MetroFamily Magazine March 2016

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Incredible

MARCH 2016

KIDS

EXCITING EGG HUNTS Endless ways to celebrate Easter

SPRING BREAK SHENANIGANS Tons of ideas for family fun

Galveston Getaway Plan your beach vacation See our calendar for 224 March events!

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The ultimate OKC family fun

Volume 19, Number 3

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE | MARCH 2016

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EDITORIAL

Sarah Taylor–Publisher Hannah Schmitt–Managing Editor Lindsay Cuomo–Calendar Editor Heather Davis, Angela Botzer and Lindsay Cuomo– Contributing Writers Emily Hart–Contributing Photographer Brittany Viklund–Contributing Illustrator

Celebrate Absolutely Incredible Kid Day with us!

HAVE A STORY OR BIG EVENT? We are all about family activities and fun in the OKC metro. If you have a story to share, let us know!

CONTACT THE TEAM AT 405-818-5025 or email sarah@metrofamilymagazine.com.

DESIGN & SALES Stacy Noakes–Art Director Callie Collins–Marketing Director Athena Delce, Dana Price & Jessica Misun–Sales Kathy Alberty–Office/Distribution Shelly Sanderson–Business Development Circulation - 35,000 Also available as a digital edition at www.metrofamilymagazine.com Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc.We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information.We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

MetroFamily Magazine is a monthly magazine published by Inprint Publishing, Inc. New Address: 318 NW 13th St Ste 101 OKC OK 73103 Phone: 405-818-5025 Fax: 405-445-7509 info@metrofamilymagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2016, All Rights Reserved.

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AT HOME WITH RACHEL Get to know mom & designer Rachel Shingleton.

PLUS...

DON’T MISS ALL THIS

FAMILY FAVORITES

46

2016 FAMILY FAVORITES Discover the local businesses voted the best by our readers.

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56

GALVESTON GETAWAY Set out on a beach adventure this spring break!

Whiz Kids Celebrates 21 Years Editor’s Picks: Free Metro Easter Egg Hunts

16 10 Steps to Becoming a Foster Parent 20 Mom Humor: Pinterest vs. My Family WEB EXCLUSIVE! Learn all about new ways to unlock creativity with your

family at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art this year at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/okcmoa

Welcome FROM OUR EDITOR

This month, we send your family on spring break adventures, reveal top Easter activities and tell you about some incredible kids in Oklahoma City.

T

his month marks the beginning of a new season.

Although it's felt like spring in Oklahoma City for weeks, March officially makes it a reality on the calendar.

If you don't suffer from seasonal allergies, this is probably your favorite time of year. The warmer temperatures wake up everything outside and the season brings picnics and patio dining, outdoor festivals and spring celebrations.

The changing season offers the perfect reminder of how brief each family season is. The saying "the days are long but the years are short" rings so true for parents. Whether you're in the infant stage, raising a teenager or anything in between, your kids will only be this age once.

I challenge you to embrace that this month by making some amazing spring break memories together.

Within these pages we've provided endless ideas for you to spend time together as a family this month. Sure, it's a popular month for vacations (we have

your Galveston getaway planned on page 56) but you don't have to do anything extravagant to make memories with your kids this month. On page 23, we list a handful of spring break activities that take zero planning ahead.

Just show up!

Online, find even more spring break inspiration. Our spring break guide can be found at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/springbreak and features road trip ideas, activities and more than 100 events to keep you busy this month.

Whether you take a road trip or just plan a few game nights at home, make this month special by embracing the season you're in with your kids right now.

Hannah Schmitt Editor

TE A R B E L CE H T I W G SPRIN OF S D E R D

HUN NTS E V E H MARCstarts on page 22

r Calenda

r Enter ou contestsig! to win b

THIS MONTH, WE’RE GIVING AWAY TICKETS TO SEE "CINDERELLA" AT CIVIC CENTER MUSIC HALL

• Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella" Giveaway: Your family of four could win tickets to opening night of "Cinderella" at Civic Center Music Hall.

• Enter to win the perfect #SeeOKC staycation from VisitOKC.com and its many partners. Prize package valued at over $900 includes a two-night hotel stay, a family pass to the new RIVERSPORT Rapids attraction opening in early May and more. Partners include Hampton Inn & Suites OKC Bricktown, OKC RIVERSPORT, Oklahoma River Cruises, Downtown OKC, Myriad Gardens and Bricktown Water Taxis. Certificates will be good through Dec. 31, 2016. Enter by 3/31.

• Register to win a five-day cruise for four to the Western Caribbean, departing July 16 from Galveston. Trip is provided by MIE Travel Deals, LLC. and valued at $2,400!

Enter by 5/31.

• Instagram Contests: This month on Instagram we're giving away a pie from Pie Junkie, three gift cards to Uptown Candy and an original art print from local artist Brittany Viklund! Find us at www.instagram.com/metrofamilyokc.

THIS MONTH’S COVER: Brinley Gray, 10, is an Edmond home-schooler who's featured in our Absolutely Incredible Kids feature this month.

Learn what makes her incredible on page 10.

!

W WO

PHOTO TAKEN BY EMILY HART WWW.NINAANDBPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

family buzz

We’re buzzing about Giving Back Whether you're an avid runner or a fitness newbie, the annual Redbud Classic is a great opportunity for families to be active together

for a worthy cause. This annual running and biking event takes place just as the redbud trees are blooming throughout scenic Nichols

Hills. The 2016 Redbud Classic beneficiary is Peppers Ranch, a foster care community in Guthrie that provides support for parents and helps hundreds of families each year.

In addition to a one-mile fun run that's totally free for kids (registration required), events this year include 10/33/50 mile bike tours, a 5K run, a 10K run, a 5K wheelchair event, a two-mile walk and stroller derby and a team challenge where groups of three or more can compete together. The races will end with the Redbud Bash at the finish line featuring food trucks, games and live entertainment.

Families can participate in the full weekend of events at a discount by purchasing the Weekend Family Fun Package. Purchase the package and your family of four can participate in cycling events and the fun run for kids on Saturday and the running, walking and stroller events Sunday for $160.

To learn more and register, visit www.redbud.org.

BY HANNAH SCHMITT MANAGING EDITOR

REDBUD CLASSIC

Whiz Kids Celebrates 21 Years

Local mentoring program Whiz Kids is celebrating its 21st anniversary by recognizing some incredible Oklahoma City volunteers. Whiz Kids is a faith-based, one-on-one volunteer tutoring and mentoring program that focuses on first-through sixthgrade students who live in areas that have some of the highest drop-out rates and lowest socioeconomic levels in Oklahoma City.

Mercedius Jones, a Boeing electrical engineer, recently received an Outstanding Mentor Award for his volunteer work with Whiz Kids Oklahoma from Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Chairman David L. Boren and President Anil Gollahalli during Oklahoma Mentor Day at the State Capitol.

“Mercedius is a hard-working young man who has taken an interest in mentoring at a very young age,” said Sarah Skinner, communication manager for Whiz Kids. “He has been a tutor and mentor to his mentee Joshua for the last three years at the Whiz Kids Oklahoma Prospect Baptist site.

As an electrical engineer for Boeing, Mercedius draws and sketches airplanes, which is fitting since Joshua loves airplanes and comic drawings, too. A favorite activity of the dynamic duo is when Mercedius sketches airplanes and Joshua colors and tries to recreate the airplanes. Mercedius has purchased comic books and airplane books for the two to read during Whiz Kids’ time.

Joshua wants to be an electrical engineer just like Mercedius when he grows up, Skinner said.

MERCEDIUS JONES AND HIS STUDENT MENTEE JOSHUA WITH DAVID BOREN AND ANIL GOLLAHALLI

“Mercedius inspires and motivates Joshua to be all that he can be and pushes him to do better than average,” she said. “He is an encourager and recruiter to get others from his workplace to be mentors and tutors, as well. He has recruited more than 10 Boeing employees to take the time to give back through tutoring and mentoring with Whiz Kids.”

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MARCH 2016

Whiz Kids is proactive and preventative in nature, targeting inner-city schools and students who are reading below grade level and who could benefit most from a one-onone relationship with a caring adult.

The non-profit is looking for more tutors and mentors to serve at one of 30 Whiz Kids sites. If you're interested, visit www. whizkidsok.org, call 405-602-2815 or email info@whizkidsok.org.

Spring Break Baking

Spring break is just around the corner and that means more time at home together. Celebrate the occasion by getting into the kitchen together to make this tasty treat. The owners of one of our favorite sweets shops in the city, Pie Junkie, contributed this recipe for incredibly rich and simple Millionaire Shortbread. Just seven ingredients and a few simple steps bring this impressive three-layer dessert together.

Millionaire Shortbread Shortbread Crust • 2 sticks butter, cut into small pieces • 1-3/4 cup all-purpose flour • 2/3 cup sugar • 1/2 teaspoon salt Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a 13" x 9" pan with cooking spray. Combine flour, sugar and salt in a bowl. Add butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to "cut" butter into the flour mixture until it looks like peas.

This also can be done by pulsing a few times in a food processor. Press the shortbread mixture into prepared pan and bake until golden brown around the edges, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Caramel Layer • 2 14-oz. cans sweetened condensed milk • 2 tablespoons butter Combine the sweetened condensed milk and butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Slowly bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue stirring over the heat until mixture becomes thick and golden (about 15-20 minutes). Pour the caramel over the cooked shortbread and spread out evenly. Let everything cool again.

Chocolate Topping • 3/4 pound good quality dark or semisweet chocolate Make a double boiler (a glass bowl set over a saucepan of slow-simmering water) and melt the chocolate. Pour the chocolate over the cooled caramel layer and let the whole pan cool to room temperature. (Optional: sprinkle with your favorite chopped nuts before cooling chocolate.) You can then put the dish into the refrigerator until the chocolate is somewhat hardened. Enjoy!

[Editor's Note: Don't feel like baking this month? We'll be giving away a free pie from Pie Junkie this month at Instagram.com/ metrofamilyokc. Follow us for your chance to win!]

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MARCH 2016

editor’s picks

Free Can’t-Miss Egg Hunts

G

rab your baskets and get your hunting face on because parks throughout the city are preparing for their annual Easter celebrations.

From hard-boiled and dyed to hollow and filled with candy, eggs of all shapes and sizes will be scattered throughout the Oklahoma City metro this month for local kids. Kick off spring at one of these exciting and free Easter egg hunts.

Moore Easter Egg Scramble

Sam Noble Eggstravaganza

10 a.m. March 19 at Buck Thomas Park (1903 N.E. 12th St.)

4-7 p.m. March 23 at Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman)

Mustang Eggstravaganza

12:30 p.m. March 20 at Chitwood Park (S. Story & W. 1st St, Edmond)

10 a.m. March 19 at Mustang Town Center (1201 N. Mustang Rd., Mustang) Why We Love It: Extend your spring

celebrations by kicking off the season with this free event happening the weekend before Easter. More than 15,000 eggs are carefully scattered for prime hunting. Additional activities will be available on-site including inflatables and balloon twisting and kids will have a chance to enter a drawing for a brand new bike!

Why We Love It: Six different fields

at Buck Thomas Park welcome eager egg hunters to this free annual event. In addition to gathering an almost endless supply of prize eggs and candy, photos with the Easter bunny will be available at the event. What makes this hunt a real stand-out is a special hunt just for special needs kids.

Chitwood Park Easter Egg Hunt Why We Love It: In addition to the

classic Easter egg hunt all the kids anticipate, this event truly brings the community together with a festive (and free!) hot dog lunch in the park. Make new friends and celebrate spring at this exciting event. Lunch begins at 12:30 p.m. and the egg hunt kicks off at 1 p.m.

Why We Love It: More than just an

Easter egg hunt, this free event features complimentary museum admission, crafts, face painting, games and photos with the Easter bunny. Give your kids an opportunity to learn something new while celebrating Easter this year. Three age categories will hunt on the museum's south grounds.

Choctaw's Annual Easter Egg Hunt 11 a.m. March 26 at Choctaw Creek Park (2001 N. Harper Rd., Choctaw) Why We Love It: This free event starts with city staff hiding about 10,000 eggs in an expansive park then releasing kids in five different age groups to hunt. This annual event is a stand-out because of its classic Easter Bonnet competition. Kids wear their best spring bonnets and a prize is awarded to the best one!

[Find more egg hunts on page 22 and at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/easter.]

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Discover why St. Mary's Episcopal School in Edmond was voted

Best Private Preschool & Elementary School

by Metro Family readers!

As a part of this project, we're asking you, our readers, to honor the inspiring kids you know by writing them a letter or creating a social media post bragging about what makes them incredible. So after you read about the kids here, make sure to tell us about the incredible kids you know on social media using the hashtag #AIKD. Also, we’ll be giving away prizes to local incredible kids on Instagram so follow along at www.instagram. com/metrofamilyokc. We believe taking a small, meaningful step to let kids know they're appreciated can be life changing!

Absolutely Incredible Home-schooler Changing Lives

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE KID AND COVER MODEL BRINLEY GRAY. PHOTO BY EMILY HART.

Incredible

KIDS

BY HANNAH SCHMITT & LINDSAY CUOMO

Absolutely Incredible Kid Day (March 15) was established in 1998

by Camp Fire, a national non-profit that runs a variety of programs to help young people succeed and shape the world. The day was designed to honor our nation's youth by encouraging adults to write, post, tweet and tag notes of encouragement and inspiration to the incredible kids they know. We're celebrating the incredible kids in Oklahoma City by honoring a few of them in this month's issue.

Reading a "Critter Club" book one day about a group of girls who volunteered their time to help critters in need, 10-year-old Edmond home-schooler Brinley Gray had an idea. She wanted to create a club with her friends to help people in need.

"She's always just had a really big heart," said Erryn Gray, Brinley's mom. "She's very compassionate and always looking for how to help others."

Still too young for many volunteer opportunities, Brinley was determined to find a way to give back. It was helping her mom drop off donations at All Things Baby (405 W. 2nd St., Edmond), a non-profit that collects donations of maternity, baby and child items and makes them available for local underprivileged women to have at no cost, that sparked a passion in Brinley.

She noticed the donations were thin and many of the tables available for women to shop were completely empty. With her mom's help, she created a video and posted it on Facebook calling on neighbors and friends to donate items.

Sure enough, the community responded.

With her mom’s help, Brinley was rounding

up donations and dropping off full car-loads to All Things Baby within the week.

Dawn Johnson is the director of All Things Baby. Her daughter, an Edmond police officer, started the non-profit nine years ago.

"She worked the night shift and saw so many women in need," Johnson said of her daughter. "She wanted to meet that need."

There's no paid staff at All Things Baby, Johnson said, and the organization relies strictly on donations from the public. They're only open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays but were able to serve 2,800 people last year alone.

"Women come in from the beginning of their pregnancy for maternity clothes all the way up to their child being 8 years old," Johnson said. "We give toys, books, shoes, formula, everything."

All Things Baby is a Christian organization and in addition to distributing necessities, volunteers pray with everyone who comes in.

Johnson said Brinley's efforts to encourage more donations has made a tremendous impact on the women in need.

"You can just tell it delighted her heart to be serving others," Johnson said of watching Brinley bring in donations and sort toys for the non-profit. "I think she's a very precious and caring young woman and she'll be a real world shaker someday. She's very humble, sweet and kind-hearted."

Now, Brinley is proud to report the tables at All Things Baby are full. She hopes what she's doing inspires other local kids to give back, too. It's obviously working because Brinley was nominated as our Incredible Kid this month by an Edmond mom who's seen Brinley's passion spread to others.

"My own daughter, who is 5, really looks up to Brinley," said Heidi Wright, who wrote to MetroFamily about Brinley's volunteer efforts. "I am really impressed by her example to her peers, the younger children she knows and us adults!"

If you're interested in donating to All Things Baby, the organization has a donation box on-site at 405 W. 2nd St. in Edmond where donations can be dropped any time.

Absolutely Incredible

Kids at Edmond Memorial High School It all started with a kiss. Thirty years ago, a group of students at Edmond Memorial High School decided to raise money for a friend in need. The students challenged their classmates to raise $3,000. To sweeten the deal even more, the students went as far as convincing their principal to kiss a pig if they reached their goal. In short, the students reached their goal and yes, the principal did kiss that pig.

With that single kiss a legacy was born, a legacy that would grow into $5 million dollars donated to worthy causes. Last year alone, more than $700,000 in funds were raised. In the beginning, the funds benefited fellow students, Edmond Memorial alumni or even community members in need. Now, the money extends further to local non-profit agencies like Angels Foster Family Network

Come for the day or spend the whole week in an Adventure Camp! Reach for the sky on the SandRidge Sky Trail. Race down our new high speed slides. Get out on the water in a kayak. You’ll find all this and more in our camps for ages 8-16; full and half day options available.

Visit us online at riversportokc.org to learn more!

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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MARCH 2016

and Calm Waters Center for Children and Families.

Calm Waters is an organization dedicated to helping people of all ages in their journey of grief caused by death, divorce or other significant loss. The organization’s mission came full circle for the students of Edmond Memorial, when one of their classmates was killed tragically in a car accident in December. Calm Waters came to help the students cope with the loss and now the student body is returning the favor. Armed with countless events, the students have higher hopes than ever for what they will accomplish.

