she started a non-profit organization, called A.Skate—Autism. Skating with Kids through Acceptance, Therapy, and Education. This film documents her extraordinary journey. Crys Worley stars in the film along with various characters of the A.SKATE and Skateboarding community. Crys states her goals are to bring awareness to Autism in general but to also bring an all wheel (ADA accessible) skate park to the metro Birmingham area. Ben Duffy, the director and producer of Heart Child is a 22 year-old filmmaker from New York, and has been making films since he was 13. To raise completion and marketing funds a “Kickstarter” campaign was launched on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. For more details on the film and the campaign visit www.HeartChildTheMovie.com. For more on Crys and A.Skate visit www.Askate.org.
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Autism License Plate
news and notes
Autism Awareness License Plate “Commitment to Purchase” in progress.
(ASA) is proud to announce the approval of the Autism Awareness distinctive license plate application. ASA must confirm 1,000 commitments by November 30, 2012 to have the license plates manufactured and be available for purchase in the future. Money raised will support ASA's education and advocacy efforts, as well as their family camps, conferences, and seminars. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced the estimated number of U.S. autistic kids has skyrocketed by 78% since 2000. 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and among boys, it’s on in 54. Autism supporters, who wish to purchase the Autism Awareness distinctive license plate, may visit their local
county license plate office at any time during the year regardless of their tag renewal month, complete a “Commitment to Purchase” application and pay the $50 additional fee. 80% of the additional fee will be donated to ASA. Gaining the 1,000 license plate commitments would mean a great deal to the Alabama families affected by autism says ASA Board President, Bill Pearson. “Hundreds, if not thousands of children and families in our state rely on the Autism Society of Alabama. We are excited to have the support of our fellow Alabamians and to be able to provide services for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families through education and advocacy.” For more information about the license plate or ASA visit www.autism-alabama.org.
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c h i l d r e n’ s h e a l t h
save a child April is child abuse and neglect awareness month. B Y K I M B E R LY F A R R , PA R E N T E D U C AT I O N S P E C I A L I S T CHILDCARE RESOURCES
costs Alabamians approximately $520 million a year. While we’d like to believe some children are excluded from the grim statistics of abuse, research shows that child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education. This startling statement is one of the primary reasons CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
we celebrate children in April-during Week of the Young Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month. As adults it is our responsibility to stand up for young children. Prevent Child Abuse America states that “anything you do to support kids and parents can help reduce the stress that often leads to abuse and neglect.” Here are some of their tips:
1
BE A FRIEND TO A PARENT YOU
KNOW. Ask how their children are doing. Draw on your own experiences to provide reassurance and support. If a parent seems to be struggling, offer to baby-sit or run errands, or just lend a friendly ear. Show you understand.
2
BE A FRIEND TO A CHILD YOU
KNOW. Remember their names. Smile when you talk with them. Ask them about their day at school. Send them a card in the mail. Show you care.
3
TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBORS ABOUT LOOKING OUT FOR ONE ANOTH-
Encourage a supportive spirit among parents in your apartment building or on your block. Show that you are involved.
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ER’S CHILDREN.
c h i l d r e n’ s h e a l t h
4
GIVE YOUR USED CLOTHING, FURNITURE AND TOYS FOR USE
BY ANOTHER FAMILY. This can help relieve the stress of financial burdens that parents sometimes take out on their kids.
5
VOLUNTEER
YOUR
TIME
AND
MONEY FOR PROGRAMS IN YOUR COMMUNITY THAT SUPPORT CHIL-
like parent support groups or child care centers. Let’s all do our part to protect Alabama’s greatest resource, our children! DREN AND FAMILIES,
Childcare Resources, a non-profit 501(c)(3)
As adults it is our responsibility to stand up for young children.
