September/October 2015 | Hamilton County Family

family HAMILTON COUNTY

what parents and teachers WANT EACH OTHER TO KNOW

S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2015 – F R E E

HARVEST

HAPPENINGS A SEASON OF FALL FUN ALL CLOSE TO HOME!

TEN VIEWPOINTS TO BRIDGE THE GAP

PLUS...

2015 PRIVATE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY 03

CONTENTS

Meet the Staff

september/october 2015

Publisher Mary Wynne Cox mary@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Associate Publisher & Advertising Sales Jennica Zalewski jennica@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

12

Editor Susan Bryant susan@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

20

Creative Director Katie Clark katie@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Advertising Coordinator Karen Ring karen@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Business Manager Roxanne Burns roxanne@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

28

Public Relations and Events Wendy Cox wendy@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

in this issue: 06

GREETINGS

22

08

ON THE RADAR

24

What's your impact?

HOOSIER NEIGHBOR?

26

The best finds only the locals know!

WHAT PARENTS AND TEACHERS WANT EACH OTHER TO KNOW

28

what's cool after school

30

RECI-PLEASE

32

TO DO WITH YOUR CREW

35

THE LAST LAUGH

10 12

Thanks summer, that's a wrap!

Family fun at the Center for the Performing Arts, Costume swap, Museum Day Live! and more The interesting people living right next door!

Ten viewpoints to bridge the gap

14

2015 PRIVATE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE

Find the right school for your student

18 20

TO YOUR HEALTH

Health benefits of massage

THE COUNSELOR'S CORNER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Emily Ungar, Judy Miller, Emma Hostetter, Nicole Turner, Mary Susan Buhner, Stephanie Lowe-Sagebiel, Kate Burkhardt

Connecting with your tween

MOMMY MAGIC

HIDDEN GEMS

Contact Us: Hamilton County Family 6340 Westfield Blvd., Ste. 200 Indianapolis, IN 46220 (317) 417-3031 or (317) 710-6622

Martial arts and self defense

Sweet potato and apple salad

September and October calendar of events

Crazy kids' outfits

HAMILTON COUNTY HARVEST HAPPENINGS

A season of fall fun all close to home!

04 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2015

Hamilton County Family Magazine is published bimonthly.

Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

ON THE COVER ​The Crittendon Family from Sheridan, IN​ Photographer: Nikki Zimmerman 4 Men and a Lady Photography

greetings

by: Jennica Zalewski, mom of 3

Thanks summer, that’s a wrap!

Hello Hamilton County Families~ I am taking a deep breath after the summer break we had.

I don’t know about you, but things never stopped at our house. Now the calm that has replaced the chaos with the kids back in school isn’t quite as welcome as I would have expected! I guess that’s what breaks are all about, to remind us to enjoy “being in the moment” because nothing lasts forever.

But let’s not get too sentimental about the end of summer because there are dozens of great events and activities to look forward to just around the corner! Fall in Indiana is a beautiful thing. Hamilton County has so much to offer families this season; check out our Harvest Happenings article for a list of “can’t miss” things to do.

Fellow moms, as you may know October is National Breast Cancer awareness month. According to the U.S. Health and Humans Services Department, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer found in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the U.S. will receive a breast cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives. The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. This month we feature the story of Westfield mom Missy Gunnels.

Missy is not only a breast cancer survivor, but also a 2015 Susan G. Komen Central Indiana Ambassador. Read her story – and then please schedule your annual mammogram!

Also, as we are back in full swing with school, we hope you’ll read What Parents and Teachers Want Each Other to Know. It’s a nice reminder of where each side is coming from. And finally, we know your to-do list is a mile long, but we think you’ll like adding this item: get a massage! According to experts, this little indulgence is practically a necessity for busy moms (get your justification by reading this issue’s To Your Health column.)

Happy Fall Everyone!

Jennica Zalewski

Associate Publisher jennica@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

06 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2015

on the radar mark your calendar

get involved

other

The Great Outdoors are Calling Costume Swap Why pay full price for a Halloween costume that gets so little wear? Don’t shop when you can swap! Cool Creek Park will host its annual Costume Swap at the Cool Creek Nature Center on Saturday, October 10 and October 17, from 1-4 pm. Costumes must be clean and in good condition. This is a great opportunity to recycle costumes that no longer fit, while saving time and money. Costumes will also be accepted for donation without swapping. For more information call (317) 774-2500.

This year, Hamilton County Family magazine is thrilled to partner with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to present the Indy's Child Family Fun Zone at the Ford Hoosier Outdoor Experience. The Experience is a 2-day event (September 19-20) held at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis. This is a true “you're-in-the-driver’sseat” weekend. Want to learn about canoeing? Get a canoe and have a personal session with industry experts to teach you how. Interested in archery?

Receive a bow, arrow and instruction and then take aim. There are more than 50 different hands-on activities for you and your family to try. The best part? It's all FREE. Follow along with our six part web series at indyschild.com/indys-childbloggers/getin-outdoors/or visit in.gov/dnr/5009.htm for more info!

Family Fun at the Center for the Performing Arts Race to Beat Parkinson’s Disease Join the Indiana Parkinson Foundation for the 3rd Annual Choose to Move race on Saturday, September 19 at 9 am at Saxony Park in Fishers. All proceeds will go to benefit the Indiana Parkinson Foundation, which provides the Parkinson’s community and their families assistance in wellness, fitness and support through various programs, including The CLIMB, a place for exercise, reflection and connection to renew people with Parkinson’s disease. This event features a 1-mile and 5k family & petfriendly run/walk, a USATF-Sanctioned 5K and 10K timed run. Spectators can come to cheer on their family and friends while enjoying live entertainment and visiting the sponsor and wellness booths. Register at www.indianaparkinson.org/choose.