“The student council decided to not set a goal this year, but instead focus on simply doing their best for a really great cause,” shared Elanna Killackey, student council sponsor and English teacher at Edmond Memorial. “The kids want to host fun events that build special memories and help the community as well.

In addition to giving back, Killackey said, the students are learning about budgeting, organization and creative solutions along the way.

The students have organized events like alumni parties, restaurant nights, golf tournaments and a daddy-daughter dance throughout February and March.

At the center of their fundraising is Swine Week. Each year the principal still kisses a pig but not as extra motivation but now as a symbol the dedication of the student body has made for three decades.

“(Swine Week) transforms the school,” Killackey said. “Watching the students respond to the organization and what it does for the entire school, it’s huge. They give up their social life to do something huge. These kids love their school and want to impact their community in a big way.”

For all the golf enthusiasts, Swine Week will host a golf tournament on March 5 at the Silverhorn Golf Club. For $400 a team, golfers can enjoy a four-man scramble with a huge benefit for the community.

The final assembly for the donation effort is scheduled for March 11. To learn more about how to support these efforts, visit www. swineweek.org.

Absolutely Incredible Kids at Adams Elementary Sharing Their Love of Science

Marci Vaughan believes students perform best when they take lessons out of textbooks and create experiences with them. So when her sixth grade science students got to the textbook section on biomes, Ms. Vaughan took to the web and a site called Teachers Pay Teachers to get some ideas to bring biomes to life for her students. What resulted was her group of students building several bio-domes to house ecosystems from around the world.

SWINE WEEK VOLUNTEERS, PHOTO COURTESY OF EDMOND PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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“This project ended up way bigger than I expected,” Vaughan said.

With just a few dollars and some clever creativity, she crafted a room-sized bio-dome her students could climb inside and learn about different biomes. Working in groups, the sixth graders explore the seven biomes and the ecosystems of our world. They use multiple media to define and research all about the different climates that exist on earth, the plants and animals that live in each and, perhaps, the most important question of all, why all of it is important to them.

“I want my students to always understand why they are learning something,” she said.

They rotate through different stations where they have to “define it,” “research it,” “watch it,” “draw it” and more. Her students also have to go beyond simply learning about topics and, as she calls it, “own it.” Not only have they come up with real world jobs that would use the knowledge, they have also studied the human impact on our world’s biomes. One student and potential future video game designer explored the idea of how biomes impact videos games. Another

JOHN ADAMS ELEMENTARY STUDENTS INSIDE A CLASSROOM BIOME, PHOTO COURTESY OF OKCPS

student discovered why firefighters need the knowledge to fight forest fires.

But, the learning didn’t stop there. What really makes these sixth graders Absolutely Incredible Kids is that they’re so excited about the learning environment Vaughan has made that they’re creating presentations

and conducting tours of their bio-domes to teach younger grades about science.

Now all students at Adams Elementary can explore tropical rainforests, tundras, deserts, grasslands and even an aquatic biome, without even having to leave their school.

UCO FINE ARTS AND DESIGN

SUMMER CAMPS

ACM@UCO

+Rock Camps I & II: June 13-17 & July 18-22, Ages 10-18, Downtown OKC

Art

+Art Workshop: July 25-29, Ages 15-18, Edmond

Dance

Dance & Down Syndrome: June 6-10, Ages 13 & up, Edmond +Dance Workshop: June 13-16, Ages 15 & up, Edmond

Design

+Design Workshop: June 13-16, Ages 15-18 & Incoming UCO Freshmen, Edmond

Music

Flute Camp: June 6-9, Ages 11-16, Edmond +Jazz Workshop: June 26-July 1, Ages 15-18, Edmond +Strings Chamber Music Camp: July 11-15, Ages 11-18, Edmond

Theatre Arts

+High School Drama Camps I & II: June 13-17 & July 11-15, Ages 13-18, Edmond Drama Day Camps: June 20-24, July 18-22, & July 25-29, Ages 7-12, Edmond ‘Let’s Make Magic’ Workshop: June 27-29, Ages 7–18, Edmond + Concurrent enrollment for university credit available

www.ocae.net • 405.975.3784 • ocae@uco.edu Early Bird Discounts if enrolled by April 30

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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MARCH 2016

Absolutely Incredible Girl Scout Shattering Records

Katie Francis may only be in the eighth grade, but the Oklahoma City Girl Scout is already breaking records. She shattered the 30-year-old national record for most Girl Scout cookies sold in a single season in 2014, then turned around last year and beat her own record. As cookie selling season ramps up again this spring, she wants to continue her winning streak.

She sold 21,477 boxes in 2014 then sold 22,200 in 2015.

“The cookie sale is my favorite part of being in Girl Scouts for many reasons,” Francis said. “My cookie selling box has a sign on it that says ‘there’s more to cookies than what’s in the box’ and this means a lot to me. The cookies are a sweet snack that so many people love. When people buy a box it allows me and my troop and Girl Scouts everywhere to use the money we raise to do great things and make a real difference in the world.”

Among other projects, the cookie sales allows her troop to host a day camp for a Girl Scout troop at an affiliated outreach school.

“These girls had never had the opportunity to go to camp before and it was a very special experience for all of us to do this for them,” Francis said. “We planned arts and crafts including making jewelry, decorating hats and tie-dying camp shirts. We held a flag ceremony, sang songs, built a tent from the ground up, took a nature hike, gave a talk about preventing bullying and had a great camp lunch with hotdogs and s’mores complete with Girl Scout cookies cooked over a campfire.”

The other ways Francis and her troop help in the community certainly make them stand out as Absolutely Incredible Kids. Her troop’s cookie sales also help provide funds and resources to the Central Oklahoma Humane Society, Bella Foundation, Make a Wish Foundation and there are plans this year to help Autism Oklahoma.

The troop members volunteer at Wildcare Oklahoma and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, donate to breast cancer research through the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and help at the YWCA Women’s Shelter.

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MARCH 2016

KATIE FRANCIS, PHOTO BY TIFFANY MILLSPAUGH

When she first decided to try to break the national record, Francis reached out to the Girl Scout who had held the record since the mid-1980s, Elizabeth Brinton. Brinton had broken the record by setting up outside grocery stores, something that hadn’t been done before. She encouraged Francis to put her own unique spin on cookie sales.

“I like to sing and dance at my booth sales and I make up cookie songs to popular melodies,” Francis said. “For instance last year I sang songs to the movie music from ‘Frozen’ and this year will be ‘Star Wars.’

I also love to dance so you may catch me doing an Irish jig just for fun.”

Another unique spin she puts on the cookie sales is asking customers to donate cookies to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and to military members serving overseas. Last year her troop was able to donate almost 3,200 boxes.

Her goal is to sell 18,000 boxes this year to help her reach her ultimate goal of selling 100,000 boxes by 2017, which is the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scout cookie sale.

“These goals are important to me, but most important is what the cookie sale enables Girl Scouts to accomplish,” she said. “We learn so much about becoming leaders, volunteering and giving back to our communities and it is an awesome experience!”

For the past seven months, MetroFamily has been familiarizing our readers with foster care in Oklahoma City. Our hope is that through education of Oklahoma’s foster care needs, our readers can help provide homes for the thousands of children in state custody.

If you’re considering opening your home to a foster child in need, you probably want to know exactly what to expect. Every case is different, but here’s a handy list of basic steps to becoming a foster parent. Experts agree the process can take three to four months.

Win an original art print of this bison from artist Brittany Viklund on Instagram this month! We're giving it away at www.instagram.com/metrofamilyokc.

BY HANNAH SCHMITT ILLUSTRATIONS BY BRITTANY VIKLUND WWW.BRITTANYVIKLUND.COM

1

Now that you have decided to become a foster parent, contact the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) or one of several private agencies (a list is available on page 18) for an orientation or initial meeting to help you prepare for your new role.

2

To become a certified foster parent, an agency specialist will provide you with an application and discuss the certification process with you.

While every case differs, the goal is to complete the entire process within 90 days.

3

You’ll need to provide an assortment of paperwork to start your certification process.

Paperwork you'll need to get started:

• copy of social security card • paycheck stubs • copy of marriage license (if applicable) • copy of divorce decree (if applicable) • copy of driver’s license • copy of pet vaccinations (if applicable) • copy of immunization records (if applicable) • copy of military discharge (if applicable)

4

Background checks will be completed for every person in the home age 18 and older by The Department of Public Safety, Child Welfare and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations.

5

A home study will be conducted by someone from your agency or their selected partner once all required documents and forms have been completed.

While many people are intimidated by the home study, experts say it is nothing to

fear. The home study includes interviews of friends and family of the potential foster parents.

The home study usually includes three to four home visits. Although it can feel intrusive, an in-depth home study is needed to determine someone’s motivation for fostering and ensure the safety and wellbeing of foster children. It’s an assessment tool to ensure quality care will be provided for all the children in the temporary custody of the state.

LILYFIELD

Next, you will be enrolled in a training program that will educate you on everything from transitioning a foster child into your home to understanding the OKDHS Child Welfare System as a whole.

The training consists of 27 hours total, usually presented in a classroom setting.

A Christ-centered ministry devoted to providing safe and stable families for at-risk children and youth.

6

Christian Adoption and Foster Care

Our Mission

In addition to learning about a variety of parenting topics, an added benefit of the training classes is that you have an opportunity to meet other foster parents and build a circle of other people who know what it’s like to foster and can offer advice and wisdom.

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Once the home study is complete and all forms and background checks have been completed, the agency specialist will have you sign a contract. Once that is complete, you are ready for your first placement.

The ideal foster parent would be open to taking children of all ages and backgrounds but foster parents certainly have an opportunity to specify things like age and gender. OKDHS and private agencies want to make sure families are as successful as possible in accepting placements, so you will be helped along the way to determine what placements would be best for you.

This includes whether or not you’re open to taking sibling groups or children with medical conditions or behavioral problems.

Foster parents can be very specific about what kind of child they will take, including race, age and gender. It’s important for foster parents to be honest with themselves about what they can or cannot handle as it is traumatic for a child to be removed from a foster home if the placement isn’t a good fit.

Vision

At Lilyfield we serve children, youth, birth, adoptive and foster families by sharing God’s love in our community.

We are committed to excellence in service and the foundation of our faith in Christ Jesus as we: • Promote safety and stability for children • Equip, prepare and counsel birth, adoptive and foster families • Guide children, youth and families on a path to healing and permanency Our programs include: adoption, services for birthparents, foster care, care connect post placement counseling and independent living (for girls who have aged out of foster care so they can continue their education).

Lilyfield.org

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501 E. 15th, Ste. 400A, Edmond MARCH 2016

405.216.5240

Some foster parents prefer not to foster sibling groups, but special care is taken to keep sibling groups together through foster care, as evidence shows children do better when they maintain family relationships while in custody.

While most foster parents request babies, the population with the greatest need in the Oklahoma City area is children age 6-12, with 501 in custody as of Jan. 25, 2016. There are 459 children in custody between the ages of 0 and 2, 341 in custody between the ages of 3 and 5 and 311 in custody who are age 13 or older. Teenagers continue to be the hardest population to place but one of the most important age ranges to serve because aging out of the system without support can be incredibly difficult.

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The agency specialist will contact you to let you know information about the available child or children.

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Once you are matched with a child, placement is arranged.

Upon and after placement, your agency specialist as well as an OKDHS permanency planning worker will meet with you and this child periodically throughout the placement period.

The permanency planning worker knows the most about the child and he or she will be working with that child’s family on reunification efforts in most cases.

The worker will work closely with you on visitation and other child-related needs.

[Editor's Note: The order and timing of some of these steps may differ depending on situation and agency. Special thanks to Neika Harris at OKDHS and Judith Cope at Sunbeam Family Services for contributing to this list.]

Should you foster through OKDHS or a private agency?

Experts from both sides sound off.

Both OKDHS and private agencies work together to help children in state custody get successfully placed in foster homes with hopes to eventually reunify with biological parents.

Judith Cope, foster care recruiter for Sunbeam Family Services, said differences between working with a private agency versus OKDHS are minor.

“A family should look to an agency they feel will support them best. Each agency has their own culture,” she said, “so the family should research to see what partnership they want to serve with.”

Private agencies have foster care support groups, something OKDHS doesn’t currently sponsor, according to Neika Harris, foster care recruiter for OKDHS. But many foster families using OKDHS, she said, have connected independently with support groups in the metro area.

Harris said one advantage to working with OKDHS is that if a foster parent decides to adopt, the process is fairly seamless.

Foster Care Agencies Serving Oklahoma City Angels Foster Family Network, www.angelsfosterokc.org

Oklahoma Families First, www.offibhs.org

Anna’s House Foundation, www.annashousefoundation.org

Oklahoma Lions Boys Ranch, www.olbr.org

Bair Foundation, www.bair.org

St. Francis Community Services, www.st-francis.org

Oklahoma United Methodist Circle of Care, www.circleofcare.org

Sunbeam Family Services, www.sunbeamfamilyservices.org

Eckerd Kids, www.eckerd.org Eastern Oklahoma Youth Services (EOYS), www.easternokyouthmcalesterok. com Lilyfield Christian Adoption and Foster Care, www.lilyfield.org Oklahoma Association of Youth Services (OAYS), www.oays.org

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Tallgrass Family Services, www.tallgrassfs.org Wesleyan Youth, Inc., 405-808-0306 YouthCare of Oklahoma, www.youthcareok.com [Editor’s Note: To learn more about becoming a foster parent in Oklahoma, visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ foster.]

St. Luke’s Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 26 at 10 a.m.

Oklahoma City

OCU Campus Quad (2501 N. Blackwelder, OKC)

Edmond

On the football field behind

Sequoyah Middle School (1125 E. Danforth, Edmond)

Visit stlukesokc.org for a full list of Easter services across all of our campuses.

mom gets the last laugh

Pinterest vs. My Family

ILLUSTRATION BY BRITTANY VIKLU

ND, WWW.BRIT TANY VIKLUND.COM

I have started a weird board on Pinterest.

I call it “Camping? Really?”

Strangely enough, every winter, I get a real hankering to be in the great outdoors. I want to breathe air that’s not tainted with exhaust or staleness. I want to walk away from technology and reflect upon days of yore when 24/7 screens weren’t a thing. I want to cook bacon over an open fire first thing in the morning and I want to drift off to dream while watching the same fire embers slowly fade into ash.

But because it’s usually cold when I begin my longing for a life of simplicity via the closest campground, I can dream big.

My daughters share some Pinterest boards with me, like the boards “Please Don’t Make This Ever, Mom” and “Things My Parents Should

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

Never Wear, Say or Do In Public.” They immediately saw my camping board and, well, let’s just say the wailing and gnashing of teeth began in Old Testament proportions.

Their first line of defense was to remind me of the last time we went camping. We were supposed to borrow a friend’s camper and at the last minute, through a series of unfortunate events that involved a backed-up sewer line and a pending new floor in her camper, we found ourselves borrowing a two-room tent from another friend. During that particular weekend, it took almost 15 people to help pitch that tent. I drove to the bathroom at 3 a.m. without my glasses on because I am a

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40-year-old woman and my bladder doesn’t care how cold or scary the walk to the closest bathroom is. A huge limb fell on the tent in the middle of the night and my husband thought we had found ourselves in the middle of a slasher movie. And a neighboring camper peed on the side of our tent because, again, the walk to the bathroom was cold, long and scary.

I remembered all those things clearly. I calmed their fears by reminding them that I had great memories of camping as a child and it wouldn’t be nearly as bad as it was that one time we went camping.

Ahhh … the camping trips of my youth! We had a pop-up, slide-out camper and lived less than 20 miles from Osage Hills State Park in Pawhuska. That meant we could go camping every single weekend if we wanted to. As a lively 12-year-old, I actually wanted to camp every weekend! I remembered the carefree way my sister and our friends and I got to roam the state park, eat whenever we wanted to, play in the creek, go to bed dirty and sleep until the sun woke us. It was the life! Yes! I wanted to camp!

Then my mom reminded me (thus providing ammunition for my family’s arguments) that I never helped with food prep or putting the food away at night to keep the critters away.

I never remembered the midnight walks (plural) to the bathroom nor did I remember the night we encountered the tarantula and the snake on the same trip to the bathroom.

I did not remember those things. I was a little leery of her stories, though. It seems to me that I’d remember a huge, hairy spider and a giant, slithering snake. But, my mother and I are getting old. Selective memory is both plausible and probable for both of us.

None the less, I pinned on and planned a glorious spring break camping trip, much to the disdain and chagrin of my family.

I planned that we would hike all day and stare at the stars all night! My family said we could walk the neighborhood and sleep on the trampoline in the back yard.

I planned that we would cook all of our meals from scratch on an open flame. My family reminded me that we have an outdoor grill right on our driveway.

I planned that we would inhale the glorious air as God created it and not as man had polluted it. My family shook their heads as they argued that we didn’t have a lot of traffic in our neighborhood and our windows did open.

