June 2019

June 2019

HAPPY

Father’s DAY

*Northwest Health Physicians’ Specialty Hospital is owned, in part, by physicians.

Give Dad the gift he doesn’t know he wants yet.

Laser Hair Removal

Does Dad have unwanted hair on his face, back, or body?

Laser hair removal is a noninvasive technique that uses highly concentrated light to penetrate hair follicles and inhibit future hair growth.

Injectables Injectables have risen to the top of the list for treatments for men. Botox, fondly referred to as “brotox” when used for men, can temporarily treat the common signs of aging in the upper face such as crow’s feet around the eyes, deep lines and wrinkles in the forehead and frown lines between the eyebrows.

HydraFacial No needles, no downtime! This facial treatment includes deep cleansing, exfoliation (lifting dead skin cells), extractions (cleans out pores) and soothing hydration.

Medical-Grade Sunscreens The skin is the largest organ in the human body and is constantly damaged by the effects of sun and smoke. Here at NWACPS, we are able to offer medical-grade sunscreens you can’t find in stores.

Call 479.571.3100 for more information!

nwacenterforplasticsurgery.com • 479.571.3100 • Locations in Fayetteville and Rogers

Expires: 1/1/2020

peekaboonwa.com

3

At Pediatric Dental Associates and Orthodontics you’ll discover that we go the extra mile for our patients! From the moment you see our office, you’ll know what we mean. We have a fully themed environment that is comforting and fun for your children.

We offer preventive, restorative, and orthodontic services for kids ages 0-18.

We also specialize in dental care for children with special needs.

1607 E. Rainforest Rd. Fayetteville, AR 72703

801 SW Regional Airport Blvd.

Bentonville, AR 72712

Fayetteville: 479-582-0600

Bentonville: 479-268-5000

#brushflossrepeat

We accept all insurances and we are in-network with Delta Dental, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, ARKids, Delta Dental Smiles, and MCNA. 4 June 2019

We are privileged to introduce Kelsey Gilley, CNM to Lifespring Women’s Healthcare

Kelsey Gilley, CNM As a Certified Nurse Midwife, Kelsey will see patients for gynecoligic care, pregnancy and deliver at Northwest Health-Bentonville.

Katie Beal, MD

She has experience in both Hospital-based and Birth center-based deliveries. She will be working closely with Northwest Health-Bentonville, providing education and patient care as we develop Northwest Arkansas’ first hospital based low intervention birth program that is lead and supported by our Midwife and Physician Providers and utilizes the full spectrum of alternative pain relief and team-based birth approach.

www.luminisbylifespring.com

The

Family KIMBERLY ENDERLE Editor-in-Chief editor@peekaboonwa.com | 479-957-0532

JONATHON ENDERLE Creative Director jon@peekaboonwa.com | 479-586-3890

Jonathon and Kim with Grant, Ava, Gwen and Holden PHOTO BY MAIN STREET STUDIOS

DISTRIBUTION/ CIRCULATION Joyce Whitaker Judy Evans Marcedalia Salinas

Jeremy Whitaker Michelle Dodson

Peekaboo Publications

FRANCES WILSON Assistant Editor

BEN LACY Dad’s View

Columnist

MEAGAN RUFFING Columnist

PO Box 1036 Bentonville, Arkansas 72712 Please send inquiries to: editor@peekaboonwa.com or call 479-957-0532 www.peekaboonwa.com Peekaboo may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the magazine.

PEEKABOO Northwest Arkansas accepts writing contributions

6 June 2019

DAVID HOVEY Story Design

ANA ORTIZ Social Media Photography

Celebrating One Year

You can help kids of Care Close tobe Home

BRAVE this holiday season

Our first year was a big one and we're just getting started! Thank you to our donors, patients, families and staff. We're proud to deliver care close to home for the children of Northwest Arkansas.

2,003 Surgeries

30,104 Outpatient Visits

19,133 Emergency Visits

1,978

Inpatient Admissions

Your gift of $25, $50hospital or more will help Why choose a children's for your child?

Get an inside look at archildrens.org/oneyear champion children and the everyday heroes at Arkansas Children’s.

Please give generously!

Visit giving.archildrens.org (479) 725-6800 | 2601 Gene George Blvd., Springdale, AR 72762 Across from Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Don Tyson Pkwy. Exit 70 or call (800) 880-7491 Patient data from March 1, 2018 – February 28, 2019

lit.

Join us for a night you won’t forget!

Earth, Wind & Fire May 17

Brad Paisley with Chris Lane and Riley Green June 27

The Avett Brothers May 18

Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert featuring members of SoNA May 25

Steve Miller Band with Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives June 16

Trevor Noah June 21

Train and Goo Goo Dolls with Allen Stone June 26

Follow us

Young the Giant & Fitz and the Tantrums with COIN July 10

Chris Young with Chris Janson & Jimmie Allen July 19

Yes

with ASIA, John Lodge of The Moody Blues and Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy July 21

…and more!

on social media, or visit amptickets.com for show announcements and the latest news! @ArkansasMusicPavilion @walmart_amp

5079 W. Northgate Rd. | Rogers, AR 72758

amptickets.com | 479.443.5600

Natural beauty.

Personal generosity.

Real community.

And new growth.

Mercy is glad to call Arkansas our home‌for over 150 years.

Learn how our $277 million expansion of facilities and services will improve quality of life in NWA. Visit mercy.net/Peekaboo

Your life is our life’s work.

Inside

Also

JUNE 2019

12

Letter from the Editor

14

What do you want to be when you grow up?

BY: KINNA THOMAS

20

Short & Sweet

16

Ready. Aim. Fire. Trust BY: CHRIS WHITAKER

18

Dad’s View WITH BEN LACY

28

#Thisismystory

BY: ELIZABETH GILLESPIE

42

Experience Fun All Summer at the Amazeum

44

Happy Father’s Day NWA FROM CHOBANI

50

Father’s Day for the Single Mom BY: MEAGAN RUFFING

54

26

Kidsfest 2019

58

All Access Guide to Summer

38

Beauty in Low-Intervention Birthing Experience

BY: LINDSAY RAMSEY

64

NWA Championship Week

*Northwest Health Physicians’ Specialty Hospital is owned, in part, by physicians.

Cover Sponsored by: Northwest Health www.northwesthealth.com 10 June 2019

The Secret to Successful Summer Travel

On the Cover: Julian Thomas, 9 and Timothy Thomas aka Timmy, 8, sons of Gerry and Kinna Thomas of Bentonville.

Photo by : Sorella Photography

High quality child care looks like

IMAGINATION.

Imagination is essential to the learning process.

It allows us to solve problems. It enables creativity.

Imagination allows us to see what is not there and to create it. It is a skill for life.

When teachers model play, read and tell stories, children learn to imagine.

Sticks and Stones Creativity Sticks and Stones Creativity

Ask your toddler to make a face with playdough, sticks and stones.

Even better, show him how to make a mud pie man!

There is a world of natural resources outdoors.

Playing with those elements – from the woods, park or your own backyard – helps children develop a love of nature. When children appreciate the beauty of nature, they become caretakers of it.

We can’t always take off to the woods to appreciate Mother Nature. Teach your children to treat her gently. She won’t mind if you bring home a few small pieces.

Sort out the different elements and talk about what they are.

• What are their names?

• What are they made of?

Your preschooler may make a nature scene from collected elements of nature. Imagination turns “trash” into treasure. Talk about his or her creation.

Help your toddler set up a pie plate jungle made from nature’s own supply closet. Let your child do the arranging!

• Where did they come from?

• Do they grow on trees?

• Do they come from the water, a creek or forest?

• Do they need water? Light? Soil? Darkness?

Parents may have to do a little research, but that’s a bonus activity to share.

Go outside and play!

Visit our website to find child care that nurtures your child’s imagination.

Don't forget to Get Muddy with Your Buddy!

Here’s how.

ARBetterBeginnings.com • 1-800-445-3316

Learn more at bit.ly/pkstick

ARBetterBeginnings.com • 1-800-445-3316 Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education

See our outdoor resource pages for more fun activities for discovering nature.

Click here to visit our Resource Library. You’ll find activities and tips to help you prepare your child for life.

If you have a story to share, or an idea for a story, email editor@peekaboonwa.com and be a part of the Peekaboo family!

From the Editor

HERE IS A LOOK AHEAD! _____________________________ JULY is all about pets, as well as keeping your kids safe this summer... and all year long!

AUGUST is time to head back to school, with our most comprehensive guide to school options yet!

SEPTEMBER is all about honoring our hometown heroes! Want to share a special message for a special hero? email us, at editor@peekaboonwa.com

M

ay was a WEIRD month! Anyone with kids in school knows that May is the month that consists of a lot of nonstop running around -- from end of year testing, to field trips, teacher appreciation week, field days, to award ceremonies, sports tournaments, and cranky mornings because the sun refuses to set until way past the school day bedtime. May is also busy for our little community with the Bentonville Film Festival, Peekaboo’s Kidsfest, weekend races and bike marathons, and the opening of splash parks and snow cone trucks.

It is ironic and quite fitting that during the craziest time of the year you will also find the one day set aside to honor Moms -- another thing to be added to the list of to-dos.

For our family specifically, May was full of life lessons that I literally had to start taking notes because I felt like I was in a classroom. When 100% chance of rain splattered itself across my weather channel app on the same day as our 7th Annual Kidsfest event I was forced to go into a mode I don’t like to go to -- major freak out mode! Since we were hosting Peppa Pig at the event and her and her team were flying from NY, rescheduling was not an option.

The only alternative was to find indoor space... on the Bentonville Square... with enough space to hold a couple thousand guests and a plethora of vendors... with just a couple days notice... and during Film 12 June 2019

photo by: Main Street Studios

Festival weekend (freaking out with me yet?). After I exhausted all of my resources I put a post on FB asking for any leads. In a matter of minutes my phone and email lit up with messages.

Even if none of them had worked out the fact that my village was willing to come to my rescue was reassuring in a way that is hard to explain. Luckily, one of those leads did work out and Tracy McCoy helped secure the First Baptist Church in Bentonville. She and the church opened their gym and their hearts to our festival. The church and Tracy single handedly saved the day: but more importantly, showed that this community is one that I am so lucky to be a part of. The event went off without a hitch, and even though the rain didn’t come like it was projected to, the move indoors actually made for an even better event! And speaking of those lessons I learned this month, this was a big one. Because of how well this almost-disappointment turned out, my heart and mind were able to see how sometimes things not going to plan is a reward all its own. It was also the much needed reminder that even though it is much easier to give into feelings of disappointment and stress and even anger at those times (becasue they are easy to find justification for in the moment) if we make that extra effort in a challenging situation, we often find surprises waiting for us -- beautiful lessons, just waiting to be discovered.

I will skip lessons 2-252 for the sake of space which leads us into this letter’s “Welcome to June.” Ahhh... June! School is out for the summer, lunches are made at lunch time instead of packed in a little box well before noon, and the sunshine welcoming children to play outdoors is much appreciated in the same way that the warm nights are the perfect combination for making months of memories that will carry them into the Fall.

Also just as fitting as Mother’s Day coming during May mayhem, Father’s Day is celebrated in June. I know that I would not be the person I am today if it wasn’t for my Dad. The memories of my time with him growing up are some of my favorites because he was my biggest cheerleader, and also the one who pushed me the hardest. Even to this day he is there cheering me on but even better than that he is on the sidelines of life cheering on my four kids lucky enough to call him Poppi.

