Lawrence Kids Summer, 2017
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Lawrence Kids Summer, 2017
Seasonal Essentials - The Jollys Season’s Readings Mama Spreer’s Funnies Studio Kirkland This Lawrence Kid - Lola Martin No Coast Creatures
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Get Outside - Kaw River
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cover photo by Amber Yoshida
www.amberyoshida.com
a project of Four Birds Media info@lawrencekidsmagazine.com (785) 766-5669 Thank you for reading.
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Seasonal
Essentials Sean, Manda, Ada & Ambrose Jolly Share Their Summer List
How the first family of The Roost spends their summer... 1. We spend the summer months slathered in sunscreen and outdoors as much as humanly possible. 2. Action pack days are spent getting everyone to their extra curricular activities such as softball, KVKL and horse back riding. 3. We always squeeze in at least one, but hopefully two long weekends in at the family farm in Phillips County KS. The days are spent four wheeling, walking the river, poking around for fossils, finding shade, eating glorious meals from the grill and making sure we lay eyes on as much wildlife and colorful sunsets as the great plains has to offer. 4. This summer we intend to visit at least two state parks for some hiking and camping, but in reality, it could end up more like the Griswold’s taking in the Grand Canyon. 5. Much of the season is enjoyed right at home in our neighborhood. On home sweet home days, the goal is to sleep in and rest up for long hours of play and yard maintenance. However, sleeping in simply doesn’t happen, and we’ve learned that the cool morning hours are where it’s at. 6. The kiddos enjoy hours of scampering around the back yard, climbing Ada’s “reading tree,” swinging and racing. The driveway becomes the perfect track for imaginary horses or whatever wheeled mode of transportation best suites their needs. 7. The Farmer’s Market and South Park will be frequented. We stock up on local staples, hit the playground and cool down at the fountain. 8. We use hot days as excuses for cold treats. Sylas and Maddy’s is where it’s at! 9. As summer’s end draws near we head to Colorado for a much overdue visit with family and old friends.
Picture Books for Lap Reading
The Busy Tree by Jennifer Ward
Season’s
Acorns nibbled by chipmunks, ants scurrying across a trunk, a spider spinning a web, leaves breathing out air for all to breathe in—everything adds up to a busy tree for all to come and see. Beautiful illustrations, lots to discuss.
Summer Days and Nights by Wong Herbert Yee
On a hot summer day, a little girl catches a butterfly, sips lemonade, jumps in a pool, and goes on a picnic. At night, she sees an owl in a tree and a frog in a pond, and hears leaves rustling, appreciating the details of the season.
Jamberry by Bruce Degen
Colorful pages of exuberant rhymes: A boy and a bear are gathering berries for jam.
Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
Kitten thinks the full moon in a bowl of milk, and ends up tired and wet trying to get it. Caldecott medal winner for wonderful illustrations.
If You Ever Want to Bring a Piano to the Beach... by Elise Parsley
Magnolia is absolutely determined to take her very heavy upright piano to the beach! But oh the sand, sun and seagulls.
Beginning Readers, Ages 5-8
Henry and Mudge in the Family Trees
by Cynthia Rylant Henry and Henry’s parents and Henry’s big dog Mudge are going to a family reunion at Cousin Annie’s house. What will Henry’s relatives be like? What will they say? Will they love Mudge? Will they understand dog drool?
Frog and Friends Best Summer Ever
by Eve Bunting Frog doesn’t ask for much, he is just happy with his friends Rabbit, Possum, Raccoon and Squirrel. Sweet and simple, three titles in the series.
Beginning Chapter Books, Ages 6-9
The Summer Vacation from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler
For fans of the Black Lagoon series, or maybe this will get you started! With way too much free time, Hubie’s friends are away, his mom has chores for him, and his popsicle stand is melting. He comes up with all sorts of ideas!
Readings
Summer Suggestions from the Lawrence Public Library Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer
by Megan McDonald Now that there is a July Moody movie, turns out there are 3 books about Judy Moody’s not bummer summer! Enjoy the crazy household of the irritating Aunt Opal, Judy’s irritating little brother Stink, and the inimitable Judy Moody.
Chapter Books, Ages 9-12
Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars
14 year old Sara is going to have to spend the summer at her aunt’s house, and is responsible for her mentally handicapped younger brother Charlie. She doesn’t feel pretty, she is angry with her father, and then there is a panic when Charlie wanders away. A classic.
How Tia Lola Saved the Summer
by Julia Alvarez Miguel does not plan to enjoy summer now that another family is living with them. But Tia Loala saves the season by starting a summer camp for them all!