I planned that we would put away the screens and reconnect with each other. My family pulled the board game Scattergories from our game cabinet and promised to play nicely with each other for a full hour while our electronic devices rested securely and silently on the charging station in the other room.

I wasn’t ready to give in that quickly, though they did offer compelling arguments.

Then, I opened the door for the cats and they brought in with them a dead mouse and a spider that jumped almost as high as I did.

Ya know? Scattergories is a fun game. And my bed sleeps just fine—especially when I open the window and pretend I’m camping.

Heather Davis is a momma, a writer and an avid pinner of things she’ll never do. Contact her through her website, www.Heather-Davis.net.

WELCOMED BY

MARCH 22-27 • CIVIC CENTER MUSIC HALL ( 8 0 0 ) 8 6 9-1 4 5 1 • ( 4 0 5 ) 2 9 7-2 2 6 4 • C e l e b r i t y A t t ra c t i o n s . c o m Groups of 15+ receive a discount! Call (800) 869-1451 x220 /BwayOKC

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calendar

events this

OUR CALENDAR MAKES IT EASY TO FIND FAMILY FUN IN OKC. FIND IT AT WWW.METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM/CALENDAR GOVERNOR'S MANSION TOURS- WEDNESDAYS THROUGH MAY Governor Mary Fallin and First Gentleman Wade Christensen along with Friends of the Mansion volunteers invite your family to tour the Governor’s Mansion (820 N.E. 23rd St.). On Wednesdays through May 25, visitors can get an up-close look at many of the unique features such as the Oklahoma-shaped pool, chairs in the formal dining room stitched by former senators’ wives and, in the main entrance, a replica punch bowl from the U.S.S. Oklahoma. Reservations are required but tours are free and available from noon to 3 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.FOMOK.ORG, 528-2020 Photo courtesy of the office of Governor Mary Fallin

FIRST SATURDAY HANDS-ON HISTORYMARCH 5 The Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr.) is kicking off a brand new monthly program. On the first Saturday of each month, museum staff will roll out the fun with a variety of activities including crafts, coloring activities, hands-on carts and educational trunks, all focused on a timely theme. This March, the museum celebrates Women’s History. Activities are free with admission and are available from 1 to 4 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.OKHISTORY.ORG, 522-0765 Photo courtesy of Oklahoma History Center

"CINDERELLA"- MARCH 22-27 Celebrity Attractions brings the award-winning Broadway Musical Rodgers and Hammerstein’s "Cinderella" to Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave). With all the beloved classic elements like the glass slippers and a pumpkin, this romantic tale adds in some surprising contemporary twists.

More than just the right shoe size, Cinderella is a spirited young woman who not only fights for her own dreams, but is also on a quest to make the world a better place. See website for a complete schedule of show times.

Tickets range between $25 and $70.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.CELEBRITYATTRACTIONS.COM, 1-800-869-1451 Photo courtesy of Celebrity Attractions

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calendar SPRING INTO FUN!

No spring break plans? No problem! Here's a list of events going on throughout spring break that don't require a reservation. Just load up the kids for some school's-out entertainment!

MARCH 8, 10, 15 & 17

Celebrate springtime at Myriad Botanical Gardens’ Spring Break Pop-Ins at the Children’s Garden Porch (301 W. Reno).

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, kids can participate in come & go, rotating activities highlighting nature in fun hands-on ways.

Activities include an up-cycled wind vane project, potato stamp art and a scavenger hunt. Members, free; non-members, $2 suggested donation. 10 a.m. – noon.

445-7080, WWW.MYRIADGARDENS.ORG

MARCH 14-18

Spring Break Activities at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 N.E. 63rd St.) offers visitors a different make & take activity each day that connects with museum exhibits, while supplies last. Kids can try their hand at weaving, metal work, wildlife art and more. Free with admission. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

478-2250, WWW.NATIONALCOWBOYMUSEUM.ORG Travel through history at the Spring Break Escape at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman). Every day of Spring Break, the museum will have crafts, auditorium shows, storytelling, scavenger hunts, face painting and more in addition to the museum’s current exhibits, all FREE with admission. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

325-4712, WWW.SNOMNH.OU.EDU

MARCH 15-18

Immerse yourself in some local history at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S. Boulevard, Edmond). Each day’s activities and story times focus on a different decade of Edmond’s history from the post Land Run times to the Dust Bowl and beyond. Kids can craft a covered wagon, paper dolls, whirly gigs, clothes pin cars and more as they learn about what each decade looked like for local kids. Some of the days will also feature a How-to-Draw art time in the exhibits with a corresponding theme. Crafts will be available from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and story time will happen at 11 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. each day. All activities are FREE of charge and museum admission is always FREE. 340-0078, WWW.EDMONDHISTORY.ORG

MARCH 17

Thunder Up for OKC at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum (1400 Classen Dr.). Every third Thursday each month, families can listen to a special story teller and enjoy a craft time together.

March’s theme celebrates the Oklahoma City Thunder. Museum admission and activities are FREE. 10 a.m.

235-4458, WWW.OKLAHOMAHOF.COM

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events this MARCH 1 • TUESDAY FREE Open House at Casady School (9500 N Pennsylvania) allows prospective families of students in the lower division to learn more about the school and its program.

8:30am-noon. Also held: March 3. 749-3185, www.casady.org

MARCH 1 & 2 FREE Monthly Mini Build at the LEGO Store in Penn Square Mall (1901 NW Expressway) features a free LEGO bunny build for ages 6 -14. Quantities are limited, and must be built in store. Preregister. 5pm.

840-9993, shop.LEGO.com/MinibuildRegistration

MARCH 2 • WEDNESDAY

Moore Norman Technology Center presents an exciting summer education program for girls and boys 9- to 14-years-old.

Enrollment Starts in April!

Seussville at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang) features a Dr. Seussthemed birthday party with a visit from Cat in the Hat, Thing One & Thing Two with games, crafts and face painting.Preregister, space is limited. Kids, $3; adults, free. 6:308:30pm. 376-3411, www.cityofmustang.org FREE Oklahoma Film + Music Office Networking and Mentoring Series at IAO Gallery (706 W Sheridan Ave) features renowned special guests who will provide insight and expertise of the field. 5:30pm.

230-8440, www.ok.gov/oklahomafilm

MARCH 3 • THURSDAY Parenting Conference at Metro Tech Conference Center (1900 Springlake Dr) features Jim Fay, co-founder of the Love & Logic Institute. Preregister, seating is limited. $99. 8:30am-2:30pm. www. loveandlogic.com/classes-and-conferences

Visit us online and plan your SYA schedule soon!

An Evening with Bernadette Peters at Oklahoma City Community College Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater (7777 S May Ave) features an exclusive, one night only Broadway concert with one of Broadway’s brightest stars, Bernadette Peters. $50-$200. 8pm.

848-3761, www.cityrep.com

All classes are held at MNTC’s Franklin Road Campus.

Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra at Armstrong Auditorium (14400 S Bryant Rd,

mntc.edu/sya

4701 12th Ave. NW Norman, OK 73069 mntc.edu | 405.364.5763, ext. 7260

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Edmond) features Poland’s largest music institution as they perform Beethoven’s Fifth. $31- $71. 7:30pm.

285-1010, www.armstrongauditorium.org FREE Open House at Casady School (9500 N Penn) offers prospective parents of students in the middle division a chance to learn more about the school. 6pm. 749-3185, www.casady.org

MARCH 3-5 Monkey Business Children’s Consignment Sale at the Shawnee Expo Center (1700 W Independence, Shawnee) features items for children, teens and moms-to-be. Many items half-price Saturday. Prices vary. Thursday & Friday, 9am-7pm.; Saturday, 9am-2pm. www.monkeybusinessok.com Sugar & Spice Kids Consignment Sale at the Firelake Arena (18145 Rangeline Rd, Shawnee) offers discounted spring & summer children's clothing, nursery items, furniture, toys, maternity and more. Many items half-price Saturday. $1 charity sale on Sunday. Prices vary. Thursday-Friday, 9am8pm; Saturday, 8am-2pm; Sunday, 2-3pm. www.sugarandspicesale.com Serse at Mitchell Hall Theatre (100 N University Dr, Edmond) features an operatic tale of Persian Emperor Xerxes and his misadventures in love in the midst of an invasion of Greece. $10-$20. Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 7:30pm & Sunday, 2pm.

974-3375, www.mitchellhalltheatre.com

MARCH 4 • FRIDAY FREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo District (NW 30th & 27th St, Walker & Hudson Ave) features more than 80 artists, special themed exhibits, refreshments, live music and food trucks. 6-10pm. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.com Mustang Chocolate Festival at Mustang Town Center (1201 Mustang Rd) features 21 vendors offering a wide variety of chocolate treats including chocolatecovered bacon, jalapenos, marshmallows and more. 8 samples, $8. 6-8pm. 376-2226, www.facebook.com/MustangChocolate/

Omelette Party at the Chevy Bricktown Events Center (425 E California Ave) benefiting the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Enjoy amazing omelettes and other tasty dishes from some of the community’s most acclaimed chefs as well as live music from The Stars and more entertainment

by DJ Brian Smith of Chameleon Entertainment. Tickets are sold in advance only. Members, $100; non-members, $125.

7pm-midnight. 278-8225, www.okcmoa.com

MARCH 4 & 5 Spring Sing at Oklahoma Christian University (2501 E Memorial Rd, Edmond) is a student-run production with themed musical performances by the university's social service clubs and the freshman class. $16.50. Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2 & 8 pm.

422-5545, www.oc.edu Oklahoma City Blue vs Santa Cruz Warriors at Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens). $10 & up. 7pm. Also held: 3/10 & 12 vs Reno; 3/22 vs Bakersfield; 3/25 Texas; 3/29 & 31 Rio Grande.

602-8500, oklahomacity.dleague.nba.com

MARCH 4-6 Oklahoma City International Auto Show at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features special appearances, 2016 model debuts, a classic car show, vendor booths and activities for kids. In advance: adults, $7; kids, $4; 6 & under, free. At the door: adults, $10; kids, $5. Friday & Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm. www.okcautoshow.org

MARCH 4-7 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Championship at Chesapeake Energy Arena (100 W Reno). All session tickets, $70-$95. Friday, 6pm; Saturday, 11am; Sunday, 1:30 pm and Monday at 8pm.

800-745-3000, www.chesapeakearena.com Momentum OKC in Downtown OKC (various locations) helps Oklahoma artists age 30 and younger exhibit in a venue created specifically for them, helping them gain experience and meet new audiences. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Times vary.

879-2400, www.ovac-ok.org

Looking for a spring break camp? Find it at

www.metrofamilymagazine. com/okc-spring-break-camps

MARCH 4-12 The Original Children’s Consignment Sale at Market Plaza (6925 NW Expressway) features a large selection of children’s items. Prices vary. 10am-6pm.

721-6776, www.occsale.com

MARCH 5 • SATURDAY Family-iD Workshop at New Covenant United Methodist Church (2700 S. Boulevard, Edmond) is a family goalsetting session with author and expert Greg Gunn. Two identical sessions hosted by MetroFamily Magazine: 9am-noon and 1:304:30pm. $25 per family plus $10 per family for child care. Purchase tickets in advance at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/family-id FREE Breakfast with Dinos Member Event at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) features a special exclusive opening just for museum members to explore the Be The Dinosaur exhibit and enjoy a selection of complimentary, breakfast-themed hors d‘oeuvres and beverages. Membership is required. 8:3010am. 325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum. ou.edu FREE Kids’ Trout Fish Out at Dale Robertson Center (1200 Lakeshore Dr) is a fishing derby for young anglers.

Kids can win awards for largest and smallest fish. Prizes awarded for different fishing categories. Adults must be accompanied by a child. 8-11am.

350-8937, www.cityofyukonok.gov Oklahoma Hall of Fame Land Run at Gaylord-Pickens Museum (1400 Classen Dr) features a USATF certified, chiptimed 10K, 5K & one-mile fun run through the historic Heritage Hills neighborhood.

Benefits the Gaylord-Pickens Museum. 10K, $30; 5K, $25; Fun Run, $20. 8am. 235-4458, www.oklahomahof.com FREE OKC Hot Wheels Association Show at The Crown Center (13300 S Western Ave) features 40 plus tables of collectables for sale or trade as well as raffles, pizza and more.

9am-3pm. www.greaterokchotwheels.com FREE Saturdays for Kids: Silhouette Collage at National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St).

Create a personal piece of art inspired by notable women. For ages 4-12.

10am-noon. Preregister. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

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events this Suitcase Faerie Garden Workshop at Will Rogers Gardens (3400 NW 36th St).

Create a miniature landscape in the confines of a single suitcase. Suitcase not provided; soil, plants and accents are provided.

Preregister. $40. Noon-2pm. 297-1392, www.okc.gov/active

FREE Whole Kids Club Story Time at Whole Foods Café (6001 N Western Ave) features a story time with a librarian from the Metropolitan Library System, crafts and snacks. 10-11am. Also held 3/19. 879-3500, www.wholefoodmarket.com

FREE Seussabration at Southern Oaks Recreation Center (400 SW 70th St) features a party with cake, crafts, reading and Lorax hikes to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday. 1-4pm. 297-1449, www.okc.gov/ parks/rec_centers

The Rhythm of the World: Dance & Music from Around the Globe 2016 at Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College (3701 I-35 S Service Rd, Moore) features a global extravaganza of music and dance. Adults, $10; kids (5 and under), free. 7:30-9pm.

820-0797, www.marjandancer.com

First Saturday Hands-On History at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr) features a variety of activities throughout the museum including crafts, coloring, hands-on carts and educational trunks. Free with admission. 1-4pm.

522-0765, www.okhistory.org

FREE Car Seat Check at St. Mary's Episcopal School (505 E Covell Rd, Edmond). Safe Kids Oklahoma will be checking car seats installations. Open to the public, no appointment required. 10:30am12:30pm. 341-9541, www.safekids.org/ coalition/safe-kids-oklahoma

FREE Fishing Days at OKC Lakes & Ponds (various locations) offers free fishing on the first Saturday of each month. No city permit is required; however, a state license is for anyone 16 and older. 297-1426, www.okc.gov/lakes

MARCH 5 & 6

Edmond Mothers of Multiples Consignment Sale at the Quail Springs United Methodist Church (14617 N Penn Ave) features children’s clothing for all ages, fall & winter maternity clothing, baby items, nursery bedding, home decor, furniture, electronics, DVDs and CDs at savings of 50-90 percent off retail prices. $1 admission.

8am-1:30pm. www.edmondmoms.com Underground Monster Carnival at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features an old-school carnival themed convention with costume contests, vendors, workshops, music, side show acts and more. Attendees are encouraged to dress up. Adults , $11; kids (10 & under), $7; kids (3 & under), free. 1-9pm. www.undergroundmonstercarnival.com FREE Storybook Hour at Cuppies & Joe (727 NW 23rd St). Children listen to a story while parents enjoy coffee and conversation. 10-11am. Also held 3/19.

528-2122, www.cuppiesandjoe.com

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FREE 2nd Annual Central Oklahoma Para Swim Meet at Mitch Park YMCA (2901 Marilyn Williams Dr, Edmond).

Watch as Rio 2016 Paralympic hopefuls compete in this long course competition.

Open to the public. 9am. 974-3140, www.teamusa.org/us-paralympics/sports/ swimming/events

MARCH 5-20 Three Sisters Spring Celebration at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial Dr, Sulphur) features daily festivities and special events that welcome the spring season including cultural demonstrations, tradtitional games, a series of family-friendly films and more. Activities are free, museum and theater admission applies. Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. 580-622-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com

MARCH 6 • SUNDAY FREE 2016 Downtown Home Tour in Oklahoma City (various locations) features a self-guided tour of new, popular and high-end properties in the downtown area including The Metropolitan, The Frank, The

Find hundreds of ideas for spring break fun at

www.metrofamilymagazine. com/springbreak Haven, The Marion, The Montgomery and The Seiber. Shuttles will be making stops at each property. 10am-4pm. 235-3500, www.downtownokc.com FREE Eagle Watch at Lake Thunderbird (1201 Clear Bay Ave, Norman) features an information session and guided tour of the park to catch a glimpse of magnificent eagles in their winter home. Preregister, space is limited. 1pm. Also held: 3/13. 321-4633

MARCH 7 • MONDAY FREE First Mondays for Kids at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) feature free admission for kids 17 years old and under. General admission applies to guests 18 and older. Adults (18-64), $8; seniors (65+), $6; Kids (17 & under), free.

10am-5pm. 325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu FREE STEMulate at the Mustang Public Library (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang) features a class focused on robotics and electronics. Best suited for kids age 9-12. Preregister. 4-5:30pm. 376-2226, www.mustangpubliclibrary.eventbrite.com 2nd Annual Edmond Mobile Meals Chili Cook-Off at the Downtown Edmond Community Center (28 E Main St, Edmond) features an all-you-can-eat chili dinner, benefiting Edmond Mobile Meals. $5. 6-8pm.

341-3111, www.edmondmobilemeals.org

MARCH 7-11 Fun & Fit Camp presented by INTEGRIS (5500 N Independence) offers field trips, art projects, cooking projects and more.