08 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2015

Join in on the fun at the Center for the Performing Arts this fall! Learn about Russia with the National Dance Company of Siberia on Sunday, October 11 at 3 pm at the Palladium. Coming all the way from Asia, see the National Circus and Acrobats of the People's Republic of China at the Palladium on Saturday, October 24 at 8 pm. Looking for a great kid-friendly interactive music show? Come see Dan Zanes and Friends at the Tarkington on Saturday, November 14 at 10 am and 2 pm. Tickets available at TheCenterPresents.org, the Palladium Box Office or by phone at (317) 843-3800.

Just for Fun

Museum Day Live! at Conner Prairie

september 6 Read a Book Day

Visit Conner Prairie, Indiana’s only Smithsonian Affiliate, for FREE on September 26 by presenting a Museum Day Live! ticket.

Museum Day Live! is the one day every year when participating museums across the United States emulate the spirit of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, D.C.,–based facilities, which offer free admission every day. Free tickets are available for download at www.smithsonian. com/museumdaylive. Each ticket grants access for the ticketholder plus one guest.

Please note, one ticket is permitted per household. Additional guests are required to pay full admission (prices dependent upon the museum).

september 15 Make a Hat Day

september 19 National Talk Like a Pirate Day

october 5 Do Something Nice Day

september 22 Elephant Appreciation Day

october 9 Fire Prevention Day

october 14

Visitors during Museum Day Live! can enjoy all of Conner Prairie’s regular daily activities, including farm chores in 1836 Prairietown, throwing tomahawks in Lenape Indian Camp, enlisting with the Union Army in 1863 Civil War Journey, mingling with farm animals, and exploring nature, art, history and science in interactive areas across 200 acres.

Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

National Dessert Day

october 26 Howl at the Moon Night

october 30

For a complete list of participating museums, visit www.Smithsonian.com/ museumday/venues.

Frankenstein Friday

Grand Park Family Fridays Westfield’s Grand Park is a sports lover’s dream. The thoughtfully designed 400-acre Sports Campus features 26 baseball and softball diamonds and 31 multipurpose fields for soccer, football and lacrosse. Jonathan Byrd’s Fieldhouse, an 88,000-square-foot indoor basketball and volleyball facility, is anticipated to open in January 2016. Grand Park also features an abundance of green space and more than 10 miles of pedestrian/bicycle trails, including the largest trailhead on the Monon Corridor.

The community is invited to enjoy all that Grand Park has to offer during their upcoming Family Friday events on September 11 and October 2, from 6-8 pm. Attendees should bring their own equipment to take part in games and special activities hosted by the staff. Concession stand 4 will be open and a DJ will be on site throughout the event.

For more information, visit GrandPark.org.

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY 09

HOOSI E R neighbor?

by: Emily Ungar, mom of 2

The interesting people living right next door! my surgery that something was wrong. He blew me off for several more weeks.

[He] then did a minor revision surgery and left for vacation, with only one of his nurses running his office. He left dead tissue during that surgery, and the surrounding tissue started to die. I have had seven surgeries so far. I still have a few more surgeries ahead of me to repair the damage done to my body because of neglect.

Two years ago Westfield mom Missy Gunnels received the devastating news that she had breast cancer. Since that time, not only has she survived her illness but thrived with a newfound appreciation for all that life can offer. Missy was also selected as a 2015 Susan G. Komen Central Indiana Ambassador. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, Hamilton County Family asked Missy to share her story about how the disease has impacted her life.

In 2013, you were diagnosed with a form of breast cancer known as ductal carcinoma in-situ, which affects the milk ducts. After treatment, you experienced several complications followed by multiple surgeries. How did you cope with this situation?

My recovery was the closest thing to a living nightmare that I've ever experienced.

My plastic surgeon wouldn't listen to me when I told him just a couple of weeks after

Who were your greatest sources of comfort during this time?

God, first and foremost. My husband, Mike; my children, Jon-Michael and Elizabeth; and my parents. They gave me the desire to fight for my life and try to live!

Are you currently in remission?

I am cancer free since January 2014.

You’re a strong advocate for early detection of breast cancer. What is the most important thing for readers to know about early detection?

Early detection really and truly saves lives!

I did everything that should be done to try to prevent breast cancer, yet I had it. I exclusively breastfed both of my children – one for 18 months and the other for 20 months. Breastfeeding is supposed to reduce your risk of breast cancer. My cancer showed up on a mammogram from one year to the next. I thank God daily that the reader of the mammogram caught the small change that had occurred in a year. I also cannot imagine how much worse things could have been had I not nursed my babies.

10 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2015

How has your outlook on life changed as a result of this experience?

I live each and every moment to the fullest! I don't sit on the sidelines. I try new things and will continue to try new things.

I recently was able to resume horseback riding, one of my passions, and I still want to jump from an airplane. My husband sometimes looks at me like I've lost my mind. Carpe diem!

Have you taken up any new activities or involvements since life returned to normal?

I now volunteer at The Indiana Horse Rescue in Frankfort. I love being surrounded by those magnificent animals! I also have spoken to several groups about my experience with breast cancer.

How did you celebrate your final recovery from treatment?

My husband and I spent a week at our dear friends’ vacation home on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. My husband and I had our 25th wedding anniversary during my illness. We renewed our vows while at the beach with our children and my sister present.

To read more about the details of Missy’s treatment and recovery, visit her profile page on the Susan G. Komen web site at http://komenindy.org/missy-gunnels2015-ambassador/.

what parents and teachers

By: Emily Ungar, mom of 2

Want Each Other to Know Ten viewpoints to bridge the gap Parents and teachers have the same objective: to help a child reach his maximum personal and academic potential. If both parties have the same goal in mind, why do misunderstandings still occur? To shed some light on the subject, we’ve asked both local parents and teachers to share their candid perspective on what they each feel the other should understand to ultimately help students.

What do parents want teachers to know?

1. All children learn differently.

Although schools have to plan a curriculum that fits the needs of a general population, each child has his or her own unique way of learning. "I find that teachers are under so much pressure to follow the curriculum set by the administration that, at times, they forget that all children learn differently,” says

Dawn Schick, mother of two boys. “During the parent/teacher conference I make sure to mention how my children learn best at home so the teacher can keep that in mind as they present the lessons. I know my children best, so I have to be an advocate for them if I want them to succeed."

translated so quickly to the classes they teach, energizing the students and making them excited to come in and learn. Teachers who phone it in get students who phone it in. And the opposite – teachers who are true educators inspire kids to be learners.”