I see the very same love in my kids eyes for their dad. Going to the grocery store or running errands with me are viewed as boring tasks keeping them from

doing what they would rather be doing, but something as simple as running to the gas station with their Dad is something to get excited about. Each of my kids are mini versions of their Dad and they love emulating him any chance they get. Let’s be honest -- Holden didn’t get his “class clown” personality from me.

I only hope they still appreciate him and his loving and protective ways when he “just happens” to be at the same restaurant as Ava when she goes out on her first date, or when he shows up in disguise at Holden’s first high school party, or is caught following behind Grant “just a few yards back” when he takes the car out for the first time, or when he is literally anywhere and everywhere Gwennie is because she is his last baby. By the time she is a teenager we will be close to retired so he will have nothing else to do but make sure she is always safe and happy. Whether they find it annoying or not, either way they will always know they are loved.

Happy Father’s Day to all who have the honor of being called “Dad.” It is a privilege that should not be taken lightly.

Happy Father’s Day and until next time ...

Kim Enderle

Spectacular Science NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

• School Assemblies & Workshops • Special Events & Camps • Corporate/Non-Profit Presentations • Awesome Party Concept

EDUCATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL AGES!

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What do you want to be when you

Grow up?

Story by: Kinna Thomas / Photos by: Sorella Photography

How many times during childhood have you heard this question? Better yet, let me ask another way....

Were your dreams as a child the same as they are as an adult? Here I am, at age 41, still wondering why people ask “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

It’s like there is a standard answer that influences how we see the person responding to this dreaded and programmed question. Like it or not, the response that most of us want to hear is something impressive. We want to hear something that doesn’t seem financially risky or that doesn’t challenge our own truths. We proudly hold our heads high and stick our chests out if our ten year old says “I want to be a doctor!” or “I want to be a lawyer!” Ah.... yes...they get it! There is validation that you have raised a logical little human that is ready to take over the world, right? Wrong. More likely than not, they are giving the answer that you will accept.

Based on your emotional responses their logical brains know what you need to hear. A child lives without constraints until a box is placed around them. Our response to children helps determine their responses to us.

There is more to the world than getting to diagnose and heal the sick or defend our justice system. These careers are absolutely amazing and admirable. A world without these incredible professions isn’t one that I’d like to live in. With that being said, I’m not minimizing all of the hard work, education and grit necessary to keep up with these fields; however, I am saying that there 14 June 2019

is more to this beautiful world than expecting a predicted response or choosing a purpose for your child. Expecting a 10-year-old or even a 15-yearold to have a strong grasp on “what do I want to be when I grow up” is out right ludicrous.

We need to stop putting ourselves in a box of what society deems as successful and start letting the people around us dream. I believe there is so much truth in saying that our horizons are only limited by our imaginations.

Our realities, self-awareness and self-limitations come with experience and maturity. It’s the reason that you can ask a 5-year-old what they want to do with life and the answer is completely different from a 10, 20 or even 30-year-old. Life teaches lessons and it has the ability to nip away at our dreams along the way. We have to figure out ways to be super intentional about dreaming outside of the box.

As a busy career mom of two happy basketball loving little guys, things can get a tiny bit overwhelming with their As the boys are growing up, I want to make sure they have the resources and tools necessary to hit the

“what’s next” phase of their lives.

schedules. Julian (age 9) and Timmy (age 8) love the typical boy things. They are, however, super laser focused on basketball. To call it an obsession might be a tiny bit of an understatement at this point. They trade basketball cards, watch Sports Center, play NBA 2K19 and can be found on any given day with a basketball in hand. They know all of the collegiate players by name and pretty much anyone that’s secured the golden ticket to the NBA. They also asked to try baseball this year for the first time ever. Needless to say, things can get pretty hectic for our schedules. We have at least four practices and one game a week. Multiply that times two and there is total chaos on the calendar.

Our first priority is school, so there has to be a delicate balance with education and activities. We still somehow manage to make time to practice at least 100 basketball shots at the neighborhood court and exercise together regularly. Sometimes, I want to let some of the activities go, but then I remember my own advice -- Feed their dreams, not mine. This is their life, let them live it in a big and intentional way.

Our summer plans include -- you guessed it -basketball. They will attend 4 basketball camps, travel to visit family in St. Louis and splash at a water park in Texas. We have a concentrated focus on their activity of choice but our entire family will be ready to vacation as often as possible this summer.

As you probably can tell, I don’t ask my kids the question: What do you want to be when you grow up? I think its total malarkey.

As the boys are growing up, I want to make sure they have the resources and tools necessary to hit the “what’s next” phase of their lives. For now, we are all about training for their expressed interest in the NBA. We will do that until they say otherwise. I’ve learned from my own experiences that putting limitations on dreams stifles and somehow seems to belittle purpose. There is no way that I am doing that to these little people that I love.

By profession, I’ve had five

careers! FIVE!!! It all started with programming, and then transitioned to insurance, manufacturing, financial planning and now buying for the biggest company in the world. I vividly remember working for another company and having a conversation with my old manager. He asked me what I wanted to do next and I was completely honest about my thought of being a buyer. He looked me square in the eye and said that I wouldn’t make a good buyer.

I sought feedback on why and was told that I was too nice, not assertive enough and he just simply couldn’t see my personality doing that. Less than 10 years later, I was nominated for buyer of the year three times with a company that valued my skill set. I say that to show that even when we know the direction that we’d like to take, there are a few dream killers along the way. Don’t be that for your children or anyone else for that matter. Encourage and motivate them to keep going…even if it’s not within the scope of what you would do. Guide them with valuable and actionable feedback to help them find their purpose.

My old manager’s criticism was like fuel for my soul. With hard work, great mentors and pure focus, I did something he never thought possible. I didn’t need his permission for my dream. After all, my goals are attached to my purpose -- not his. It taught me something extremely valuable about life and even parenthood. Not everybody can handle your dreams. Whether they are a parent, family, friend or even a boss, remember to live this life for you and to support DREAMS! If you decide to ask “What do you want to be when you grow up?” to anyone around you, please remember to brace yourself. Be ready to be supportive and positive even when it doesn’t match your vision. Sometimes their dreams won’t fit the spaces you occupy. It’s not meant for you to understand in detail. Their purpose is their purpose. We are all created for a reason, so we may as well live life to its fullest. My request is super simple at this point: Dream outside of the box and color outside of the lines. Life is too short to be held to one person’s idea of what you should do.

Like I always tell my handsome little guys, you get to be the ref and the coach of your life. Dream like you will never fail. If you can dream it, you can do it. A dream plus motivation becomes reality. A future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Again, your horizons are only limited by your imaginations.

Dream Big!

READy. AIM. FIRE. Trust Aiming toward the target this father’s day by: Chris Whitaker -- Lead Pastor -- Overdrive.Church

This Father’s Day, I am reminded of one of my favorite memories of my dad. As a young boy, I remember hanging out with him, my grandfather, and my uncle as they were target practicing with their new bows and arrows. After several minutes, I took a break from shooting my arrows with the suction cups on the end and turned around just in time to see my dad aim straight up in the sky and shoot an arrow up as high as it would go. It traveled so high that everyone lost sight; consequently, no one could find where it landed. After searching and searching for the wayward arrow, it was found.

The arrow had freely traveled until it stuck its landing right in the hood of his mother-in-law’s (my grandmother’s) car.

I understand today, that when it comes to archery, there is a rhythm to shooting an arrow straight and true toward the target. An archer, gets ready, takes aim, fires the arrow and the trusts the arrow to go where the archer aimed it. What does this have to do with Father’s Day? Glad you asked, I believe there is the same rhythm of ready-aim-fire-trust when it comes to being a father.

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior, so are children in the hands of a father and blessed is the dad whose quiver is full of them.

Ready. When an archer gets ready to shoot, it is important that he has a balanced stance so that he is best prepared to hit the target. As a father, it is important for us to make sure our priorities are in order. Do we have a rhythm in our marriage, do we have balance between home and work, and do we have margin when it comes to our time so our children know they are a reward – a blessing – and not a burden.

Aim. As an archer aims his arrow, he must first identify the target. As fathers, we must ask 16 June 2019

ourselves, “What is the target we are aiming for when it comes to our children?” Are we aiming them toward a 4.0GPA, are we aiming them toward being star athletes, are we aiming them toward being successful in their career, are we aiming them toward being proactive members of our communities, or are we aiming them toward a more spiritual target? All of these are good targets, but that is why we must first have our own priorities in order so that we can identify the target we are aiming our children toward.

Fire. As an archer fires his arrow, he understands that each arrow has the potential to hit the target.

In the same way dads, each one of our children have tremendous potential. They have the potential to change the world, they have the potential to go further than we can go, and they have the potential to hit whichever target you aim them toward; but, it is your role to guide them.

Trust. After the arrow leaves the bow, the only thing the archer can do is trust it to find the bullseye. This can be the most difficult part of the entire process. As a dad of two graduates, and still two more to go, trusting can be scary. But, if we make sure we have readied ourselves, we aimed our children toward the target, and we have fired them off to college, or the work force, or any new venture; it is easier because wisdom says that even when they grow old they will not stray from the target.

Dads, each arrow – each child – is a gift to us and it is our responsibility to guide them toward the bullseye. If we do not aim them toward the target and instead choose to simply aim them up in the air and then let go; we cannot blame them for where they land. If your quiver is full, you are blessed and equipped to help them reach their full potential and hit the target.

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e c n a D t s La

The

My daughter started dance lessons when she was 6 years old. Back then she took classes in a town far, far away (Rogers) so I didn’t have the opportunity to sit in on a class and get a preview of the big recital performance that I assumed would clearly put The Greatest Showman to shame. But each week she came home bubbling with excitement and teaching me new words like plie’ and Port de bras; which to me sounded like something I’d order at a French pub.

Finally, after months of rehearsal, recital day came and fathers, siblings, grandparents and friends were seated and literally locked into a performance hall for the 4 hour event (Yes 4; f.o.u.r.). Note: nobody was allowed to leave so all

18 June 2019

dancers could perform for a full audience and, yes, I purposely left out mothers as the dreaded “Dance Moms” were all back stage. The first few hours featured a ton of tutus, a few cries and a lot of laughs. Finally at the 3-hour mark my daughter’s group was on stage and as the lights came on I saw her, in all her beauty and glory, dressed as a turkey. I’m not gonna lie, my initial comments were “What the (insert naughty word here)” and “Why in the (insert another naughty word here).” I mean, that’s my beautiful little girl up there…dressed as a turkey?? Where’s the pink ballerina costume with the bedazzled headband and glitter shoes??? I was floored, shocked, ticked off and ready to find the teacher to demand a refund; although I knew she was backstage – a

place where no man can enter (see: Dance Moms). But, after my initial irritation, I focused my attention back on the tiny terrific turkey trotting around stage left and noticed something – the biggest smile ever. Giant. Ear-to-ear. Big enough to put Julia Roberts to shame (you see, pretty woman’s got a big ol’ mouth). My daughter was absolutely having the time of her life!

Let’s jump in the time machine and head to 1991 and also switch sports for a second. My high school was a wrestling powerhouse; which can also be pronounced “rastling” if you are from my neck of the woods. We dominated at the individual and team level (and no I’m not getting all cocky here; I instead played basketball where we most certainly did not dominate). The wrestlers were great because they had the training available and put in the time. Youth wrestling began at age 5 and by the day these dudes rolled into high school they were supremely battle tested.