For children in grades 1-6. Preregister. $35/ day. 6am-6pm. Also held: March 14-18.

949-6888, chad.russell@integrisok.com.

G.O.T.C.H.A. “CSI” Camp at Camp DaKaNi (3309 E Hefner Rd). Campers will investigate a “crime scene” using finger printing, code breaking and more. Campers will also get to participate in outdoor activities like fishing, canoeing and rock

climbing. Before & after care available. $180/ week. 9am to 3:30pm. Also held: March 1418. 254-2080, www.campdakani.org

Since 1925

Nature’s Palette Spring Break Camp at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd) celebrates the great outdoors with art made with bits of nature including twigs, leaves and flowers. For ages 5-6. Before & after care available. 9am to 4pm. $170. 951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org Puzzling Masterpiece Spring Break Camp at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd) explores local artist Joan Miro’s wacky style, using different media and techniques including printmaking, sculpture, painting and drawing. For ages 7-9. Before & after care available. 9am to 4pm. $170. 951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org Sci-Fi Video Production Spring Break Camp at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd). Students will work together while learning about each stage of production. At the end of the week, their final video will be shown in the theater, and each student will take home a DVD of the project. For ages 10-12. Before & after care available. 9am to 4pm. $170. 951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org School's Out Day Camps at the YMCA OF GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY (select locations) features a full day of activities which may include swimming, sports, character development, arts & crafts and more. Members, $20; youth members, $25; non-members, $30. 7am-6pm. Also held: March 14-18. www.ymcaokc.org

MARCH 8 • TUESDAY Story Time Science at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52nd St) features a story and corresponding activity on the second Tuesday each month in various locations throughout the museum. Free with admission. 10-10:30am. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org Spring Break Pop-ins at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno) features rotating, walk-up activities such as a garden craft, planting seeds or going on a scavenger hunt.

Members, free; non-members, $2 suggested donation. 10am-noon. Also held: 3/10, 15 & 17. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

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MARCH 2016

Welcomes Allergist Dr. Bret R. Haymore to the Team and a New Location in Midwest City!

at the Oklahoma Health Center

750 N.E. 13th Meridian Medical Tower (Across from Mercy Hospital)

13321 N. Meridian, Suite 100 Edmond at Fisher Hall 3560 S. Boulevard, Suite 150 Norman Physician’s Building (Across from Norman Reg. Hospital)

950 N. Porter, Suite 102 (New Building coming in 2016)

405/996-3298 oklahomaallergy.com

march

events this FREE More than Stranger Danger Presentation at Cole Community Center (4400 NW Expressway) helps parents build family safety rules with tips on how to talk about sensitive topics and potentially dangerous behaviors between their child and other adults. Preregister. 6-7:30pm. 2328226, www.eventbrite.com/e/more-thanstranger-danger-tickets-21046708271 Jim Brickman: The Platinum Tour at the OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center (7777 S May Ave) features contemporary pop artist Jim Brickman. $26-$45. 7:30pm.

682-7579, www.occc.edu/pas/

MARCH 9 • WEDNESDAY OKC Thunder vs the Los Angeles Clippers at Chesapeake Energy Arena (100 W Reno). Prices vary. 8:30pm. Also held: 3/11 vs Minnesota; 3/14 vs Portland; 3/22 vs Houston; 3/24 Utah; 3/26 vs San Antonio; 3/31 vs Los Angeles. 602-8700, www.nba.com/thunder

MARCH 10 • THURSDAY FREE Reinforcement 101 Training at Easter Seals Oklahoma (701 NE 13th St) features a behavioral strategies training for parents, family members or professionals who have a loved one with developmental disabilities, challenging behaviors or those who are just interested in learning some behavioral strategies. Light lunch provided.

Professionals, $20; parents, $10. Noon-1pm.

239-2525, www.eastersealsok.org FREE Allegiant Release Party at the Mustang Library (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang) features snacks and games based on the book series Divergent. Best suited for ages 12-17. No registration required. 6:307:30pm. 376-2226, www.mustanglibrary.org FREE Native American Art Institute Workshop at the Southern Oaks Recreation Center (400 SW 70th St) features a free monthly art workshop where participants learn a new art form from Native American teachers. March's topic is leatherworking.

7-9pm. 297-1449, www.okc.gov/parks/ rec_centers/

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MARCH 2016

FREE Galileo’s World Lecture Series and Sky Watch at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman). Learn something new about Galileo’s world during the monthly lecture series followed by a sky watch hosted by the OU observatory. 7-9pm.

325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu

MARCH 11 • FRIDAY No School! One Day Activity at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang) features a fun-filled day with crafts and games. Bring a water bottle and lunch, no peanut products please.

Preregister. $30. 7:30am-6pm. 376-3411, www.cityofmustang.org Whodunit Dinner Theater Final Idol at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse (1309 S Agnew).

Features an exciting voice & talent show with a murder mystery twist written by Oklahoma playwright Earline Cottet. Adults, $48; kids (8&under), $24. 6:15pm. Also held: 3/18. 420-3222, www.whodunit.net LIVE on the Plaza in the Plaza District (1700 block of NW 16th St) features artists, live music, special events, local shopping and more on the second Friday of the month.

7-11pm. www.plazadistrict.org/live/ Night at the ZooZeum: Memories of Bob Jenni at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 NE 50th St) features an overnight stay in the ZooZeum, a morning hike and a keeper’s chat in the Herpetarium to learn about wellknown reptile naturalist, Bob Jenni, and his Zoo ties. Pack lightly, all ages welcome.

Members, $20; non-members, $25. 425-0218, www.okczooed.org

MARCH 11-18 FREE Oklahoma Youth Expo at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) is the world’s largest junior livestock show. See website for a complete schedule of events.

235-0404, www.okyouthexpo.com

MARCH 11-20 Spring Break Blast at Andy Alligator's (3300 Market Pl, Norman) features 14 acres of family fun events especially for spring break. Prices vary. 321-7275, www.andyalligators.com

MARCH 12 • SATURDAY FREE Cleveland County Craft Show at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds (615 E Robinson St, Norman) features home decorating, handmade, seasonal and specialty items presented by more than 90 crafters. 9am-4pm. 360-4712, www.clevelandcountyfair.org O’Connell’s St. Pat’s 8K Run at O’Connell’s Irish Pub (769 Asp Ave, Norman) features an 8K and one-mile fun run benefiting Special Olympics Oklahoma. Participants are encouraged to wear green. $25-$35. 9am. 447-8445, www.sook.org/stpatrun St. Patty's Day Dash 5K at Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd, Edmond) features a 5k run, live DJ and more, benefiting Folds of Honor. $25 & up. 9:30am. www.stpaddysdaydash.com St. Paddy's Day Race at the East Wharf of Hefner Lake (9101 Lake Hefner Parkway) features a family-friendly race with distance options for a variety of fitness levels from the 8K to the 5K, a one-mile fun run and the 40-yard kids' dash, benefiting the Lynn Institute for Healthcare Research.

Participants are encouraged to dress up, prizes awarded. After the race, partake in Irish stew, pizza, inflatables, beer and door prizes. $20 & up. 10:15am. 601-9805, http://bit.do/StPaddysDayRace FREE O’City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Oklahoma City (various locations). Watch as decorated floats, animals, antique tractors, civic clubs, clowns and motorcycles make their way down the street through the streets of downtown starting at Sheridan Ave and ending at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. 11am. www.ocityparade.com FREE Dance Camp at Velocity Dance Center (11122 N Rockwell Ave) features a Super Hero Hip Hop dance camp for kids ages 4-7. Preregister. 1-2:30pm. 721-8807, www.oklahomacitydancestudio.com FREE 3D Printing Demo Day at the Mustang Public Library (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang) features a come & go

demonstration to learn how a 3D printer works. Best suited for ages 12-18. 1-2:30pm.

376-2226, www.mustanglibrary.org Project Mountain Lion at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd).

Learn all there is to know about this fascinating feline. Best suited for ages 6 & up. $2. Preregister. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active Winter Jam at Chesapeake Energy Arena (100 W Reno Ave) features Christian musicians For King & Country, Matthew West, Crowder, RED, Sidewalk Prophets, NewSong, KB/Tedashii/Trip Lee, Lauren Daigle and evangelist Tony Nolan. Doors open at 5pm. $10. www.jamtour.com Whodunit! You-Dun-It presents A Grand...

MURDER! at Ted’s Escondido North (6900 N May Ave) is a clue-inspired comedy mystery written by Oklahoma playwright Terri Myers. In this new format, an audience member could be the killer. Adults, $48; kids (8 & under), $24. 6:15pm. 420-3222, www.whodunit.net FREE Family Make + Take Art Project at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd) features a faux stained-glass art project inspired by exhibiting artist Summer Wheat. 1-4pm. 951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org FREE Film This! Book Trailers at the Downtown Library (300 Park Ave) helps kids ages 9 & up to make book trailers for popular young adult titles. Preregister.

2-4pm. 231-8650, www.metrolibrary.org

MARCH 12 & 13 To A New Children’s Consignment Sale at the Edmond Downtown Community Center (28 E Main St, Edmond) is a semiannual sale featuring gently-used and like-new maternity, baby and children's items ranging from clothing, toys, furniture, and accessories. Entry is free. Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. 514-2363, www.toanew.com FREE Spring Fantasy Wonderland at The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City (7624 W Reno Ave). Meet the Easter Bunny and his friend Alice from Wonderland. Kids can pose for a photo, get their face painted and get a balloon animal. Free to attend; photos, $15. 11am4pm. Also held: 3/19 & 20. 787-3700, www.theoutletshoppesatoklahomacity.com

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MARCH 2016

Special

Free Event for Parents by Dr. Robert Melillo

author, expert and specialist in ADHD, Dyslexia and other Learning Challenges

March 30, 2016

University of Central Oklahoma Constitution Hall at the Nigh University Center 100 North University Drive • Edmond, OK

6:00 p.m. Registration

Is Your Child Struggling with Social, Academic or Behavioral Issues?

There is hope‌ Brain Balance can help!

Event is free and open to the public.

To reserve a seat or for more information, please call (405) 492-6800.

Visit our new location!

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Call today for a free consultation to find out how Brain Balance can help your child:

(405) 492-6800

march

events this MARCH 13 • SUNDAY FREE Eagle Watch at Lake Thunderbird (1201 Clear Bay Ave, Norman) features an information session and guided tour of the park to catch a glimpse of magnificent eagles in their winter home. Preregister, space is limited. 1pm. 321-4633 FREE Adults-Only Scavenger Hunt at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd) features hikes, nature center talks, outdoor skills and more, all geared toward adults. Preregister. 3-5:30pm.

297-1429, www.okc.gov/active Madea on the Run starring Tyler Perry at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) is an outrageously funny stage play about the infamous Mabel Simmons, also known as Madea. $61. Show times are 3 & 7:30pm.

297-2264, www.okcciviccenter.com

MARCH 14 • MONDAY FREE Monty Harper’s Sing-Along Slumber Party at the Belle Isle Library (5501 N Villa Ave) features an all-ages nighttime themed sing-along. Pajamas, blankets and stuffed animals encouraged. 6:307:30pm. 843-9601, www.metrolibrary.org

MARCH 14 & 15 Navajo Weaving Demonstration at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St). Visitors can watch and talk with Navajo weaver Rose Blue Eyes and see more weaving art in the exhibition, Revision: Contemporary Navajo Weavings from the Pam Parrish Collection.

Free with admission. 10am-3pm. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org Spring Break Archery Camp at the Moore Community Center (301 S Howard, Moore) teaches basic skills and safety. Students will learn how to hold, aim and shoot a bow. For ages 8-17. $60. 1-4pm. 793-5090, www.cityofmoore.com/fun

MARCH 14-17 FREE Teen Movie Making at the Mustang Public Library (1201 N Mustang Rd,

Mustang) is a four-day program designed for kids ages 10-15 to learn about the elements of movie making including script writing, costumes, filming and editing. Preregister, space is limited. 1-3pm.

376-2226, www.mustanglibrary.org Spring Break Camp at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang) features games, crafts, outside play (weather permitting) and other activities.

Everyone needs to bring a sack lunch daily, wear tennis shoes and bring a light jacket. For kids in grades K-4th.

Preregister. $90. 7:30am to 6pm. 376-3411, www.cityofmustang.org

for Call Trial E FRE lass C

Lil Kickers Spring Session starts March 21!

MARCH 14-18 Spring Break Escape at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) features crafts, auditorium shows, storytelling and scavenger hunts all week long. Free with admission. 10am-5pm. 325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum.org Spring Break Activities at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) features a different make-andtake activity at the museum while supplies last. Free with admission. 10am-2pm.

478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org Spring Break Day Skate at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36th St). Skate Galaxy will be open extra hours during Spring Break.

Admission includes skate rental. $6. 1-4pm.

605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com Mad About Movies Camp at the MAC at Mitch Park (2733 Marilyn Williams, Edmond) explores animation, illustration and more as kids recreate favorite characters and movie stories. Preregister. $175/week; $35/day. 9am to noon. 359-4630, www.edmondparks.com Spring Break Camps at Oklahoma City Recreation Centers (various locations) features a variety of activities including sports, art and games. Preregister. For ages 6-12. $80/week. 9am to 4pm. www.okc.gov/parks

Open enrollment

Call TODAY!

Birthday Party Packages Indoor Soccer Leagues Rent fields for many different sports/activities

soccercityokcity.com 4520 Old Farm Road, OKC

(west of Meridian, south of 122nd) METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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MARCH 2016

405-748-3888

march

events this Spring Break Gizmos, Gadgets & Thangs Camp Presents: Robotics & Rockets at the Moore Community Center (301 S Howard Ave, Moore). Kids can build their own robots and rockets. $85.

For ages 7-14. 1-4pm. 793-5090, www.cityofmoore.com/fun Spring Break Adventure Camps in Boathouse District or Lake Overholser (725 S Lincoln Blvd & 3115 E Overholser Dr) Morning sessions get kids on the water in dragon boats, kayaks and SUPs; afternoons focus on land activities including zip lining and the SandRidge Sky Trail. All-day campers must bring their lunch. For ages 8-15. Full day, $300/week, 8am to 4pm.; half day, $175/week. 8am to noon or noon to 4pm.

552-4040, www.boathousedistrict.org Art Wars Spring Break Camp at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd) features an out-of-this-world art voyage exploring 2-D & 3-D art projects. For ages 5-6. Before & after care available. 9am to 4pm. $170. 951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org

Together, let's help your child reach his or her potential through individualized learning. ∙ Tuition–free, online public school ∙ Available to Oklahoma students in grades K–12 ∙ Oklahoma-certified teachers

Request a free info kit today or join us at an upcoming event to learn more!

K12.COM/OK 866.467.0848

Camping Clay Creations Spring Break Camp at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 Genernal Pershing Blvd). Students will use what they might see on the trail as inspiration for their sculptures and printmaking art projects. For ages 7-9. Before & after care available. 9am to 4pm. $170.

951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org Clay Figures Spring Break Camp at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd) provides an opportunity for students to build freestanding and wall-hung clay sculptures using a variety of methods, techniques and concepts from sculptor Alberto Giacometti. For ages 10-12. Before & after care available. 9am to 4pm. $170.

951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org Exploring Art + Music Spring Break Camp at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd). Students will use a variety of musical genres to inspire their art-making process. For ages 5-6. Before & after care available. 9am to 4pm. $170. 9510000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org

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MARCH 2016

Happily Ogre After Spring Break Camps at Oklahoma Children's Theatre (2501 N Blackwelder) features Shrek-themed classes for ages 5-16 years old (classes separated by age). See website for schedule and offerings. Before and after care available. $160-$170. 9am to 4pm. 606-7003, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org Intro to Creative Robotics Spring Break Camp at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd) is a STEAM-based program that introduces the concepts of artistic engineering through simple mechanical and algorithmic exploration.

At week’s end, each camper will have built a Lego Technic Getaway Racer to take home. For ages 7-9. Before & after care available. 9am to 4pm. $190. 951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org

MARCH 15 • TUESDAY FREE Craft Day at the Mustang Public Library (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang) features yarn crafts for all ages. Make anything from string dolls to yarn monsters or even learn to arm knit. 10am-noon.

No registration required. 376-2226, www.mustanglibrary.org

MARCH 15-17 Basketball Spring Break Camp at the Foster Recreation Center (614 NE 4th St).

For ages 6-12. $30/week. 1 to 4pm. 232-1881

MARCH 15-18 FREE Making History Crafts at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard, Edmond) features craft activities, story time and more. Open to all ages while supplies last. 10am-2pm.