4. Reminders are useful for busy families.

2. Appearances can be deceiving.

Even children who seem to be doing well in school could be having difficult inner struggles. "I want teachers to know that not all kids who have it together on the outside have it together on the inside,” says Amanda Gentry, a mother of two girls. “I really appreciate the ones who can look a little deeper and see the whole child."

3. Passion makes all the difference.

“I admire the teachers who get behind the kids and discover what makes them passionate about learning,” says Gentry. “My daughter has had some amazing teachers whose own passion for learning has just

12 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2015

“Some families are super organized with shared calendars and apps, and some may need a little helping hand,” says Aidreen Hart, a mom of two teenagers. “There's nothing like a project catching you off guard. Mutual communication and a little notice is appreciated.”

5. All feedback is welcome.

“I wish teachers knew how much I want to hear from them about my children,” says Colleen Watson, a mom of two preschoolaged girls. “For example, is she particularly helpful in a given situation? Is she particularly skilled in a given category? I would love more feedback, positive or negative!”

What do teachers want parents to know?

1. Coach your children to speak up.

“Teach your kids to advocate for themselves by asking questions and don't always go straight to the teacher [first],” says high school teacher Allison Godine. “Kids can ask questions even at a young age. Think about the skills you would look for in a potential employee and try to teach those skills to your kid.”

2. While each child is special, he or she is still part of a larger community.

“Your child is special to me, but she is also one of a group,” says Godine. “Sometimes I have to focus on the good of the group rather than the needs of your single child.”

3. Encourage your child to problem solve on his own.

While a parent’s first instinct may be to step in and resolve an issue quickly, kids need to develop the skills to handle problems on their own. “Let your child struggle and problem solve from an early age,” suggests elementary school teacher Julia Birch. Kids gain confidence when they see that they can solve an issue on their own.

4. Believe in us.

Kids are listening to the negative, offhand comments you are making – and it’s affecting how they react to their teacher. Show respect for the knowledge and authority the teacher has, and your child will too. A simple example: “Don't undermine the teacher with your comments about homework,” says Godine.

5. Make conversations count.

“Engaging your child in critical thinking through conversation, even about everyday things, teaches them to do this while reading independently,” says Birch. The quality of your daily interactions can result in a big boost in reading and critical thinking skills.

Kids are lucky to have two important supporters in their life: their parents and their teachers.

Each offer their own expertise – and students reap the benefits when both parties appreciate and understand each other’s perspective.

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY 13

[2015] OL O

PRIVATE SCH

OPEN HOUSE GUIDE

Colonial Christian School

Howe Military Academy

8140 Union Chapel Road, Indianapolis, IN 46240

5755 North State Road 9, Howe, IN 46746

(317) 253-0649 | www.ccsindy.org Grades K4-12

(​888) 462-4693 | www.howe military.org Grades 7-12

Kindergarten Round-Up & Parent Preview Open House: February 23, 2016, 7:00pm Covenant Christian High School 7525 West 21st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46214

(317) 390-0202 | www.covenant christian.org Grades 9 – 12

Open House: November 3, 2015, 7-8:30pm Culver Academies

Considering a private school for your student?

Our area has plenty to choose from!

Find the right match by visiting an upcoming open house to get all your questions answered.

1300 Academy Road, Culver, IN 46511

www.culver.org Grades 9 – 12

Open Houses: October 17 and November 14, 2015, 9am-3:00pm *Registration required

Guerin Catholic High School 15300 North Gray Road, Noblesville,IN 46062

Bishop Chatard High School 5885 Crittenden Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220

(317) 251-1451 | www.bishopchatard.org Grades 9 – 12

Open House: November 5, 2015, 5:30-8:00pm

(317) 582-0120 | www.guerincatholic.org Grades 9 – 12

Open House: November 1, 2015, 1-3:30pm Hasten Hebrew Academy 6602 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260

Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School 2801 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46268

(317) 524-7050 | www.brebeuf.org Grades 9 – 12

Open House: November 1, 2015, 12-3:00pm; *Register at brebeuf.org/openhouse

Cathedral High School

(317) 251-1261 | www.hhai.org Pre-K – Grade 8

Call to schedule a tour.

Open House: November 12, 2015, 5:30-8:00pm

International School of Indiana [Lower School] 200 West 49th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208

(317) 923-1951 | www.isind.org Pre-K – Grade 8

“Classes in Action” Open Houses (3 yrs through Grade 3): October 15, 2015, 8:30-11:30 a.m. & 4-6 p.m. and November 17, 2015, 8:30-11:30am & 4-6:00pm [Upper School] 4330 North Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46208

(317) 923-1951 | www.isind.org Grades 9 – 12

Open House (Grades 4-12): November 1, 2015, 2-5:00pm

*For more information or to RSVP contact the admissions office at 317-923-1951 or admissions@isind.org.

Legacy Christian School 470 Lakeview Drive, Noblesville, IN 46060

(317) 776-4186 | www.legacy christianonline.org Pre-K – Grade 8

Open House: November 17, 2015, 6:30-8:00pm Midwest Academy 801 Congressional Boulevard, Carmel, IN 46032

Heritage Christian School 6401 East 75th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250

(317) 849-3441 | www.heritage christian.net Pre-K – Grade 12

Open House: October 29, 6:00pm

5225 East 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46226

(317) 542-1481 | cathedralopen house.com Grades 9 – 12

To schedule a campus visit, call (888) 462-4693 or email admissions@howemilitary.org.

Horizon Christian SCHOOL 7702 Indian Lake Road, Indianapolis, IN 46236

(317) 823-4538 | www.horizonindy.org Pre-K – 12

Open House: October 27, 2015, 6-8:00pm

14 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2015

(317) 843-9500 | www.mymidwest academy.org Grades 4 – 12

Call (317) 843-9500 or email kfoster@mymidwestacademy.org to schedule a tour.