Child Care Resource and Referral Agency based in Birmingham, AL. 205-252-1991 • 800-822-2734 Toll Free www.ccr-bhm.org
www.albabymag.com 11
Chace Lake Station 4741 Chace Circle, Hoover 205-982-4444
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HOOVER gymboreeclasses.com
easter picnic BY CHRISTEN PRICE • PHOTOGRAPHY BY RALEIGH AND CHRISTEN PRICE
BUNNIES ARE BOUNCING, birds are chirping, and flowers are blooming. Easter has arrived and it is time to celebrate! Recently, my children and I had a little outdoor party to welcome spring. We displayed some of our favorite Easter decorations and enjoyed an Easter-themed picnic. The menu was hassle-free and a fun activity we could enjoy as a family. Here are some of my favorite Easter-inspired food items:
Carrot-Shaped Goldfish
My girls love goldfish. Purchase a clear, plastic bag from the party section of your home goods store and
tape the back so it is in the shape of a cone. Fill the bag 3/4 full with goldfish. Tie it off with some pretty green ribbon and your child has their very own carrot snack to enjoy Easter Fruit
To make fruit a bit more fun, try cutting it out with some Easter-shaped cookie cutters. I found a mini cookie cutter package filled with shapes such as eggs, crosses, bunnies, flowers, and ducks at
bunnies are bouncing, birds are chirpping,
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my local craft store that made the perfect size treat for my children. Let your child pick out the shape that they want and help them press the cutter into their favorite fruit. We used cantaloupe, pineapple, and honeydew as our fruits and they were just as much fun to eat as they were to make! Spring Cupcakes
Cupcakes make life just a little bit sweeter. To keep life hassle-free, I
ordered spring-inspired cupcakes from Cupcakes by Tish in Montgomery. She decorated red velvet and vanilla cupcakes that were so pretty that we almost didn’t eat them…but we couldn’t resist! These beautifully decorated cupcakes were a great treat to top off our celebration.
RESOURCES:
Cupcakes: Cupcakes by Tish www.cupcakesbytish.com, 334-625-0999
Easter Plates and Napkins: Richardson's Pharmacy, 334-262-5775
Easter Baskets: Barb’s on Mulberry barbsonmulberry.com, 334-269-2272
Decorations: Rosemont Gardens www.capitolsrosemont.com, 334-834-7731
and flowers are blooming.
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Michelle Shaw is an orthodontic assistant who lives in Huntsville with her husband and daughter.
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Dear Mom,
Mother's Day Reflections Mother’s Day. It’s a time to not only celebrate with our children, but also to honor our own mothers. BY KIM HILDENBRAND
we reflect upon all that our mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures have done for us over the years-whether imparting vital life lessons, making major sacrifices, or being there when no one else was. They shaped us into not only the people that we are, but the mothers we have turned into. As for me, a mother of two with a third on the way, I seem to become more like my mom every day. When I put aside my own desires to honor my children’s needs, when I talk gently during a grocery-store tantrum rather than giving in to my frustration, when I say no to junk food and offer a healthful snack-all those are hallmarks of my own mother's parenting style. Throughout the year, Alabama Baby & Child magazine receives requests from readers who want to share their stories. Here, we’re giving you a glimpse into our readers’ lives by sharing their heartfelt letters to their moms or mother figures. Our hope: It may just inspire you to write a letter of your own this Mother’s Day.
ON THIS SPECIAL OCCASION,
Dear Mom, You and dad alway s told me I was the chosen one. When about when you ca I was a toddler, I sta me and got me-and, rted asking you to of course, you told th tell me When I was growing e story of my adoptio up, you always rem n over a million tim inded me that my es! wanted me to have birth mother loved the best life possible me so much that sh . The love you gave e to give and accept me throughout my love for all it's worth life has truly inspire . I feel so blessed to d me old and carried me say I have two moms: for nine months an on e wh o d wa on s e 16 wh years o wanted me and ca My birth mom was rried me for life. faced with a decision of having to let go world: a child. Unde of one of the most rstanding that she precious gifts in th was not capable of e consider adoption, ca rin g for her unborn ch a very special gift, ild, she chose to as I ca ll it, fro Day is extra special m one woman to an for me because of th other-a gift of a lifeti e strength and love me. Mother’s even more grateful. of both of you. No I enjoy watching yo w as a mo m my u play and interact wi self I am reflection of what th my daughter, La a wonderful mom yo ndry Claire-it is a u were to me. I’m grateful to my birth mom for givin g me life, and gratef mom and a wonderf ul to you for loving ul grandmother (aka me and being a wo “Meme”) to my be nderful Love, autiful daughter.