340-0078, www.edmondhistory.org Spectacular Spring Scenery & Color and Abstraction Spring Break Camps at the Oklahoma City of Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) are two camps providing creative experiences for kids on spring break. For ages 6-8. Preregister. Before & after care available. Members, $120; non-members, $130. 9am to 4pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

Photographing Downtown Spring Break Camp at Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) focuses on the basics of picture taking. Before & after care available. For ages 9-12. Members, $120; non-members, $130. 9am to 4pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

MARCH 16 • WEDNESDAY FREE The Magic of Science Demonstration at the Downtown Library (300 Park Ave) features a high energy, fast-paced demonstration about the wonder and magic of science. 1-2pm. 231-8650, www.metrolibrary.org

MARCH 17 • THURSDAY FREE Third Thursday at Gaylord-Pickens Museum (1400 Classen Dr) features a story and corresponding craft time for families to enjoy together as well as free museum admission. 10am. 235-4458, www.oklahomahof.com Third Thursday Floral Arranging Series at Will Rogers Gardens (3400 NW 36th St). Learn different techniques to turn your backyard blooms or flowers from the store into tabletop masterpieces. Preregister. $25.

7-9pm. 297-1392, www.okc.gov/active FREE Game Day at the Mustang Public Library (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang) features fast-paced “Minute to Win It” games for all ages. 10am-noon. 376-2226, www.mustanglibrary.org FREE St. Patrick’s Day at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno) features music, Irish Dance and crafts. Dance lessons: members, $10; non-members, $15. 11am-2pm.

445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org FREE Irish Dance Performance at Downtown Library (300 Park Ave) features a performance by Jean Hill's Irish Dancers with their lively dance and colorful costumes. Noon-1pm. Also held: 3/19 in Bethany & 3/22 in Choctaw. 231-8650, www.metrolibrary.org FREE Crazy Science Activities at the Southern Oaks Library (6900 S Walker Ave).

Race balloons, learn science tricks and more.

Best suited for ages 9 & up. Preregister.

4:30-6pm. 631-4468, www.metrolibrary.org

ADDITIONAL EXHIBIT TICKET REQUIRED. FREE FOR MUSEUM MEMBERS.

2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman, OK 73072-7029 (405) 325-4712 samnoblemuseum.ou.edu

Sponsored by

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The University of Oklahoma is an equal oppor tunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo.

For accommodations on the basis of disability, please call (405) 325-4712.

MARCH 2016

march

events this FREE Artist Reception: Isaac Harper at [Artspace] at Untitled (1 NE 3rd St) celebrates the opening of Isaac Harper: Forgotten, a photography exhibition of abandoned houses and buildings. 6-9pm.

815-9995, www.artspaceatuntitled.org

MARCH 18 • FRIDAY FREE Science Day at the Mustang Public Library (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang) features science-based activities for a variety of ages. No registration required. 10am-noon. 376-2226, www.mustanglibrary.org Spring Celebration at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno). Learn about what causes the seasons and the best traditions of the Spring Equinox. The class will finish by planting a spring plant and then creating a paper kite to go out and fly. Best suited for ages 6-10. Members, $8 members; nonmembers, $10. 10-11:30am. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

Find even more local Easter events at

www.metrofamilymagazine. com/easter Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend at Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens) features an all-new stage production with Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby and more Sesame Street friends. Children who have reached their first birthday will require a ticket. $16-$36. Friday, 10:30am & 6:30pm; Saturday, 10:30am, 2 & 5:30pm; Sunday, 1 & 4:30pm. www.sesamestreetlive.com

FREE Egg-cellent Babies at The Village Library (10307 N Penn Ave) celebrates egg babies and explores eggs of all sizes and colors to discover why they are a safe place for babies to grow. 10-11am. 755-0710, www.metrolibrary.org

OKC Home + Outdoor Living Show at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) is an annual three-day event showcasing what’s new in home, gardening, remodeling, home decor and more. Adults, $9; kids under 12, free. Friday, noon-9pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm. www.homeshowokc.com

MARCH 18-20

MARCH 18 & 19

NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Championship at Chesapeake Energy Arena (100 W Reno) features first and second round action of the NCAA March Madness Tournament, hosted by the Big 12 Conference. See website for prices and game times. 800-745-3000, www.chesapeakearena.com Sweet Repeats Children’s & Maternity Consignment Sale at the Downtown Edmond Community Center (28 E Main St, Edmond) is a consignment sale of fine children's, maternity & junior clothes, along with toys, shoes, books, bedding, and baby gear. Entry is free. Friday, 5-9pm; Saturday, 9am-4pm; Sunday, noon-3pm. 706-5712, www.sweetrepeatskidsconsignment.com

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MARCH 2016

Kristin Chenoweth in Concert at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker).

Oklahoma's own Emmy and Tony Award winning singer and actress takes center stage as part of the OKC Philharmonic Pops series. $23-$78. 8pm. 842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.org

MARCH 19 • SATURDAY Wings to Fly Run at the Historic Fort El Reno (7107 West Cheyenne St, El Reno) features a 15K, 5K and non-competitive Miracle Mile benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Visitors are encouraged to explore the historic fort and enjoy refreshments and free entertainment. $15 & up. 9am. 271-8430, www.okchf.org

Going Vertical Gardening Class at Will Rogers Gardens (3400 NW 36th St). Learn how to transform standard construction pallets into a vertical space saving garden.

Preregister. $25. 9:30am-noon. 297-1392, www.okc.gov/active

FREE Oklahoma Academy of Irish Dance Performance at the Northwest Libray (5600 NW 122nd St) features lively dance and the opportunity to learn traditional Irish dance steps. All ages welcome. 2-3pm. 606-3580, www.metrolibrary.org

FREE Easter Celebration at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (308 NW 164th St) features Easter egg hunts for kids ages 2 to 4th grade, games, crafts, snacks, and music. 10am.

348-3292, www.holytrinityedmond.org

MARCH 19 & 20

Nature Walk Adventure at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno). Kids will learn how to use all their senses, gather a nature collection and build tiny houses with the collected items.

Parents will also get tips on engaging their child with nature for their future adventures.

Best suited for ages 5-9. Preregister. Members, $1; non-members, $3. 10-11:30am. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org FREE Eggstravaganza at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang) features an egg hunt with than 15,000 eggs, inflatables, balloon twisting, drawings for bikes & other prizes. No registration required. 10am. 379-3411, www.cityofmustang.org FREE 6th Annual Cowboy Round Up at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr) features hands-on activities, cowboy re-enactors and a chuck wagon.

Activities will take place throughout the museum as well as outside. 10am-2pm.

522-0765, www.okhistory.org FREE Moore Easter Egg Scramble at Buck Thomas Park (1903 NE 12th St) features age-divided egg hunts, prize eggs and candy. Bring your basket and camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny. 10-11am.

793-5000, www.cityofmoore.com St. Patrick's Day Scavenger Hunt at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W. Memorial Rd) features a family-friendly scavenger hunt in search of natural treasure in the woods. No registration required, last hunt begins at 3:30pm. $2. 1-4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/parks FREE Heard on Hurd in Edmond (Broadway between 1st & Hurd, Edmond) is a monthly, family-friendly street festival occurring every third Saturday from March-October. Enjoy local food, unique shopping and live music. 6-10pm. www.citizensedmond.com/heardonhurd.htm

Spring Fantasy Wonderland at The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City (7624 W Reno Ave). Meet the Easter Bunny and his friend Alice from Wonderland. Kids can pose for a photo, get their face painted and get a balloon animal. Free to attend; photos, $15. 11am-4pm. 787-3700, www.theoutletshoppesatoklahomacity.com

MARCH 20 • SUNDAY FREE Easter Egg Hunt at Chitwood Park (S. Story & W 1st St, Edmond) features a free hot dog lunch followed by an Easter egg hunt. Lunch, 12:30pm and Easter Egg Hunt, 1pm. 341-0107, www.fumcedmond.org Wonderland Tea Party at The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City (7624 W Reno Ave) features a Mad Hatter tea party with Alice in Wonderland and the Easter bunny. $15. 1pm. 787-3700, www.theoutletshoppesatoklahomacity.com FREE Community Easter Egg Hunt at Lion’s Park (2201 S Midwest Blvd, Midwest City) features a free community Easter egg hunt hosted by Wickline United Methodist Church. Ages infant to 5th grade welcome.

2-4pm. 732-0356, www.wicklineumc.org FREE Easter Egg Hunt & Spring Carnival at New Covenant United Methodist Church (2700 S Boulevard St, Edmond) features an egg hunt, carnival games, petting zoo, bounce houses, face painting, food and more. All ages welcome.

2:30-4:30pm. 525-3200, www.newcov.tv FREE Family Easter Celebration at Church of the Servant (14343 N MacArthur Blvd) features Easter egg hunts, inflatables, crafts, refreshments and more. Free to attend, registration required. 3-5pm.

721-4141, www.churchoftheservant.com

MARCH 22 • TUESDAY Tiny Tuesdays at Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features a come & go Wire Garden Sculptures art making project geared for kids, ages, 2-5, with a caregiver. No registration required. Free with admission. 10am-noon. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

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MARCH 2016

march

events this MARCH 22-27

MARCH 25 • FRIDAY

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love plus some surprising new twists. $25-$70. See website for a complete list of show times. 1-800-869-1451, www.celebrityattractions.com

FREE Admission to Crystal Bridge Conservatory (301 W Reno) in celebration of the attraction's 28th birthday. 9am-5pm.

445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

MARCH 23 • WEDNESDAY

Become a Foster or Foster-to-Adopt Parent!

Because Childhood Doesn’t Wait!

FREE Eggstravaganza at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) features games, crafts, discovery tables with museum specimens to explore, photos with the Easter bunny and, of course, an egg hunt of Jurassic proportions. 4-7pm.

Egg hunts begin at 6:30pm. 325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum.org

MARCH 24 • THURSDAY Taste of Yukon at the Dale Robertson Center (1200 Lakeshore Dr, Yukon) is a food extravaganza featuring more than 20 local restaurants. $6-$15. 5:30-7:30pm. 350-8937, www.cityofyukonok.gov FREE Opening Reception: Philip Van Keuren at [Artspace] at Untitled (1 NE 3rd St) features an artist appearance as well as drinks and snacks in celebration of the exhibition which will be on display until May 14. Admission to the exhibition is always free. 6-8:30pm. 815-9995, www.artspaceatuntitled.org

MARCH 24-26 FREE Adorable Affordables Consignment Sale at the Payne County Expo Center (Hwy 51 & Fairgrounds Rd, Stillwater) features gently used children’s, maternity and scrapbooking items, some at half price. Thursday & Friday, 9am7pm; Saturday, 8am-2pm. 747-7304, www.adorableaffordable.net

1601 Greenbriar Place, Oklahoma City

Proud Partner:

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MARCH 2016

CSI Science Overnight at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52nd St) features a live science demonstration, special hands-on activities, a planetarium show and camp out among the exhibits. Members, $35; nonmembers, $45, adults, $25. 7pm. 602-3760, www.sciencemuseumok.org

MARCH 26 • SATURDAY FREE Easter Celebration at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial Rd, Sulphur) features make-andtake crafts, appearance by the Easter Bunny and a grand Easter egg hunt. The hunts are separated by age groups and begin around 1pm. 10am-5pm. 580-622-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com FREE All Paws on Deck Community Clean Up Day at the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter (2811 SE 29th St). Volunteers of all ages are invited to join forces with fellow animal lovers by volunteering to spruce up the shelter. Preregister. 10am-2pm.

297-3100, www.okc.gov/animalwelfare Easter Egg Hunt at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno) features an agedivided egg hunt with special prize eggs and an appearance by the Easter Bunny.

Best suited for ages 10 & under. Preregister, limited space available. 10am-3:30pm.

Members $5, non-members $10. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org FREE Choctaw’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Choctaw Creek Park (2001 N Harper Rd, Choctaw) features an agedivided egg hunt for kids 12 & under with 10,000 candy-filled eggs and an Easter Bonnet contest. 11am. 281-6854, www.choctawcity.org

SPRING BREAK ACTIVITIES FREE Easter Egg Hunt & Carnival at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (10600 N Council Rd) features food, inflatables, a cupcake walk, face painting and egg hunt. 11am-1pm.

721-0590, www.stpaulsokc.com Doggie Easter Egg Hunt at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno) features a pooch-centered hunt with doggie treats and puppy prize filled eggs. Registration required. Pets must be on a leash. Members $5; non-members $10. Noon-2pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org FREE 3D Modeling Class at Mustang Public Library (1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang). Learn to create your own 3D object using 3D modeling software and have it printed with the library's new micro 3D printers. Best suited for ages 12 & up. Preregister. 1-4pm. 376-2226, www.mustanglibrary.org Bird Egg Hunt at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd). Replica bird eggs will be scattered throughout a meadow, and it's your job to find one of each species and learn about its unique characteristics. Preregister. $5. 3-4pm.

297-1429, www.okc.gov/active FREE Easter Egg Hunt at Crown Heights Christian Church (4020 N Western Ave) features a fun, family-friendly egg hunt for kids in 5th grade and younger. 3-4pm.

528-5568, www.chccokc.org OKC Energy FC vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Taft Stadium (NW 27th St & May Ave). $12-$44. 7pm. www.energyfc.com Ben Rector in Concert at The Criterion (500 E Sheridan Ave). $22. Doors open at 7pm; concert, 8pm. www.criterionokc.com Spring Celebration at Lake McMurtry (29180 Chisholm Curve, Stillwater) features an afternoon of games, food, kayaking, face painting, yoga, arts & crafts, a cookout, raffles and an obstacle course. $6 per vehicle. 10am-4pm. 747-8085, www.lakemcmurtry.com FREE Easter Egg Hunt at Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd, Edmond) features more than 35,000 candy-filled eggs, food trucks, bubbles, face painting, a walk-thru Roman Road and crafts. 4pm. www.fbcedmond.org/easter FREE Easter Egg Hunt at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (2501 N

Blackwelder Ave, OKC & 1125 E Danforth, Edmond) features an Easter egg hunt, inflatables, games, candy and photos with the Easter bunny. Best suited for kids in 1st-5th grades. 10am. 232-1371, www.stlukesokc.org

MARCH 26 & 27 FREE Easter Land at People’s Church (all locations) is a one-weekend theme park featuring a candy shop, Easter egg hunts, carnival rides, games, an Easter train, petting zoo and more. See website for times and locations. www.peopleschurch.tv/easter

MARCH 27 • SUNDAY FREE Easter Egg Hunt at New Covenant Christian Church (12000 N Rockwell Ave) features an age-divided egg hunt for kids in 5th grade and younger. Attendees can also enjoy donuts, juice, milk, goody bags and a photo area. 9:30am. 722-7445, www.ncccokc.org FREE Helicopter Easter Egg Drop at Haskell Elementary School (1701 NW 150th, Edmond). Following the 10:30am service, a helicopter will be dropping 10,000 candyfilled eggs for an Easter egg hunt from the sky. Free to attend, wristband required.

254-8816, www.newsongpeople.com HOPabaloo at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 NE 50th St) features brunch with the Easter bunny and a day of fun including an egg hunt with prizes for kids ages 3-6.

Reservations required. Call for pricing.

11am-3pm. 425-0262, www.okczoo.com FREE Easter Egg Hunt at Edmond Church of Christ (801 S Bryant Ave, Edmond) features an Easter egg hunt for kids ages 10 & under. 2-3:30pm. 341-3353, www.edmondchurchofchrist.com

MARCH 30 • WEDNESDAY Bringing Gardens to Life at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno). Make a nature-based take-home craft. Best suited for ages 2-5. $3 suggested donation. 11amnoon. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org FREE Expert Lecture for Parents of Struggling Children at Nigh University Center Constitution Hall (100 N University Dr, Edmond) features Dr. Robert Melillo, author of Disconnected Kids and co-founder of the Brain Balance Program. 6-8pm.

Preregister, space is limited. 492-6800.

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MARCH 2016

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum®

COME! SEE! DO! March 14 – 18, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Drop by the Museum any time between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for Spring Break Activities and create a different make-andtake activity each day while supplies last: March 14 – Yarn Weaving Learn to weave and see examples from the Museum’s collection March 15 – Relief in Native American Art Metalworking Class March 16 – Water Color Wildlife Art Create your own wildlife art March 17 – Woven Place Mats Techniques in Weaving March 18 – Canvas Tape Art Contemporary Native American Inlay Designs.

Wild Weather Activity Sheets Learn more about the weather by picking up a copy of Wild Weather Activity Sheets, available in the exhibit Riding The Whirlwind: Weather in the West.

Broadcast the weather in front of a green screen, and try the many interactive stations throughout the gallery, specially created for kids of all ages.

Weaving Demonstration March 14 – 15, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Navajo weaver Rose Blue Eyes returns for a limited engagement to demonstrate her woven works of art. Rose carries on a family legacy of creating beautiful weavings in the Two Grey Hills tradition.

Stop by, watch, linger and talk with the artist.

All activities free to members or with Museum admission.

1700 Northeast 63rd Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Open daily 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

march

events this MARCH 31 • THURSDAY

APRIL 1 • FRIDAY

FREE Open House & Tours at Sacred Heart Catholic School (210 S Evans Ave, El Reno). Prospective families to tour the campus and learn more about the school. 4-5:30pm. 262-2284, www.elrenosacredheart.com

FREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo District (NW 30th & 27th St, Walker & Hudson Ave) features more than 80 artists, special themed exhibits, refreshments, live music and food trucks. 6-10pm. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.com

Art After 5 Murder Mystery Night at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr). Be the detective as you interview suspects who are dressed as characters from the paintings. Follow clues to discover who murdered Mr. Hancock. Members, free; non-members, $5. 5:30-8:30pm.