The Orchard School 615 West 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260

(317) 251-9253 | www.orchard.org Pre-K – Grade 8

Open Houses: November 8, 2015, 1-3:00pm, December 8, 2015, 8:30-10:30am, January 26, 2016, 8:30-10:30am *Continued on page 16

Our Lady of Grace Catholic School

St. Richard’s Episcopal School

Traders Point Christian Academy

9900 East 191st Street, Noblesville, IN 46060

33 East 33rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205

6600 South Indianapolis Road, Whitestown, IN 46075

(317) 770-5660 | www.ologs.org Pre-K – Grade 8

(317) 926-0425 | www.strichards school.org Pre K – Grade 6

(317) 769-2450 | www.tpcs.org Pre K – Grade 12

Call to schedule a tour.

Park Tudor

7200 N. College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46240

Call to schedule a tour.

K-12 Fall Parent Information Night: October 27, 2015, 6:30-8:00pm

Sycamore School

K-12 Winter Parent Information Night: February 9, 2016, 6:30-8:00pm

(317) 415-2700 | www.parktudor.org Junior K – Grade 12

1750 West 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260

*Interested families should call (317) 415-2777 to register or for more information.

Open House (Preschool through 4th Grade): November 1, 2015, 1-3:00pm

Open House (Grades 9-12): October 29, 2015, 6:00pm

St. Louis de Montfort

(317) 202-2500 | www.sycamore school.org Pre K – Grade 8

*Weekly tours offered Wednesdays at 9 a.m.; See website (sycamoreschool. org) for more information and dates.

11441 Hague Road, Fishers, IN 46038

(317) 842-6778 | sldmcatholic school.org/

Open House: November 5, 2015, 8-11:00am

16 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2015

Kindergarten Parent Information Night: January 26, 2016, 6:30 p.m., RSVP requested at admissions@tpcs.org University High School 2825 West 116th Street, Carmel, IN 46032

(317) 733-4475 | www.university highschool.org Grades 9 – 12

Open House: September 27, 2015, 2-4:00pm, November 1, 2015, 2-4:00pm, March 6, 2016, 2-4:00pm

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY 17

to your health

by: Dr. Emma Hostetter, MD, MPH

Health Benefits of Massage Too important not to have on your to do list Hoisting a toddler on one hip and a Whole Foods bag on the other is par for the course with motherhood. Mile long carpool drop off and pick up lines only add to the neck tension that raising our precious little ones inevitably brings. By the end of the day many a mother has an extra knot in her shoulder and a frontward creeping headache to show for it. Yoga and Pilates are a few great ways to combat the daily tension, but nothing quite beats the effect of an amazing massage. In fact, modern medicine agrees that massage should be on most mothers’ “to do list.” You don’t have to twist my arm!

Massage: A must for most moms While many moms wrestle with taking time for themselves, adding a massage to your busy calendar may be just what the doctor ordered. In addition to relieving muscle tension and soreness, massage offers a “reduction in the effects of cumulative stress – including more mental focus and better sleep patterns, increased lymphatic circulation and decreased swelling from surgery and increased flexibility and athletic performance” says Andrea Eppley, Co-Founder of The Lifestyle Spa in Carmel. Eppley goes on to say that Thai Massage is one of the best types of massage to help with athleticism and flexibility. So for those moms already hitting the yoga mat hard, this may be an excellent adjunct to your workout.

Medical specialists agree that the benefits of massage may be more extensive than originally thought. According to The Mayo Clinic, studies indicate that massage may help with anxiety, Fibromyalgia, TMJ, nerve pain, insomnia, sports related injuries, headaches and even digestive disorders. It may also lead to more peace of mind.

But it may not be for everyone As with any medical treatment, traditional or alternative, some restrictions may apply. A treatment that can benefit one patient may be harmful for another. Although Eppley is a strong proponent of massage she says that, “Massage should be avoided if your physician deems it inappropriate for your medical condition, if you have an open wound or contagious skin condition, if you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment, and if you have certain prenatal conditions.” She says, “Patients who are under the care of a physician for an ongoing health issue, or who are in

18 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2015

the last few weeks of pregnancy should consult with their doctor prior to having a massage.” And, while in many cases position modifications can be made to accommodate a pregnant woman, there are some pregnancy situations where the risk outweighs the benefit. According to The Mayo Clinic, additional medical conditions that preclude massage therapy include bleeding disorders, low blood platelet count, burns on the skin, blood clots in the legs, broken bones and severe osteoporosis.

Making the most of your massage Whether your massage is just 15 minutes or a whole hour, there are a few ways to maximize your treatment and minimize injury.

Hydration is key. Massage can lead to some muscle breakdown.

Drinking plenty of water can help safely flush these by-products.

Eppley suggests that a warm bath or a dry sauna treatment may also be beneficial. Using massage after exercise along with an anti-inflammatory medication may help with muscle soreness. To prolong the stress-relieving benefits of massage, Eppley suggests planning a quiet evening at home and avoiding tight or binding clothing afterward. The goal is to maintain the quiet mind that massage delivers. Gentle stretching and light yoga are highly beneficial after massage.

Although your to do list may only seem to be growing, creating some space in your schedule for massage may reduce your tension, help you handle life’s daily stresses and give you those few moments of alone time guilt free!

Dr. Emma Hostetter is a Fishers family physician and public health specialist. Find her blog “The Mom in Me, MD” on the Hamilton County Family web site or visit her at www.themominmemd.com.

Hamilton County

Harvest Happenings A season of fall fun all close to home!

By: Judy M. Miller, mom of 4

Is fall your favorite season? Hamilton County is loaded with familyfriendly events and festivals if so!

Here are just a few possibilities to mark on your calendar.

Fall means apples – caramel apples, apple crisp, apple cider – and Conner Prairie's Apple Store in Fishers is the place for all things apple. The Apple Store is open from September 1 through October 31, Tuesday - Sunday.