Michelle Shaw
www.albabymag.com 19
Lisa Frederick, a freelance writer, lives in Birmingham with her husband and son.
ed with frustraTo my mom: en I called, wild-ey wh d sai u yo at wh s .� That' e zenith of the “Don't wish it away grandson-was at th ur yo nso y M . nt as he could. sperate to ve lking them as long tion and fatigue, de mi on nt be l, tel th d as far as I could that were fraught wi Terrible Threes, an nts. We had more me mo r de ten t, ee of sw He and I had a lot ot always his). nce, meltdowns (n fia hen, I asked you, de s, power struggle ay past enough. W -w gh ou en d ha I'd goodfiercely. But fortheloveofallthatis I loved him deeply, sy? Could he please ea be it uld wo n he would it be over? W ? dy lmer, independent, ea alr up faded as he grew ca rs intheworld grow fou d an s ree th s s his shoes, dials e tumultuou less and less. He tie And then he did. Th me s ed ne he er, rtn . . Now, as a kinderga s, ideas and dreams more self-possessed has his own opinion He . en of ch kit iew e ev th pr m welcome snack fro the phone, grabs a on his friends-an un us foc to ng u'd rri Yo t. efe pr fel ew how it es me away, bullet train. You kn a Sometimes he nudg e lik me rd wa to at are barreling the teenage years th y. He wanted have listened. ess, golden spring da wl fla a been there. I should on it vis a , re at your house for ced down the steps Not long ago, we we I smiled as he boun m. hi d an r me ou t g jus , pin w bubbles g wall, dip rched on a retainin to go outside and blo pe e W . ht lig e Yo th . e as a flame u cowlick glint in toward a sky as blu les watching his blond bb bu of ms ea wholly happy, of soap, sending str We watched him: n. su n wands into a bucket oo ern aft e of th . and catch the last three wands at once came out to join us how to blow with an th lex mp soon co as t re jus mo shed back, s mind on nothing e moment that I wi th ed oil wholly absorbed, hi sp ve ha would ere was no need. It We didn't talk. Th as it was gone. Love,
Lisa Frederick
Dear Mom, Thank you for all that you do for me. You are my role model, my mentor, and my best friend. You have molded me into the woman and the mother that I am today. You came to America from the Philippines 35 years ago to have a better life and start a family. It was not easy for you to adjust to the culture, the language, and the food. You dedicated your life to provide for our family, working two jobs from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and still managed to put your family first. You made sure I always had everything I wanted, even though I know I did not deserve it sometimes. I know that it was very hard on you to provide for two children, twins at that, but you did an amazing job. You made it look so easy. You managed to be stern when you needed and a friend when I needed a shoulder to cry on. I like to think I have your family values and your work ethic. It is my goal to instill those same values in my children. Not only are you an amazing mother, but you are an amazing Lola (grandmother). You have been there to guide me from the beginning. I am so blessed to have you here to help me raise my little girl, Lourdes. During this pregnancy, when I was placed on bed rest you stepped up to allow me to rest. You made sure that I saw Lourdes every day and came to help out with my daily chores to be sure that I listened to the doctor's orders-because like my wonderful mother, I can be hardheaded! Most people tell me that I am just like you now. I even find myself doing and saying the things that you say-the same things that made me roll my eyes when you said them to me, but now I feel that is the biggest compliment that anyone can give me. You are the best mother in the world, and I am thankful to have you in my life every day. I love you, Mom. Love, Donna Ellis
Donna Ellis, a personal trainer and co-owner of Resolution Fitness LLC, lives in Montgomery with her daughter, Lourdes, and her husband and business partner, Corey Ellis. Donna is currently expecting Corey Terrell Ellis II (aka Dos) anytime now.
Tracie Rowe, an auditor turned stay-at-home mom, lives in Chelsea with her husband and son. She is expecting a daughter in July.