Nonfiction
Summersaults: Poems and Paintings
by Douglas Florian Every season brings out poetry from Douglas Florian. Savor one or two poems a night, pleasing to grown-ups and kids alike.
Graphic Novel
Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown by Jarrett Kroscoczka
Tough capable cheerful lunch lady is working summer camp mess hall! What is a swamp monster to her and the kids from her school? She is on to it! This is a graphic novel for ages 6 and up. It is no. 4 in the Lunch Lady series, you will want to read the others.
STUDENT. ADVENTURER. RIDES A BIKE. RIDE AND DRIVE LIKE A GROWN-UP.
Jafiya — Sixth-grader Drivers: Please don’t kid around.
TRAVEL WITH CARE
MamaSpreer’s TALES
One mom. Two daughters. Many, many stories. by Megan Spreer
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photos by Amber Yoshida
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he lights started to dim and my heart was full of so much joy, I couldn’t hardly stand it. A four-year-old B sat on my left and an almost 6-year-old HJ sat on my right. They were playing with the buttons on the reclining chairs in the newly renovated theater, oblivious to the magic I was sure they were about to witness. I had planned this day the minute I saw the trailer for the new Beauty and the Beast. I remembered seeing the animated version in theaters when I was a kid and the yellow tulle my mom used to recreate Belle’s dress for my Halloween costume the following year. I couldn’t wait to sing along to every single song and see how they adapted the characters for real life. Several times, I had to compose myself and remember what a goober I’d be if I started crying in the theater from the happiness. Obviously, this was way bigger of a deal to me than to my children. They like Beauty and the Beast, but they’d much rather watch Moana or Frozen for the hundred and fifth time. Going to see this movie was for me if we’re being honest. Our selfie on Facebook may have said differently, but eh, I was the one smiling the biggest. It wasn’t the first time that I hid under the guise of being a fabulous mom to appease my own inner child’s desires. But before you laugh at me, admit it. You do it, too. I see you, mom and dad fully decked out in Muno and Foofa clothes with your four-monthold at Yo Gabba Gabba Live. That baby can’t see the stage! I see you, dad at the arcade telling your kid he can have a turn in a minute. And don’t think I didn’t see you, too, mom at the American Girl store picking out your daughter’s third doll. No one spends that much on not one, but three dolls without getting your own jollies off.
I’m not judging! Promise! I’m admitting that I’m one of you. I use my kids as an excuse to relive my childhood and live there again as often as I can. Those Harry Potter books on my bookshelf? I’m not introducing them soon because I think it will be a good literary experience for them. Psssh. I want them to love them and become as obsessed with them as I was. Then, we can plan a trip to the Hogwarts theme park and nerd out on Gryffindor swag! I’ve been waiting for that since I found out I was pregnant. As soon as our youngest could walk steadily, we high tailed it to Worlds of Fun that summer. Then, we took the girls twice last year and was giddy with how much they loved it. We’re already measuring HJ to see what rides we can go on this coming year. The hubs and I even secretly discussed bringing along a babysitter so we could ride the Mamba once or twice. We decided that was probably ridiculous. HJ might be tall enough soon. What’s my point? I think it’s time we all stop posting the photos on Facebook and Instagram pretending that we’re these amazing feats of parental genius. Fess up, guys. We do these things because we’re the ones who really want to go. We just so thrilled to have tiny humans that make us seem less weird for being there past age 12. How can I prove it? How many times do you post selfies of you and Timmy at the doctor’s office? That makes you a pretty good parent for getting to those well-child visits, but you’re not showing those off as evidence. Mm hmm. So, next time I see a photo of you and your kiddo playing lazer tag on my news feed, I will high five you for getting to wail on some elementary kids and dominate the capture the flag portion. Not that I did that, too. It was my husband. LK
Studio Kirkland A Family Art Space
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rika Kirkland had an idea. “We are always working on something,” she explains. “All of us have our projects and those projects would be scattered across the house. A lot of the time the four of us would be in separate rooms working on different things. I wanted a way to keep us together and keep the mess under control.” That idea manifested last December when Erika, with husband Matt, closed off a room in their Lawrence home and got to work. “We really wanted a designated space for us to work equally on our projects,” Erika explains. “So Matt and I decided this room would be a great present.” For a few weeks, Erika and Matt kept the room “roped-off” from their two kids Felix (7) and Trudy (5) while they revamped the spare bedroom into a family art space. Walls were painted, shelves installed and desks were built. Studio Kirkland was born on Christmas, 2016. The 100 square-foot space is a bright, beautiful dedication to purposeful planning and pursuing passions. Each family member has their own individual work area. Shelves are full of supplies for art projects and homework. “The kids were pretty excited when we unveiled the room to them,” Erika says. “Of course, we completely redesign a room in our house and Trudy was most excited about having an entire ream of copy paper to use.” Spending time with the family in Studio Kirkland, it’s clear Trudy and Felix are proud of the space. Trudy is gregarious and happy to share all the details of her current project. She is proud of her creations (her chosen art form is sculpture) and clearly thrilled with the space. Felix is more quiet. He’s happy to let his sister answer questions while he focuses on his work. “This space was completely Erika’s idea,” explains Matt. “She planned it and implemented it. It really has helped our family pursue our own interests while being together.” Erika is modest about taking credit. She’s just happy to see her kids being creative. “I’m really happy with how this room has become a real catalyst for creative thought for our family,” she says. “Whatever Matt and I can do to encourage Trudy and Felix to be creative is absolutely worth the effort.” LK
This
Lawrence Kid...