But one of my good friends who was beyond good did something during his last match that I will never forget. Leaving the wrestling mat, victorious as the 3rd place finisher at the state championships, he threw down his head gear and said to me “Thank God I’ll never have to do that again.” Somewhere during the practice and the training and the competition the fun left the sport.

But back to the Senior Dance Solo. My daughter’s specific genre was “Contemporary;” which is normally identified by dramatic movements and a stoic demeanor unlike the usually more upbeat all-smiles performances in Tap, Jazz or Ballet. During her final performance she held it together until about half-way through the dance.

No, she didn’t cry. Instead she busted out the million dollar smile again; just like during the turkey routine from long ago. Forgetting about “keeping the mood” of the Contemporary Dance and trying to impress the judges she let loose and, again, had the time of her life performing.

Don’t get me wrong, I wanted her to compete and excel and work hard to achieve her goals – and trophies.

But, if she wasn’t having fun then it just isn’t worth it. That’s what made me a proud dad – seeing her smile and truly enjoy the end of a long career. Unlike my daughter, you don’t always know in sports when the “last dance” is going to happen, so make sure you – and your kids- enjoy it every time.

Ok McFly, jump back in the DeLoreon with me and let’s go back to the future. My daughter, now 18, just finished her last dance competition; which featured her “Senior Solo.” Moms, you know that’s a big deal. Dads without dancers, the Senior Solo is like playing in the NBA All Star Game right after making a hole-in-one on #12 at Augusta National. It’s kind of awesome.

However, competing in any sport (yes, dancing is a sport) for so many years will bring many ups and downs and longevity isn’t always easy – like my wrestling friend found out. There’s been tears, trauma and tantrums.

There’s been lots of hugs, Preston Cash some slammed doors, a broken ankle, a few hurt 479-777-9157 feelings and a nice supply of trophies. But along the way it always came down Street to having fun; which 222 W. Walnut in my opinion, if you aren’t having fun then why Rogers pay the price? I mean that literally and figuratively since any competitive sport or activity is going to maybe more slightly break the bank and& claims damage. Allstate Property and Casualty Subject tothan terms, conditions, availability maybe more than yourInsurance body. Co. Insurance Co.slightly © 2018break Allstate

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short

&

sweet SUMMER IS HERE! Get kids off screens and get out and get glowing with Starlux Games

INSPIRED BY DAD. Gunner & Lux www.gunnerandlux.com instagram @gunnerandlux Riley + John Riley loved to play dress up, accessorize, and find fashion inspiration at a very young age. During the summer of 2015, when Riley was just 5 years old she decided to use the vintage jewelry her dad John had collected for her to create her very first necklace. She learned how to use pliers, tweezers, and tie knots as she developed her own line of colorful, whimsical accessories.

Riley and John worked on these necklaces together after dinner each night.

Soon, Riley began selling her individual charms at her summer lemonade stand, then on her website, and before they both knew it‌their jewelry was being sold in stores all around the world.

Summer is here and parents are turning to ways to get the kids off their screens and out and about, playing and engaging with others. It’s not just about getting up off the sofa, but about interacting with others in real life, in real time and in the great outdoors!

We LOVE Capture the Flag Redux from Starlux Games.

Every night outside becomes an adventure when the neighborhood kids come out for a game of glow in the dark capture the flag!

Capture the Flag Redux is a pulse-pounding party game that transforms any birthday, sleepover or group gathering into an action-packed experience for all ages. With 12 different game modes, to allow anywhere from 4 to 20 players in on the glowaction, the game comes with 25 reusable glow game pieces, including light up bracelets, jail markers and two glowing orbs, which act as the flags!

Together, Riley and John have created something truly unique. Today, they hope their story and their designs inspire and bring smiles to those who START COLLECTING.

A recent report on CNN noted that the average teenager spends up to 9 hours on their tech devices, every single day. As a former teacher, this is a familiar tune that Judd King, founder of Starlux Games, knows all too well.

Fun! Cool! Flair! For those who think outside the jewelry box.

Other games include: Glow Battle and Starlight Swimming Games. www.starluxgames.com

20 June 2019

PlayStrong Kids Summer Camp www.playstrongtherap

3625 W. Chesnut St. Rogers, AR 72756 playstrongkids@gmail.c

FITKIDS. FitKids Summer Camp.

Get your kids moving this summer for FREE FitKids combines fun and fitness in a way that children love.

Playstrong Pediatric Therapy is offering a 6-week summer fitness camp with each session jammed packed with safe foundation fitness moves and fun games. playstrongtherapy.com

“Where ALL Kids can play STRONG”

This weekly summer camp is for kids of ALL abilities ages 3flexible scheduling to accommodate any crazy summer sched qualified camp leaders captivate your child’s imagination with each week! Your child will be engaged in sensory art classes classes, water play, fine motor and gross motor activities, soci peers and imaginative play.

KIDS MAKE TABLE.

Did you know that US PIZZA in Springdale has a Kids Make Table where kids get to make their own pizza!

7322 West Sunset Ave. Suite A, Springdale

SUMMER CAMP REJOICE Ballet Academy Excellent ballet training and summer fun!

Opportunities for ages 3-6 and 6-teen. rejoiceballetacademy.com

ART LOVERS Save the date June 22nd. We are producing Midsummer Night’s Dream at Memorial

Park in Siloam Springs. This is a one act play adapted by Lindsay Price from Shakespeare’s original.

Festivities from 5-8pm with performance starting at 8pm. www.ssartcenter.org

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An

“Unexplainable” Miracle

By: Becca Jungers It’s been 8 months since the doctors told me I had a large mass in my head. Six months since brain surgery. Eight months since my life was changed forever. If I’m honest, few areas still remain the same. I can’t hear out of my right ear, I started a new job, and I’m still trying to harness the extreme emotions I feel at any given moment. To say times have been trying, well, it’s an understatement, but I don’t know any other way of letting my words fall onto this page.

About 10 months ago I was having severe headaches; the kind that would slowly but surely make their way into my day, my plans, and my relationships. These headaches had no regard or care for how they were intruding on every area of my life. They just were. It became a matter of ‘when’ I would have the pain -- not ‘if.’ They consumed me. So I finally started talking about it. My friends told me to get my eyes checked, that I should see our friend from church who was also a talented optometrist. Maybe I was straining my eyes to see.

I would settle for any reason at this point. I just wanted an explanation for my headaches.

I was at my wit’s end, sleeping on my floor, popping Ibuprofen as often as I could, and throwing up some mornings – all from the pain. So my friend examined my eyes, dilated them, and the results were clear as day. My pressured, and inflamed 22 June 2019

optic nerve caused my optometrist enough alarm to send me across the street to the emergency room. It was quite the lunch break.

The results of the CT scan were the kind you don’t wish on anyone, never consider the chance of being your own news, and ultimately the kind that never leave you the same. Two friends were in the hospital room with me so I wouldn’t have to be alone. The doctor came in and told me I had a large mass in my brain. He didn’t know how long it had been there. He didn’t know if it was present anywhere else in my body. He didn’t know if it was cancerous or not. He just knew it was large, it was serious and I needed to fly to Springfield to have an MRI and surgery to remove it. I guess I wasn’t going back to work that day.

So I flew to Springfield, in a helicopter -- I felt like one of the Kardashians for a second. I laid there, strapped in, full of questions and faith.

Everything was happening so fast. I remember my heart racing, but at the same time, being surprisingly calm, even for me. I was rattled, but steady as I’ve ever been.

I had the most out-of-body experience to date in that hospital room. When I was told the news, when I was told I had a massive tumor, I had

inner peace unlike I’ve ever had it before.

The kind you don’t choose, wish, or ask for – I just had it. God gave it to me. He gave me Himself. I didn’t have time to respond any other way. He told me I was going to be okay because He was going to make sure of it. He wasn’t leaving my side. And there He has remained throughout the entirety of my surgery and recovery. I’m sure of it.

After landing in Springfield, I had a fitful night of “sleep” awaiting my MRI. The pain was the worst it’s ever been. I felt like my head was going to explode.

When it was my turn for an MRI, the conclusions were that the mass was solely in my head and most likely benign. Praise God. One of the first of many. From here, they would send me to BarnesJewish Hospital in St. Louis to await surgery – my destiny. They diagnosed me here with a vestibular schwannoma – typically benign tumors that are slow-growing. They said my tumor had most likely started growing 5-6 years ago. Wow. I had done so much in 5 years – with a tumor in my head.

Two dates will forever be marked in my memory.

October 2nd — when they discovered the tumor and October 18th – when it was removed. It took a team of roughly 20 surgeons and 17 hours to remove 95% of my tumor. I had to wait 10 days for everyone’s schedules to be completely cleared – just for me. At around hour 13, my vitals dropped.

My doctors were very close to ending the surgery. I was going to die, they said.

The nurse had told my parents it didn’t look good; but, just as suddenly as my vitals had dropped, everything returned to normal. Some call it chance. I call it God. So my surgeons kept operating.

I ended up coming out of my anesthesia while still in the operating room and was walking the next day.

My doctors had never seen anything like me before. “An unexplainable miracle,” they said.

“God,” I said.

Turn the page...

Summer

BIKE DRIVE

Gently used bikes of all sizes or new helmets Financial gifts of any amount at any First Security Bank or at pedalitforward.org

DROP OFF LOCATIONS: • Any First Security Bank • Pedal It Forward 3902 NW Wishing Spring Rd, Bentonville 315 West Olive Street Rogers

Member FDIC

An

“Unexplainable”

Miracle

We’re all just trying to make it aren’t we?

Whatever that means to us. We all just want to live lives of purpose, intent, fulfillment and hope. Hope that makes us resilient.

Hope that shields us from everything this world can and will throw at us – that this is not all there is. For me, it was a tumor.

It took a huge mass in my head, and so much pain, for me to slow down. It took this tumor to stop my day-to-day sprint from one activity to another, relentlessly chasing a goal that can’t be obtained by “more.” More experiences. More activities.

More relationships. A busier schedule. A fuller life. All I wanted was contentment followed by assurance that I was enough. I think I get it now.

I had a moment in the helicopter ride from Rogers to Springfield. It was just loud enough to be alone in my own thoughts. I finally knew what was wrong with me. What was causing the headaches.

And I was relieved. At least I knew, you know? Things made sense. I remember laying there, in limbo between finding out and something being done about it all. A moment in time that made all the difference. Laying there, I recalled a book I read many years ago called, ‘East of Eden.’ There is a part of that book when the author talks about the word Timshel which means, ‘thou mayest.’ It is a phrase about choice. It is about gritting your teeth when circumstances you do not necessarily choose, well, they come your way anway. They are not a respecter of your terms. It’s about still choosing God when the towel could easily be thrown in – because you believe He is good regardless if you understand how or not.

Who are you in those moments? Who do you trust? And does it hold true and fast and strong – the same as when life is easy?

It is a phrase of determining the course of your life, accepting all its happenings as much as you can see (and can’t see yet) and choosing God anyway. Trusting. Hoping.

Believing. That Whom you’re dependent on won’t let you down.

I had my own ‘thou mayest’ moment on that helicopter. I knew how I responded to all this, and what was to follow, would change all my future instances. I decided who I was going to be on that helicopter.

Right then would set the course for the rest of time and I felt the weight of it all. It’s a moment in time I’ve recalled often.