Dear Mamaw, As Mother's Day ap proaches, I am rem inded of how fortunate my sister and I are that yo u were there to take from the hospital th us home e day mom died in th e car accident. You we start over and raise re willing to two girls again as a single parent, even finished raising yo after you had ur family and had just lost your last liv hadn't brought us ing daughter. If yo home, I know I wo u uldn't be the perso have said that the n I am today. You thought of not tak ing us home with yo to you—that you kn u never occurred ew right away that you were going to provide the stability be the one to we needed at such a tough time for all I know there were of us. However, so many other optio ns for you, and I am you chose to be th so very thankful ere for us. As I've often told you, you were moth er, father, grandmo grandfather to me. ther, and I've heard people say they feel sorry for me my mother so soon having lost , but they shouldn 't. You filled every affection, and I'm ga p wi th love and thankful to this da y that the one perso childhood was alw n I ne ed ed during ays there for me. Over the years, I saw you go through some extremely difficult times I wondered if times, and at you would make it out the other side; always endured. I ha ye t so me how, you ve always been in awe of your courag like to think that I e an d str ength, and I inherited some of those traits from yo I could always do wh u. You taught me th atever I need to ge at t through difficult matter what. I know situations—no my stubbornness ma de your job extreme somehow you mana ly difficult, but ged to persevere. No w that I'm a mother that I am able to pa my self, I hope ss on to my children some of the positive with me. That's wh traits you shared y I gave my son a pa rt of your name. Th being there for me ank you again for and for showing me how to deal with ev at me-both good an erything life throws d bad. I love you, and no matter what words I attempt to describe thoughts and feelin the positive gs I have for you, th ey all seem inadequate. Love,
Tracie Rowe
I am reminded of how fortunate my sister and I are that you were there to take us home from the hospital the day mom died in the car accident. www.albabymag.com 21
section
great alabama
museums for kids
Birmingham Museum of Art opens Bart's ArtVenture
Don’t break the bank on gas for vacations — there’s plenty to do, see, and learn close to home.
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BY JANE LONGSHORE
AS THE RECESSION LINGERS ON, more families are opting for “staycations”—vacationing at home or close to home. Birmingham area residents will have a new option for fun and education when the Birmingham Museum of Art opens a new children and family gallery on May 19. Bart’s ArtVenture is an interactive gallery that will offer a way for kids and parents to learn about the art in the BMA collection, and to explore their own creativity in fun and exciting ways. The gallery will be located next to the museum restaurant, Oscar’s at the Museum, in the Hess and Sonat Galleries. The name Bart’s ArtVenture is inspired by the mascot of the BMA’s education department; “Bart” is the nickname of an ornamental gold bat housed in the pre-Columbian gallery.
n u r s e r y ms ea kc toivoenr
The museum has devised ingenious ways for kids to interact with its extensive and varied art collection, and have some hands-on fun creating their own masterpieces. A new technology, designed especially for Bart’s ArtVenture, will allow kids to step into great works of art and even create their own abstract designs. An S-shaped “art bar” will allow as many as 15 children at a time to participate in creative projects based on the museum’s collection. The gallery is designed to accommodate children of all ages in different age-appropriate zones. The Hess portion of the gallery is setup for bigger kids, while the Sonat space is designated for toddlers and young children. Bart’s ArtVenture will also give artists in the community a new place to showcase their talents and inspire children. A changing community gallery space will display various artists’ family-friendly art throughout the year. The first exhibit scheduled for the gallery is Heather Spencer Holmes’ installation Smack!.
BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART 2000 Eighth Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203 205-254-2565 www.artsbma.org
Hours of Operation Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. -5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.
Free admission
www.albabymag.com 23
Anniston Museum of Natural History
more great
kids’ museums ANNISTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 800 Museum Drive Anniston, AL 36206 256-237-6766 www.annistonmuseum.org
Hours of Operation Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
Admission: $6 adults, $5.50 seniors, $5 children ages 4-17
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Anniston Museum of Natural History Explore the wilds of Africa, the wonders of the North American wilderness, and the mysteries of 2,000-yearold mummies, all without leaving the borders of Alabama. Open-air exhibits at the Anniston Museum of Natural History let visitors get up close to majestic, and often deadly, animals. The museum features one of the country’s oldest exhibits of birds in their habitats, and a children’s discovery room that offers hands-on experiences with Alabama’s natural wonders. The Changing Exhibit Gallery offers a look at how artists interpret nature. Finish your visit by strolling the gardens and outdoor nature trails.