236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

APRIL 1-3 FREE Medieval Fair of Norman at Reaves Park (2501 Jenkins Ave, Norman) features arts, crafts, food, games, educational exhibits, live demonstrations and ongoing entertainment including a royal court. Free to attend; parking, $5. 10am-7pm. www.medievalfair.org

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MARCH 2016

APRIL 2 • SATURDAY FREE Earth Day Weavings Saturdays for Kids at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63 St). Working with recycled plastic bags, kids can create weavings to take home. Then, explore the textiles on view in the new exhibition, Revision: Contemporary Navajo Weavings from the Pam Parrish Collection. Best suited for kids ages 4-12. Preregister. 10am-noon.

478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org FREE Smile Safari at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 NE 50th St). Learn the importance of good dental hygiene through activities in the Global Plaza and free giveaways while supplies last. Free with admission. 10am2pm. 424-3344, www.okczoo.org First Saturday Hands-On History at the Oklahoma History Center (800 NAzih Zuhdi Dr) features a variety of activities throughout the museum including crafts, coloring, hands-on carts and educational trunks.

April’s focus is Earth Day & Pioneer Life.

Free with admission. 1-4pm. 522-0793, www.okhistory.org

FREE Frontier Days at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd ) features pioneer games and family activities to teach visitors about life in Oklahoma between 1850 and 1900. 1-4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/parks FREE Hound Hunt at Edmond Dog Park (E 33rd & Rankin, Edmond) features a petfriendly egg hunt where dogs can sniff out eggs filled with dog treats. Dogs must be on a leash and able to get along with other dogs.

2pm. 359-4360, www.edmondparks.com

APRIL 3 • SUNDAY FREE Open Street OKC in the Uptown 23rd Street and the Paseo Arts Districts (NW 23rd between Western & Robinson; Walker Ave) is a street celebration to encourage active transportation and healthy lifestyles.

Accenting the fun will be local food trucks and wellness ideas and activities. Noon-4pm. www.openstreetsokc.com

APRIL 4-9

APRIL 6-10

Kids Consignment Sale at Yukon Shopping Hills (1093 Cornwell, Yukon) features gentlyused items for babies and children. Prices vary. Monday-Friday, 8am-7pm.; Saturday, 8am-4pm. www.kidsconsignmentsale.com

TORUK – The First Flight by Cirque du Soleil at Chesapeake Energy Arena (100 W Reno) features a live multimedia immersive spectacle of the breathtaking world of James Cameron's Avatar years before the events depicted in the movie. $35 & up. See website for show times. 602-8700, www.chesapeakearena.com

Find more March events at

www.metrofamilymagazine.com/calendar

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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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MARCH 2016

march

events this

WEEKLY EVENTS

FREE Art Moves at various locations in Downtown Oklahoma City offers a free hour-long lunchtime art experience every weekday. Events run Monday-Friday, noon-1pm (unless otherwise noted), and are free and open to the public. 270-4848, www.artscouncilokc.com/art-moves

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FREE Evening Family Playtime at the Downtown Library (300 Park Ave) features an hour of family play time meant to help children build social skills and promote learning. Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm. 231-8650, www.metrolibrary.org FREE Art Adventures at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman), for ages 3-5. Young artists are invited to experience art through books. Tuesdays, 10:30am.

325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma Two for One Tuesdays at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2101 NE 50th St) features buy one get one free admission on Tuesdays in February. Adults, $8; kids (3-11), $5; seniors (65 & up), $5; kids (2 & under), free. 9am5pm. 424-3344, www.okczoo.com Tuesday Night Classics at Harkins Theatre (150 E Reno) features special presentations of classic films on the big screen every Tuesday. $5. 7pm. 231-4747, www.harkinstheatres.com/TNC Nature Play Group at Martin Park (5000 W Memorial Rd) introduces children ages 2-6 to nature using naturecentered play activities. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. $2.

Wednesdays, (excluding 12/23 and 12/30).

10:30am. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/active Toddler Story & Craft Time at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise, Edmond) features a different story each week & a related craft time. Free with admission. Wednesdays, 11-11:30am.

340-7584, www.unpluggits.com FREE Bringing Books to Life Story Time at Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno) features a weekly nature-themed story time and coordinating craft. Best suited for ages 2-5. Wednesdays, 10-11am. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

Plus tax where applicable Available at participating locations. ©2014 LCE, Inc. 47624

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MARCH 2016

FREE Tours at the Governor's Mansion (820 NE 23rd St). Get an up-close look at the unique features inside. Preregister.

Wednesday, noon-3pm. 528-2020, www.fomok.org Family Night at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36th St). Families can enjoy admission for up to five people, pizza and drinks using the MetroFamily Family Package (coupon available at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/coupons). $29. Thursdays, 6-9pm.

602-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com FREE Family Story Time at the Edmond Library (10 S Boulevard, Edmond).

Pajamas welcome. Preregister, best suited for families with kids ages 1-5 years old.

Thursdays, 6:30-7:15pm. 341-9282, www.metrolibrary.org FREE Children’s Story Time at Full Circle Books (1900 NW Expressway).

Saturdays, 10:15am. 842-2900, www.fullcirclebooks.com FREE Children’s Story Time at Edmond’s Best of Books (1313 E Danforth, Edmond).

Saturdays, 11-11:30am. 340-9202.

FREE Roller Skating Lesson at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36th St) offered each Saturday. Noon-12:45pm. $2 skate rental.

605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com All Star Bowling for Differently-Abled Individuals at AMF Windsor Lanes (4600 NW 23rd) invites differently-abled individuals and their friends and families to bowl on Saturdays. $8. Noon-1pm.

942-5545.

Drop in Art at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features hands-on art activities for all ages. Free with paid admission. Saturdays, 1-4pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

march

events this

Two weeks of festivities, March 5-20!

ONGOING EVENTS

MARCH 5-JUNE 12 Be the Dinosaur: Life in the Cretaceous at the Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) features video game stations that explore what a day in the life of a dinosaur might have been like. Exhibit requires an additional ticket, museum admission is also required. Ages 4 & up, $5; 3 & under, free. Monday-Saturday, 10am5pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. 325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum.org

MARCH 12-APRIL 23 FREE Arbor Day Art Show: Trees in Our Town at Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard, Edmond) features the work of Edmond 5th grade students as they illustrate the importance of trees in our community. Tuesday– Saturday, 10am-5pm. 340-0078, www.edmondhistory.org

MARCH 12-AUGUST 28 Our City, Our Collection: Building the Museum’s Lasting Legacy at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) tells the story of the museum’s history as it explores the rich permanent collection and some of the world’s most significant artists. Free with admission. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am5pm; Thursday, until 9pm; Sunday, noon5pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

THROUGH APRIL 30 FREE Galileo’s World: An Artful Observation of the Cosmos at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm Ave, Norman) is part of a cross-campus initiative celebrating the works of Galileo and combines works from the museum’s permanent collection with books from the Bizzell Memorial Library. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, until 9pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. 325-4938, www.ou.edu/fjjma

THROUGH APRIL 3 Willard Stone Centennial: A Legacy of Art Through Family at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum (1400 Classen Dr) features the work of Willard Stone, who gained global

recognition for his stylized figures of humans and animals created from a variety of locally-grown wood and occasionally cast in ceramic or bronze. Free with admission.

Tuesday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 10am5pm. 235-4458, www.oklahomahof.com

THROUGH MAY 8 Riding the Whirlwind: Weather in the West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) features a highly interactive exhibit focused on the way the rugged weather conditions of the western U. S. has influenced and shaped our heritage.

Free with admission. 10am-5pm. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

THROUGH JUNE 12 David Steele Overholt: In One Ear at Oklahoma Contemporary’s Showroom (1146 N Broadway Dr) is a kaleidoscopic study of broadcast media’s influence with a generative loop of appropriated videos beat-matched to music playing on a locally transmitted radio station, creating a nostalgic spectacle of color at night and a socially interactive environment during the day. 604-0042, www.okcontemporary.org

THROUGH AUGUST 12 Summer Wheat: Pry the Lid Off at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd) explores the portrayal of what she imagines behind the wall in Vermeer’s The Milk Maid. Monday-Thursday, 9am-10pm; Friday & Saturday, 9am-5pm.

951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org

THROUGH JANUARY 2017 The Banjo World of Steve Martin at the American Banjo Museum (9 E Sheridan Ave) features memorabilia, rare photos and an exclusive interview with Steve Martin to showcase his love for American’s instrument. Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-6pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. 602-2793, www.americanbanjomuseum.com

THREE SISTE SISTERS CELEBRATION Join us March 5-20 as we plant the “Three Sisters” (beans, corn and squash) in the village. Enjoy traditional games, storytelling, stickball, archery, living history – plus, new exhibits, horticultural tours and butterfly gardens.

Squash, one of the Three Sisters

LE A RN A BOU T BU T T ERFLIE S M A RCH 14!

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ChickasawCulturalCenter.com Sulphur, OK • 580-622-7130

At Home With

Rachel Shingleton

BY HANNAH SCHMITT PHOTOS BY EMILY HART

R

achel Shingleton is an Oklahoma City mom of two who is the creative mastermind behind Pencil Shavings Studio. People across the country know Rachel from her personal and inspiring blog. She's run an online shop (which she recently closed to spend more time on the things that bring her the most joy) for the past five years where she sells accessories and home decor bearing her bright designs. You've likely seen some of these beautiful designs in major stores like The Limited and Nordstrom over the years.

Her blog was named Better Homes & Gardens' top decor blog in 2014 and her products have been featured in HGTV Magazine, Southern Living and RealSimple, just to name a few.

But deep down, Rachel is a working mom with the same struggles you'd imagine from someone trying to keep a tidy home, make memories with her two sons and steal away for a date night with her husband every now and then. Born and raised in Oklahoma City, she and her husband, Simon, met in the first grade, started dating in college and got married 10 years ago. They have two sons: 8-year-old Jude and 1-year-old Archer. This month, she gives us a peek inside the beautiful 1969 Quail Creek home she's lived in with her family for the past seven years and shares her secrets for finding success at home and at work.

MFM: You run a successful design business and keep an inspiring blog. Tell us about your work.

RS: My background is in graphic design and I started my own studio when Simon and I first got married. After Jude was born, I started blogging as a way to build a community and have a place to talk

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to other creatives. I really wanted a very fluid line between work and life, I had no interest in separating the two. Everything blossomed from that. I found my voice and my community on my blog.

In 2011, I started my own shop online because I wanted to pursue more product design. Everything grew from there. I ran the online shop for five years but recently shut it down. My time is so tight right now with my kids and I don't want to be overcommitted. Closing the shop gives me more time to pursue licensing stuff and I really want to dabble more in interiors. It was a tough decision. On one hand, I didn’t want to let customers down or turn down opportunities or money. At the same time, I need the mental space freed up to allow other opportunities to come in. I really do see the value in saying "no" so you can later say "yes." Right now, I need to say "yes" better to my family and myself.

MFM: What is a typical day like at your house?

RS: It’s ever-shifting with a baby. He's really changed everything. But now Jude is in second grade so Simon gets up and takes him to school while I get up with Archer. I try to work while he's napping or while he's at Mother's Day Out. I pick Jude up from school and then it's just absolute mayhem until bedtime. There's lots of playing with neighbors, watching movies, playing with the dog and reading and doing sing-a-longs before bed.

MFM: Are there benefits to working from home as a mom?

RS: My husband and I are both self-employed (Simon is a real estate agent) and I think there are a lot of benefits to exposing Jude to how hard we work. There are a lot of discussions about why dad is leaving after dinner to go show a house because that's his job. I hope we have instilled in our kids that if you want to make things happen, you're the only one responsible for that.

It's more difficult to work from home in some ways, but the trade-off is you have flexibility.

The boundaries are definitely blurred. You're working from home so that pile of laundry you haven't gotten to yet stares at you all day.

You have to establish boundaries and get help when you need it. I try not to be in baby land all day every day. Taking time for Simon and I to have a break together where we go to dinner or take a weekend trip somewhere is important. Carving out time to remember you're a grown-up and you have interests is important. It's a challenge but I'm the best mom when I remember I can't just be in mom mode non-stop.

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Getting time away is a huge part of mental health. It's hard as a mom to admit you need to take a step back and take care of yourself.

There's not a mom I've talked to who doesn't feel the same way. You have to have some space for yourself so you can better take care of others.

MFM: What do you do when you find time for yourself?

RS: I love to get lost in a big stack of books.

That's nurturing to me. I also like to just prowl around town and check out new shops and explore, have lunch with a girlfriend or go get my nails done.

MFM: There's a lot of chatter among women lately about balance. How do you feel about trying to balance work and home life?

RS: I think there's a huge misconception about women having it all. I feel like the struggle for balance is ever-present. I don't think I believe in balance. I believe something has to give.

MFM: When you had Jude, you were already establishing your career. How did you adjust to accommodate for motherhood?

RS: When I had Jude, I really thought my career was over. I really didn't know how I would do it.

MFM: What are the best and worst parts of motherhood?

RS: The best part is just getting to share your life with these fun little people and to experience things through their eyes. I love traveling with them. The best stuff is the long-term memory making, giving him the experiences that will hopefully shape his path. The worst part is just the physical exhaustion when you're in the trenches in the baby/little kid stage. There's an emotional exhaustion when they get older, too. It's no longer discipline for little things like hitting, it's developing character. As they get older, it gets exponentially harder.

MFM: Your blog is full of beautiful photos of your home. How do you keep it looking so good with young children at home?

RS: It’s difficult to keep things looking good at home. I want it to be the kind of place we all enjoy. I also want my boys to understand how to take care of nice things. I remember growing up and not being able to sit on the bed at a certain neighbor's house. I don't want there to be some room full of things that are untouchable to my kids, so I try not to be too anal about it. But having nice things at home helps my boys understand how to respect belongings and act at other people's homes.

I didn't know what the roadmap would be for running business and having children. I had to learn I could do it however I wanted. My time is more limited but it forces me to get more done. I wish I could go back in time and hug new mom me and tell her the career would be more than she ever thought.

MFM: Many people feel strongly about keeping work and home life separate.

What prompted you to combine the two through your blog?

RS: I wanted the potential client to see I was a real person. I just wanted somebody to want to work with the whole me, not just a part of me. Is there stuff I don't share? Sure.

It's definitely shifted over the years. The older Jude has gotten the more I don't share about him. I would never want him to feel uncomfortable. With babyhood it's different because everybody's baby experience is kind of universal. Once they get to a certain age, it gets trickier. There aren't a lot of moms out there blogging about their teenage kids. It's tricky to talk about those kind of experiences.

MFM: What are the biggest things your kids have taught you?

RS: Parenting at any stage is eye-opening.

It's incredible to become responsible for someone else in such a big way.

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MFM: You’ve been candid on your blog about dealing with postpartum depression, something many moms are familiar with.

What advice would you give others moms going through difficult periods?

RS: Just be patient with yourself and be open to whatever season you're in and communicate your need. Simon has been so awesome to take Jude to school in the morning since Archer was born. I didn't know how I could physically do it all. Just talk about it. Sometimes that's the hardest thing to do, but that's the fastest way to resolve it. I wish there was a magic system for it.

MFM: How do you want your family to feel when they walk in your house?

RS: Home is the place you come back to when you've been chewed up and spit out by the world. When Jude goes to school, I just can't help that he feels tired or that other kids are mean or that things are hard. But when he's home, we're there to support and catch him.

This interview has been edited for style and clarity. To learn more about Rachel, visit www.pencilshavingsstudio.com.

Serving award-winning breakfasts and lunches since 1980

TE

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C AFE ES C O N D

ID O

HID

E A W AY PI Z Z A O KC

JI M M Y ’ S E G Glocations!

15 convenient Metro

F

Oklahoma City metro. Just receiving a nomination for a Family Favorite award is a great recognition and winning one means you’re really doing things right.

The result was Family Favorites, an annual award campaign that relies on nominations and votes from our readers to determine the best family-friendly businesses in the

Finalists are listed in alphabetical order.

An Egg-cellent Way To Start Your Day! years ago, the staff Open Daily 6:00am –our 2:00pm

FAMILY FAVORITES

at MetroFamily Magazine set out to design an annual contest to point local families to the most family-friendly businesses and www.JimmysEgg.com services in Oklahoma City.

Food Best Breakfast/Brunch WINNER: Jimmy’s Egg

Cafe 501 Waffle Champion

Best Burger Restaurant for Families WINNER: The Garage

Flat Tire Burgers Johnnie’s Charcoal Burgers S & B Burgers Tucker’s Onion Burgers

Best Date Night Restaurant WINNER: Red Rock Canyon Grill

Charleston’s KD’s Red Prime Steak The Melting Pot

T HU N D ER

In the following pages, find the dozens of local businesses our readers voted to the top.

Our Family Favorites list highlight the metro businesses that share our mission of making the Oklahoma City metro a great place to raise a family.

