Amazeum? Yes. Please!

Check this out:

     THAT my friends is an artist's rendering of the Amazeum. What is that? "An interactive discovery center" for kids that is being planned for right up here in NWA!! I've heard rumors of such a children's museum since moving to the area but this is a really real deal. Sign me up for an annual membership now please and thanks! Bentonville gets all the cool stuff. But, that's ok. That's ok. It will be right up next to the beloved Crystal Bridges as current plans have it.

Go here to read more.

If this turns out anything like the McWane Center in Birmingham, Alabama or the Creative Discovery Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee then it will be a superb addition to this area.

Go to the Library

FYI, if you're ever looking for something free and fun for your littles check out the local libraries!! I always forget how much there is for kids to do.

Rogers Public Library and Springdale Public Library have lots of reading and craft events for all ages (babies and toddlers up to teens).  They also have storytimes for families in English AND in Spanish.

Bentonville Library has come a long way since opening not quite 2 years ago. They host several clubs like Kid's Chess in addition to storytimes and group lessons or workshops.

The Fayetteville Library makes these others feel teeny tiny. They have almost every service imaginable (for a library). They even have a game center (think xbox) which I personally think is absurd but whatever. There are LOTS of resources available here for studying, learning, researching, or socializing.

We just got back from the library in Rogers last night. I have to recommend these cute books:

All of the books about Olivia (a very prissy, sometimes mischievous little pig) are adorable. My almost older toddler absolutely adores this character. That may be because she is the real life Olivia. ha!

This is one of those sweet, simple books with a key message: people (ooor . . . animals) that are different can be the best people. Differences are good, not bad! I've rented this one so many times I don't know why I haven't just bought it yet (maybe because we all ready have over 300 kid's books, maybe)

This is a very colorful book. I had to read it slowly so my littles could soak in all the beautiful imagery. The story seems silly at first but in the end it follows these seven sisters through an adventure where each one uses their particular talent or strength to make it through a bad situation. These are exactly the kinds of books I look for to read to my girls. It shows how every single person (sisters, as the case may be) is unique and important. They get a sweet seed planted in their minds  and a tiny taste of another world all at the same time.  Definitely look for this one! 

Crohn's and Colitis: MUST SHARE!!

I'm so excited I found this but I just wish I'd found it sooner! This cause is very close to my heart. My mom has Crohn's disease and both my sister and sister-in law have Ulcerative Colitis. This is an awesome cause so please look into it! I'm not sure if we'll go yet because the hubby has to work (BOO!) but if I can I'll be there in a heartbeat and I'll be sure to share here ASAP if our plans can change. Regardless, everyone else should go walk and donate!

Take Steps, Be Heard for Crohn's and Colitis

NWA Children's Museum? PLEASE and THANK YOU!

     I'd heard rumors about something like this floating around. I am SO excited to find an actual feasible bit of information on this possibly coming to fruition. Check it out. Someone is definitely seeing the want/need here in NWA! With the American Art Museum opening in a month and the new Bentonville library flourishing, I think people are really starting to realize the potential this area has to be a metro hub for family-oriented activities and events. The community would benefit so very much from this and I hope to hear more about it soon!

The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Last year, my husband, N, and I went to downtown Bentonville just for the fun of it on. (If you haven't experienced some of the beautiful downtown areas of NWA then please GO! There are so many fun shops, beautiful park areas, interesting people and so much history.) We stopped in the little art museum on the corner, happy to find a very interesting Mata Ortiz pottery exhibit. In the back, they also had a video and model for the museum that was supposed to open in the area very soon. At that point, they were still working on the foundation and perfecting the plans.

I decided to do some googling to find out what the progress of this new museum. Last I heard it was supposed to open this fall. Lo and behold, there's a website up! It is supposed to hold it's grand opening on November 11th. I am actually very excited. While there is plenty to do in the area for families and children, it's not as easy as living in a big city and going to the local zoo or aquarium. This place looks better than I could've imagined! I'm so looking forward to having this available to us in the next few years. I will definitely be looking to add a membership to the Crystal Bridges Museum to our budget.

Check it out!!

Other museums in the area I'm hoping to check out soon:

Walton's 5&10 (FO' FREE!)

Arkansas Air Museum

Daisy Airgun Museum

Shiloh Museum of Ozark History

Oh Hai!

I'm a semi-crunchy Mama of two, 18 month old N and newborn E, living in NWA (Northwest Arkansas). I've lived in the area since 2008 and despite making other plans it's looking like my husband and I will be here for at least a few more years! I'm on a mission to discover all the fun things this area has to offer for us. Come back soon to hear about our experiences as we explore. You'll probably find other mommy stuff on here too, like a post I'm working on about baby-wearing, tips on places you can feel comfortable breastfeeding in public, and info on some of my favorite places to shop for kid stuff around here!

Three places/events we hope to attend in the upcoming fall/harvest season:

Ozark Corn Maze

Farmland Adventures

10th Annual Trick-or-Treat on the Square

More to come soon!