CHILDREN’S HANDS ON MUSEUM OF TUSCALOOSA 2213 University Boulevard Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 205-349-4235 www.chomonline.org
Hours of Operation Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. -8:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: $8 adults and children ages 3 and older, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 1-3
Children’s Hands on Museum of Tuscaloosa Children’s Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa (CHOM) is all about learning through play—visitors are encouraged to touch, feel, and play in the 21 exhibits spread over three floors. In Lil’ Sprouts Farmer’s Market, children can be a customer and pick their favorite vegetables or be a farmer and sell their crop. The Captain Tim Parker exhibit teaches children about river transportation in Alabama from the wheelhouse of a towboat. In the Choctaw Indian Village, visitors can explore a replica of a Choctaw Village from the 1700s and learn about the Choctaw Chief Tuscaloosa (sound familiar?). Other exhibits include The Arts Studio, Japanese House, Beaver’s Bend, and Grandmother’s Attic, and more.
Children's Hands on Museum of Tuscaloosa
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HEART OF DIXIE RAILROAD MUSEUM
section
1919 9th Street • Calera, AL 35040 • 205-668-3435 • www.hodrrm.org
Hours of Operation: Open March 10-December 17 Tuesday, 10 a.m. -2 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. -4 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. -4 p.m.
Free admission; fee for train rides (check schedule)
Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum
Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is the official railroad museum of the state of Alabama. Located just south of Birmingham in Calera, the museum features operating standard gauge and narrow gauge trains, two restored depots, an indoor collection of railroad artifacts and memorabilia, and an outdoor collection of railroad cars, locomotives, and cabooses. The museum is dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and operation of historically significant railway equipment. Special events are celebrated in a unique way at Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, from Mother’s and Father’s Day to the Pumpkin Patch Express and the Santa Special. Southern Museum of Flight The mission of the Southern Museum of Flight is to investigate, preserve, and promote the rich stories of Southern aviation and to provide exciting, interactive, and educational programming for people of all ages. Through partnerships with the community, the Southern Museum of Flight offers a number of exhibitions, displays, and educational services. The Korean War Jets Exhibit is a unique diorama display of the Kimpo Air Force Base in South Korea that highlights the defection of Lt. No Kum Sok (Kenneth Rowe), a 21-year old, elite North Korean Air Force pilot, as well as the historic events that transpired following the defection. It features two of the primary fighter jets that became adversaries during the Korean War era—the F-86 Sabre and the MiG-15. The Tuskegee Airmen Exhibit honors Alabama’s famed Tuskegee Airmen featuring a number of World War II era trainers including a North American AT-6 Texan, a Vultee BT-13B Valiant, and a Fairchild PT-19 Cornell. The Vietnam War Helicopters Exhibit depicts a true story of American heroism within Troop C, 16th Cavalry Regiment. There’s even a Huff-Daland Crop Duster Exhibit, featuring an all-original Huff-Daland “Duster,” a fabric-covered, cantilever-winged biplane structurally designed so that it had none of the wing brace wires that were common to the biplane designs of the era. The display is set in Monroe, Louisiana, during the 1920s when the Delta Air Corporation utilized these Huff-Daland aircraft as crop dusters.
Southern Museum of Flight
SOUTHERN MUSEUM OF FLIGHT 4343 73rd Street North Birmingham, AL 35206 205-833-8226 www.southernmuseumofflight.org
Hours of Operation Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors and children ages four and older, free for active military and families
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Vulcan Park and Museum
Vulcan Park and Museum There’s more to Vulcan Park than the world’s largest cast iron statue (as if that’s not enough). The museum at the park offers exhibits and interactive displays to teach visitors of all ages not only about the history of the Vulcan statue, but also about life in the Magic City through the decades. Explore how families lived in various eras in Birmingham’s history; how children played and went to school in company towns; what their parents did for work; and how families celebrated the heritage they brought with them from other parts of the world. Examine various chapters in the city’s history, from its founding and early growth in the late 1800s; to the Great
Depression and World War II; postwar Birmingham and the Civil Rights era; the city's transition from an industrial to a technology-based economy; and Birmingham as the hub of an expansive metropolitan area. Other fun activities include taking your picture beside a life-size replica of Vulcan’s giant foot’; climbing the stairs to the top of Vulcan’s 124-foot pedestal (there’s also an elevator for tired parents); and enjoying a picnic lunch while enjoying the panoramic views of Birmingham’s skyline. For views of the city lights at night, the park grounds and observation tower are open every night from 6 to 10 p.m. for a discounted admission fee of $3 plus tax for adults and children ages five and older.