Best Ethnic Food Restaurant

Best Patio Dining Experience

WINNER: Ted’s Cafe Escondido

WINNER: Red Rock Canyon Grill

Abel’s Mexican Restaurant Sweet Basil Thai, Norman Zorbas Mediterranean Cuisine

Hefner Grill Louie’s Lakeside The Mont, Norman

Best Family-Friendly Restaurant, Casual Dining

Best Place to Find Sweet Treats

WINNER: Ted’s Cafe Escondido

WINNER: Braum’s

Earl’s Rib Palace The Garage Humble Pie Louie’s Bar and Grill

Eileen’s Colossal Cookies Gigi’s Cupcakes Orange Leaf Yogurt Pie Junkie

Best Family-Friendly Restaurant, Fast Food

Best Restaurant for Pizza Night

WINNER: Chick-fil-A

WINNER: Hideaway Pizza

Braum’s Taco Bueno

Empire Slice House Humble Pie Jo’s Famous Pizza Upper Crust

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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MARCH 2016

FE

STI

VA L O F T H E A R

TS OK

LAH

Places/Events Best Annual Family-Friendly Festival

WINNER: Festival of the Arts, OKC

Czech Festival, Yukon LibertyFest of Edmond Medieval Fair, Norman

Best City Park for Families WINNER: Myriad Gardens, OKC

Hafer Park, Edmond Mitch Park, Edmond Lake Hefner Park, Oklahoma City

Best Family-Friendly Sporting Event WINNER: OKC Thunder

OKC Dodgers OSU Cowboy Football OU Sooner Football

O M A CIT Y Z

B R I C K TO W N

OO

Best Place for Tweens/Teens

WINNER: Bricktown

Elevation Trampoline Park Frontier City Hey Day Entertainment

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial and Museum Oklahoma City Zoo

Best Movie Theater for the Family WINNER: AMC Theaters

Cinemark Tinseltown Warren Theatre

Best Museum for Children/ Families WINNER: Science Museum Oklahoma

Best Outdoor Fun/ Amusement Venue

Arcadia Lake Martin Park Nature Center

Best Indoor Fun/Amusement Venue WINNER: Science Museum Oklahoma

Elevation Trampoline Park

AH EM U S EU M O K L

Best Local Place to Take Outof-Town Visitors

Best Hiking-Biking Trail for Families WINNER: Lake Hefner

NC

Science Museum Oklahoma Unpluggits Playstudio

Martin Park Nature Center Myriad Gardens, OKC

WINNER: Oklahoma City Zoo

IE

Hey Day Entertainment Unpluggits Playstudio

Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum (Seminole) Leonardo’s Children’s Museum (Enid)* Museum of Osteology Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History

Best Free/Low-Cost Attraction for Families

SC

WINNER: Oklahoma City Zoo

WINNER: Main Event

Best Place for Varied Ages Inside the OKC Area WINNER: Oklahoma City Zoo

Andy Alligator’s Fun Park Hey Day Entertainment Main Event Science Museum Oklahoma

Best Place for Varied Ages Outside the OKC Area WINNER: Oklahoma Aquarium, Jenks

Chickasaw Cultural Center, Sulphur Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine, TX

Best Place to Explore Nature in Oklahoma WINNER: Martin Park Nature Center

Arcadia Lake Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Area

Andy Alligator’s Fun Park Frontier City Orr Family Farm

Best Place to Swim in the OKC Area

Best Place for Fun with Toddlers

Andy Alligator’s Fun Park Pelican Bay White Water Bay

WINNER: Oklahoma City Zoo

Jump!Zone

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WINNER: YMCA OF GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY

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Camp Dakani (Camp Fire) Destiny Christian School KaleidEscape at St. Mary’s Episcopal School

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Best Day Camp, Sports WINNER: YMCA OF GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY

Thunder Basketball Camp

Best Day Camp, Arts WINNER: YMCA OF GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY

Fine Arts Institute, Edmond Kid Co Theatre

Best Sleep-Away Camp, More Than 100 Miles from OKC WINNER: Kanakuk Kamp near Branson, MO

Camp Bond, Tishomingo Dwight Mission Camp, Vian

Best Sleep-Away Camp, Within 100 Miles of OKC WINNER: YMCA CAMP CLASSEN

Falls Creek Youth Camp

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Best Children-Friendly Book Store

Best “Party Comes to You” WINNER: Mad Science of Central Oklahoma

Extreme Animals My Princess Party

WINNER: learning tree toys, books & games

Best of Books Full Circle Bookstore

Best Consignment Sale

Best Party Venue WINNER: Metro Gymnastics

Hey Day Entertainment Paint Your Art Out Unpluggits Playstudio YMCA OF GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY

Best Place to Buy Birthday Cake/Cupcakes/Ice Cream WINNER: Sam’s Club

WINNER: JBF Sale (OKC, Norman, Edmond)

Pass It On Kids

Best Consignment/Thrift Store WINNER: Once Upon a Child

Daisy Exchange Goodwill Store Uptown Thrift

Best Gift Store

ButterSweet Cakes Crest Foods Uptown Grocery

WINNER: Blue Seven

Entertainment/Entertainer WINNER: Spaghetti Eddie

Collected Thread Plenty Mercantile Showplace Market The Tulip Tree

Edgar Cruz Sugar Free Allstars

Best Grocery Store to Find Healthy Food

Shopping

WINNER: Sprouts Farmers Market

Best Children’s Clothing Store WINNER: Once Upon a Child

Green Bambino Marissa’s Room Uptown Kids

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

Natural Grocers Uptown Grocery Whole Foods

Best Grocery Store to Stretch Your Budget WINNER: Crest Foods

ALDI Buy For Less/Uptown Grocery Walmart

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Best Jewelry Store WINNER: BC Clark

Huntington Jewelers Kelley Jewelers, Weatherford Lewis Jewelers The Vintage Pearl

Best Place to Buy a Family Car WINNER: Bob Howard Auto Group

Bob Moore Auto Group David Stanley Auto

Best Place to Buy Baby/ Children’s Furniture WINNER: Mathis Brothers

Kidzone Furniture Storkland

Best Specialty Baby Store/ Boutique WINNER: Green Bambino

Marissa’s Room Storkland The Changing Table The Tulip Tree

Best Toy Store WINNER: learning tree toys, books & games

Kidoodles Toy Zone

Medical Best Chiropractor WINNER: Hackney Chiropractic

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Best Dentist for Children/ Family WINNER: Edmond Pediatric & Teen Dentistry

Bluff Creek Dental Dental Depot Smile Galaxy

Best Emergency Room CO-WINNER: Integris Baptist Medical Center CO-WINNER: OU Medical Center

Mercy Hospital St. Anthony Hospital

Best Eye Care Provider WINNER: Dean McGee Eye Institute

Children’s Eye Care, Dr. Mark Scott Kids Eye Site Vision Source

Best Hospital

COMING SUMMER 2016

It's our 35th Birthday and we are celebrating the Grand Opening of our NEW air conditioned RECREATIONAL GYM! All new equipment and a larger waiting room! Same address and same great STAFF! • Parent-Tot • Preschool Gymnastics (boys & girls) • Recreational Classes • Home School Classes • Tumbling Classes • Summer Camps • Private Lessons • Birthday Parties • Play Group Outings • Easy Online enrollment

WINNER: OU Children’s Hospital

Mercy Hospital Integris Baptist Medical Center

Best Midwife WINNER: Dawn Karlin, Moments of Bliss Midwifery Services

Leanna Harkess, OU Physicians

Best OB/GYN WINNER: Dr. Michelle Brunnabend

Dr. Julie Hager Dr. Andrea Palmer Dr. Jennifer Strebel

Active Care Chiropractic Dr. Rob Rowe Chiropractic Clinic

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848-5308

www.metrogymokc.com 7420 Broadway Ext., Suite A OKC, OK 73116 AAU & USAG Competitive Team Training Center (suite F) email: metrogymokc@sbcglobal.net Co-Owners: Sarah Blackledge Brawley Carol Blackedge Lee

MARCH 2016

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Best Orthodontist

Best Pumpkin Patch

Best Realty Group

WINNER: Orthodontic Associates

WINNER: Orr Family Farm

WINNER: Kevo Properties

Dr. George Elassal Orthodontic Arts

Chester’s Party Barn Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch

Best Pediatrician/Family Doctor

Service Providers

McIntyre-Gantz, Keller Williams Metro First Realty Realty Elite, Keller Williams

WINNER: Edmond Pediatrics

Crossway Medical Clinic Pediatric Group Oklahoma City

Best Place to Have a Baby WINNER: Mercy Hospital

Lakeside Women’s Hospital OU Children’s Hospital

Best Urgent Care Clinic WINNER: Kids First

Access Medical Center HealthCARE Express Just Kids Pediatrics Mercy After Hours

Holiday Celebrations Best 4th of July Celebration WINNER: Liberty Fest, Edmond

Best Family Fitness Center WINNER: YMCA Of Greater Oklahoma City

Best Family/Child Photographer WINNER: Prints Charming Photography

Best Medical Practice for a “Mommy Makeover” WINNER: Rejuvena Cosmetic Medical Center

Dr. Juan A. Brou Longevity

CO-WINNER: Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Paint Your Art Out

The Dance Department Everything Goes Dance Studio Velocity Dance Center

Best Gymnastics/Cheer Training Facility WINNER: Metro Gymnastics

Best Holiday Lights

Therapeutic Touch Massage

WINNER: Cottonwood Day Spa

WINNER: Curtis Haddock, Kevo Properties

Kirsten McIntyre, Keller Williams

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Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy Oklahoma Gold Gymnastics Twist and Shout

Best Martial Arts Studio WINNER: YMCA OF GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY

Best Realtor

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

Rockwell Pet Clinic Dr. Donald Russell, Sooner Veterinarian Clinic

WINNER: Studio J School of Dance

Best Place for Pampering Moms (spas, etc.)

Festival of Light, Chickasha Downs Family Christmas Light Ministry

WINNER: Memorial Road Pet Hospital

Best Dance Studio

brandon burton photography Katurah Tiger Photography Studio 802 Photography

MARCH 2016

OF

Best Veterinarian

CO-WINNER: Fine Arts Institute, Edmond

Bethany Freedom Festival Freedom Fest in Yukon Moore’s Celebration in the Heartland WINNER: Christmas in the Park, Yukon

EUM

Best Art Studio/Art Lessons

Key Health Institute Mustang Recreation Center

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Dragon Kim’s Taekwondo National Martial Arts Poos Taekwondo

Our Families Are Connected Through Traditions.

Electa Hare-Redcorn Pawnee & Ihanktowan Dakota gardener who teaches native youth to grow their own food.

Our native ancestors were healthy and strong.

They fed their families from the land. Every time we choose water instead of soda and try a recipe with fruits and vegetables, we honor our traditions, and decide

diabetes is

not our

Material funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Visit NotOurDestiny.com for recipes, stories and more.

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Best Music Instruction WINNER: OBU Preparatory Program

RBH Music Studio

Best Sports League for Kids WINNER: YMCA OF GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY

Edmond Soccer Club Mustang Youth Soccer Association Upward Sports

Best Tutoring/Learning Assistance

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Best Private School, Preschool WINNER: St. Mary’s Episcopal School

Heritage Hall Destiny Christian School Erna Krouch Preschool

Best Private School, Secondary WINNER: Heritage Hall

Crossings Christian School Oklahoma Christian School

WINNER: KUMON Math & Reading

Best Public School System

Sylvan Learning Center

WINNER: Edmond Public Schools

Best Homeschool Resource Organization

Deer Creek Public Schools Moore Public Schools Norman Public Schools

WINNER: Oklahoma Christian Home Educators Consortium (OCHEC)

K12.com Mardel (Homeschool Resource Center)

Best Place to Purchase Homeschool Resources WINNER: Mardel

OCHEC Homeschool Convention

Best Private School, Elementary WINNER: St. Mary’s Episcopal, Edmond

Destiny Christian School Heritage Hall Oklahoma Christian School

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Best Public School, Elementary WINNER: Washington Irving Elementary, Edmond

Deer Creek Elementary Skyview Elementary, Yukon Wayland Bonds, Moore

Best Public School, Secondary WINNER: Edmond North High School

Brink Jr. High School, Moore Cheyenne Middle School, Edmond Deer Creek High School

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Best Children’s Day Out/ Mother’s Day Out WINNER: YMCA OF GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY

The Hill at Chapel Hill Methodist Church Oak Hills Baptist Church MDO, Edmond

Best Child Care Center WINNER: YMCA OF GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY

Children’s Learning Adventure

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My Small Wonders Children’s New World, Yukon

Best Nonprofit Organization That Serves Families and Children WINNER: YMCA OF GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY

Infant Crisis Services Lilyfield Christian Adoption and Foster Care Positive Tomorrows

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Community Hero/Family Advocate Who Serves Families and Children WINNER: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Miki Farris, Infant Crisis Center Jan Peery, YWCA Oklahoma City

Congratulations to all the Family Favorites winners!

exploring oklahoma with children

Galveston Rediscovered A day’s road trip from Oklahoma can bring a family together on the beach in Galveston, Texas.

BY ANGELA BOTZER

S

ome days, you just want to close your eyes, hear the seagulls calling, the sound of waves crashing on the shore and your kids laughing and playing in the sand. Here’s how to do it: get the family in the car, throw in some clothes, snacks and spontaneity and make it out of the city for a well-deserved road trip to Galveston, Texas.

THE STRAND

In recent years, Galveston has undergone an extensive makeover, largely after the devastation of Hurricane Ike in Sept. 2008, when Galveston and Pelican Islands sustained 110 mile-per-hour winds and a 22-foot storm surge. Now it is revamped and even better than before: dozens of miles of picturesque beach make it a sought-after, family-friendly vacation destination.

Galveston is about an eight-hour drive from Oklahoma City. A faster but costlier way to get there is to fly to Houston then rent a car and drive about an hour to Galveston.

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When you arrive, embrace your inner “Downton Abbey” at the stately Tremont House Hotel (www.thetremonthouse.com).

With Italianate architecture, 14-foot ceilings, balconies and a four-story atrium, this place is pure grandeur. Families will love the breakfast buffet that keeps guests satiated all morning. Children under 17 stay free in their parent’s room. Live jazz can be heard on Friday and Saturday evenings in the atrium.

The original Tremont House was built in 1839. Although the original two Tremont Hotels were lost to fire and hurricane, the

BISHOP'S PALACE

newest hotel maintains its old-fashioned feel with modern amenities.

Another kid-friendly hotel is the newlyrenovated Hotel Galvez (www.hotelgalvez. com). Explore the island with your family using courtesy bikes and helmets when staying at this beach-front hotel. Named after Bernardo de Galvez, who surveyed the island in 1786, this 100-year-old hotel features multiple swimming pools and the Galvez restaurant showcasing fresh, local seafood.

A few blocks away from these hotels is The Strand, located at 25th and Strand. A main street in the historic shopping district, the street is lined with boutiques, art galleries, gift shops, a railroad museum, carriage rides and bistros galore, many housed in iron-front buildings. This promenade is perfect for strolling with kids.

While shopping and exploring should certainly be on the list, your kids will likely want their first stop to be at the beach.

There are several Galveston Island Beach Parks available along the island and a handy website (www.galvestonbeachinfo. com) offers up-to-date information on beach conditions. The island recently unveiled 15 blocks of brand new beaches on a stretch of the Seawall west of 61st St.

Give kids a camera for this visit; it is a photographer’s dream. Children can get close to tropical birds, lush plants and trees and photograph butterflies and birds while they are feeding. It’s the perfect introduction to nature photography. Insider tip: be sure to catch the ray fish feeding in the aquarium at 11:30 a.m. every day except Monday and Thursday. Stingrays scuttle up the sides of the aquarium as they are fed by a museum staffer.

After you’ve explored the ocean, take a moment to learn all about the plant and animal life you encountered with a visit to Moody Gardens (www.moodygardens. com). Enter the Moody Gardens Rainforest Pyramid, home to more than 1,000 species of tropical plants and animals, including free-roaming rain forest animals, birds, an aquarium and spectacular butterflies.

A brand new exhibit called “Skeletown” opens March 5 at Moody Gardens and features interactive displays and activities to teach kids all about bones.

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Moody Gardens also offers an incredible ropes course and zip line perfect for letting off some steam after your tour of all the animal and plant life. A junior version of the course is even available for kids as young as 2.

Spring into OKC Family Fun! Find these on our website now:

• Spring Break Camps and Activity Guide • Easter Activity Guide • Reader-voted Family Favorite Winners and Finalists announcement • Spring Festivals List • Spring 5K Guide • Spring Consignment Sales Guide • Family Volunteer Opportunity Guide

Kids go wild for The Pleasure Pier (www.pleasurepier.com), a beautiful amusement park on the water with rides, food and bright neon lights. It is created in the likeness of an earlier Pleasure Pier built at the same location during the 1940s and includes shops, games and rides, including the Pirate’s Plunge, the sparkling Gulf Glider swing carousel and the Sea Dragon.