The initial shock of my tumor caused people to stop in their tracks and ask what was really important in life. Where was their time going? What were the devoted to? Who were they worshipping? God kept telling me He was going to do whatever it took to put on blinders and take them off wherever He saw fit in His people – which is everyone. Souls are the most important thing to Him and He will stop at nothing to get our attention.

January, so 3 months since surgery, my doctors found no remaining tumor, no hydrocephalus, and no blood clot. My brain was draining all my cerebral spinal fluid on it’s own, operating like a normal, healthy brain. I work full time, am working out (which I have missed thoroughly) and taking each day as it comes. Getting better every sunrise I get to wake up.

I want to paint an accurate picture for you. Once my tumor was discovered, and I was on pain meds until surgery, life was good. I was strong, positive, hope-filled and faithfully trusting God for the outcome. All of that was real. I also want to share that these past few months have been some of the hardest of my life. Post surgery has been the most confusing, unnerving, stressful, anxiety-ridden, unstable, uncertain, self-conscious season -– more so than any other time. I’ve sat through some of the longest and loneliest hours I can recall. Laying in the hospital bed, night after night, doesn’t even compare. Even so, even amidst all I just explained, even still, I am thankful. There is still so much good. There always is. My God is good and He gives good gifts to His children. He’s for me. He’s on my team. He’s on time and doesn’t waste yours. He’s kind and knows what He’s doing. I couldn’t have made it through this time without Him. And that is the absolute truth.

Don’t lose hope; even when the light at the end of the tunnel is a flickering lighter that seems easy to blow out. Keep fighting.

Keep dreaming.

Keep going.

Sometimes we have to know how bad it can get to know just how good He truly is. It’s never bad enough to lose hope. His light is brightest in the dark. Who knew this was the beginning of so much for me? This mass will turn into a masterpiece.

Coming Fall 2019 to Northwest Arkansas!

With 14 years of proven experience in central Arkansas, LISA Academy leads the way in preparing our students to succeed in college and the workplace with a STEM curriculum that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math. Learn more at lisaacademy.org

LISA Academy Springdale | 301 Holcomb St. Springdale, AR 72764

Apply now @ lisaacademy.org

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On May 11th, Peekaboo Magazine was honored to host Northwest Arkansas’ seventh annual KidsFest Event in downtown Bentonville. Families were able to enjoy cotton candy, art stations, live unboxing videos, pony rides, and much more including a special meet and greet with Peppa Pig and mud pie fun with the Muddy Puddles Project!

Peppa Pig www.peppapig.com

NWA Championship www.nwachampionship.com

First Baptist Church, Bentonville www.fbcbentonville.org

Crystal's Face Painting FB: CrystalsFacePainting

Farmland Adventures www.farmlandadventures.com

Arbor Vitae Chiropractic www.arborvitaechiropractic.com

Fun City www.funcitypizza.com

Lokomotion Family Fun Park www.lokomotion.com

NWA Escape Room www.nwaescaperoom.com

Imagination Station

www.imaginestudiosnwa.com

Lily B's Tea Parties and More Ignite Chiropractic www.ignitechiropracticNWA.com

Card My Yard NWA www.cardmyyard.com

Wild Flowers Clothing lauraparsley@wildflowersclothing.com

ViP TV NWA facebook.com/viptvnwa/

Dancenhance Entertainment www.dancenhance.com

Mercy Kids www.mercy.net

Fit4Mom Northwest Arkansas www.northwestarkansas.fit4mom.com

Rogers Aquatics Center www.rogersaquaticscenter.com

Samantha's Garden www.samanthasgarden.florist

#

This is mystory SUTTON COLE

by: Elizabeth Gillespie In September of 2016, we packed up all our belongings from St. Joseph, MI with our precious two-year-old, Gray, and set out for Bentonville.

After six moves we were ready to set our roots in the South. As I followed my husband Mark’s U-Haul, I got the a call that verified what I already suspected: we were pregnant with our second child. I remember smiling from ear to ear for all 694 miles. Our family was growing even as we moved closer to our extended family. Life was good.

Weeks passed, and we learned that sweet healthy baby was a another boy! Soccer games and wrestling matches in the den flashed through my head. That smile on my face kept growing over the next several months. On March 15, 2017, Sutton Cole Gillespie was born. Our sweet Sutton was perfect from head to toe and inside and out. And he was all ours. Sutton was born at 35 weeks, but at 7 lbs 2oz and 19 inches long, not a worry crossed our minds. Still, as early term births sometimes do, Sutton had trouble breathing, so our doctor decided it was best to

GILLESPIE

photo by: Lizzy Yates Photography

give our little guy a little umph with oxygen. We figured it was nothing out of the norm, and our Sutton was strong. Hours of sweet snuggles in the NICU turned into days; and on day four, Sutton was weaned off oxygen and was eating well. We excitedly set our minds to heading home and began sorting out our paperwork, packing our bags, and passed NICU car-seat tests for Sutton’s ride home to meet his big brother!

But as I was zipping up my final bag, a knock came at our hospital door. The doctor rushed in and explained that Sutton would need to be transported because his platelets were low. I was suddenly seized with fear and disbelief.

Nevertheless, Sutton was a 7 lb. baby! A 35 weeker! We knew our tough little guy would get through this bump, too. WE had THIS! But following his transport and as we settled into our 2nd NICU, something didn’t seem right. They had to give him platelets multiple times. His heart rhythms were off. We stayed by Sutton’s bedside nearly every second for the next several days. It was the morning of day seven that would change our lives forever.

Mark took the 3am snuggle shift. At 4 am, I hit the elevator button to head to the NICU, and I remember smiling at Mark in passing as he went downstairs to get some sleep. Within 5 minutes of being at Sutton’s bedside, the nurse on duty smiled at me, said I looked tired, and told me to go get some sleep. I told her I was fine, but she insisted as she hovered over Sutton with her stethoscope. As I hit the elevator button, something in my gut didn’t seem right. I woke Mark up in our hospital room and told him how the nurse rushed me off. Mark told me to get some sleep and as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out.

I remember the door slamming open and the doctor rousing us from sleep as he hurriedly explained how sick Sutton was. Angel One helicopter was on its way to take us to Little Rock.

The sounds of the helicopter landing as we waited for our child to be stabilized for transport was deafening. We sprinted to the NICU and saw doctors, nurses and the Angel One transport team hover over our child. No one made eye contact.

And all I could do was scream, “My baby!” It was a complete blur, but I can still remember every detail as if it happened yesterday.

At seven days old, we three were transported

to Arkansas Children’s Hospital where we were told that Sutton had diminished heart and lung function that might make him a candidate for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: a circuit that acts as an artificial heart and lungs for the patient. As we heard this, we were still struggling to figure out how we even got here and what was going on? What was wrong with our Sutton?

Fortunately, we were comforted by the fact that we were able to sleep in the isolation room next to Sutton that night. We were exhausted both physically, mentally and emotionally. I was out the second I laid down.

Early the next morning, we were woken up by shuffling and loud voices that shattered my heart into a million pieces.

Our Sutton was being put on ECMO and rushed to the Cardiac Vascular Intensive Unit.

Twenty-two days passed, but we barely knew when one ended Continued...

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29

and another began. Instead we counted time through tests, smiles, joy, snuggles, bargains with God, phone calls, heartbreak, hope, belief, prayers, more prayers and tears. We found that Sutton’s collarbone had been broken and discussed heart transplants. I became an expert in medical terminology I never wanted to know: Enterovirus, Thrombosis, Sepsis, Myocarditis. I felt I’d finished Harvard medical school in less than a month…

us. As much as I would like to have our Sutton wrestling in the den or playing soccer outside with our now 4 year-old and 7 month old, life is still good. The joy that Sutton left in our family has left an imprint on us for a lifetime, and his plate reminds us of that several times a day.

To give back, we sponsored Washington Regional Mamie’s Poppy Plates for a year so that other families could receive the same gift we did.

On day 20, a nurse handed me a piece of paper to sign up for a plate from Mamie’s Poppy Plates. I thought, “A plate? What do I want with a plate?”

I stared down at the paper and read that Mamie’s Poppy Plates is a non-profit organization driven by a mission to provide tangible mementos to families who suffer stillbirth or infant death.

Their keepsake plates, given to effected families at no charge, are customized with the baby’s footprints, name and birth information. Mamie’s Poppy Plates exists not to fill the impossible void of loss but to serve as a timeless reminder of a baby’s brief yet profound life. I picked out my pattern, filled out Sutton’s name, and did not think another thing about it.

On April 6, 2017, only 22 days after we met Sutton, we hit the elevator button at Arkansas Children’s Hospital for the last time. Our hearts broken, we were leaving Little Rock for our home in Bentonville with only those few days of memories and a small plastic bag of his belongings.

Weeks passed as we struggled to make sense of our loss. Then one day the doorbell rang.

I stepped outside to find a small box I wasn’t expecting. On the box was a small logo I didn’t recognize, but as I opened it in our foyer, tears of joy streamed down my face: suddenly, there in my hands, were my little boy’s footprints. Sutton Cole Gillespie was at the top in light baby blue etched around the plate - 7.2 lb 19 inches in the most perfect script. His footprints in the middle.

Along the bottom of the plate read 8:17 am and March, 15 2017. I sat hugging that plate in our foyer for over an hour. I was so thankful to have such a memory of our boy.

Now two years later, Sutton’s plate is proudly displayed in our kitchen. It is a steadfast reminder of both the joy Sutton continues to bring to our lives and the impression he has had and will continue to have on our family and our faith. A happy through all the sadness. He is with us as we cook meals and congregate, and his plate helps serve as conversation piece for strangers who walk through our door so we can share with them all the joy our Sutton continues to bring to 30 June 2019

photo by: Capture Me Photography

Follow Mamies

#Thisismystory on Twitter

To find out how you can help Mamie’s Poppy Plates or sponsor a plate go to mamiespoppyplates.com

Less time waiting, more time playing.

Make it a quick stop or let us deliver for free, and get back to living your best this summer. collierdrug.com 1-888-237-6261 FREE DELIVERY

For children battling a critical illness, a wish is more than a dream. It can be a turning point that can give them the emotional and physical strength to keep going.

WISHES NEED YOU

R E F E R A C H I L D T O DAY AT MIDSOUTH .WIS H .ORG/RE FE R

I wish to be a cowgirl Kionna, 10 cancer

Compassionate care

from board-certified physicians

Now scheduling wellness exams!

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

separate acute care & well care sports, school & camp physicals immunizations newborn care adolescent care walk-in clinic online health portal

nwapediatrics.com PINNACLE HILLS

FAYETTEVILLE

Wellness Clinic & Acute Care & Walk-in Clinic

Wellness Clinic

Acute Care & Walk-in Clinic

3730 S. Pinnacle Hills Pkwy Rogers | 479.464.5597

3383 N. MANA Ct., Suite 101 Fayetteville | 479.443.3471

3380 N. Futrall Drive Fayetteville | 479.442.7322

Monday-Friday, 8am-5:30pm

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Monday-Friday, 8am-7:30pm Saturday, 8am-11am

FAYETTEVILLE

JUNE2019 Library Story Times: Bentonville Public Library: bentonvillelibrary.org Fayetteville Public Library: faylib.org Springdale Public Library: springdalelibrary.org Rogers Public Library: rogerspubliclibrary.org Siloam Springs Library: siloamsprings.com

June 4

Single Parent Superhero Event 6pm NorthWest Arkansas Community College Come join us for a great night just for single parents and their families! Kids are welcome! We will have snacks, games, and door prizes throughout the event. Bonus: You will also learn about community and NWACC resources available to help you through your college career.