Last year, store volunteers hand-dipped over 14,000 of their famous caramel apples! Be sure to grab some of their other tasty treats like apple cider slushies, apple donuts, apple pies and a variety of local fresh-from-the-orchard apples you can bag yourself. For more info, visit www.connerprairie.org/Things-To-Do/ Events/2015/Food-and-Shopping/ Apple-Store-(1)/Apple-Store-(23).

Nothing says fall like pumpkins! Search for the perfect one at the 43rd annual Stonycreek Farm Pumpkin Harvest Festival in Noblesville, which runs daily September 26 through October 31. Jump on a wagon for a short hayride to the U-Pick Pumpkin Patch to find just the right pumpkin for each member of your family. Other activities include pony rides, candle making, a straw bale pyramid and maze, a pumpkin train, an underground cave slide, a giant slingshot, a zip line …the list goes on and on! Check out www.stonycreekfarm.net/pumpkinharvest festival.htm for a complete description.

Still need some more festive fall fun? The Pumpkinfest at the Country Market in Zionsville is sure to deliver.

Hay rides, a corn maze, pumpkin decorating, live entertainment and a 100 foot slide will keep everyone entertained. Some kettle corn and apple cinnamon donuts will hit the spot too.

20 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2015

Pumpkinfest runs every weekend in October; visit www.thepumpkin fest.com to find out more.

Sheridan's Stuckey Farm celebrates their Harvest Festival from September 26 – October 31st.

Pick apples directly from the farm's trees Monday through Saturday. For more information about the festival and what apples are currently being picked, visit www.stuckeyfarm. com/events/.

For a festival that will take your family back in time, check out the Fishers Renaissance Faire on the grounds of Klipsch Music Center October 3 - 4. Queen Elizabeth I will be there along with over 250 other costumed characters. Experience Shakespearean vignettes, period music, archery, sword fighting, jousting by the Knights of Valour, juggling, acrobats and knighting ceremonies. Merchants and food vendors will be on site as well as a free kids’ game area. Get discounted tickets (through September 26) on sale at www.fishers renfaire.com/tickets.

Come see the work of over 130 juried artists at the 18th annual Carmel International Arts Festival on September 26 and 27 in the Carmel Arts and Design District. Enjoy performances and special exhibits throughout each day with food from festival vendors and local restaurants. Children’s activities include face painting, caricature drawings and sidewalk chalk. Admission is free and free shuttles are offered from Carmel High School. See www.carmelartsfestival.org for details.

What’s October without an Octoberfest?

September 25-26 grab your lederhosen and head to the 10th Annual FISHERS OKTOBERFEST in Saxony. Dance to your favorite polka, get a brat and a beer and check out the arts and crafts vendors and free kids games. There’s even a “best German outfit contest” so be sure to arrive in style!

Visit www.fishersfreedomfestival.org for more info.

Take the day to enjoy the 36th annual New Earth Festival in Atlanta on September 26 and 27. Over 600 unique arts and crafts, collectibles and culinary vendors will tempt the interest and taste buds of the thousands of festival attendees. Live entertainment and a kids’ zone with games, inflatables and sweet treats will also be on hand. Admission is free. For more details, go to http://atlantaindiana.com or call (765) 292-2626.

Wrap up the season in a spooky way with the Headless Horseman at Conner Prairie on the evenings of October 9-11, 15-18 or 22-25. Go for a tour of Conner Prairie via a haunted hayride, but be on the lookout for the Horseman who can gallop past at any minute! Activities also include a magic show, the Legend of Sleepy Hollow marionettes and a costume runway show for kids. Be sure to stick around for campfires, music and ghost stories, too. Suitable for all ages. For tickets and information, visit www.connerprairie.org/ThingsTo-Do/Events/2015/Family-Events/HeadlessHorseman.

With so much to do in our area this season, your family won’t have to go far to have a fall full of fun!

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY 21

the counselor's corner

by: Stephanie Lowe-Sagebiel

Connecting with your tween “I’m having a difficult time connecting with my ‘tween’ age daughter. The world she is growing up in seems so different from my own experiences as a young girl. I really want to develop a close bond with her, but we are having a tough time relating to one another. Any suggestions?”

By definition, tweens are in transition from childhood to adolescence. Just as tweens are making a shift to this new developmental stage, a shift in parenting is required as well. Understanding this particular phase can help parents gain new insight into their child’s behavior.

Don’t ride the emotional roller coaster with your child. Tweens have each other to play that role. What your daughter needs from you is to stay calm in heated situations, be present with her in your conversations and remain strong in your ability to set appropriate boundaries.

As a result of heightened brain activity at this stage, tweens will often become more emotional and reactive. They will also begin to interpret the world around them in new ways – and with more opportunities for misinterpretation. For example, when you calmly ask your tween to put away her shoes and she has a meltdown saying “Stop yelling at me! You are always yelling at me!” she has misinterpreted how your request was intended.

Don’t get offended when your tween rejects time with you. Her job, socially, is to learn how to navigate her peer connections and develop her self-identity. As she does, use this time to implement positive ways to care for yourself. Be ready when she wants to reconnect with you.

One of the most influential factors, and indeed, potentially biggest barriers to parents and kids connecting meaningfully has become social media and electronic culture. As you have noticed, the landscape has definitely changed from when you were young. Now, as an example, reactivity and self-definition are having broader and more public consequences for young people – which their young brains may not be fully equipped to handle.

The parent relationship at this stage in a child’s life becomes critical because they will need the benefit of your fully developed prefrontal cortex to assist them in thinking through the issues and challenges that accompany their complex world. Here are a few things to consider that you may find helpful in that process.

Keep recognizing that today’s world is different from the one you grew up in.

Nothing turns off a young person more that hearing a lecture that starts with “When I was your age…”

Try using a different approach in your language. A subtle shift in how you converse with your daughter may result in better dialogues between the two of you. In particular, try using the phrase “I notice…” followed by the phrase “I wonder…”

Children of all ages need to feel seen and heard. When you use the phrase “I notice” with your tween, she will feel recognized and empowered. “I wonder” is effective because it is different than a directive; it is more invitational and “permission-giving.”