VULCAN PARK AND MUSEUM 1701 Valley View Drive Birmingham, AL 35209 205-933-1409 www.visitvulcan.com
Hours of Operation Museum: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. -6 p.m.; Sunday 1-6 p.m. Observation Tower: 10 a.m. -10 p.m.; Sunday 1-10 p.m.
Admission: $6 adults, $5 seniors (65+), $4 children ages 5-12 (plus tax)
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Family Event Calendar
{April, Ma APRIL 21 DOTHAN BABYPALOOZA DOTHAN CIVIC CENTER 10AM - 2PM
APRIL 13, 14, 15, 21, 22 DAY OUT WITH THOMAS™ HEART OF DIXIE RAILROAD MUSEUM 9AM - 4PM Day Out With Thomas™: Mystery On The Rails Tour 2012 offers little engineers and their families the opportunity to take a ride with a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends™ series. Children will take a 25-minute ride along with their favorite engine friend on his latest adventure and participate in
APRIL 28
Thomas-themed activities.
MARCH FOR BABIES
Tickets are available by calling
UAB MINI PARK
Ticketweb toll-free 866-468-7630, or
REGISTRATION 8AM
by visiting ticketweb.com/thomas
More than 7 million people will join their family, friends and colleagues in 900
or HODRRM.org. Ticket prices are
communities across the nation for the annual March of Dimes fundraising effort.
$18 for ages 2 and up (service fees
Funds raised from the fun 2.5 mile walk around downtown Birmingham will
may apply).
supports programs that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. Join team Alabama Baby or create your own team by going to marchforbabies.org or calling 205-824-0103.
Family Calendar brought to you 30 www.albabymag.com
& ay June} APRIL 27 - 29 IMAGINATION FESTIVAL AT THE BBVA COMPASS MAGIC CITY ART CONNECTION DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM / LINN PARK Total art immersion awaits children and their families at the Imagination Festival, where 30 interactive workshops in art, music, theatre, dance and movement will unlock the creativity of every child. Held in conjunction with the BBVA Compass Magic City Art Connection the Imagination Festival brings professional artists and children together in individual artistic activities and large-scale art projects. Children can participate in FREE workshops and create their own works of art. A sampling of the 2012 workshops include Plantable Paper, Gee's Bend Quilts, Puppet Theatre, Bust a Move, Fabric African Jewelry, Water Soluble Paint, Gesture Drawings, Drums, Clay-Creature Feature, Picasso & Music, Potato Prints, Dance Stage, Fiddle Tree and much more. For a complete list of workshops and their descriptions, visit MagicCityArt.com
< MAY 13 MOTHER'S DAY
Imagination Festival
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Family Event Calendar
& {April, May June} MAY 19 5K RUN WILD FOR PAINTED DOGS BIRMINGHAM ZOO
JUNE 3
7:30AM
VULCAN'S 108TH BIRTHDAY BASH
This 3.1 mile race/run/walk is open to any age. The race begins in the zoo parking lot
VULCAN PARK AND MUSEUM
and finishes inside the zoo, at the new Trails of Africa exhibit. The Zoo will have four
12PM - 4PM
Kid Races: Turtle Trot (Ages 0-2) Chicken Cha Cha (Ages 3-4) Groundhog Gallop
Vulcan may be the world's largest cast
(Ages 5-7) and Serval Sprint (Ages 8-12). All registered participants receive free
iron statue, but he still needs help
admission to the zoo. Details at birminghamzoo.com.
blowing out his birthday candles. Vulcan Park and Museum will host a festive outdoor community celebration offering fun activities for the whole family! Admission will be charged and includes admission to the party, Vulcan's Observation Balcony, Museum and a spe-
STARTING MAY 26 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 4
cial exhibition in the Linn-Henley Gallery.
DORA & DIEGO: LET'S EXPLORE EXHIBIT
For more details visit visitvulcan.com.
MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER
10AM - 6PM DAILY This new, interactive traveling exhibit features beloved characters Dora and Diego from Nickelodeon's hit preschool series Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!, along with their friends Boots, Map, Backpack, Isa, Tico, and of course Swiper, now in their own exhibit for preschoolers to explore as they learn and play along. Details
SUNDAY, JUNE 17 FATHER'S DAY
714-8300 or mcwane.org.
online
online CAL
Find many more family events, support groups, and mom blogs at albabymag.com
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alabama baby
shopping
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Speciality Toys Learning Games Trains Dolls And More
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