June 7

Hero Night on Fireworks Friday 7:05pm Arvest Ballpark · Springdale Fans and families are invited for a SUPER night at Arvest Ballpark on Friday, June 7th as we enjoy Hero Night on a Fireworks Friday. Fans are encouraged to dress up as their favorite superhero and enjoy some special appearances by some of your favorite heroes like Captain America, Wonder Woman, Batman, and Spiderman courtesy of Spotlight Characters, a pre-game parade for fans dressed up, photo opportunities, and so much more! In addition, the first 500 kids in attendance will receive a special Naturals’ cape courtesy of Arkansas Children’s Hospital while a post-game Fireworks Spectacular will conclude the night.

June 8

Garden Party 10am Crystal Bridges Museum, Bentonville Celebrate the beauty of Crystal Bridges’ trails and grounds with

our fifth annual Garden Party! Explore our special native plant and seed sale, artmaking, nature, tasty refreshments by Eleven and local food trucks, music on the trails, and more! Special dance performance on Frank Lloyd Wright lawn by Maura Garcia. Free, no registration required.

The Sock Hop 4:30pm You won’t want to miss this fantasic event for all ages! Not only will proceeds benefit local groups and caregivers who are amidst the journey through dementia or Alzheimer’s, but also it will be an outstanding family event! Here are just a few details, with so many more to come! *Live DJ, playing both ‘golden oldies’ and current favorites *Hamburgers, Nathan’s s hotdogs, rootbeer floats, and more! *Photobooth opportunities, including The Looking Glass NWA! *Classic car display *Kid’s Zone & carnival-type activites *Silent Auction *Alzheimer’s Awareness booth and Simulation Room *Contests, activties, and so much more!

3rd Annual Obstacle Runaround 2019 9am Jones Center, Springdale The Obstacle Runaround is an obstacle race for kids ages 5-12.

There is a .5 mile and a 1 mile distance. Kids will navigate through various obstacles including a mud run, slip n’ slide, tire run, balance beam walk, and many more. This event will take place at the south park located on The Jones Center campus. Each child who completes the challenge will receive an official Great Obstacle Runaround sweatband. REGISTER: app.regwiz.io/register/greatobstaclerunaround/605

June 10

Bentonville No Kid Hungry Dinner 5:30 pm The Hive · Bentonville Join us for a special multi-course dinner with Host Chef Matthew McClure in support of No Kid Hungry’s work to end childhood hunger in Arkansas. One in four kids in Arkansas struggles with hunger, but you can make a difference by joining us on June 10.

Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, multi-course seated dinner, and live auction. Host Chef : Executive Chef Matthew McClure of The Hive in Bentonville.

June 23

Mermaid Pool Party

June 15

Shiloh Saturday Family Program 10am Shiloh Museum of Ozark History Dot Neely, education coordinator for Beaver Water District, will explore the natural history of streams and water sources in Northwest Arkansas, Saturday, June 15, at 10:00 a.m. at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History. Neely will use the Beaver Water District’s “stream table,” a scale model of regional waterways, to show how streams, creeks, and lakes impact their surroundings.

The program is part of the museum’s Shiloh Saturday series for families. For more information visit shilohmuseum.org.

Moms & Mimosas 10 am Juice Palm, Bentonville All level yoga flow followed by Mimosas made with fresh juice from Juice Palm. Choice of orange, apple, pineapple and kiwi!

Get your hot dogs heerrree!

11:30 am Amazeum · Bentonville Members, join us for a free hot dog picnic honoring dads and granddads. No registration necessary! Enjoy specialty ‘dogs and trimmings until we run out.

Fireflies & Tailgating 6:30 pm Blowing Springs Park, Bella Vista Hot dogs will be provided free of charge while supplies last. Bring your own side dishes, drinks, chairs and don’t forget the mason jars for the fireflies. There will be games and activities for the kids.

Child Health & Wellness Fair 10am-1pm Sunshine School & Development Center · Rogers FREE vision, hearing, and therapy screenings for children, community partners that will connect families with resources in our area and offer a free lunch. Screenings can be costly and difficult to coordinate so providing free screenings for children all in one building is something we are proud to offer at this fair.

Northwest Arkansas has so many valuable resources for children and families and we hope to provide awareness and access to families.

6:15pm Rogers Aquatics Center Come splash around with Mermaids, Princesses and the guest of honor... at the Rogers Aquatics Center. We will be hosting a private, after-hour party at the Rogers Aquatic Center with all the attractions open. In the shallow areas we will have our most magical mermainds splashing with your kids! Join our DJ as he hosts an awesome dance party complete with some of our favorite Princesses in their themed swimwear. Please be prepared to present your tickets at check in. It begins at 5pm on the lawn and the doors to the pool open at 6:15pm and the event lasts until 8:15.

June 24

Walmart NW Arkansas Championship June 24-30 Pinnacle Country Club, Rogers While the LPGA tournament is still at the heart of #NWAChampionship Week, the event has grown to encompass so much more than just golf. From food to a 5k, family and kid-friendly events as well as charitable giving and more, the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G offers something for the entire community. The event will return June 24 – 30, 2019 for its 13th year of celebrating the community spirit of Northwest Arkansas.

June 25

Birth on Tap (for Dads and Partners) 6pm Bike Rack Brewing Co., Bentonville Baby on the way? Join us for a fun, partners only class at Bike Rack Brewing’s 8th Street Market BREW ROOM in Bentonville.

Enjoy a local craft brew and get real with your questions about birth, babies, and postpartum. This class is led by labor and delivery nurses from the Family Birth Place at Northwest Medical Center – Bentonville. You’ll leave feeling more prepared to support your partner through labor and learn the basics on how to care for a newborn. Hear from dads and birth partners who have been there and done that, with occasional guest visits from other medical professionals. Pricing: $10 per attendee

June 26

BITE NW Arkansas June 26-28 8th Street Market, Bentonville BITE NW Arkansas is a three-night food festival as part of #NWAChampionship Week in NW Arkansas. The festival celebrates the region’s best cuisines, ingredients, restaurants and chefs at one unique event. Taste, sip, sample and discover the best of NW Arkansas and beyond . . . only at BITE NW Arkansas

peekaboonwa.com

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LO O K A N D F E E L

YO U R B E S T At Women’s Health Associates, we want you to feel confident about every aspect of your life, including how you look. That’s why we offer a number of aesthetic services designed to help you be your best self at every stage of your life.

FA C I A L S Designed to help you put your best face forward, let us help you discover a more beautiful and youthful-looking you. All facials include an in-depth skin analysis, cleansing and exfoliation of the neck, face, and décolleté.

Also Offering: Dermaplaning | Microneedling | Chemical Peels | Microdermabrasion

I N J E C TA B L E S A N D D E R M A L F I L L E R S As we age, our faces naturally lose subcutaneous fat and the “plump” look of our youth. Injectables and dermal fillers can be used to help diminish facial lines and restore volume and fullness in the face. Plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours, soften facial creases and wrinkles, and improve the appearance of recessed scars.

Offering: BOTOX® Cosmetic | JUVEDERM®

I N T I M AT E W E L L N E S S CO2RE Intima vaginal treatments help restore your vaginal health… and help you rediscover what you’ve lost. The procedure only takes a few minutes and many women report symptom relief after the very first treatment. The treatments use laser energy to stimulate healing and renewed collagen that results in increased elasticity and natural lubrication, decreased urine leakage, and more pleasurable sex.

B O DY C O N T O U R I N G Love the idea of reshaping your body, but not the reality of incisions or scars? Our non-invasive procedures don’t require any incisions and deliver noticeable results. The treatments work to improve the appearance of cellulite, reduce dimpled skin, and tighten skin on the abdomen, love handles, hips, thighs and other areas that require fat reduction. BodyFX addresses problematic fatty tissue in larger body areas such as the abdomen, back (flanks), and thighs. MiniFX addresses problematic fatty tissue in smaller areas like the neck, arms, and knees. Forma tightens the skin on the face, neck and hands.

Also offering: Photo facials with Lumecca | Laser Hair Removal | Waxing Spider Vein Treatment

500 SE PLAZA AVENUE BENTONVILLE, ARKANSAS

479-876-8111 www.whanwa.com 36 June 2019

May 25th - September 2nd Come play in the forest and learn about sustainability, selective harvesting, transportation, and the products we use every day made from trees.

amazeum.org

I-49 Exit 88 E Central Ave. | 1009 Museum Way | Bentonville, AR | 479-696-9280 The Amazeum is open every day except Tuesdays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day from 10 am to 5 pm - Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm.

Mor e Wom e n F i nding B e a u ty i n

LowIntervention Birthing Experience

An increasing number of women are in search of low-intervention births, an experience that allows labor to progress naturally while surrounded by the comforts of home.

Now, they can have just that – and right at Northwest Health. The health system has lowintervention birthing suites at both Northwest Medical Center – Bentonville and Northwest Medical Center – Willow Creek Women’s Hospital. However, in addition to featuring labor tubs and a relaxed, cozy environment, the suites offer something else: The safety net of being in a hospital.

With minimal intervention and technology, the low-intervention birth program allows hospital staff to support patients and families 38 June 2019

in their labor and birthing goals. The suites offer large beds, specialized labor tubs, shower, birthing stool, labor balls and waterproof, wireless monitoring. The hospitals also provide a variety of options for comfort during unmedicated labor including aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unit to reduce pain.

Additionally, both hospitals offer nitrous oxide for pain management.

In addition to offering alternatives to pain management and a home-like environment, Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) add another dimension to both of these programs. Patients who desire midwifery services now have the ability to deliver with a CNM in both hospitals.

They are the only two hospitals in the state with full-scope practicing midwives.

The first baby born in the Family Birthplace at NMC-Bentonville’s low intervention suites was Abner. His parents, Cindy and Jorge, were very happy to have the option of low-intervention birth for their son.

“The room was very nice and I was kept comfortable,” Cindy said. “I was pleased with the different options for pain management I had – some of which I didn’t know existed.”

While there is only one low intervention birthing suite on the Bentonville campus, all labor suites at the hospital are capable of low-intervention pain management options and wireless monitoring. What sets the Low Intervention Suite apart from other suites is the labor tub for water immersion and the queen-sized, family-friendly bed.

“For me, it was a life-changing experience,” said Brock. “To be able to have a deeper understanding of her needs, our family’s needs, of the process … I appreciated the education I got as I was ignorant about how beautiful the process could be. It was exactly as we wanted and being able to share this authentic natural birth experience brought us closer together.”

Obstetrician-gynecologists – in collaboration with midwives, nurses, and those who support the patient in labor – can help women meet their goals for labor and birth by using techniques that require minimal interventions and have high rates of patient satisfaction. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that evidence suggests, in addition to regular nursing care, continuous one-to-one emotional support provided by support personnel, such as a doula, can be associated with improved outcomes for women in labor, shortened labor, decreased need for analgesia, fewer operative deliveries and fewer reports of dissatisfaction with the experience of labor.

The first of two new suites opened at Willow Creek Women’s Hospital in April. The first baby born in the suite was Penny June, born on Friday, April 12, weighing 7 pounds and 14 ounces.