Your tween will be less defensive as she responds to the subtleties of your new language. For example, “I’m noticing you seem quiet after school today; I wonder if you’d like to talk about what happened.”

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Talk about balance. Nearly everything we do as parents comes down to helping our kids live in balance physically, socially and emotionally until they are able to do that on their own. Teach your daughter about what balance means and show her how you strive for balance in your own life.

Find out the best way to interact with your tween. The way you show love and affection to your tween may or may not be how she would like to receive it. Consider reading The Five Love Languages for Teens

by Gary Chapman for insights on how to recognize what your child needs from you and how you can provide it in a way that she will appreciate it most.

Above all, don’t panic! Talk with your daughter about your wish to connect with her and allow her to teach you about what it feels like to be a tween today.

Stephanie Lowe-Sagebiel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with Centerpoint Counseling and Baume Psychological Services and has nearly twenty years of experience helping adults, teens and children develop healthy skills to manage life’s challenges.

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY 23

mommy magic

by: Mary Susan Buhner, mom of 3

What’s Your Impact?

Recognizing the effect you have on others "It's how you make others feel that matters." This is a saying that one of my dearest friends lives by. She has said this phrase a million times in different scenarios over the years, noticing when people have been upbeat, attentive and kind and when they have been angry, nasty or short-tempered. When you really start to take note of the people you spend time with, you begin to notice a pattern of how they make you feel.

Encouraged? Happy? Interesting? Defeated? Mad? Once you become aware of their effect, you can decide if this is a relationship you want to move forward with.

My first boss out of college taught me one of the most important lessons based on my friend's principle. He was only interested in the conversation he was having with you – he never looked over your shoulder to see if there was someone better approaching. He never gave the impression that he was in a hurry, distracted or had anything else in the world to do but talk with you at that very moment. Indeed, he was (and is) a master at making people feel good and important. Every time I see him I am reminded of this almost magical quality he has. Of course, it's not magic at all, but rather his deliberate choice to focus on others and how he makes them feel.

Recently, our youngest daughter was hospitalized and diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Her diagnosis left us shocked and overwhelmed. It became very clear to us who in our lives had the ability to lift our spirits and make us feel important to them and who did not. It actually turned out to be a gift to know where people stood. We realized we had been giving too much

time, energy and effort to those who just did not come through and support us through this difficult time. Had they ever supported us? Probably not.

It was also a wakeup call that we had taken others for granted who did support us and probably always had.

As a result of this experience, I was reminded to make the conscious effort to make those around me feel good and important when I am with them, and to fully engage when we are together.

What matters is what is happening right now with whomever you are experiencing the moment with.

How I make others feel has become a guiding principle in my life – and it’s a trait I want to teach my children as well. Not only so that they know how to treat others, but so they can learn how they should be treated as well.

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Maya Angelou said it best: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Mary Susan Buhner is a Life Coach for Moms and author of “Mommy Magic: Tricks for Staying Sane in the Midst of Insanity.” Visit her Mommy Magic Fan Page on Facebook and her website at: www.Mommy-Magic.com.

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY 25

hidden gems

by: Kate Burkhardt, Communications Coordinator, Hamilton County Tourism

of hamilton countY

The best finds only the locals know!

Here are two spots in Hamilton County to find fall favorites in September and October!

Stuckey Farm Orchard and Cider Mill What fall foods are fresher than those you pick yourself? At Stuckey Farm in Sheridan, families can pick 27 varieties of apples, pumpkins and more. Don’t forget to stop into the Country Market as well to stock up on farm fresh apple cider, cider donuts, caramel apples, candy corn and other treats. Be sure to catch more fall family fun at Stuckey’s annual Harvest Festival on weekends beginning September 26!

19975 Hamilton Boone Rd., Sheridan

Mama Bear’s Bakery Cozy up on a crisp fall morning at Mama Bear’s Bakery in Fishers. The lodge-like atmosphere, complete with log pillars, lantern lighting and bear “sightings,” makes for a perfect mini-getaway. Choose a steaming hot cup of Hubbard and Cravens coffee with an apple fritter or make a meal out of a sandwich or salad from Mama Bear’s menu.

10110 Brooks School Rd., Fishers

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www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY 27

what's cool after school

martial arts & self-defense There’s a reason martial arts and self-defense classes are so popular – they make kids (and adults) feel powerful! Developing skills in this area also encourages self-discipline, perseverance and confidence. Plus, it’s a great workout! Hamilton County has many martial arts and selfdefense classes to choose from for every age and level of experience. Here’s just a sampling to check out for your family.

Adamson’s Karate Studios 9625 E. 150th Street, Noblesville

Fishers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Boxing

1307 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel

(317) 397-8747 www.fishersbjj-boxing.com

(317) 773-4495

(317) 844-0657 www.adamsonkarate.com

A Fighting Chance Rape Prevention & Self-Defense for Women Classes offered at Hamilton County Sports Complex, Noblesville Private bookings also available

(317) 450-1566 www.afcselfdefense.com

Crouching Tigers Available at several locations throughout Hamilton County

(888) 761-5151 www.crouchingtigers.com

13017 Parkside Drive, Fishers

Fishers Martial Arts 131st Street and State Road 37, Fishers

(317) 595-0515 www.fishersmartialarts.com

Grandmaster Lee’s Taekwondo 13642 N. Meridian, Carmel

(317) 569-9934

9842 North by Northeast Blvd, Fishers

(317) 667-3131 www.gmltkd.com

Herb Johnson’s World Champion Karate 11398 Olio Road, Fishers

(317) 585-9872 www.herbjohnsonkarateusa.com High Performance Martial Arts 271 Merchants Square Drive, Carmel

(317) 246-8176 http://highperformancema.com/ House of Martial Arts 14598 Clay Terrace Blvd. #160, Carmel

(317) 575-9333 www.houseofmartialarts.com/

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Indiana Martial Arts Center 50 N Peru St, Cicero

(317) 606-2191 www.indianamartialartscenter.com Koryukan USA Karate School 8935 Technology Drive, Fishers