Lola Martin
photos: Amber Yoshida
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hough small in stature and quiet when she speaks, Lola packs a major punch. The 10 year-old sixth grade Lawrence Kid is among the best dancers in the United States. “It’s clear to us that, even if she wasn’t taking lessons and entering competitions, Lola would be dancing,” explains Lisa, Lola’s mom. “She’s a dancer. There is no question. It is her passion. She is always dancing.” Lola’s list of accomplishments from the past year alone would be impressive for most dancing careers: NYCDA Outstanding Dancer Finalist, 24/7 Non-Stop Dancer Runner Up, Showstopper All Star, NUVO Breakout Artist Runner-Up and multiple scholarships from conventions and competitions. Lola kick started her dancing ‘career’ in 2014 when she was named the StageOne Mini Rising Star National Champion. “I just love to dance,” Lola says with a soft voice. “I guess I’ve always loved dancing. Even when I’m not at the studio I’m dancing at home.” Lola’s talents were discovered almost accidentally. Her parents had no intention of raising a dancing prodigy. In fact, Lisa still has a hard time understanding Lola’s ability.
“We almost missed her dance at nationals,” Lisa says. “Maybe we didn’t calculate the time change flying into Tennessee, but we got to the completion about 10 minutes before she was scheduled to dance. She raced to the stage and performed. We thought “well, that was a fun experience”.” When the winners were announced, Lola’s name wasn’t called – until the end. “When they said my name I just thought “Oh my gosh!” I really didn’t expect to win at nationals,” Lola explains. “It was a really cool feeling and made me want to dance even more.” Since then, Lola has dedicated more time to dance. Lisa estimates her daughter spends between 15 and 20 hours a week in the studio at Dance Gallery. “That’s all her decision,” Lisa explains. “Days when she doesn’t have class she asks to go to the studio to practice. She is self-motivated. She really wants to be the best she can be. As a mom of four it’s kind of nice. I know where Lola is. I can drop her off at the studio and I know where she is, what she’s doing and who is there.”
“My friends all think it’s pretty funny that my daughter is a good dancer, because I’m certainly not,” Lisa explains with a big laugh. “We enrolled her in a toddler dance class when she was younger because that was just on the list of activities for little girls. She’s always been very coordinated and flexible, but I’m not a dancer, so I never thought about how that might translate to dance.”
Tim Flattery, Dance Gallery Director, says Lola’s passion is evident.
At the age of 5, Lola was invited to dance with older girls in the competitive Dance Gallery troupe. Two years later she performed her first solo, eventually winning the National Championship.
Lola says that she wants to be a dancer her whole life (“I mean, she’s 10, so let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Lisa says with a laugh.)
“Lola is a very focused dancer who works in all of her classes to become well-rounded,” Flattery says. “In her classes she works on proper technique, performance, picking up choreography and pushes herself to take her to the next level.”