Her parents, Brock and Keely, talked about how important it was to have the comfort of a home birth with the safety of a hospital setting.

“The staff was so accommodating, and I felt like my wishes were really heard,” Keely said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better nurse; she was just what I needed!

The large bed made it so my partner and I could share in the experience together and were really able to connect throughout the process. Overall, the whole aesthetic of the room made us feel like we were actually in a home environment which made for a really relaxing experience. We felt comfortable setting up our own things, as we had so much space to move around and make it feel like our own. The tub was especially comforting, helping me maintain pain levels during early labor. There was so much freedom and I know we definitely wouldn’t have wanted to do it any other way.”

Brock was impressed by the education and support that the Willow Creek staff provided, making the transition from pregnancy to parenthood as smooth as possible.

Use of the low-intervention suite must be discussed with and approved by a patient’s healthcare provider. Availability is on a firstcome, first-serve basis. For more information or to speak with an OB nurse navigator at The Family Birth Place at NMC-Bentonville, call (479) 553-1266. For more information or to speak with an OB nurse navigator at Willow Creek Women’s Hospital, call (479) 684-3204.

40 June 2019

Where NORTHWEST

ARKANSAS

SHiNES JUNE 24 - 30, 2019 PINNACLE COUNTRY CLUB

ROGERS, ARkansas NWACHAMPIONSHIP.com

E

xperiences are supposed to be fun, right?

Everyone loves summer (even grown-ups), because what’s not to love? Warm weather, plenty of sunshine and days that go on into the evening make for plenty of time for fun family experiences. This summer, plan a “daycation” at the Scott Family Amazeum where every day is an amazing experience.

Discover the wonders of the forest this summer in Forever Forest. An educational adventure awaits families in this national traveling exhibit developed by the Omaha Children’s Museum in collaboration with Union Pacific Railroad and the Hardwood Forest Foundation. Forever Forest explores how we use the forest to live, work and play. Families discover the connection of forests to daily life through playful interactive activities and learn about sustainability, selective harvesting, transportation needs, and the everyday products we use made from trees.

Visit Forever Forest on Friday and find our team of Curiosity Facilitators with special hands-on activities. Curiosity Facilitators are local high school students who work with our education team to support learning during the summer.

Amazeum members visit Forever Forest (or anywhere else in the museum) for free every day and the museum opens early for members on Monday and Saturday mornings. Visit Forever Forest during member hour from 9 to 10 am on those days and the Curiosity Facilitators will be waiting with special activities.

42 June 2019

Make summer even more special with an Amazeum membership and special events just

for members. The Amazeum’s annual Hot Dog Picnic is Saturday, June 15, from 11:30 am to 1 pm. Enjoy a hot dog with all the fixins’ and some unique Amazeumstyle lawn games.

The Amazeum celebrates members at Zingfling on Saturday, August 3, with a members-only evening event.

Watch the museum’s Facebook page and website for information on this fun, family event.

Summer camps at the Amazeum are unlike any others in Northwest Arkansas and this summer’s selection of camps features some new partnerships and locations. The Amazeum partners with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the University of Arkansas School of Architecture and Design, PIXEL: A School for Media Arts in Rogers, and the Jones Center in Springdale to bring Amazeum-style camp experiences to new locations this summer in addition to camps held at the museum in Bentonville.

Each camp features a unique theme, promotes curiosity, creativity, and integrates science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) supporting campers making connections with the world around them. Members receive discounts on camp registrations. Camps begin on June 10 and run until August 2. There are no camps during the week of July 4. But you can still come and visit. The museum is open on Independence Day! For a complete list of camps and registration information, visit amazeum.org/camps.

The museum celebrates its fourth birthday on Monday, July 15, and if past years are any indication, there is going to be some special (probably messy) activities for guests that day to help celebrate. This year is extra special since the Amazeum surpassed 1 million guest visits in April. That is 1,000,000 reasons to celebrate the memories, connections, stories, and a-ha moments since the museum opened in 2015.

Have you ever wished you could give your inner child a night out to play without worrying about kids watching you have fun? Amazeum Adult Nights are designed for grown-ups (but not too grown up) to experience the Amazeum when the kids are not around.

Adult Nights amp up the activities and the fun to

give grownups a reason to suspend “adulting� for a couple hours. The next Amazeum Adult Night is Thursday, June 20 and, since the following day is the Summer Solstice, prepare to lighten up with light-themed activities.

More information and tickets found at amazeum.org/events.

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a DADS of nw

Coleson Rakestraw

Marleigh and Patton are so blessed to have you as their Daddy! I’m forever grateful for your love, patience and guidance you provide our family with.

Thank you for taking every opportunity you have to teach our kids something new! We love you!

Happy Father’s Day! — Samantha I love you Daddy! — Marleigh

Steven Aufleger

He is such a hard worker and wonderful father to our three children, Willow, Whitlee and Brycen. No matter how tired he is from working he always takes the time to come home and play with girls or coach our son’s soccer team.

We love him so much! - Kassie Aufleger

Jaron McTee

This is Jaron, Jessup, and Za’Nyla…having fun at “donuts with dad.” These 3 are part of our “family unit”, that we like to call ourselves.

He’s the cool dad that takes them to Chuck E. Cheese, the public library, and riding their bikes around the neighborhood! -Tammy Hendrix 44 June 2019

John Paine

My husband, John, is a wonderful father. Our daughter is special needs, and this was her first time seeing the ocean, which she has always been obsessed with. He made sure to make it unforgettable and booked a private dolphin tour for us and taught her how to build sandcastles. He is why I am able to volunteer at multiple Autism Involves Me events thru the year and goes out of his way to shower us with the things that make us feel happy and loved. Our life is magical, because of him.

- Dominique Paine

Patrick Quinn

Patrick is an amazing father to Cooper, 10, and Karis, 7.

He helps coach baseball, packs school lunches, tells jokes, and dances with his kids. He not only provides for his family, but he also volunteers as the Vice President of fundraising for Metavivor, an organization that gives 100% to research for stage IV breast cancer.

- Lisa Quinn

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Tele Ramos

Billy Graham once said “A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.�

My sweet husband is an unsung hero. He is an incredible father to our eight children. We’ve fostered, adopted, and taken in homeless youth and he has humbly stepped up to the plate to be a father figure for them too. Tele’s gentle spirit, wit, and creativity are just a few of the qualities that make him an incredible father.

LITTLE SPROUTS

A preschool garden program

May through October Wednesdays | 9:30 & 10:30 am

In 2016 Tele fell 14 feet and landed on his ankles.

He shattered them and it was unknown if he would ever walk again. He had 7 surgeries within a month.

This accident was life changing. We weren’t sure if he would ever walk again. Through the fear of the unknown Tele decided that he would walk again.

He began researching exercises he could do that would help him walk again. A year later Tele did just that. He walked. And in 2018 He took another big step. He returned to work. He modeled for our children what it looked like to face our fears.

Today, Tele walks with a limp and is in constant pain, but he won’t stop moving forward.

Through all the pain of walking, Tele continues to show up not only for his kids but for his community. Tele is the designer and builder for 8 mobile pantries that serve NWA. Tele volunteers as a camp counselor with Project Play a nonprofit that runs a summer camp in New Mexico. Tele employees young adults that need a second chance at his business, Ramos and Sons Framing and mentors them as wel. Tele spends his weekends investing in his children.

46 June 2019

Men like Tele are the unsung hero’s of our societies. They push past their fears and serve not only their families but their communities.

The Chad Wolff Project

More than 20 Janie Darr Dads and friends of Chad and Sarah gathered at Janie Darr Elementary School last month to greet arriving kids with Chad-like high-fives and smiles, with festive music playing and a special appearance by the Jaguar. What a beautiful day to remember the Big Guy! For more information on the Chad Wolff Project Facebook: The Chad Wolff Project

Todd Reynolds

My husband, Todd Reynolds, is an amazing husband and father to our children. He works tirelessly so they can afford to live their dreams; whether he’s coaching football, filming cheer competitions, coaching pageants or teaching them to grill or just balancing our household books, or working late, so they never miss out. Despite it all, he’s almost always there at any event. We are blessed beyond measure.

God blessed us all when He chose Todd for us. - Karen Reynolds

Let us br intogytohue! par ty

Lily B’s Tea & Teepee Parties is a full service mobile party planning business serving Northwest Arkansas and the surrounding areas.

We believe that each party should be a reflection of the individual being celebrated. Therefore, we plan unique tea and teepee parties for any occasion as well as for both girls and boys. We provide services starting from the invitations to the thank you cards and everything in between.

Phone: 501.345.3135 | email: info@lilybs-nwa.com | Website: www.lilybs-nwa.com instagram: @lilybsparties | Facebook: Lily B’s Tea and Teepee Parties

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Chad Fox

The bond they have is truly something I cannot put into words. Chad did not grow up with a father figure, which just made him more excited to be one.

Since the very beginning, he has poured all his energy, time, and patience into being the best father I could imagine. He answers every question or helps find the answer..and there’s a lot. He plays every make believe game, never misses a cheer competition, and spends time with countless arts and crafts projects. We are forever grateful and blessed for him.

-Kayla Fox

Anuj Singh

This will be the first Father’s Day that my husband will be celebrating with our daughter. Last year we were in India so he was not able to celebrate it. We are from India and have no one over here to call family. So, for our daughter her father is everything -- her friend, her brother, her teacher and the best father.

Anuj works very hard to give the best life possible to us. When he comes back from work, regardless of how tired he is, he will be with Aanvi all the time. He always helps me with every chore possible whether it is house chores or of Aanvi. We are very lucky to have him and I love the bonding they share.

- Sumedha Singh

Kris Ahrents

This guy loves his kids unconditionally and they love him back just as much if not more. He started working nights six years ago so he could watch our youngest during the day so she wouldn’t have to go to daycare. These next couple of months will be the end of that since she will be starting kindergarten in August. Now I don’t know about you, but men LOVE their sleep but he wouldn’t have changed it for anything. Happy Fathers Day Kris! We love you and thank you for all you for us. — Alicia Ahrents

Enriching children’s lives by providing high quality care and education in a Christian environment.

Our facility is committed to excellence in childcare. We are currently rated a Level 3 facility in the Better Beginnings quality initiative program.

www.peace-church.org 805 West Olrich St. | Rogers, Arkansas 72756 | 479-621-5683 | arbetterbeginnings.com 48 June 2019

Rogers Explorers

Two programs a month June & July Rogers Historical Museum

TERRIFIC

TO ALL

JUNE, JULY & AUGUST from 5 to 8 pm

The garden will offer entertainment or activities on select evenings.

OPERA IN THE OZARKS TROUT FISHING IN AMERICA NWA BALLET THEATRE

NWA JAZZ & MORE ORCHESTRA ARKANSAUCE JESSE DEAN CO. ...and more!

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FATHER’S DAY for the

m o M Single

By Meagan Ruffing

As Father’s Day rolls around on June 16th this year, I am taking on an unexpected role in this new season of life. This will be my first Father’s Day as a single mom.

I did not plan for it to be this way. Just like I did not plan to have to take my kids shopping for their dad; only to be reminded that “mommy is getting divorced and she cries a lot,” so says my 5-year-old daughter to those who she wants to share our latest news with. I’ll admit. I cringe inside just a little bit…every time she says 50 June 2019

something like that. I have to graciously remind myself that she is processing this too – just like I am; one day at a time.