(317) 577-0112 Facebook: Koryukan Martial Arts Training Center Krav Maga 7264 Fishers Crossing Dr, Fishers

(317) 595-5728 www.kravmagaindy.com

Massey Martial Arts Academy 10114 Brooks School Rd., Fishers

(317) 841-1184 www.masseymartialarts.com Master Yoo’s World Class Tae Kwon Do 14765 Hazel Dell Crossing Suite 700, Noblesville

(317) 706-8800

11760 Olio Road Suite 400, Fishers

(317) 845-2800 http://masteryootkd.com

Mike’s Martial Arts 123 W. Main Street, Arcadia

(765) 434-8016 Facebook: Mike’s Martial Arts Pro Martial Arts 8962 E 96th Street, Fishers

(317) 913-9139 www.promartialarts.com/Fishers Westfield Family Karate 3114 East SR 32, Westfield

(317) 896-3530 www.westfieldkarate.com

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY 29

reci-please by: Nicole Turner, Registered Dietician, mom of 2

Sweet Potato and Apple Salad

Fall is here! As a child, this season was always my favorite time of year because it signaled a change of recipes in my family’s meal repertoire.

Crisp apples and sweet potatoes (or yams) peak in the fall and give new life to dull recipes. Sweet potatoes, which are rich in vitamin A, pair well with apples to make a savory dish full of fiber and nutrients. Hope this salad will become one of your new fall favorites!

INGREDIENTS: • 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes • 1 pound crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Honey Crisp), cored & diced into 1/2inch cubes with peel on

• 1 small red onion (about a 1/2 cup), finely chopped • 1/2 cup olive oil • 3 tablespoons orange juice • 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar • 1 teaspoons grated lemon or orange peel • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

1. Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes. Potatoes should be just tender on the outside but resistant in the center when pierced with a knife.

2. Drain potatoes and set aside to cool slightly.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, orange juice, herbs, cider vinegar lemon peel, salt and pepper.

4. Place diced apples in a large bowl. Pour vinaigrette over the apples and stir to coat.

5. Add sweet potatoes and red onions to the bowl with apples. Mix well.

6. Serve warm or chill until ready to serve. *This recipe makes 12 servings (3/4 cup per serving)*

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to do with your crew september & october calendar of events

SEP T E M B E R

sat 12 White River Celebration Join Noblesville Main Street and Nickel Plate Arts for this annual celebration of the White River Clean-up. Highlights include Fun in the River, Bridge Fair, 1M$ Duck Race, performances by local band Alea, and local artists and activities sponsored by Nickel Plate Arts.

Time: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm Location: White River & Logan St. Bridge, Noblesville http://www.nickelplatearts.org/

sat 12 - sun 13 Festival of Machines This festival celebrates Indiana’s rich history of designing, building and innovating transportation. Featuring concourslevel cars, vintage aircraft, boats, motorcycles, antique steam engines, race cars and more, the Festival of Machines has something for everyone in the family to enjoy! Test drive a soapbox derby car, build your own fizzy rocket dragster, or cheer along the tractor parade. Included with general admission.

Time: 10 am-5 pm Location: Conner Prairie, Fishers http://www.connerprairie.org

thurs 17 - sun 20 Whale of a Sale Whale of a Sale is one of Indiana’s largest children’s consignment events, featuring 30,000 square feet of clothing, toys, equipment, bedding, furniture, boutique, maternity, fabulous vendors and more… at a fraction of the retail price!

Times: Thurs, Sept. 17: 4 pm Volunteers; 5 pm Consignors; 7 pm. $10 Pass PreSale; Fri, Sept. 18: 9 am. New Parents Pre-Sale; 10 am.

Facebook Friends Pre-Sale; 12- 7 pm.

Open to Public; Sat, Sept. 19: 9-4 pm.

Open to Public; Sun, Sept. 20: 11-3 pm.

Half Price Day Location: Hamilton Crossing Centre, Carmel http://whale-sale.com/

fri 18 Movies in the Park Grab your family and friends, chairs and blankets, and head to a FREE, relaxing evening under the stars. Tonight’s movie is Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Movies will begin right after sunset. Parking will be available at Westfield High School, across the street from the Asa Bales Park.

Time: Dusk Location: Asa Bales Park, Westfield http://www.westfieldmoviesinthe park.com

fri 18 - sat 19 St. George Festival The annual St. George Festival offers a variety of family-friendly activities and entertainment. Guests can enjoy Middle Eastern food, live music, DJ tent, food demonstrations, book signings, iconography tours and an on-site carnival! Don’t miss this great event!

Time: 5-11 pm, Friday and noon-11 pm, Saturday Location: St. George Orthodox Church, Fishers http://www.stgindy.org/

sat 19 Peanut Butter & Jam: Syncopated Rhythms of Bangladesh Golam and Bertie Kibreah are a fatherand-son team who perform music from Bangladesh, using a variety of classical and folk instruments. Children will be

32 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY | September/October 2015

amazed at the syncopated rhythms produced by the tabla drums.

Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am Location: The Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel http://www.thecenterforthe performingarts.org/

sat 19 - sun 20 Ford Hoosier Outdoor Experience The two-day Ford Hoosier Outdoor Experience, hosted at Fort Harrison State Park, features more than 50 hands-on activities. Organized by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, the goal is to introduce participants to outdoor activities that they may have never tried before. Activities range from fishing to archery to mountain biking and more. While you are there be sure to visit the Indy’s Child Family Fun Zone! If you are looking for fun for the whole family in the great outdoors, look no further than the Ford Hoosier Outdoor Experience.

Time: Saturday and Sunday, 10 am-6 pm Location: Fort Harrison State Park, Lawrence www.in.gov/dnr/5009.htm

sat 26 - sun 27 Carmel International Arts Festival Enjoy live entertainment while browsing the works of over 130 juried artists exhibiting in watercolor, oil, 2D, jewelry, photography, 3D, wood, sculpture, pottery and more! There will be food vendors on hand, and festival goers are also welcome to visit the Arts and Design District’s outstanding restaurants and local shops.