One more can’t-miss attraction in Galveston is Bishop's Palace (www.galveston.com/ bishopspalace), a stunning Victorian-era mansion complete with a butler's pantry and “warming kitchen” adjacent to the formal dining room upstairs and a servants working kitchen downstairs. Built in 1892, the house was designed of steel and stone for Walter

Gresham, a railroad magnate and his family.

This beautiful mansion is open for tours and displays breathtaking stained glass windows, ornate wood and stone carvings and grand fireplaces. Audio headsets provide a guided tour at your own pace.

From experiencing history and science to just indulging in some beach-front fun, Galveston has all the ingredients for the perfect spring break or summer getaway.

[Editor’s Note: Angela Botzer is an Oklahoma City freelance writer originally from Washington DC. Botzer is all about kid-friendly fun and has a lifetime of traveling memories with her 23-year-old daughter.]

Where to eat in Galveston

The Sunflower Bakery and Café (www. thesunflowerbakeryandcafe.com) is a gem for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Their baked goods carry-out includes pastries, cakes, rocky-mountain-peaked meringue pies, lemon bars and much more. Try their delicious Oysters Benedict breakfast accompanied with home-fried breakfast potatoes, toast and a selection of jam.

A must-stop shop on the Strand is La King’s Confectionary (http://www. lakingsconfectionery.com), which has been in business since 1927. Stock up on old-fashioned King family recipe candies,

including yummy pecan pralines, salt water taffy, dark chocolate pecan sand dollars and milk chocolate turtles. Be sure to sample heavenly ice cream sodas, shakes and malts from a working 1920’s soda fountain.

The Tremont House (www. thetremonthouse.com) offers the opportunity to experience a full afternoon tea, complete with assorted tea sandwiches, petit fours and chocolate scones. During tea, impress your family with this trivia note: did you know ‘high tea’ was actually a more substantial meal for the working class in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries whereas ‘afternoon

See why over 80,000 local readers visit our website every month!

metrofamilymagazine.com

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SUNFLOWER BAKERY AND CAFE MARCH 2016

THE TREMONT HOUSE

tea’ was more of a social event for the upper class with lighter fare?

Breakfast and lunch are a special treat at the Farley Girls Café (www.farleygirls.com), which features homemade soups, salads,

FARLEYGIRLS

panini and a knockout breakfast menu. The breakfast pizzas, eggs benedict and authentic huevos rancheros are weekend must-haves.

For lunch, the Farley Girl’s po boy with shrimp or fish and remoulade sauce, lettuce and tomato is the definite go-to sandwich.

Community Sponsor of Exploring Oklahoma:

Built to hold your most precious cargo.

Bob Moore Subaru Visit Our NEW Location 13010 N. Kelley, Oklahoma City, OK 73114 405-749-9049 www.bobmooresubaru.com

Purchase or lease any new (previously untitled) Subaru and receive a complimentary factory scheduled maintenance plan for 2 years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first.) See Subaru Added Security Maintenance Plan for intervals, coverages and limitations. Customer must take delivery before 12-31-2016 and reside within the promotional area. At participating dealers only. See dealer for program details and eligibility.

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MARCH 2016

resource

directories

GOT CHILDREN? THEN YOU NEED LOTS OF RESOURCES! INTRODUCING THE “YELLOW PAGES” FOR OKC AREA PARENTS. From pediatricians to special needs therapy, birthday party ideas and private schools, our resource directories—both here and online—provide local parents with the information they need to help their families and children thrive.

Check out these businesses and those you find at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/directories/ and be sure to tell them you found their business via MetroFamily Magazine.

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62 63 63 64 64 65

Party Guide (pages 61-62) Allison’s Fun Inc. Bouncin’ Craze Brickopolis Gymboree Play & Music of OKC and Norman Jump!Zone Mad Science of Central Oklahoma Mobile Laser Forces Paint ’N Station Paint Your Art Out Sam Noble Museum of Natural History Skate Galaxy Water-Zoo Indoor Water Park After School Activities (pages 62-63) Aalim Bellydance Fine Arts Institute of Edmond The Dance Department Velocity Dance Center Special Needs (pages 63) Sensational Kids Skills for Living TOTAL POSS-ABILITIES Education (page 64) Kumon Math & Reading Centers Erna Krouch Preschool St. John’s Episcopal School and Child Development Program Westminster School Camps (Spring Break and Summer) (pages 64-66) AbrakadoodleOKC Camp Fire USA Cadence Equestrian

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Cross Creek Stables Fun N Fit Summer Camp Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma Robots-4-U Westminster Presbyterian Church (West Camp and Jr. West Camp) Family Services (pages 66-67) Edmond Pediatrics HealthCARE Express Just Kids Pediatrics Oklahoma Institute of Allergy & Asthma Orthodontic Associates PHOTOSOKC Taylor Made Photography Child Care (page 68) College Nannies + Tutors + Sitters North Penn Creative Kids Spontaneity Kid Care Family Fun (pages 68-69) Dodge City Paintball & Outdoor Laser Tag of OKC Elevation Trampoline Park Oklahoma City Museum of Art Oklahoma History Center RedPin Bowling Stafford Air and Space Museum Unpluggits Playstudio Foster Care (page 70) Circle of Care Retail/Restaurants (page 70) Jimmy’s Egg learning tree toys, books & games Once Upon a Child Ted’s Cafe Escondido

Find more at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/directories/ METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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MARCH 2016

MOONBOUNCES • SLIDES • OBSTACLE COURSES • WATER SLIDES

For more info, call or log on to

www.AllisonsFunInc.com (405) 447-1118

Spring Break Special!

Handprint Bunny Plate March 10 Paint Me a Story 10-11am, $ 10 Easter Pottery Has Arrived 842-7770 paintnstation.com

Paint your own pottery studio. 7906 N. May, OKC

PARTY on the Bricktown Canal!

Located on the Bricktown Canal, Brickopolis offers a wide variety of FUN including OKC’s Best Laser Tag, 18 Holes of Mini Golf, Arcade Games, Mining and More!

www.BrickopolisU.com 101 South Mickey Mantle Dr. • Oklahoma City • 405.516.2745

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PARTY GUIDE

PICK-UP A MOONBOUNCE FOR ONLY $175 FOR THE ENTIRE WEEKEND!!

PARTY GUIDE

Plan the

best party ever!

Find more about these businesses and other party ideas at: metrofamilymagazine.com/ party-guide

Birthday Parties for the Young at

405-513-5333 10 S Broadway, Downtown Edmond, OK www.paintyourartout.net METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Oklahoma's Original Art Entertainment Studio

EXPERIENCE THE

VELOCITY DIFFERENCE! for kids ages 3 - 8 Super Hero Hip Hop Pop Star Training Camp March 12 April 16 All camps are from 1-2pm

BELLYDANCE ACADEMY

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

FREE Dance Camps

FIRST CLASS FREE!

ENROLL TODAY! • Mommy & Me

• Sparkles, ages 5-9

• Sequins, ages 10-13 • Intro to Bellydance

11122 N Rockwell Ave Ste A-11 OKC

• Bellydance Cardio

405-721-8807

• Bellydance Fitness

• Children receive free

classes if a parent is enrolled in a class.

(405) 844-0304 www.aalimdanceworld.com

admin@oklahomacitydancestudio.com

www.oklahomacitydancestudio.com

Skills For Living, Inc. Highly Trained, Licensed Therapists Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Typical Kids

COMING SOON:

Simulated Driving Program

Together We Can Change!

• Dread to Upbeat • Meltdowns to Composure • Fear of Touch, Sounds, Slides and Grooming to Participation • Illegible Handwriting to Readable • Isolation to Interaction • Clumsy to Coordinated • Weakness to Competence • Picky Eating to Reasonable Meals

405-607-4440 totalposs-abilities.com

info@skillsforliving.net www.SkillsForLiving.net Most Insurance Accepted: BCBS, Tricare, Soonercare, Healthchoice, Aetna

PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Our innovative staff, state of the art facility and FUN gives your child Poss-ABILITIES!

Serving children living with: •

Accepting: BCBS, Health Choice, Tricare, Indian Health Services, Oklahoma Health Network, OSMA, Sooner Care and more...

• • • •

ADD/ADHD, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delays Handwriting Difficulties Gross & Fine Motor Delays Feeding Difficulty Sensory Processing Disorder

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Services Include:

Occupational Therapy Speech- Language Therapy Social Groups We Specialize in Working with Children with: • • • • • •

Down Syndrome Autism ADD & ADHD Sensory Processing Disorder Cerebral Palsy Typical Children with: • Handwriting Problems • Speech-language Delays (and other types of diagnoses that may interfere with day to day skills) Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tricare, United Healthcare, Health Choice, Soonercare

(405) 840-1686 www.SensationalKidsOKC.com

NOW OPEN 2nd LOCATION

Serving Tinker AFB, South OKC & Moore!

Sooner Business Park, 5701 SE 74th St, on NE corner of Sooner Road and I-240 14715 Bristol Park Blvd. - OKC/Edmond

SPECIAL NEEDS

2917 NW 156th ST. Edmond, OK

405-360-5554 330 W. Gray, Ste. 100-2, Norman, OK

Play • Learn • Thrive

St. John’s Episcopal

EDUCATION

CAMPS

School and Child Development Program

Experience the Excellence!

Pre-Kindergarten – 8th grade Child Development Program Ages 6 weeks – Preschool (3 years)

Open House

Tuesday, March 22, 2016 10:00am 5401 N. Brookline, OKC 73112

405-943-8583 www.stjohnsokc.com

St. John’s welcomes students of any race, faith, color and nationality. Quality Christian Education Since 1951

WE ARE...

WESTMINSTER

Pre-K and Kindergarten • Grades One through Eight

Turn up the FUN at Girl Scout camp this summer!

600 NW 44 Street • OKC • 405.524.0631 • westminsterschool.org

At Girl Scout summer camp you will:

WE MAKE YOUR SMART KID EVEN SMARTER! ©2016 Kumon North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

SCHEDULE A PARENT ORIENTATION TODAY! Kumon Math & Reading Centers of

ES

EDMOND - NORTH EDMOND - WEST 405-715-1111 405-216-9800 775 W Covell Rd., #150 245 South Santa Fe Ave. Edmond, OK 73003 Edmond, OK 73003 OKLAHOMA CITY - NORTH OKLAHOMA CITY - NORTHWEST 405-752-2000 405-721-7323 9494 N May Ave 6220 N.W. Expressway, Ste. C Oklahoma City, OK 73120 Oklahoma City, OK 73132 kumon.com FOR AG

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=VkZ [jc AZVgc Xdda cZl i]^c\h :meadgZ i]Z \gZVi djiYddgh BV`Z VlZhdbZ cZl [g^ZcYh 6cY HD bjX] bdgZ You don’t have to be a Girl Scout to join the adventure.

All girls are welcome!

1.800.698.0022 WWW.<>GAH<D86BE#DG<

Camps are M-F, 9-12pm, March 14 th - 18 th (2 locations) Abrakadoodle Art Studio in Moore & The MAC in Edmond Early doodler discount with paid registration

PROM ABKSpgO CODE Brk 201 6

405-818-5417

After School Art Classes

Abrakadoodle Art studio in Moore Tuesdays and Thursdays in March

4:30pm-6:30pm *$125 for the month = 10 classes.

103 N. Broadway St., Old Town Moore

Robots-4-U

Where Fun, Thinking and Learning Come to Life!

Use Coupon Code

OK1660M2 for 60% off tuition!

Awesome Summer Camps Robotics • Dynamic Art • Kids Battle Robots • Drones

Various OKC area locations and dates

Visit www.robots-4-u.com 918.510.6949

cindy@robots-4-u.com

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crosscreekstablesokc.com All day, half day and tiny tots camps in June & July See website for dates/details!

Office: 405-340-3432 Call/text: 405-531-7096

2200 NW 192nd Street Edmond, OK 73012

CAMPS

It’s Spring Break and Time to Create!

CAMPS

Caamp mp

J r.

&

Time. Let’s capture it.

Book your session today!

You could win

BIG!

Caamp mp

Enroll your child today for Westminster’s Summer program for ages 4-10!

In this eight week Christian program your child will learn about animals, theatre, outer space, imgaination, the ocean, outdoor adventures and different holidays including a special summer visit from Santa!

Call 405-524-2204 for more information.

Space is limited so register soon!

Enter all of our contests at: www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests

405-295-5007

www.photosokc.com manny@photosokc.com

We’re all smiles.

Thank you for voting us BEST ORTHODONTIST! oasmiles.com

FAMILY SERVICES

Faster and less expensive than the ER!

Child friendly atmosphere!

1701 S. Douglas, Midwest City 405-302-8999 METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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Thank you for voting us Best Urgent Care Clinic!

FAMILY SERVICES

Thank you for a great

Kids Fest 2016 was held Feb. 20 and over 6,000 people enjoyed the hands-on activities, inflatables, climbing wall, stage entertainment, roaming characters and more!

You can't avoid life, let us get you back to living!

• • • • •

Pediatric and adults Highest quality therapy Friendly and caring staff Flexible office hours Convenient locations

What a fun day!

Thank you to our sponsors, K12.com and Infant Crisis Services, and to all the vendors and volunteers for making the day so special!

www.okallergy.com Edmond/OKC: (405) 607-4333 1810 East Memorial Road, OKC, OK 73131

Yukon/Mustang: (405) 265-1949 728 S. Mustang Road, Yukon, OK 73099

A huge THANK YOU to all of our patients for naming Edmond Pediatrics your Family’s Favorite Pediatrician!

We appreciate you! www.metrofamilymagazine. com/kids-fest

2109 N. Kelly Ave., Edmond, OK

(405) 513-8880 edmondpediatrics.com METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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FAMILY FUN

Thank you for voting:

Extended Spring Break Hours!

14402 N. Lincoln Blvd. / Edmond 405.463.3335 1431 N Moore Ave. / Moore 405.759.2288

Best Indoor Fun/ Amusement Venue Best Place for Tween/Teen Fun Best Place for Varied Ages/OKC

www.elevationTP.com

Your children deserve a great summer.

We can help.

Active role models for active children.

From summer camp to team sports to fun at the waterpark, you’ll have peace-of-mind while your kids have a fabulous time.

EXPERIENCE AN ACRE OF HISTORY IN ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S FINEST AEROSPACE MUSEUMS 5-STAR RATING ON TRIPADVISOR

★

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

3000 E LOGAN RD ★ WEATHERFORD, OK ★ I-40 & EXIT 84 580.772.5871 ★ STAFFORDMUSEUM.ORG

1/5 vertical: 2.25” X 6.418”

Child Care with a

Creative Twist!

College Nannies and Sitters are: • Reliable, professional…and indispensable.

• Flexible to fit your summer schedule.

• Background screened and trained.

Let us find your ideal nanny or sitter. Contact us today.

www.collegesitters.com/edmondok 405.523.6060

CHILD CARE

Open 8am - Midnight Monday - Saturday

BETTER THAN BABYSITTERS

Infants - School age

Come be a part of our growing family!

OKC's only drop-in kid care center.

Located in Chase Plaza at Portland and Memorial 405-541-9072 www.SpontaneityKidCare.com METROFAMILY MAGAZINE

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405-254-3147

North Penn Creative Kids Learning Center, 150th & Penn

FAMILY FUN

Eat.

DRINK. BOWL. Lower Bricktown, Canal Level 200 S. Oklahoma Ave www.bowlredpin.com

New Low Impact Paintball

Unplug and Play!

Ceramics • Paint-n-Take • Birthday Parties Indoor Playground

Parents Night Out

PERFECT FOR YOUNGER PLAYERS

Drop-In Art

Saturdays | 1-4 p.m.

March Grown Ups Paint Night

5.......Cut Paper Patterns 12.....Human Figure Watercolor Collages 19.....Felt Pennants 26.....Oil Pastel Drawing FREE with admission!

FUN FOR ALL

AGES!

New Jr. Paintball! (5yr+) 8 Field Courses!

New Picnic Area!

New Playground!

All-Weather Building!

Birthday Parties!

(405) 373-3745

DodgeCityPaintball.com 16425 NW 150th in Piedmont Open Year Round, Groups & Walk-ons Welcome!

405-340-7584 • www.unpluggits.com

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FOSTER CARE

Do You Have a Heart for Children?

There are children in crisis situations all across the state who need a safe and loving home tonight. Have you ever thought about being a foster parent? You can be part of Circle of Care’s team as we work to provide help, healing, and hope to abused and neglected children. We stand by your side and help you navigate the paperwork and process.

www.circleofcare.org Call our local staff today to learn more! 405-463-6626 1501 NW 24th Street, Suite 214, OKC, OK 73106

Come in and check out what's new for toddlers!

RETAIL/RESTAURANT

Thank you for voting us Best Toy Store and Best ChildrenFriendly Bookstore!

7638 N. Western, OKC 405-848-1415 birth to teens

Make Money, Shop Smart!

Everything grows in the spring, especially your kids! Get cash on the spot for what your kids have outgrown: gently used clothing, toys and equipment.

No appointment necessary. Need to replace your kids stuff? Get up to 70% off mall prices when you shop with us!

13801 N Pennsylvania Ave • N Oklahoma City 73134

405.286.3114

www.OnceUponAChildOKCNorth.com

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