I am new to all of this and so I am learning how to navigate life as a single mom. I have learned a few things that I think can help other moms who might be in a similar situation and could be feeling a bit overwhelmed or might I even say, rejected? For all my single mom friends out there who I know and to the ones I have yet to meet, this one’s for you.

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Here is my list of 10 things I think you should do for your single mom friend on Father’s Day:

1. Buy her flowers. I’ve heard there are

some ladies out there who say, “Don’t waste your money on flowers. They just die.” But I’m not one of those people and you shouldn’t be either.

Flowers are beautiful and they should be given with endless amounts of love to the recipient. Buy your single mom friend flowers to let her know how loved she is, how beautiful she is, and that she was on your mind. She will light up a room when she realizes the flowers are for her. Trust me.

2. Take the kids shopping for their dad. If your kids’ dad is still in their lives, offer

to take her kids shopping to get him something from them. This serves a couple of purposes. First, it takes the responsibility off of her shoulders to go out and do the awkward action of choosing an item for her ex-husband, and second, it allows the kids to get out there and see you doing something nice for their dad. It’s important for the kids to see their parents doing kind things even if the marriage ended.

3. Tell her she is a good mom. It never

gets old hearing from someone whose opinion you value, that you’re doing a good job at this whole “mom” thing. You never know what her day might have entailed and hearing those words might be the lifeline she needs but won’t ask for.

4. Surprise her with coffee. Find out what

she likes to drink for her morning cup of coffee and surprise her with a cup to get her day started off in the right direction. Not sure when you’ll have time to bring her coffee? That’s okay. Grab a gift card instead and write an inspirational note to go along with it. She’ll be appreciative, feel loved, and when she goes to redeem her gift card – she’ll think of how you thought of her.

5. Write her a card. Send her some snail

mail if you live out of town. Getting mail (minus bills) is fun and it will be a nice surprise. If you live nearby, write her a sweet card telling her how much you care for her and that think of her often. Sometimes all it takes is someone else’s kind words to help heal a single mom’s hurting heart.

6. Give her a hug. And mean it! There’s

nothing like getting a good, old fashioned hug from someone who loves you. Research suggests that a 20-second hug can reduce the physical 52 June 2019

effects of stress when a chemical called Oxytocin is released in our bodies.

7. Make her a meal. One of my dear friends

is so good about hooking me up with meals. She knows I am a vegetarian and is intentional about making something that my kids and I can eat together that’s simple, yummy, and ready to go for those nights that seem to be too hard to handle.

There are so many friends out there who want to help so why not get together and have yourselves a casserole making, freezer-friendly get together where you make meals for those you know who are going through a divorce. This has been one of my favorite things that my friends have done for me.

8. Just listen. Sometimes your single mom

friend just needs to talk. Whether she’s in the beginning stages of her divorce or she’s on the other side of things…there will be times when she just wants to word vomit. Let her. Use minimal encouragers such as nodding your head or making eye contact to let her know that you are paying attention.

9. Invite her. Think about inviting your

friend out with you the next time you’re running errands. She may be sitting at home without her kids and need some sort of distraction. Are you headed to get your nails done? Invite her with you. Are you getting groceries? Invite her with you. She may say “no” more than she says “yes,” but being invited will make her feel thought of and important and really, isn’t that what we all want?

10. Let her cry. Sometimes your friend

just needs to cry. Regardless of how or why the divorce happened, a union has still been severed and that is a hard thing. Divorce brings about all sorts of uncomfortable feelings and uncharted territory that some friends want to steer clear of.

My best piece of advice? Lean in. Lean in with all of your heart and let her cry when she wants to.

Meagan Ruffing is learning all sorts of new things about herself as a single mom to her three kids. She is navigating the effects of divorce with the love and support from her friends and family. You can visit her on Facebook at writermeaganruffing for more single mom advice.

Camp Clover @ Smiling Goat Farm will be held July 22 through August 2 from 8:30am - 1:00pm, Monday through Friday for ages 5-14 As a working farm school, we will offer nature and gardening activities, animal care lessons, goat yoga,

v

tinkering and science activities, and lots of cool down water play!

For more information or an application, interested families should email

Kimberly@clovercommunityschool.org

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Include items that engage kids in different ways.

Bring out your inner Mary Poppins and mix it up!

Bring along an item or two from the categories below to keep things interesting and engaging! I have included a few of my favorite products below.

Secret to Successful Summer Travel By: Lindsay Ramsey One of the questions I get asked the most this time of the year is how to survive summer travel.

Whether in a plane or in the car ‌ travel can bring a lot of down time and stir up all kinds of anxiety as soon as the trip is booked! Spending a little energy prepping for your trip can turn the time together into a sweet time instead of a time that you dread!

My oldest son is 10 and we have lived away from one or both of our families since he was born.

Between traveling to see family and holiday vacations, I have had to learn how to get our family ready for travel many times.

Here are my go to tips, tricks, and products to get you summer travel ready!

Bring along something new and maybe a little unusual.

My kids have come to anticipate what new thing I will pull out on our next trip! Mix in some of their favorites with a few new items! Pair crayons and markers that you are already have with a new doodle or coloring book.

You can also think about out of the box ideas!

One year I packed party horns that I pulled out for the last 20 minutes of the trip so we could celebrate our arrival.

54 June 2019

Games

Games are a great way to engage everyone and pass the time! Print off a list of states and mark off the license plates as you see them or take along a game to play on the road. There are also many game options that include a travel version. These can me great in the car or plane and once you get your destination.

Product Suggestions: Tic Toe Toe by Reeve & Jones Pickles & Penguins Travel Game Mad Libs Travel Bingo

Art

Travel time is a wonderful time for kids to create!

Take along a doodle book where they are given prompts to get started or grab a fresh notebook with erasable markers and see what they create! It is also a great way to have them document your vacation.

Product Suggestions: Doodle Book Erasable Markers Water Wows (perfect for younger kids)

Fidget

Keep their hands busy and keep them engaged with fidgets! It was just two short years ago that fidget spinners burst on to the scene creating a new toy category. Fidgets can help get out some of the energy while you are traveling down the road!

Product Suggestions: Shasibo Putty Peeps Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty

Build & Create

Open ended products that allow them to build and create over and over are perfect for summer travel!

One of my go to products for travel for so many ages are the Magna Quibix blocks. These blocks have a great sensory feel and are easy to build with!

They also serve as balancing game for older kids.

Product Suggestions: Plus Plus (Larger size is perfect for younger kids) Magna Quibix Air Dough (this new dough is soft and flexible to play with but dries hard)

Books

My kids get tired of hearing me say “readers are leaders and leaders are readers!” Make sure everyone brings a long a book as you travel! If your kids aren’t reading yet or if you want everyone to be in engaged in the same book, bring along an audiobook.

Audio Book Suggestions: Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon (great for a wide variety of ages) Mouse & the Motorcycle Mr. Putter & Tabby Joke Book (always good to turn the mood of the car)

Have a technology plan.

We try to balance the technology time in the car with my kids. I often encourage moms in the shop to think about technology as a “balance” not a “battle.” Technology is a part of our lives and our kiddos lives and they are going to need to know how to use technology responsibly.

Just like we wouldn’t want them to eat gummy bears for every meal, we don’t want them to spend the entire 10 hour road trip on their device.

How do we handle technology during summer travel? + Set Limits + Tell them up front that they will not be on their devices the entire trip.

Maybe they only have the device for 30 minutes at a time or from Point A to Point B, but let them know up front what the expectations are. + Don’t start out with technology. + Have your kids start with another activity before you they move on to technology. If we are on the road, I will often give them a town or a landmark that we will get too before they can get their devices out. + Look for breaks + If we know that we are about to stop and get out of the car or we are 30 minutes from landing or boarding a plane, I will go ahead and ask them to put their devices away. It gives them a natural break where they can be looking forward to stop or the next thing.

Long or short … on a plane or in a car … across the state or across the world … wherever summer takes you, planning ahead can make your travel time a sweet part of your journey and maybe make you dread it a little less the next time you book a trip!

About Lindsay Owner of Kindness & Joy Toys in Fayetteville. Wife to Hal. Mom to Drew (10), Brooks (8), and Barrett (5).

Friend. Gift Giver. Enneagram Student.

Lover of All Things Fun. Carmel Corn Connoisseur. Sports Enthusiast.

Kindness & Joy Toys is located at 2852 N College in Fayetteville. Visit kindnessandjoytoys.com to see their event schedule and shop their curated collection of toys and gifts and to shop their Travel Collection!

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All Access Guide to Summer with NWA Moms In the Know

Instagram: @nwa.moms.inthe.know

Facebook: NWA Moms in the Know

Silja Sample We love Dave Peel Park because it is fenced in so it is great for smaller kids and special needs ones. Horsebarn Road is wonderful because it has a nice selection of playground equipment and a nice stream to play in.

Brooke Bailey Willie George Park in Springdale because they have an awesome splash pad in the summer.

BEST Parks in NWA Stephanie Parrish Gravette has a new park and don’t forget about their splash park as well!

Adria Cays Lake Atalanta and Wilson Park

58 June 2019

Kimberly Black Smith We love Dave Peel and Centerton City Park. Both clean, both plenty of choices, and both shady.

Plenty of trash cans and benches.

Marisa Snow There is a small park behind the Non-Profit Center in Rogers that we love!

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Olivia Lancaster Laine David Peel Park and Lake Atalanta Kendra Logan Wilson in Fayetteville and Rotary in Springdale Alicia Frey Tyson Park in Springdale. They are even handicap accessible

BEST Staycation Wolfe Mountain Branson - Snow Tubing and Ziplining Sarah Wilson Big Cedar!

Aglae Guarneros Kansas City! We go at least once every year.

There’s Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun, Legoland, Sea Life, Zoo, and a dinosaur museum. We do a little shopping at the Zona Rosa town center.

BEST Water Play

Crysta Estep We love Tulsa and Branson! So much to offer at both places! We have an almost 2 year old and an 8 year old and we all have fun at both!

Brooke Bailey C.L. “charlie” and Willie GeorgePark for a splash pad!

Nancy Merrell Buffalo River and Loco Ropes in Mountain View

Allison Hubbard Lawrence Plaza in Bentonville

Nicole Dublin Pioneer Woman Mercantile in Pawhuska, Ok

Lacee Hutton Creeks and rivers

Jeanine Roberts Matlock Springfield Zoo and Aquarium

Heather Wegner White Water in Branson, Rogers Aquatics Center, Cassville, MO public pool Kim Mathes Bentonville Community Center Indoor Waterpark

We are different but we are all fundamentally the same around the world.

Learn by experiencing and exploring other cultures through hosting an international high school student.

Contact us today to get qualified to begin your journey of changing the world through peace and understanding!

Visit CETUSA.org or text/call 479-966-0471 60 June 2019

100 West Center, Ste 101 Fayetteville 479-444-7778

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BEST NWA Activities $10 or Less Joy Falcon Trails to Bike Sarah Peveto Lake Atalanta just the cost of snacks.

Brooke Bailey Crystal Bridges Museum and Trails and Bucky Ball at night, Beaver Lake, Naturals grass berm tickets are less than $10 and they have a free park behind the outfield.

Diann Bond Geocaching, Lawrence Plaza Movies, and Summer Film Fest at Malco.