The popular Young Artist Tent, featuring the exceptional talent of our high school art students in Carmel, will also return.

In addition, this year the festival will also offer a Young at Art station for the kids in attendance. Best of all admission is FREE!

Time: Saturday, 10 am-6 pm; Sunday, 10 am-5 pm Location: Carmel Arts and Design District, Main St. & Rangeline Rd. http://www.carmelartsfestival.org

OCTO B E R

sat 03 Grand Junction Derby The 7th Annual Grand Junction Derby offers a great opportunity for the community to build and race unique hand built cars.

Participants wear costumes matching their car’s theme and race from the starting ramp using only gravity to speed down Union Street as the crowd cheers them on. The event also features a street festival with live music, kids activities and more!

Time: see website for schedule Location: Union Street, Westfield

saturdays & sundays sat 24 oct 03-31

National Circus & Acrobats of the Peoples Republic of China

Pumpkinfest Saturdays and Sundays Oct. 3-31 Every weekend in October, enjoy all the fun at Pumpkinfest at the Country Market! Highlights include a Corn Maze, Hay Rides, Live Entertainment, Pumpkin Decorating, a 100 Foot Slide, Face Painting, the Moo Choo train, and much more!

Direct from Beijing, the National Circus is especially acclaimed in China because of the unique acts in their program such as Great Teeterboard, Grand Flying Trapeze, Group Contortion, Straw Hats Juggling, Girls’ Balance With Bowls and many other outstanding acts.

Price: $11 Adults; $10 Ages 2-15, Under 2 Free Time: 10am - 6pm (Sat); 12 - 6pm (Sun) Location: The Country Market, Zionsville

Time: 8-10 pm Location: The Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel

www.thepumpkinfest.com

oct 10-11, 15-17, 22-25 Headless Horseman at Conner Prairie

Indy Family Fest is a fun-filled Saturday event created especially for Indianapolis area families. The event will feature over one hundred exhibitor booths offering attendees valuable information on the latest and greatest products and services. There will also be fun children and family activities set to take place.

At Headless Horseman, you can take a haunted hayride, and join in a variety of family friendly activities such as a costume runway show for kids, catapult fun, and Scary-o-ke, where your vocal chords can scare or thrill the crowd. See magic shows, Ed’s Electrical Spectacle, and returning favorite, the Legend of Sleepy Hollow marionette show. Enjoy caramel apples, hot pretzels, warm cider and other treats. It’s a hauntingly good time for all ages and a beloved fall tradition for many families.

Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Location: Ritz Charles, Carmel

Time: 6-9 pm Location: Conner Prairie, Fishers

http://indyfamilyfest.com/

http://hamiltoncountyfamily.com/ events/headless-horseman/

www.westfield.in.gov/parks/

Indy Family Fest

sat 03 - sun 04 Fishers Renaissance Festival Experience the Golden Age of Queen Elizabeth I at The Fishers Renaissance Faire. There will be over 250 costumed characters, jousting by the Knights of Valour, period music, pirate music, roving comedy, juggling, acrobats, swordplay, knighting ceremonies, and over 70 artisans and merchants, many food vendors, and free kid’s games.

Time: 10 am-6 pm Location: Klipsch Music Center, Noblesville www.fishersrenfaire.com/

weds 14 - thurs 15 Tracking Animals in the Woods Bring the little ones and join us as we explore nature! In this class you’ll look for animal prints! Parents join in to encourage discovery alongside their child.

Best for preschoolers, ages 3 to 5. Register by calling 317-774-2500 or email cool.naturecenter@hamilton.in.gov.

Time: 10:30-11:00 am Location: Cool Creek Nature Center, Carmel

http://thecenterfortheperforming arts.org/

tues 27- fri 30 Trick-or-Treat Trail Young visitors will trick-or-treat their way through this spooky, yet age appropriate event that includes craft stations, Not-so-Scary Nature Trail, Monster Mash Dance area and much more. Admission is just $1 per person. Best for preschool and elementary-aged school children and their families.

Time: 6:00-8:00 pm Location: Cool Creek Park, Carmel www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/296/ Parks-Recreation

sat 31 Day of the Dead Come out to Nickel Plate Arts for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a festive Mexican holiday that honors friends and family members who have passed away.

Celebrate Mexican culture in an artsy, hands-on way with art activities, entertainment, and more!

Location: Nickel Plate Arts Campus, Noblesville www.nickelplatearts.org/

*PLEASE NOTE: At Hamilton County Family, we work hard to ensure our calendar information is accurate. Occasionally, event specifics change after we go to press. Therefore, we encourage our readers to call locations or visit them on the web to verify information.

http://hamiltoncountyfamily.com/ events/tracking-animals-in-the-woods/ www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY 33

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the last laugh

Everyone knows little kids have their own sense of style. What’s the most interesting outfit your child tried to wear out the door?

My daughter took the tiny sweater off of her teddy bear and managed to wear it as a strange shrug/straight jacket over her tank and shorts. I still don't know how she made it work. – Kerri D. Polka dot rain boots, pink tulle skirt, a minion shirt, and a tiara. – Michelle H. Ninja turtle with a tutu. – Jackie P. We have taken dragons, astronauts, and every other costumed child out in public, but the best was shorts with a t-shirt on backwards, a firefighter helmet, and lime green cowboy boots!

– Christian P. A snowsuit in this hot humid weather!

– Kye D. He wore a dinosaur costume through Costco.

– Elizabeth G. Well, I would have to say not an outfit, but no clothes at all! My daughter loves to run out of the house naked. – Birgitta H.

*Cartoon by local Fishers artist Patrick Hankley of Drawpartner Graphics – www.drawpartner.com

Princess costume, swim shoes and a baseball hat! – Jessica C. Lol anything I dress him in when I have a lot of laundry to do! Gotta make do with what you have! – Teresa C.

Thanks to all our readers who also shared pictures of their kids in their crazy outfits! *Comments taken from the Hamilton County Family magazine Facebook page

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com | HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY 35