“I really love it,” Lola beams. “I like almost all kinds of dance. Just the movement makes
me happy. Misty Copeland is my favorite dancer. That’s my goal. I want to be able to dance like her.” Lisa says the entire family (Lola has two brothers and a younger sister) supports Lola’s aspirations. “My husband and I do the driving, of course,” she explains. “Her brothers are so proud of her. Sometimes I miss their ball games because I’m at a dance competition, but they always say they understand. I’m so proud of those kids. The boys get really excited when they can watch her perform. Dance isn’t like soccer or basketball. Most of the time Lola’s friends or family don’t get to see her perform, so she gets really excited when her brothers or friends can make it to a showcase.” The future is bright for Lola. Though her parents worry about her burning out, she doesn’t see that happening. “I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of dancing,” she says. “There’s so much to learn and so many things to practice. I just love trying to get better.” LK
photo: 83 pixels
Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Pointe, Tap, Tumbling & Acrobatics 4940 Legends Drive / (785) 838-9100 www.lawrencedancegallery.com
An interactive learning center exploring the science & history of the Flint Hills
315 S. 3rd Street Manhattan, KS 66502 / 785.587.2726 / flinthillsdiscovery.org
No Coast
CREATURES A KC Company Full of Friendly Monsters Looks to Invade Lawrence
art: No Coast Creature photo: Tasha Keathley-Helms
Ranger
Neighbors
Remain calm. Kansas City and the surrounding area is full of monsters. They are climbing Liberty Memorial and frolicking on the lawn of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. If you look closely, you can spot them around Kaufman Stadium and in the area about Arrowhead. Soon, they may be taking over Lawrence. Please, remain calm. “I can assure you, these monsters are harmless,” Courtney Hanke says with a laugh. “I mean, they’re really pretty cute and sweet.” Hanke, along with three former colleges, are the force behind No Coast Creature, a KC small business which sells a line of children’s clothing and art prints featuring friendly monsters exploring and enjoying the area around Kansas City. The creatures of No Coast were born from where most great art derives: doodles. A few years ago Hanke was working at a local ad agency with Micah Barta, Emily Webster and Samantha Scantlebury. The group often worked on projects together, during which Barta would doodle little monsters and leave them around the office. “We all loved these little guys, but never really thought about them too much,” Hanke says. Fast forward a few years and Hanke was trying to decide how to decorate the nursery for her soon-to-be born baby.
“I kept thinking about these great creatures Micah would draw,” she says. “The idea that other parents would like them too was pretty obvious.” Barta, who was raised in Hawaii, was happy to put his pen to paper creating some creatures. “You know, I can’t really explain where the ideas come from,” Barta explains with a light-hearted tone. “They monsters. They just sort of appear. Of course, each monster has its own story and history. Sometimes coming up with the back story is harder than creating the creature.” Each monster has its own story to tell. That’s why each shirt and art print sold is accompanied with a short story about the monster and an adoption certificate signed by Barta. “This is really a passion project,” Hanke admits. “None of us are too interested in making this a full-time job. We’re just so happy that these little monsters are making some families and kids smile.” The clothing and art prints of No Coast Creature are unique. Each design features one of Kansas City’s wellknown and much-loved landmarks. From the Scout statue to Union Station to the Plaza fountains, the friendly creatures of No Coast Creature have discovered their own special way of sharing the charm of some of the great icons of the Kansas City area. The monsters have conquered the KC area and now now starting to look west to Lawrence. “It seems pretty natural to bring the creatures to Lawrence,” Hanke says. “We all love the town, and the entire state of Kansas. We’re confident the good people of Lawrence will be welcoming to some cute little creatures that need to be adopted.” Bart and Hanke agree that expansion of No Coast Creature will happen, but it is certainly not a priority. “We’re all having fun with this,” Barta says. “It’s pretty neat to see these little creatures find new homes.”
Nelson & Nelson
The No Coast Creature pals can be found at three Made in Kansas City locations, Middle KC and online at www.nocoastcreature.com. LK
Fitzgerald
Get
outside story/photos: Rebecca Zarazan Dunn
Down By The River The Kansas River, known locally as “the Kaw is the flowing life force of Lawrence. The river provides drinking water and power and also happens to be an outdoor recreation hot spot for visitors and residents alike. For those drawn to water, the river is equipped with ramps for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. For those who prefer to have their fun on land, The Kansas River Levee Trail is a great path for walking, running, biking, and wildlife observation; all-ages can enjoy the various outlets the river has to offer. The levee trail is 11-miles long with many trailheads that spout from its course. It has a wide, flat surface easy enough for even the youngest bike rider to navigate. An unforgiving summer sun and mosquitos means you’ll need sunscreen and bug repellant during the day, but in the early mornings and late evenings the Kansas River is the ideal place in town to enjoy the outdoors at a leisurely pace. During the winter months the river is home to migrant Bald Eagles, and in the summer it’s an active environment for all walks of life including turtles, frogs, toads, herons, geese, ducks, river gulls, deer, squirrels and fox. Parking for The Kansas River Levee Trail can be found just off N. 2nd Street and Locust, and also just off 8th and Oak Street where there is parking for the Lawrence River Mountain Bike Trails (also accessible off The Kansas River Levee Trail a mile east from The Bowersock Dam). With the recent addition of The Levee Café overlooking the trail and levee, patrons now have easy access to a delicious meal or refreshing drink after a ride or stroll. And if you’re up early enough to watch the sunrise from the Massachusetts Street bridge, it’s a sight not to be missed. Addition information for this article was gathered from Friends of the Kaw (kansasriver.org). For more information about river access and maps, please visit http://kansasriver.org LK