Courtney Riché Viloria Pinnacle Bar & Grill has the outdoor area (cost of food/drinks) Brandi Gilliard We found a hidden gem in in the Gravette Pool and Splash Park

Shayla Taylor Splash pads in Bentonville, Rogers, and Pea Ridge.

Sheryl Isaacson Williams Indoor play structure at Fast Lanes and it comes with a kids meal.

Keri Woodall Sallee Blowing Springs Park and Fast Lane has Kids Bowl free all summer program!!1 Melissa Eubanks Playstrong open gym in Rogers.

Frances Henzie Henzie’s Art Studio on Gravette’s Main Street has weekly free art and craft workshops.

Sara Huddleston Carter Indoor climbing gym at Fun City.

Elissa Eibes Blabac Arkansas State Parks’ Junior Ranger Program. Hobbs, Withrow Springs, Prairie Grove Battlefield, Devils Den and Lake Fort Smith are the local NWA State Parks Christie Cavness Knisley Tanyard Creek hiking in Bella Vista.

Amber Earley Farmers Markets, First Fridays, Priceless Nights at Amazeum,

BEST Indoor Activities Bree Tracy Amazuem Sarah Maxwell Kingdom Keys Christian Adventure Escape Room Brandi Gilliard Playscape at Fast Lanes Lisa Cooper Quinn Roller skating, ice skating, indoor swimming, HighRise, Altitude Trampoline ParkNicole Ellenberger Bagley -- Climb Bentonville! I just went today for the first time. Lots of fun!

Ashley Hughes Dave and Busters on Wednesday nights (half price) Dana Baerson Lawrence Retro Arcadia

Cont

Crystal Bridges Summer Camps www.CrystalBridges.org Register now for Crystal Bridges summer camps for kids 6 to 12! Explore the museum galleries and grounds, enjoy art-making and theatre activities, make friends, and have fun!

All materials and healthy, nut-free snacks are included in camp fee.

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479-268-4391 bentonvillear@codeninjas. summer camp in NWA?! We sure are! Learn with theatre education in musical theatre, 1501 SE Walton Blvd. Suite 115, Bentonville, AR 72712 I codeninjas.com new obstacles, make great friends, and have a 1501 SE improv, Walton Blvd.

Suitestory 115,telling Bentonville, AR 72712 I codeninjas.com acting, reader’s theatre, ninja good time this summer! www.codeninjas.com/camps/ar-bentonville/ and more.

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Affordable and Family-Friendly Activities

#NWAChampionship Week

The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G is right around the corner.

The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G returns June 24-30 with a weeklong schedule of community events, featuring a variety of affordable, family-friendly activities.

The week truly offers something for everyone – from a 5k race, junior golf lessons, a kids center and of course, the golf tournament too. The best part? Kids 17 and under get in to the tournament free with a ticketed adult! Here are just a few of the events and activities to look forward to throughout #NWAChampionship Week.

Walmart and Always Discovery Green

Wednesday, June 26 – Sunday, June 30 The Walmart and Always Discovery Green invites children of all ages to explore the areas of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics in a fun and engaging environment onsite at the tournament. Free and open to the public, the Discovery Green features hands-on experiments, art projects, activities from the Amazeum and more!

Yoga for Kids presented by Dove

Tuesday, June 25 #NWAChampionship Week features a free, beginner’s yoga class onsite at the tournament for children ages 6 to 12. The event, taught by Allisson Kublanov of Bee Well Yoga, highlights how sports and exercise can help build confidence and selfesteem in young kids. Role models and parents are invited to participate in the class as well. The first 100 participating children receive a gift from Unilever.

64 June 2019

Always Live #LikeAGirl Day

Saturday, June 29 New in 2019, Always Live #LikeAGirl Day debuts at the #NWAChampionship on Saturday, June 29.

The celebration invites all young girls and families to attend the tournament on Saturday to honor the female athletes of the LPGA Tour. Young girls will receive a scavenger hunt passport and autograph book upon admission. The scavenger hunt will conclude in the Walmart and Always Discovery Green, where children can participate in confidence-building activities and redeem their passport for a special gift.

5k @ the LPGA benefiting Mercy

Saturday, June 29 Run together for good at the 5k @ the LPGA benefiting Mercy. The race includes a 5k and 1k Fun Run for all skill levels. The race day environment is perfect for families, and strollers are permitted on the race course. Registration is only $20 and includes a t-shirt, daily #NWAChampionship Tournament ticket, finisher medal, breakfast after the race and more!

The First Tee Junior Golf Zone presented

by Dove

Sunday, June 30 Kids ages 17 and under are invited to test their putting skills at the Junior Golf Zone on Sunday from 11:00am – 3:00pm at the 9th Hole Putting Green. The zone features putting challenges with instruction from local The First Tee coaches. The first 100 participants also receive a gift courtesy of Unilever.

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THE MOST ADVANCED PERINATAL CARE

NOW IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

We specialize in providing health care services for high-risk pregnancies.

Our staff includes obstetricians with expertise in maternal-fetal medicine, specially trained sonographers, skilled obstetrical nurses, registered dieticians with expertise in diabetes and genetics counselors.

Now taking appointments at 5414 Pinnacle Point Drive, Suite 300 Rogers, AR

Child

Health &

Wellness Fair FREE

Hearing, Vision, Occupational Therapy, and Speech & Language Screenings Local Resources & Trainings | Give-a-ways | Food

2019

June15

10am - 1pm

Sunshine School & Development Center 3400 WOODS LANE, ROGERS, AR

C O M M U N I T Y PA R T N E R S : • Clover Community School

• 99 Balloons

• Arkansas Total Care

• DeWitt Law Firm

• Tribe Family Chiropractic LLC • Arkansas WIC • Benton County Sheriff’s Office • The Joys of Swimming Car Seat Checks Summer Safety

Food Sponsored by:

SUNSHINE SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT CENTER Enriching Lives Since 1958

nwaSunshineSchool.org FOLLOW US

Glance At a

ARTS and MUSIC

Amazeum (Pg. 37) (479) 696-9280 Arts Live Theatre (Pg. 61) ArtsLiveTheatre.com Trike Theatre (Pg. 17) (479) 464-5084 triketheatre.org

BANKS

First National Bank of NWA (Pg. 33) (479) 621-6800 First Security (Pg. 24) www.fsbank.com; www.onlyinark.com

CAMPS

Amazeum (Pg. 37) (479) 696-9280 Arts Live Theatre (Pg. 61) ArtsLiveTheatre.com Bright Haven Learning Center (Pg. 22) (479) 717-2344 Climb Bentonville (Pg. 71) climbbentonville.com/camps Clover Community School (Pg. 53) clovercommunityschool.org Code Ninjas (Pg. 63) (479) 202-4424 bentonvillear@codeninjas.com Rejoice Ballet (Pg.34) rejoiceballetacademy.com Super Science (Pg. 13) (479) 444-0303 www.super-sci.com Trike Theatre (Pg. 17) (479) 464-5084 triketheatre.org

CHILDCARE/NANNY SERVICES

ABC Happy Kids Learning Academy (Pg. 29) (479) 202-5691 abchappykids.com Better Beginnings (Pg. 11) ARBetterBeginnings.com Bright Haven Learning Center (Pg. 22) (479) 717-2344 Infiniti Pre-K (Pg. 65) infinitichildcare.com Peace Kids (Pg. 36) Peace-Church.org Siloam Springs KDO (Pg. 77) 855-456-KIDS

DENTIST

Mint Dental Care (479) 385-6308 MintDentalAR.com

68 June 2019

To advertise email: editor@peekaboonwa.com

Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics (479) 582-0600 (Pg. 4) The Smile Shoppe (Pg. 17) www.smile-shoppe.com

DERMATOLOGY / SKIN CARE

Advanced Dermatology (Pg. 67 ) advancedskinMD.com NWA Center for Plastic Surgery (Pg. 2) (479) 571-3100 nwacenterforplasticsurgery.com Women’s Health Associates (Pg. 36) (479) 876-8111

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Clover Community School (Pg. 53) clovercommunityschool.org Code Ninjas (Pg. 63) (479) 202-4424 bentonvillear@codeninjas.com First Baptist Christian School (Pg. 51) (479) 878-1052 LISA Academy NWA (Pg. 25) LISAAcademy.org Thaden School (Pg. 61) (479) 268-5321

Exchange Student Program CET USA (Pg. 60) CETUSA.org / (479) 966-0471

FAMILY FUN / ENTERTAINMENT

Amazeum (Pg. 19) (479) 696-9280 Climb Bentonville (Pg. 71) climbbentonville.com Lily B’s Tea Parties and More (Pg. 47) lilybs-nwa.com Rogers Historical Museum (Pg. 49) www.rogershistoricalmuseum.org Starlight Skatium (Pg. 67) (479) 444-STAR Super Science (Pg. 13) (479) 444-0303 www.super-sci.com Trike Theatre (Pg. 17) (479) 464-5084 triketheatre.org

FOOD / DRINK

TCBY (Pg. 3) (479) 636-8229 (TCBY)

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Arkansas Children's Northwest (Pg. 7) ARchildrens.org Collier Drug Store (Pg.31) 888-237-6261 Friendship Pediatric Services (Pg. 40) fccare.org

To advertise email: editor@peekaboonwa.com Make-a-Wish (Pg. 31) midsouth.wish.org Mercy Hospital (Pg. 9) mercy.net/peekaboo Northwest Health (Pg. 80) NorthwestHealthHeart.com Revive Medical Spa (Pg. 67) revivemedicalspa.com

JEWELRY AND GIFTS

David Adams (Pg. 62) davidadams.com (479) 444-7778

LEARNING CENTER/THERAPY

ABC Happy Kids Learning Academy (Pg. 29) (479) 202-5691 abchappykids.com Academic Math and Language Therapy (Pg. 56) (479) 253-3256 www.amltherapy.com Autism in Motion Clinics (Pg. 35) (479) 439-6906 Friendship Pediatric Services (Pg. 40) (479) 524-2456 Sunshine School & Development Center (Pg. 67) nwasunshineschool.org

PEDIATRICIAN

Best Start (Pg. 78) (479) 575-9359 Friendship Pediatric Services (Pg. 40) fccare.org Northwest Arkansas Pediatrics (Pg. 32) (479) 442-7322 Ozark Pediatrics (Pg. 43) (479) 544-9432

Real Estate / Moving

Midtown Real Estate Associates (Pg. 54) (479) 268-5170 Young’s Moving Service (Pg. 18) www.youngsmovingservicenwa.com

WOMEN'S HEALTH

Lifespring Women’s Health (Pg. 5) (479) 271-0005 Parkhill (Pg. 62) (479) 521-4433 The Perinatal Center (Pg. 66) (479) 268-4979 Siloam Springs Women's Center (Pg. 57) (479) 524-9312 Women's Health Associates (Pg. 49) whanwa.com

Dr. Averitt, Megan, Staci & and the staff of Best Start Pediatric Clinic would like to welcome our new Nurse Practitioner, Bessie Smith, APRN.

Earn now with

Find it at

Less waiting where it matters most – our emergency room.

In a medical emergency, every minute matters. So, at Northwest Health, you’ll find faster care in the emergency room. We work diligently to have you initially seen by a medical professional* in 30 minutes – or less. And, with a team of dedicated medical specialists, we can provide a lot more care, if you need it.

The 30-Minutes-Or-Less E.R. Service Pledge – only at Northwest Health.

72 June 2019

*Medical professionals may include physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners.