Idaho Family 6 2019

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June 2019

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Dad cheers his kids on at mini golf at Wahooz

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Contents Features

Volume 7, Number 6 Publisher J.J. Plew Associate Publisher Adrianne@globalpsd.com Cover Photo Wahooz Family Fun Zone Editor Gaye Bunderson editorgaye@gmail.com Sales & Marketing J.J. Plew jjplew82@gmail.com 208-697-2043

June 2019

‘Dad, get the bug!’

5

‘But don’t kill it!’

7

Contributors Chuck Carpenter, Adrianne Goff, Patrick Hempfing, Jessie Horney, Macaile Hutt, Cara Johnson, Mary Ann Wilcox Graphic Design Carol Smiley csmileydesign@gmail.com Distribution Shauna Howard, Doris Evans

Idaho Family Magazine, published monthly

by Gem Production Co., LLC, is committed to providing readers with informative and entertaining information to help them in maintaining healthy families and positive lifestyles. It is distributed throughout the valley as a free publication. Idaho Family Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements or opinions expressed by editorial contributors or advertisers. The acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. Idaho Family Magazine does not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. Idaho Family Magazine reserves the right to edit or reject all materials submitted.

All rights reserved. Copyright 2019 by Gem Production Co., LLC. Follow us on Facebook www.idahofamilymagazine.com

6 The Horney Village

The summer...

Road to reading Get started now

Columns

8 The

Outdoorsman The pack rat

TOP 10 Summer 16 Events, Festivals and Things to Do

2 019

21 Top 10

Burgers

and Father’s Day Fun!

Departments Proprioception Happy hugging

18

9 Wednesday’s Child

Meet Nathaniel

In Each Edition 4 Editor’s Intro Family Night Fun for all

22

Wild dads

12 Family Events Calendar

Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2019 3

EDITOR’S Intro

Wild dads: animal kingdom fathers

L

ast month, I took readers on a brief global-wide tour of moms in the wilderness. This month, I set my sights on celebrating the brave and generous poppas in the animal kingdom in honor of Father’s Day on June 16. Nature boasts some pretty stellar dads, and here’s a look at some of them.

Teamwork is the name of the game for some animal parents. Species that share parenting duties include: • The Adelie penguin – At http://www.bbc.com/earth/ story/20150723-10-astonishing-animal-parents, Adelie penguins are celebrated as some of the best parents in the world. Both mom and pop care for the eggs that will hatch their young ones, and because the habitat of the Adelie is the harsh Antarctic, eggs cannot be laid on the frozen ground. The eggs would not survive the extreme ground temperatures; therefore, the best rocks in the neighborhood are highly coveted so as to construct a nest that sits high.

These animals have apparently been known to covet their neighbors’ rocks so much that they steal them.

• The clownfish – Parent clownfish prepare for the arrival of their young by creating a meticulously clean and perfect undersea nursery. Once eggs are laid and fertilised, clownfish dads clean them until they hatch.

• The strawberry poison-dart frog – The exceptionally tiny strawberry poison-dart frog dad found in Central America is noted for his security guard skills. He keeps watch over his babies to keep them safe from predators.

Remembering that nature does not have all the hygiene practices that humans do, don’t be appalled by the fact that these frog dads urinate on eggs daily to keep them moist.

• Caribbean flamingo – Both mother and father feed their newborns with “red milk.” This is not milk according to the traditional definition but is actually a nutrient-rich substance in a part of the flamingos’ digestive tract called the “crop.” Like normal milk, it is full of protein. Though the milk-like substance gives flamingo babies their pink color, it has been known to leave both parents pale and washed out.

An article titled “The 9 Best Dads of the Animal Kingdom” at http://goodnature.nathab.com/the-9-best-

dads-in-the-animal-kingdom/ offers more information on flamingos, calling the male of the species “feminists, as they wholeheartedly believe in gender equality.”

Other tidbits include: • A daddy lion is generally selfish — at least until his family is in danger, which then leads him to spring into superhero dad mode and ‘fight like a lion’ to protect his brood.

• A daddy gorilla collects all the food for his family — and for the young ones, that means roughly 50 pounds of stems, bamboo shoots, and fruits a day. He’s also very playful with the children and steps in when siblings scrap.

• A daddy red fox will bring food to his young until they’re 3 months old, at which time he stops to let them find their own food. It’s a survival lesson and, in the beginning, daddy fox hides goodies close to home to help his pups find food until they’re a bit older and more self-sufficient.

• A daddy seahorse is the only species in the animal kingdom known for male pregancy.

Parallels with human dads exist in these animal examples.

Human dads stand by mom’s side as she gives birth to their young. Human dads sometimes build homes for their families, and in other circumstances, work to pay the mortgage on their family’s “nest.” We frequently see fathers as protectors, someone who will spring into action when mom or the kids feel threatened. They play with their children, just like the poppa gorilla. And yes, many human dads are feminists, too.

They share duties with their wives, teach their sons respect for women, and give their daughters esteem-building attention.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads in the world. And, human dads, don’t forget to be relieved you’re not a seahorse.

— Gaye Bunderson, editor

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THE TOP 10 Fun summ er events & festivals

FAMILY NIGHT

Sponsor of

$10 OFF WEDN

ESDAYS

WILD DADS Nature’s heroic pops

Games for the whole gang

See inside for..

Fun summer . & festivalsevents 2019

ROAD TO READIN G Start now

Dad cheers his mini golf kids on at at Wahoo z

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TWEEN DAUGHTER and Dad

Get the bug, Dad, but don’t kill it!

By Patrick and J.L. Hempfing

down the road soaking up the Gainesville sunshine when something flew through the open window.

I glanced down and there, sitting on the seat Jessie often yells these words. Part of my job between Mattie and me, was the biggest cockroach description as dad includes keeping a bug-free I had ever seen. In the South, they’re called home. Although Jessie wants every bug removed, “Palmetto bugs” and they are humongous. As she is unwilling to execute the task herself, even calmly as I could, I pulled over to the shoulder and for the tiniest bugs. When Jessie calls, Dad comes we were able to shoo the bug out of the vehicle. running with a tissue, paper towel, or sneaker.

The way I see it, a “giant” can’t please everyone.

The task seems simple enough, but then comes When you live in the South, no matter how many Jessie’s next statement. times you spray or clean the house, a cockroach “Dad, don’t kill it!”

Patrick Hempfing will occasionally trespass. If Mattie sees it before That’s right, I’m supposed to gently transport Jessie, I’ll hear, “Pat! Cockroach, come quick!” the trespassing bug out of the house and set it free in the great I’ll come running with paper towel in hand or sneaker on outdoors. In most cases, I’m quick enough to capture and remove foot to address the problem. So, I view myself as a protector the insect so Jessie can move on with her activities uninterrupted. of my family, not a destroyer of bugs’ families, a position that Unfortunately for the bug, unless it’s a ladybug or a lightning bug, disappoints my daughter. trespassers are prosecuted to the fullest extent. Ants, mosquitos, Though I applaud Jessie’s compassionate spirit, I don’t see gnats, moths, flies, cockroaches, and other unidentifiable critters myself running after bugs with a cup and sheet of paper. Okay, are squeezed with a tissue or paper towel, swatted with a to be honest, I have done this a few times. Dads want to look flyswatter, or smashed with the bottom of my sneaker. Before I go good in front of their children. any further, let’s bring in Jessie with her thoughts.

But whether I’m chasing a bug with a tissue, paper towel, or sneaker, or Jessie has a cup and sheet of paper in her hands, one From Jessie, age 12: thing is certain ’tween daughter and dad, I love my girl and my This column is about bugs. I feel that you should girl loves me. save the slimy creatures when you can, because Happy Father’s Day! if a giant was trying to step on you, you wouldn’t Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year professional career in banking, like it. They have a life just like you do, and you accounting, and auditing before he became a father at age 44. He is now shouldn’t take it away. They have friends, a family, a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad, and writer. Follow Patrick at and a spouse, just like you. You don’t have to kill http://patrickhempfing.com. J.L. Hempfing, now 14, began writing with her dad in kindergarten. Her current hobbies include reading, them to get them out of your house. writing, playing clarinet and alto saxophone, and dancing.

A good tip is to take a cup and place it over the creepy crawler. Then slide a sheet of paper under the cup. Take the whole thing outside and release the bug. Now that is a good way to get a bug out of the house without killing it. Let’s get back to Dad.

“Daddy! Bug!”

I’m thankful Jessie has a compassionate heart. She’s right. I certainly wouldn’t want a giant to chase after me and squeeze me between his fingers or squash me with his big shoe. I’d like to think that at 6’5”, I’m a kind, compassionate “giant”; however, bugs can spread disease or leave itchy bite marks. They must go, never to return.

As defender of our house, I view my duty as protector of the family, so my wife, daughter, dog and I can sleep and not get bitten, crawled on, and whatever else bugs do. Don’t you hate it when a mosquito zooms into your ear and makes that miserable buzzing noise while you’re trying to sleep?

Many years ago, shortly after we moved to Florida, a bug nearly caused me to wreck. My wife, Mattie, and I were driving www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2019 5

THE HORNEY Village

The only summer we get . . .

By Jessie Horney

H

i, my name is Jessie and I am a recovering summer-hater. “Oh, what’s the part you hate most, Jess? The endless sunshine and late nights of twilight warmth? The ice cream cones? The vacations and parties?” I KNOW, ok, I know, summer is everyone’s favorite time of year, and hating it is akin to being unmoved by viral videos of puppies in a field, or whatever.

(Spoiler alert: I also don’t like pets. Forgive me, dear readers.)

I’m not going to make a case for all of the other seasons here, although I could. I won’t tell you that winter brings cozy days at home and snapping cold walks under bright December skies, or that spring wakes us up with cheerful tulip faces and the spice of cut grass, or that autumn actually has the best weather, warm all day and cool all night, and also we’re allowed to make pies again once September rolls around… I won’t tell you all that. Because the point of this article is to write something I can tape to my own refrigerator as a reminder to enjoy this summer with my kids, and as a declaration to my own reluctant self that joy is a choice, even when it’s 103 degrees outside and the world is, in fact, a sunny version of my personal itchy hell.

I think part of what makes summer miserable (besides the fact that you can’t go outside after 2 p.m.) is the weight of expectation. I remember when summer invited me to live good and live large. That last school bell rang in June and we sprinted home, gleeful for a three-month holiday. I remember the delight of warm, slow mornings with my siblings, picking raspberries in the backyard for breakfast, reading Calvin and Hobbes in the grass, meeting our cousins at Fairmont pool to swim and buy shaved ice with all the change we rustled up from couch cushions and the jar in the laundry room.

Summer was the zenith of childhood.

Then I grew up and worked every summer. And since I worked at day camps, I wasn’t the kid at the pool anymore.

I was the harried grownup counting 43 slippery first graders over and over again, hoping to leave with the same number I’d taken. Then I got married and had three kids in three years, which means I spent a lot of summers either largely pregnant and swollen or breastfeeding a newborn under a blanket in the park with sweat pooling in my nursing bra and trickling down my aching back as I tried to hold the baby, the toddlers, and our many, many bags of snacks.

That lifestyle ain’t no ice cold Coca Cola commercial, friends. It is not the funnest days ever. It’s tiny moments of fun tucked into hours of monotony and janitorial work, mopping up spills, wiping bums, and dodging the revolving door of nap times. It’s going to the park for an hour, then home to recover. It’s setting up a little pool out back because you can’t take three babies to the real pool by yourself. It’s 6 JUNE 2019 | Idaho Family Magazine

staying inside more than any other time of the year, actually, because babies can’t be outside in extreme temps. I was confused about summer, because it felt a lot like winter.

But now my kids are older. And as I gaze into the abyss of a hot, hazy summer with my 3-, 5- and 6-year-old, I resolve to enjoy these precious moments together. I declare all the good news: the girls help apply their own sunscreen (great news, since they’re the ones who really need it and I only put it on my son if other people are watching). No one is nursing. They are all strong enough for long hikes and adventures. They don’t have to nap anymore, but they do fall asleep in the car after a long afternoon of playing, which is a perfect time to quietly park my car in the shade and read by myself while they snooze.

My friend Ryan directs commercials for the Visit Idaho campaign, and his latest is called “18 Summers.” Have you seen it? It’s a beautiful film of a young family enjoying our beautiful state, meant to remind us that we only have 18 summers with our kids; someday they will leave. They’ll spend summer at their jobs, at their college internships, or with their own friends. Basically, not with us. All of these seasons with my family are changing us; time is sneaking in to grow my kids up. This is the only summer I will have with a 3-year-old, a 5-year-old, and a 6-year-old. The only one.

Can I absorb that truth and live in the tension of enjoying our (sometimes long) days together while understanding how fast they will disappear?

I will buy the Costco box of popsicles for them and their friends. I will hang little swimsuits to dry every night. I will hunt down missing sandals, rub aloe vera on sunburned shoulders, drive one hour to hike for 45 minutes, and meet my friends at every park in the valley to try every splash pad available. I will soak up my children as we soak in the sun, kissing their freckled cheeks and washing their dirty feet each night before I tuck them in bed, trying to convince them that nighttime is real even when the sun is still up. I will do this because these are their magical summers, the ones of prickly bushes heavy with raspberries and afternoons full of cousins at the pool. And despite itching from the heat and from the million dollars spent on spray sunscreen...I don’t want to miss any of it.

Jessie Horney is a freelance writer and poet.

Find her at www.horneymomtellsall.com. www.idahofamilymagazine.com

ROAD TO reading

Get started now

By Cara Johnson-Bader

A

t New Horizon Academy, we understand the importance of a child’s journey on the road to reading. We know children need 10,00012,000 words in their vocabulary to be ready for kindergarten, so we thought we would share a few hints and tips for reading at home to inspire and develop a love of reading, and help children reach this vocabulary goal.

Research tells us it is never too early to start reading to children. From the day they are born, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers develop language skills and pre-literacy skills every day that help them become readers. It is an exciting and critical time of learning.

1. Create a quiet, special place in your home for your child to read, write, and draw. Keep books and other reading materials where your child can easily reach them.

2. Read every day.

3. Ask questions.

• Point to pictures and say, “What is this?” Confirm what your child says by repeating it back to them. “Yes, that is a duck!”

• Make sure to ask questions to the youngest listeners, too.

Even the youngest children who are not yet verbal are

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often happy to point when given the opportunity.

4. Make reading an adventure.Use silly voices.Involve your child. Let your child “chime-in” on repeated phrases, add a sound effect, or:Ask them, “Do you remember what happens next?”

• If it is a very familiar story, give the book to your child and let him read to you.

5. Point out the printed words in your home and other places you take your child such as the grocery store. Spend as much time listening to your child as you do talking to him.

6. Take children’s books and writing materials with you whenever you leave home. This gives your child fun activities to entertain and occupy him while traveling and going to the doctor’s office or other appointments.

7. Help your child see that reading is important. Set a good example for your child by reading books, newspapers, and magazines.

8. Read the story again. Repetitive reading offers a plethora of benefits for developing pre-literacy skills (comprehension, fluency, pattern and rhythm, vocabulary and word recognition, and much more).

By implementing these simple tips into your daily routine, you are helping your child on the road to reading.

Cara Johnson-Bader is the Vice President of Marketing and Parent Experiences at New Horizon Academy and mother of two young boys.

Learn more about New Horizon Academy at newhorizonacademy.net.

Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2019 7

The OUTDOORSMAN

Trapping job started with a pack rat

By Chuck Carpenter

I

n 1956 we lived out in the country at a Dad had a better idea on how to remove place called Canyon Creek, Montana. this burglar from the kitchen. He convinced While my dad was out working, my Mom to come over by the cook stove near mother, bless her heart, was mostly a stay the hole where the pack rat broke in. He at home mom taking care of my two younger handed her a small piece of stove wood and brothers and me. convinced her to whack the pack rat when he Having a dad that hunted and trapped for decided to go back out the hole. a living, my brothers and I started off hunting The plan started off working real well. Dad and trapping at a young age, wanting to be slowly herded the pack rat toward the entry just like Dad. hole. The ole pack rat had decided that he One night my mom heard something was unwanted around here and it was time moving around in the kitchen. Sure that to go. The only problem was there was some someone had broke into the house she woke lady in the way. So he ran over to poor ole Chuck Carpenter my dad. My mom elbowed my dad in the Mom and hopped up on her foot and climbed ribs and whispered, “Dick, somebody is out in the kitchen!” right on up her leg.

I woke up and could hear the marauder sneaking around in I imagine you can only guess what happened next. Mom the kitchen as well. tried to scream but nothing come out but a gurgling sound.

Now ole Dad eased out of bed, grabbed his trusty .38 She bugged her eyes out and launched up really high into the special and sneaked slowly into the kitchen. It was really dark air and come down stomping her feet and going in a big circle. with all the lights out, but I quietly went over to my bedroom It kind of looked like a cross between a Irish jig and some kind door and peeked out. There was ole Dad easing around with of a new fangled disco dance. After some really fancy footwork pistol in hand with nothing on but his long johns. I could and a few more neat maneuvers, she shook the pack rat loose hear the intruder moving around just out in front of him. and he went up the way he got in and was gone.

All at once Dad flipped on the light and hollered, “Shirley, It took ole Dad and me some time to calm Mom down and will you come here for a minute?” Mom hurried out of get her heart to quit ricocheting around in her rib cage. bed, slipped on her housecoat and went to see what all the Mom had to sit down a minute and while I patted her commotion was about, with me following close behind. shoulder, Dad slipped on his britches and went out to the After reaching the kitchen we discovered the intruder that shed and brought back a small single spring trap. He wired it broke into the house was a hairy, bug eyed, pack rat. He to a piece of stove wood and set the trap. He told me where had broke into the house by coming to place it into the hole. down the chimney and We had all calmed down some, well Dad and I had anyway, out through a vent hole and we went back to bed. behind the majestic Just after daylight the next morning I woke to Dad lightly wood cook stove that shaking my shoulder. He whispered, “Better check your trap ole Mom used to cook line.” I hurried out to the kitchen and I had caught the pack on. He was scurrying rat. Dad was so proud of me he took a picture of me and my around the kitchen first catch. with Dad and his I think back on that day occasionally and realize that was pistol right behind how it all started all those years ago, when I was 3 years him. Now my ole dad old. I guess my mom remembers too. When I retired from was a great shot, but Wildlife Services in 2011, my mom had that picture enlarged for some unknown and framed and presented it to me in front of coworkers reason to me he and friends. She had the frame engraved with “Chuck’s first didn’t really want to trapping Job.” blast the hairy little Chuck Carpenter, originally of Montana but now of Idaho, likes to thief right there in hunt, fish and trap. He worked on a farm as a boy; then, as an adult, he the kitchen. took a job with the Department of Interior’s Animal Damage Control, now called USDA Wildlife Services. He ultimately became a district supervisor. He retired in 2011.

8 JUNE 2019 | Idaho Family Magazine

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WEDNESDAY’S CHILD

Nathaniel, 14, wants to be a policeman The following information is provided

by Wednesday’s Child, an organization that helps Idaho foster children find permanent homes.

N

athaniel, 14, is a friendly, kind and engaging young man with a great sense of humor. He says that sometimes people call him “Nathan” but that he prefers his full name. Nathaniel loves the outdoors and describes his ultimate vacation as a trip to Alaska, where he would “do lots of fishing, hunting, and hiking.” According to Nathaniel, if he had his choice of where to live, it would be on a farm because he would love to learn to ride a horse. Full of energy, this active guy also loves sports. Nathaniel is on the football team this season and would like to someday try out for the wrestling, basketball and track teams. When asked about what he would like to be when he grows up, Nathaniel was quick to reply that he one day hopes to be a police officer.

Nathaniel’s team describes the best fit for him in an adoptive family would be two parents who are calm, value routine and have a good balance between flexibility and structure in their home. Nathaniel does best in environments that are predictable to him and would thrive in a setting with parents who are able to be engaged, nurturing and playful.

Nathaniel is open to the possibility of a family where he would have same-aged or older siblings. Finding an adoptive family who has an understanding of trauma-informed parenting would be a tremendous benefit to Nathaniel as

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well. This sweet and deserving boy is excited and ready to be a part of a new family and a bright new future. Could your family be just the one he has been dreaming about?

For more information on the Idaho Wednesday’s Child Program, visit www.idahowednesdayschild.org, or contact Recruitment Coordinator Shawn White at swhite52@ewu.edu or cell 208-488-8989 if you have specific questions.

Call Today to Schedule an Appointment !

208.939.0600

450 W. State Street • Suite 180 • Eagle, ID www.DanStreeby.com

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Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2019 9

ALONE WE ARE STRONG, TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER. That’s a wrap for the Children’s Home Society’s 23rd World Tour Gala! This year the Gala was a sold out event. Our guests not only arrived ready to Let the Good Times Roll but also ready to give. Because of that, it was a successful night!

A big thank you to Steve Strickland of Strictly Photography for capturing these amazing moments!

Thank you to everyone who showed up to support children’s mental healthcare. Your presence meant so much to the Children’s Home Society.

Thank you to our volunteers, committee and board members.

We are 111 years strong because of you!

THANK YOU! 2019 WORLD TOUR SPONSORS

• Ann Cordum, M.D. PLLC • Blimpie Restaurant • College Hunks Hauling Junk • Julie Gramer • KW Commercial • Lindsey and Rich Linford

• Little Morris, LLP • Idaho Family Magazine • Idaho Power • Pioneer Title 1031 Company • Rafanelli & Nahas • Robin Hanford

• Saint Alphonsus • Stoltz Marketing Group • Verdi Wealth Management • Whiskey Bar • Zions Bank

“ Helping people by charity is the most human thing we can do.”

-Oprah Winfrey

208-343-7813

www.childrenshomesociety.com

CALENDAR Schick-Ostolasa Farmstead tours

Swingtone Musical Theatre Camps

Looking for a fun and educational activity for kids and parents alike? Check out the Schick-Ostolasa Farmstead, open every Saturday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. through September 28 at 5006 W. Farm Court in Boise. Get a glimpse of what rural Idaho life was like in the 1860s. Visit the beautiful grounds and the spruced up medicinal garden.

Docents will be available for tours and to answer questions. For more information, go to www. drycreekhistory.org, email drycreekhistory@gmail. com, or call 208-229-4006.

Swingtone Musical Theatre camps will be held on the following dates: • Meridian – June 3-7 (performance June 7 at 7 p.m.)

• Nampa: July 15-19 (performance July 19 at 7 p.m.)

The camps are for kids in grades K-8 and will be held Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Cost is $40 per child, plus $8 for a t-shirt/ prop fee. For location and other information, go to www.SwingtoneTheatre.com or email Kate Haderlie at kmitch89@gmail.com.

Host an exchange student The Pan Atlantic Foundation is currently seeking local host families for international students for the 2019-2020 school year. Host families learn about another culture, provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences for teens across the globe, and form lasting relationships. For more information, contact Pan Atlantic Area Representative Florence Lince at florence.lince@gmail.com or 208-329-5730.

Nature Explorers The Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge will hold a Nature Explorers program for preschoolers on the fourth Thursday of each month beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the Refuge Visitor Center, 13751 Upper Embankment Rd. in Nampa. Preschoolers ages 3-5 may use their natural curiosity to investigate the world around them on guided nature explorations. There will be hands-on activities on a different theme each month. Preschoolers should come with an adult and be ready to be outside.

For more information, visit www.fws.gov/deerflat, email deerflat@fws.gov, or call 208-467-9278.

Ada Library Activities Ada County Library branches feature a number of family- and youth-friendly programs. Following is a brief list of events for June: Hidden Springs Branch Library, www.adalib. org/hiddensprings, 208-229-2665 • June 3, 11 a.m. at the Hidden Springs Elementary School gym, Reptile Show with Corbin Maxey, all ages • June 17, 11 a.m. at the Hidden Springs Elementary School gym, Magic with Kipp Sherry, all ages • June 24, 11 a.m. at the Hidden Springs Elementary School gym, Star Lab, all ages Lake Hazel Branch Library, www.adalib.org/ lakehazel, 208-297-6700 • June 4, 2 p.m., Dr. Picklestein will share his love of chemistry, all ages • June 11, 2 p.m., Touch-a-truck, see trucks and the people who work with them, all ages • June 25, 2 p.m., Star Lab, all ages

Star Branch Library, www.adalib.org/star, 208286-9755 • June 19, 2 p.m., Star Wars Cardboard Challenge, all ages • June 26, 2 p.m., Puppet Show, all ages Victory Branch Library, www.adalib.org/ victory, 208-362-0181 • June 6, 3 p.m., Space Launch Party, Summer Reading kick-off, all ages • June 13, 3 p.m., Dr. Picklestein will share his love of chemistry, all ages • June 20, 3 p.m., Magic with Kipp Sherry, all ages • June 27, 3 to 5 p.m., Star Lab, all ages

Downtown Boise Alive After Five Summer Concert Series Alive After Five returns to The Grove Plaza beginning June 5 and continuing through August 28. Marking its 33rd year, the event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday and is free to attend. For a list of performers as it becomes available, go to downtownboise.org.

First Thursday at J.U.M.P. Attend First Thursday at J.U.M.P. in downtown Boise from 5 to 9 p.m. June 6. Go to jacksurbanmeetingplace.org/mastercalendar/for more information.

Lock In for Kids Sponsored by Domino’s Pizza and held at the Nampa Rec Center, a Lock In for Kids ages 6-12 will start at 7 p.m. Friday, June 7, and go until 9 a.m. Saturday, June 8. Kids may stay at the Rec Center all night while parents have

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of Events

Beginning June, 2019 Please send family-related calendar items to editorgaye@gmail.com

an evening to themselves. Kids may swim, play games, watch movies and enjoy pizza. There will be male and female adult supervisors. Cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members.

Go to nampaparksandrecreation.org for more information.

buildings such as the first jail, post office, and internment camp housing. There will be food vendors and lots of family fun all day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. IFARM is open to the public for various events throughout the year. Go to http://www. historicaljeromecounty.com for more information.

The Great Northwest Outdoor Expo

Summer Night Skies

The Great Northwest Outdoor Expo is set for June 7-9 at Ford Idaho Center. There will be something outdoors-related for everyone, and it is a family-friendly event. The latest in hunting, fishing, and camping gear will be available, with how-to seminars on all things outdoors. Hosted

by Idaho Ducks Unlimited, this is a not-for-profit event, with funds raised benefitting wetlands and wildlife conservation. Go to fordidahocenter.com for more details.

Join the Meridian Library District for an introductory presentation on backyard astronomy, with a focus on what is visible to observers: the moon, visible planets, and the summer constellations. Learn how to explore the summer night sky. The program will begin at 1 p.m.

Saturday, June 8, at the Cherry Lane branch of MLD. All ages are welcome.

Movie Night in Meridian CableONE Movie Night in Meridian is held Fridays June 7-August 16. Movies are shown on a giant inflatable screen and are always familyfriendly. There are also bounce houses and concession stands. It’s free to attend, but bring lawn chairs and blankets. All movies start at dusk.

IFARM Live History Day Join the Jerome Historical Society at IFARM June 8 for the annual family-friendly, step-backin-time event. IFARM (Idaho Farm and Ranch Museum) is located off the 173 exit at Twin Falls / Jerome, right off the freeway by the Flying J landmark. There will be war reenactors, a fruit pie auction, wool spinners, sheep wagons, antique tractor pulling, farm animals, historic weapon display, model trains, original Jerome County

Food Entertainment FUN! jumpboise.org www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Gene Kleiner Day A free concert performed by the Meridian Symphony Orchestra in the Kleiner Park Band Shell will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 8. The performance will include several popular pieces for audience members of all ages. Attendees should bring folding chairs or lawn blankets for seating and are welcome to bring picnics. The park’s concession stand will also be open for business to provide snacks and beverages. Go to meridiancityspecialevents.org.

Get Outdoors Festival Kids and adults are invited to the inaugural Get Outdoors Festival at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 8.

The festival will include activities such as fishing, hunting education, nature journaling, interpretive walks, and more — rain or shine. The Refuge Visitor Center is located off the intersection of

Indiana and Roosevelt streets in Nampa. For more information, go to fws.gov/deerflat, call 208-4679278, or email deerflat@fws.gov.

Fostering Idaho foster/adoption meetings 2019 The first step in finding out more about being a foster or adoptive parent in the State of Idaho is by attending an information or orientation meeting.

Meetings are set for 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Bannock Room on the lower level of St. Luke’s Medical Center at 520 S. Eagle Rd. in Meridian on the following dates: June 10, August 12, October 14 and December 9. Meetings will also be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Meridian Library District branch at 1326 W. Cherry Ln. on the following dates: July 10, September 4 and November 6. If you have questions in advance, contact Monique Layton, recruitment coordinator, at 208-2490180 or mlayton4@ewu.edu, or visit www. fosteringidaho.org.

Baseball Week at Roaring Springs Bargain admission prices will be given to Little League, Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth / Little League baseball players, coaches and their families from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 10-14 at Roaring Springs. To buy discounted tickets online, contact your coach or program administrator for user name and password for roaringsprings.com.

Roaring Springs is located at 400 W. Overland Rd. in Meridian. Go to roaringsprings.com to find out more.

Story Trail Adventure The Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center invites parents and their preschoolers to attend Story Trail Adventure. Walk a quarter-mile trail and read the

THIRD THURSDAYS | 5-9PM Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2019 13

CALENDAR of Events

pages of a story together. Afterwards, make a craft related to the story. The program takes place on the second Tuesdays of the month. The story on June 11 is “Butterfly Hunt.” Go to bee.cityofboise. org/foothills.

Family Storytime This all-ages storytime features stories, music and movement, singing, and fun activities to promote and strengthen the six early literacy skills. A session will be held from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, June 13, at the Library! at Cole and Ustick. For more information, call 208-972-8300. (There are other sessions at other times and at other library branches. Go to boisepubliclibrary.org.)

Playin’ in the Plaza This free summer concert series takes place at Meridian City Hall’s outdoor plaza, 33 E. Broadway Ave., and is a great place for after-work music, mingling, and refreshments. Concerts take place each Thursday night from 5 to 8 p.m.

June 13-July 25. For more information, go to meridiancity.org or call 208-918-3480.

cont.

Roaring Springs 20th Anniversary Celebration $20 will buy a full day of admission to Roaring Springs during its 20th Anniversary Celebration from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 13-19. There will be a party on June 19, with festivities including a birthday cake, giveaways and more. Go to roaringsprings.com for more information.

Food Trucks on Flag Day Celebrate Flag Day at the Nampa Recreation Center from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, in the center’s backyard. There will be food trucks and family fun. Go to nampaparksandrecreation.org.

42nd Annual Fox Hunt The annual Fox Hunt is set for June 14-15 at Firebird Raceway, 8551 Hwy. 16 in Eagle, beginning at 6:30 p.m. both nights. The Fox Hunt features the “fire and fury” of 270 mph jet cars on Saturday night. The event is family-friendly. Go to firebirdonline.com.

Scout Day at Roaring Springs Bargain admission prices will be given to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cubs and Brownies, leaders, and Scouts’ families from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 15, at Roaring Springs. To buy discounted tickets online, contact your leader or program administrator for user name and password for roaringsprings.com, or show proof of Scout membership at the ticket window (a hat, sash, or etc.).

Movies Under the Stars Fun-filled family “Movies Under the Stars” evenings begin at 7 p.m. throughout the summer, with free games for kids provided by the Boise Parks and Recreation Mobile Recreation Van prior to the movie. A family-friendly movie will be shown on a 30-foot screen by 9:45 p.m. or when it’s dark on various Friday and Saturday nights and at various locations throughout town. The first movie will be shown June 15 at Ann Morrison Park. For a complete schedule and other information, go to parks.cityofboise.org or call 208-608-7680. (Very specific information is at https://parks.cityofboise. org/activities,-classes-and-sports/movies-underthe-stars/.)

Free round of mini golf for dads Dads may enjoy one free round of mini golf at Roaring Springs on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16. Dads and their families may try their hand at the new Cavern’s Mill course, with 18 challenging holes. Fun for all.

Parents Day at the Pool Kids, grab your parents and bring them to Lincoln Pool and Lakeview Water Park in Nampa for Parents’ Day. All parents get in free when accompanied by a paying child from 1 to 4:45 p.m.

Sunday, June 16.

Downtown Boise Father’s Day Car Show The 17th Annual Downtown Boise Father’s Day Car Show brings families together to celebrate, relive memories or create them. Grab your dad and come to 8th, Idaho, and Bannock streets in downtown Boise to see a display of classic and electric cars from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 16. There will also be live DJs, raffles, and more.

SUMMER CAMPS

Children’s Book Sale

Asthma Day Camp

HALF-DAY CAMPS MORNING OR AFTERNOON SESSIONS $75 ($90 non-members)

Friends of the Meridan Library will hold a children’s book sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at 5159 S. Hillsdale Ave. in Meridian.

Come get a good bargain on a book for your kids.

Pattern Play

Foothills Family Day

Children ages 5-12 who have asthma, and their siblings, are invited to attend this year’s Jungle Adventure, an Asthma Day Camp provided by St. Luke’s. The camp is set for 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday, June 18, at Kristen Armstrong Municipal Park. There is no charge for this event; however, space is limited and interested people are urged to sign up as soon as possible by calling St. Luke’s Respiratory Care at 208-381-2028. Team activities will include a jungle trek, crafts, learning with interactive models, and a treasure hunt for asthmafree fun. Lunch and snacks will be provided, with parents invited to join the youngsters for lunch and a Q & A session on asthma. Onsite medical staff will supervise medications, respiratory therapy treatments, and special diets as needed.

for students ages 4-12

June 10-14, 2019

Explore patterns while learning new techniques wit paper, paint, printmaking, and sculpture!

Artful Antics June 24-28, 2019

Create works of art with movement! Explore different media such as painting, drawing, ceramics, printmaking, and fiber art.

Touchable Textures August 2-16, 2019

Combine different textures on two and threedimensional forms that are fun to touch and make!

Register online at www.boiseartmuseum.org 670 Julia Davis Drive, 83702 208.345.8330

The Foothills Learning Center holds special days for families throughout the year. The drop-in programs take place on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and do not require registration. The program on June 15 is “Idaho Outdoor Quest.”

The center is located at 3188 Sunset Peak Rd. in Boise. Go to bee.cityofboise.org/foothills.

Boise Watershed family program Every third Saturday of the month, the Boise WaterShed offers free, fun activities for the whole family from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. On June 15, the program is “Global Water Dance.” On that day, communities around the world will “dance for safe water everywhere.” Choreographers, dance groups, organizations, water activists and members of the community will come together and be encouraged to take action to solve their immediate water problems. At the WaterShed, there will be free performances by local dancers. Go to bee. cityofboise.org.

14 JUNE 2019 | Idaho Family Magazine

Bogus Basin Community Race Series During the summer, the Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area holds a 7-week, participationbased racing series that promotes fun, competition, and fitness. The series goes from June 18 through August 7 and is suitable for new or seasoned trail runners or mountain bike racers. Go to bogusbasin.org or visit them on Facebook.

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Reptiles in the Park Attend an afternoon in the park with Corbin Maxey and 10 fascinating animals, including an 85-pound tortoise and a 13-foot albino python, from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, June 20, at Hillsdale Park, 5155 Howry Ln. in Meridian. The program is a presentation of the Meridian Library District.

Friday and Saturday Family Slide Nights Families may enjoy unlimited access to water attractions as the sun sets from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 21, through Saturday, August 24, at Roaring Springs. Go to roaringsprings.com for more information.

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in actio

Tapas: Food & Fun for a Cause Join St. Vincent de Paul for its annual benefit night to raise funds to help prevent homelessness in southwest Idaho. The event will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 21, in the Pioneer Level at J.U.M.P in downtown Boise.

There will be a raffle to win a brand new Subaru Forester. Tickets go fast. Go to https://svdpid.auctionreg.org/registration.

Malicious Monster Truck Tour The show starts at 6:45 p.m. Friday, June 21, at Meridian Speedway on South Main Street. Go to meridianspeedway.com.

El Korah Shrine Circus The El Korah Shrine Circus will perform June 21-23 at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa. There will be evening performances and weekend matinees. For more information or for tickets, go to http://www. fordidahocenter.com/events/el-korah-shrine-circus-1.

Holiday Fourth of July upcycle craft Join Goodwill at the Cherry Lane branch of the Meridian Library District from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 27, and take part in family-friendly upcycle projects that will turn Goodwill thrift store items into new and creative crafts

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

!

at the Nampa Rec Center

SUMMER DAY CAMP Swimming • Rock Climbing • Court Games Crafts • Snacks • Field Trips and More!

Full Day: Member $18, Non-Member $20 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 208-468-5858 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT NAMPARECCENTER.ORG

for the Fourth of July. Goodwill provides the materials; participants just bring their creativity and their friends. All ages are welcome.

International Asteroid Day Celebrate International Asteroid Day with activities at the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology, 2455 Old Penitentiary Rd., from noon to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 29. Learn about Idaho’s impact and check out the world class meteorite exhibit with Martian and lunar specimens. The event is free. For more information, go to www.idahomuseum.org or call 208-368-9876.

Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2019 15

Summer Events, Festivals and JUNE EVENTS Idaho Shakespeare Festival ISF Amphitheater – Boise Now through September (Family Nights on Sundays) 2019 plays: The Taming of the Shrew, Witness for the Prosecution, The Music Man, Julius Caesar, and Million Dollar Quartet idahoshakespeare.org Great Garden Escape Idaho Botanical Garden-Boise June through September Thursday evenings, great music, food and drink highlight this annual summer night event idahobotanicalgarden.org Starlight Mountain Theatre Garden Valley Now through August The 2019 season includes Oklahoma, Mamma Mia, Newsies, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Over the River and Through the Woods starlightmt.com Old Fort Boise Days Parma June 6-8 Includes a parade; craft, art & quilt shows; a car & tractor show; a carnival and petting zoo; cow pie bingo and a rooster chase; rock climbing challenges; a family dance; and more oldfortboisedays.com Eagle Rodeo Eagle June 6-8 Includes Free Family Slack Night on June 5, Military Night on June 6, and other special nights eaglerodeo.com Idaho Fish & Game Free Fishing Day June 8 All anglers may fish Idaho’s waters without a license; first-timers are invited to learn to fish at various free events at local fishing sites throughout the state https://idfg.idaho.gov/events/freefishing-day IFARM Live History Day Idaho Farm & Ranch Museum – off Exit 173 at Twin Falls/Jerome June 8 Annual step back in time features war reenactors, a fruit pie auction, farm animals, model trains, and more historicaljeromecounty.com Emmett Cherry Festival Emmett June 12-15

The 85th annual festival will be highlighted by concerts and a carnival in celebration of the annual cherry harvest, with this year’s theme “Picking Kindness.

What’s Your Superpower?” emmettcherryfestival.com

the annual summer festival, which is a perfect day trip from the Boise area, traveling along the Payette River Scenic Byway; there will be music, food, and arts & crafts terracelakes.com/-wine-and-art-festival

Sun Valley Brewfest Ketchum June 16 6th annual festival hosted by the Ketchum-Sun Valley Rotary, with all proceeds going to charity; the event is family-friendly sunvalleybrewfest.com

Treasure Valley God and Country Family Festival Ford Idaho Center-Nampa June 26 This 53rd annual event features Christian bands, military appreciation programs, civic awards, food, fellowship, fireworks, and free admission https://www.facebook.com/ godandcountryfestival/

National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest & Festival Weiser June 17-22 The 67th annual event features a parade and live music on a free outdoor stage; food vendors on-site fiddlecontest.org Meridian Dairy Days Meridian June 19-22 90th annual celebration marked by a parade, carnival, food, fireworks, entertainment and the crowning of a dairy princess dairydays.org World Village Festival Cecil D. Andrus Park-Boise June 21-23 A celebration of Idaho’s cultural diversity, with music, art, film, food, and people; free to the public worldvillagefestival.com Boise Music Festival Expo Idaho-Boise June 22 10th annual all-day, family-friendly festival features renowned musical acts, as well as carnival rides and more; this year’s lineup includes Pitbull and the Eli Young Band boisemusicfestival.com Bogus Fest Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area June 22 Tribute Music Festival featuring tribute bands playing classic rock, as well as country music-star performances bogusbasin.org https://bogusbasin.org/mountaincoaster/ Art & Wine Festival Terrace Lakes Resort-Garden Valley June 22-23 More than 70 vendors participate in

16 JUNE 2019 | Idaho Family Magazine

JULY EVENTS Eagle Fun Days Downtown Eagle July 5-6 The 2019 Eagle Fun Days will feature a Family Fun Night, Eagle Fun Run, Cornhole Tournament, Classic Car Show, Wet n’ Wild Parade, and fireworks https://www.cityofeagle.org/498/EagleFun-Days Lavender Merchant Lavender Festival Kuna July 6-7 Lunch, desserts, lavender products and u-pick bouquets at 2871 Stroebel Road thelavendermerchant.net Twilight Criterium Downtown Boise July 13 Fast-paced cycling race in the heart of downtown Boise; kids’ cycling event also featured https://downtownboise.org/events/ twilight-criterium Snake River Stampede Ford Idaho Center-Nampa July 16-20 The 104th annual event includes community-wide festivities and a top 10 professional rodeo that is action-packed every night snakeriverstampede.com Canyon County Fair Caldwell July 25-28 Carnival rides, food, and musical entertainment highlight this annual event; performers will include Collective Soul, Tracy Bird and Randy Houser canyoncountyfair.org

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Adventures 2019 AUGUST EVENTS Kuna Days Bernie Fisher Park and Downtown Kuna August 2-3 The 2019 theme is “Through the Decades,” and the event will feature a free kids’ carnival and other highlights kunachamber.com Sun Valley Center Arts & Crafts Festival Atkinson Park-Ketchum August 9-11 Marking its 51st year, the annual exhibit of handmade works by artists from throughout the country also includes live music, food vendors and a children’s activity area sunvalleycenter.org Nampa Festival of the Arts Lakeview Park-Nampa August 10-11 33rd annual celebration of the creative spirit of a diverse community, the event features more than 190 artisan booths; also includes live entertainment, concessions, free activities for kids, and specialty wines and beers nampaparks.org Caldwell Night Rodeo Caldwell August 13-17 85th annual event includes YMCA Family Night, Power of Pink Night, Patriot Night and more caldwellnightrodeo.com

Western Idaho Fair Expo Idaho-Boise August 16-25 The 2019 theme is “Play Up Your Wild Side”; there is always a carnival, plenty to eat, and lots of live entertainment, this year featuring the comedy of Alfred & Seymour, Washboard Willy, Kachunga and the Alligator, and much more idahofair.com Warbird Roundup Warhawk Air Museum-Nampa August 24-25 17th annual amazing aerial show for the whole family warhawkairmuseum.org Wagon Days Ketchum August 30-September 1 62nd anniversary celebration marks the days before railroads or automobiles reached town; includes a non-motorized parade, bareback riding demonstrations, a street party, fun children’s activities, meandering musicians, and much more wagondays.net SEPTEMBER EVENTS Air Force Appreciation Day Mountain Home September 7 59th annual event theme is “One Town – One Team”; the day is held in honor of the brave men and women who are serving or have served their country and

is highlighted by a parade, as well as great food in Carl Miller Park mountainhomechamber.com Art in the Park Julia Davis Park-Boise September 6-8 One of the city’s premier cultural events, highlighting the works of artists and craftspeople and including entertainment, food and kids’ activities boiseartmuseum.org Hyde Park Street Fair Camels Back Park-Boise’s North End September 13-15 Annual fair includes vendors, kids’ activities, live music, exotic foods, community entertainers, and a wine garden northendboise.org Thousand Springs Festival of the Arts Ritter Island State Park-Thousand Springs Grade, Wendell September 21-22 This 27th annual arts festival is a fun, cultural event that takes place near one of Idaho’s natural wonders: Thousand Springs; the program features live entertainment, food and beverage https://visitsouthidaho.com/event/ thousand-springs-festival-arts/ FitOneBoise Healthy Living Expo – September 26-27 at Boise Centre Race Day – September 28, starting in Downtown Boise FitOneBoise.org

U-Pick Cherries in Emmett. Just in time for the Cherry Festival!

Open Wednesday June 12th - Sunday June 16th, 9am - 6pm

Call 208-365-8801 for additional days and hours, the following weeks.

Bring the Family out for a great time.

Picking buckets provided, please bring boxes.Other Fruit & Veggies, Jams, Dried Fruit, etc. available.

Frozen Dog Fruit Stand. 3840 Fuller Rd. Emmett, Idaho Like us on Facebook.

www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2019 17

WHO NEEDS A HUG?

Proprioception: better than it sounds

By Macaile Hutt

P

icture this: you’ve had a really stressful day at work (or school or playing referee to fighting children or chauffeur to and from school and soccer practice and piano and — well, you get it). You walk into the front door to see your husband (or wife, or child, or mother, or dog) waiting in the doorway for you. What is your natural instinct? Oftentimes, our bodies melt into the comfort that is standing in the doorway and we lean in for a tight, much needed hug. Suddenly, even if just for a Macaile Hutt moment, the stresses of our day feel a little less heavy as we exhale into the comfort that this hug delivers.

What most of us don’t realize is that this attempt to find comfort is actually seeking something that goes beyond the touch of a loved one. When we hug someone, we are also receiving what the therapy world calls “proprioceptive input.”

Proprioception, in simple terms, is our body’s ability to know where it’s at in space. It combines our body awareness with our spatial awareness, and allows us to get in tune with where we’re at in the world from the inside out. When someone gives us a tight squeeze or a firm hug, all of those touch receptors communicate with our brain as our lungs exhale, “Ahhh, there I am. I’ve felt disorganized and chaotic all day, but now I finally feel exactly where I am.”

Our children often seek this input when they are overwhelmed or over-stimulated. This might look like a bull in a china cabinet, destroying everything in its path. It might look like the child that always needs to be pressed up against you, whether you’re sitting on the couch at home, in line at the grocery store, or playing at the park. Seeking proprioception might also disguise itself as aggression, as children don’t often know how to verbalize what it is that they’re seeking when they body slam brother or push another child at school.

Our need for proprioceptive input comes in all shapes and sizes and is often mistaken for something else. But once we learn to identify what our child’s needs are, we are better able to meet those needs in a positive way.

Why do we need it? Our bodies are constantly trying to reach a state of homeostasis, or balance, and our worlds are often very disorganizing and disruptive to that attempt.

Loud noises, bright lights, lots of other people, or changes in routine all pose as a threat to our internal balance and, in turn, cause our bodies to seek input that is grounding and regulating. Sometimes all we need is a little dose of 18 JUNE 2019 | Idaho Family Magazine

proprioceptive input and our bodies are recharged and ready to take on the challenges that we are currently facing.

So, how do we get it? Proprioceptive input is my personal favorite form of input, and there are many ways that I like to give and receive it, the first being the above mentioned method: hugs. Hugs, head squeezes, pressure provided by “squishing” with an exercise ball, or even giving input by patting on a child’s back or rolling them up tightly in a blanket all provide proprioceptive input the same way our bodies receive a hug. Weighted and compression vests, and weighted or compression blankets, all provide this type of grounding and regulating input, as well.

Another way we receive proprioceptive input is through joint compression or joint distraction. The interesting thing about this input is that it’s achieved through opposite motions but often elicits the same result — how cool is that? Joint compression is performed by holding each side of a joint (for example, placing one hand at the base of the thigh and one hand just below the knee and lightly pressing your hands together; this compression can be performed at the elbows, ankles, wrists, and even the small joints of the fingers and toes). Children can also create this feeling themselves by jumping, wheelbarrow walking, crab walking, or lying on their tummies and propping themselves up on bent arms, providing compression at the shoulder joint, which can be very calming.

The opposing motion, joint distraction, is performed by pulling lightly at the joints. This can be done manually, in the opposite motion of the joint compression. Often, a child responds well to a combination of both movements, for example, lightly pushing and pulling at the toes, fingers, or even arms and legs. Remember, small movements can create big feelings, so try it on yourself first and be gentle in your approach. We don’t want to push or pull too hard, just enough to “wake up” the joints and help them receive feedback as to where they are in space.

Children also receive joint distraction when they hang from monkey bars and tree branches, or even when they pull at your arms, legs, or on heavy door handles. If you pause to think about the different types of proprioceptive input and the way we receive them, it’s usually pretty easy to detect the ways in which your child prefers to receive this input and the effect it has on his or her overall regulation and state of being calm or alert. www.idahofamilymagazine.com

Incorporating proprioception into your everyday life Adding small bursts of proprioceptive input (for kids) can make a big difference in the long run. Once we begin incorporating these tools, it almost becomes second nature.

Some of my favorite ways to incorporate proprioceptive input in our daily lives include: 1. Hopping with feet “glued together” from the parking lot to the store.

2. Wheelbarrow walking to and from a task that is sometimes fear or anxiety inducing (doctor, dentist, chores, being expected to sit for extended periods of time).

3. Having a child outstretch his arms and hold your hands while facing you, and then you both press into one another simultaneously. The child can press as hard as he can and release energy and “wiggles” while remaining completely in one place.

4. Holding a child by the wrists and lightly “shaking the wiggles out” from her arms by providing joint compression and distraction to the shoulders, elbows, and wrists all at once. This can be performed to the legs while the child lies on her back as well.

5. Jumping jacks, hop scotch, bunny hops, bear walks, crab walks, etc.

6. Instructing a child to perform five “chair push-ups” when feeling overwhelmed or over-stimulated in an environment where he is expected to remain seated. This occurs by holding onto the armrests of the chair and “pushing up” to extended arms while seated and then relaxing. Repeat until the wiggles are gone.

7. Placing a small elastic band, exercise band, or theraband around the front two legs of the child’s chair so she can place her feet behind the band and kick against it while sitting. The child can also place feet on top of the band and bounce legs while remaining calm and seated and refraining from distracting others.

8. Pushing or pulling a basket filled with a couple books or another object that adds weight. The “pulling” motion can be achieved by looping a belt or a rope through the basket to assist with the pulling.

9. Light massage can be performed for a similar response that joint compression can elicit.

10. Blankets and pillows can be piled into a corner of the house for safe “crashing.”

While this information can be confusing or overwhelming at first, our children often know their bodies and needs better than we do. By tuning into the signals they are sending us about their needs, as well as paying attention to the ways in •

which they attempt to meet those needs on their own, we can help them happily and successfully achieve a calm state of regulation that allows them to be their best selves.

I’ve found that without even realizing it, I am often seeking to receive this input myself.

Proprioceptive input is a great addition to our box of tools when raising strong, resilient kiddos.

Happy hugging!

Macaile Hutt is an occupational therapist in Boise, as well as a writer and contributor for The Sensory Project. Her therapy style takes a holistic and child-directed approach, with the goal of children succeeding across multiple environments. She holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy from A.T. Still University and has received continuing education in Handwriting Without Tears, pediatric kinesiotaping, Interactive Metronome, and Beckman Oral Motor. She is co-owner of the company Human Code, a candle and retail company with a larger purpose of promoting kindness and generosity. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing, backpacking, and traveling.

Offering Summer Pre-school Language Groups & Social Groups!!

Boise & Nampa Locations

208.466.1077 | www.BoiseChatterbox.com

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• Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2019 19 •

TOP 10 2 0 19

The Top 10 Burgers and Father’s Day Fun

By Adrianne Goff

Editor’s note: The Top 10 lists are an ongoing feature of Idaho Family Magazine that will be written by Adrianne Goff, our associate publisher. Our Top 10 lists will highlight restaurants, businesses and events in the Boise area that are a good resource and family-friendly. Adrianne will write up brief descriptions and reviews for each of our Top 10 lists. EVERYTHING WILL BE LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER, RATHER THAN RANKED BY PREFERENCE. If you would like to nominate a restaurant or business for consideration, please email Adrianne at adrianne@globalpsd.com.

(See our website at idahofamilymagazine.com for extended reviews and photos.)

BIG JUD’S 1289 S Protest Rd. Boise, ID 83706, (208) 343-4439 3030 E Overland Rd. Ste 100 Meridian, ID 83642 (208) 629-5259 www.bigjuds.com

Imagine a nine inch round, four layer cake frosted high. Now you have a comparison as to how gigantic Big Jud’s “Man Vs Food” burger really is. Two ONE POUND patties, 10 pieces of bacon, swiss cheese, bleu cheese and mushrooms on both layers! Not only was this burger HUGE it was also super delicious!

There is just something about marrying blue cheese and mushrooms together that appeases my palette. They also have a two pound Big Jud’s Challenge where if you finish the burger, fries and drink in 30 minutes or less it’s free, and you make it onto their wall of fame and leave with a cool t-shirt, I would say that is quite an accomplishment as we were still eating away at our burger for at least two to three days after. Something I definitely want to mention is that their burgers reheat REALLY well in the oven. All of Big Jud’s fries are cut daily and made from fresh-cut Idaho potatoes, they come out hot and crispy and of course as a huge portion! They go through 200 - 300 pounds of potatoes every day. Other standouts were the Crispy Chicken Salad; spring salad mix, cheddar cheese, onion and tomato (you can also get this with grilled chicken), the Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich with swiss cheese, ham, pineapple, tomato, lettuce, & teriyaki sauce and definitely, definitely try their Pastrami Burger which is a loaded with pastrami and swiss.

BOISE FRY COMPANY 2020 East Overland Road Meridian, ID 83642 (208) 844-5530 6944 West State Street, Boise, ID 83714 (208) 391-1573 3083 South Bown Way Boise, ID 83706 (208) 965-1551 204 North Capitol Boulevard, Boise, ID 83702 (208) 949-7523 / 224 12th Ave S Nampa, ID 83651 (208) 965-8696 www.boisefrycompany.com

Boise Fry Company means business when it comes to burgers and fries, in fact their motto sums them up perfectly “Fries with burgers on the side!” They offer six different potatoes to choose from: Russet, Purple, Gold, Sweet, Laura and Yam and you can have them five different way: shoestring, regular, homestyle, curly, or as a po’ball! All potatoes comes from M&M Heath Farms in Buhl, Idaho. They prepare each potato fresh and follow a strict regiment to ensure each fry retains its quality and amazing flavor.

20 JUNE 2019 | Idaho Family Magazine

All the potatoes are fried in a natural GMO-free sunflower oil, and are served unsalted which means you get to choose from any of their amazing and diverse homemade seasonings and dipping sauces. So, for example, you could dip your curly Yukon gold fry, spritzered with malt vinegar and sprinkled with smoked sea salt, in blueberry ketchup. Or dip an unsalted home-style sweet potato fry in chipotle aioli.

Their bison burger was phenomenal, so lean and yet so full of flavor. We chose to try this one “Original” which has spring mix, tomato, red onion gastrique, and garlic aioli. Another favorite, surprisingly was their vegan burgers which are made with black beans and quinoa, we had them prepare it with “The Heat” which is a seasonal berry compote, habaneros, lettuce, and spicy ketchup.

They source all of their meats locally and use organic ingredients whenever possible.

DIAMOND LIL’S STEAKHOUSE & SALOON 407 & 409 Main St, Idaho City, ID 83631 (208) 392-4400 www.diamondlils.net

If you haven’t ventured on up to Diamond Lil’s in Idaho City then you’re missing out on a tasty and fun excursion. Their burgers can be made six ways from Sunday and are named Lil (1/5#), Annie Oakley (1/4#) or Wild Bill (1/2#). A favorite was the delicious Garden Burger with grilled red and green peppers, mushrooms, onions, swiss and cheddar. Maybe you’re feeling a little hungrier and are up for their Diamond Lil Food Challenge? This challenge is mammoth and comes with soup, salad, bread, baked potato, corn, dessert AND a 50 oz RIB EYE STEAK! You get 50 minutes to clean your plate and if successful the meal is on them, otherwise it’s a $95.00 check! They also have this really cool money bar, which is exactly what it sounds like. There are bills hanging from the ceiling everywhere with so many visitors names written on them. Diamond Lil’s is one of the oldest buildings in Idaho City, built in the mid 1800’s. A fun fact about Idaho City, all of the buildings that were built before the 1970’s have no foundations, but they DO have tons of tunnels underneath the whole town!

EMMETT CHERRY FESTIVAL June 12 - 15, Emmett City Park

The traditional Cherry Festival events, concerts and carnival all happen in the Emmett City Park starting on Wednesday and running through Saturday.Of the many, many things that set the Emmett Cherry Festival apart from other events, most notably is the abundance of FREE and FAMILY-FRIENDLY activities. Some of the many free activities include: No cost to enter, no admission or gate fees. Free daily entertainment and nightly concerts. Parade and children’s parade. Free entry in to all contests.

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FATHER’S DAY 5K & 10K - BOISE CITY www.virtualrunevent.com

Sixth annual Father’s Day 5K & 10K virtual race. What is a virtual race? A virtual race is a race that can be run (or walked) from any location you choose. You can run, jog, or walk on the road, on the trail, on the treadmill, at the gym or on the track (or even at another race). You get to run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself. Run on your own, or with friends! And your medal will be shipped directly to you. Complete a virtual 5K, 10K, half marathon and more. The price is $20 and that includes your medal, bib and shipping. Plus, at least 15% of every entry will be donated to charity.

FATHER’S DAY CAR SHOW 8th, Idaho, and Bannock Streets in Downtown Boise From 9:00am - 3:30pm www.downtownboise.org/events/fathers-day-car-show

The 20th Annual Downtown Boise Father’s Day Car Show brings families together to celebrate, relive and create memories, envision a future and enjoy the bounty of one of America’s most vibrant downtowns - Downtown Boise. There will be a display of classic and electric cars, live DJs, raffles, and more.

FLATBREAD NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA 6700 N. Linder Ste 192 Meridian, ID 83646 (208) 501-8567 800 W. Main Street Ste 230 (208) 287-4757 www.flatbreadpizza.com

I know you’re thinking a pizza place that serves some of the best burgers in Boise? Um, well, yeah! Flatbread came out of left field with their two OUTSTANDING burgers. Hands down their best burger was the Calabrian Chile Burger with a bacon pepper jam, Calabrian chiles, a pistachio nut butter, gorgonzola and arugula.

This is the burger you want to eat on your cheat day, no kidding. Just do it. Seriously. And not to be outdone by the Chianti Caramelized Onion Burger with white cheddar, fontina and arugula, ADD the roasted mushrooms. Both burgers come with rosemary parmesan fries so don’t ask for the basic fry, this is a perfectly paired potato stick. And let’s not stop at just the burgers, No Way, let’s talk about one of the best things I have ever put in my mouth, their Steak Tip Dip sandwich which has a wood-fired flat iron steak, a fig mustardo, ricotta cheese, provolone, caramelized onions and arugula on a ciabatta bun. This sandwich was so good honestly, that the au jus just isn’t needed, ALL of the flavor is in the sandwich itself. Wow, yum, soooo good! We started with some Balsamic Glazed Chicken Wings that had a pine nut and scallion garnish served with a house-made creamy gorgonzola. Insert a drooling emoji here please! The wings were sticky and sweet and amazing and you absolutely must try them. Same goes for the Osso Bucco Ravioli that has a Calabrian chili demi-glace, sautéed spinach and fresh parmesan. I am stuffed, cannot eat another bite yet I have room for their cast iron Chocolate Chip Cookie with vanilla gelato. Finnetteo!

PAYETTE BREWING COMPANY 733 South Pioneer St. Boise, ID 83702 (208) 344-0011 www.payettebrewing.com

A fun, family-friendly, casual indoor tap room and outdoor beer garden, a perfect way to treat dad on Father’s day. They have food trucks and outdoor lawn games such as corn hole. They

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offer year-round beers, rotating seasonal releases and various experimental and specialty beers available on draft and in bottles.

SULLY’S 11123 w. State St. Star, ID 83669 (208) 286-7743 www.sullysidaho.com

Sully’s in not-so-little-anymore Star is celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year and it’s easy to see why it’s a local favorite.

This Irish restaurant and pub has a really diverse menu and a fantastic outdoor space with plenty of shade. Owner Tom Moroney also owns the Dutch Goose in Boise that serves up the same burgers that you will find on the Sully’s menu. If you are a wing fan you absolutely must try the Chicken Wings, they are have just the right amount of kick and are so full of flavor. A little birdie told me that they do a two for one burger special for lunch on Tuesday’s (dine-in only). We had two exceptional burgers that were both very different.

You can get them in 1/4lb, 1/3lb or 1/2lb patties. First up the Irish Burger; with sauerkraut, house-made corned beef, grilled onions, swiss and a horseradish-mustard sauce. Amazing! However, our favorite burger was the Yukon Burger with grilled ham, american and jack cheese, onions, lettuce, tomatoes and their house sauce.

Truly a phenomenal burger, oh yum! Other standouts, well at the top of the podium really is the Tri-Tip Dip with house baked tri-tip, sautéed mushrooms and swiss cheese on a hoagie roll served with this scrumptious onion au jus that you can dip just about anything into. All burgers and sandwiches come with crispy fries, garlic fries or onion rings. We opted for one of each and I have to say the onion rings were some of the best I have ever had, you can really taste the Blonde Guinness in the batter and they were so wonderfully crunchy. Save room for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake or the mile high Mud Pie which really is a recipe for decadence.

THE FLATS 16 3705 ID-16, Eagle, ID 83616 (208) 258-6880 www.theflats16.com

The Flats 16 is a newish restaurant and event center on Hwy 16 in Eagle, on the route heading to Emmett. Opened October 2017 by brothers Tyson and Caleb Burkhart, these guys do a great job infusing their Basque heritage into some of the dishes.

We started with traditional Basque Croquettes that were served with a chipotle ranch sauce. The croquettes confused my palette because I couldn’t figure out what the ingredients were, does it have cheese? Nope. Potato? Negative. It was JUST chicken and their spices! Wow, they succeeded in making “just chicken” taste that good! Another delicious starter was the Bruschetta; olive oil baguette, goat cheese, diced tomatoes and basil drizzled with a balsamic reduction. They had multiple burgers to choose from all of which sounded yummy, so it was hard to narrow our decision.

We went with Tyson’s wife, Jessica’s suggestion and had The Flats Classic which was an Angus patty topped with cheddar cheese, garlic aioli, lettuce, tomato and red onion. Home run folks! Second burger was their Basque Grinder, super unique flavor mashup of Basque chorizo, chopped lamb, grilled peppers and onions smothered in a beer and cheese queso! They also cook up a mean Fish Taco which is hand breaded wild cod topped with FLATS slaw, a raspberry-chipotle sauce, tomatillo salsa and goat cheese. If fish isn’t your thing and you still love tacos definitely try the Black Bean & Sweet Potato Taco with shredded provolone, sweet caramelized onions, FLATS slaw and a cilantro-lime aioli.

Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2019 21

FAMILY NIGHT

Fun ways to keep family connected

By Mary Ann Wilcox

K

eeping your family connected can one group of foxes. Explain that they will be a challenge. It seems that as trade roles later. our children grew, they became • Tell the sheep to choose someone who a whole lot busier and had less will be the “Old Ram.” This player makes time to spend with our family. I remember decisions for all the sheep and tells them those days well. When my youngest was 4, my where they will run and hide. They must all oldest was getting ready to start her first year stay together for the entire game. of college. I had 6 kids at home, and they all • Meanwhile, the foxes choose the “Fox seemed to be in different stages. My 3rd child King.” He (or she) will make the decisions for had just learned to drive, my 4th had just been all the foxes. The foxes cannot begin looking diagnosed with leukemia and was traveling for the sheep until the Old Ram comes to get to and from the cancer center for treatments, them. my 5th was starting the 4th grade, and they • After the sheep are hidden, the Old Ram Mary Ann Wilcox all had extracurricular activities, jobs, and other reports to the foxes and tells them, “My sheep obligations that took them away from home frequently. Did I are hiding; you will never find them.” mention that I was working full time, too?

• The foxes take off, led by the Fox King, looking for the I’m sure you can relate to that time in my life. As your sheep. They must stay together for the entire game. kids grow, you and they get busier. So how do you keep • The Old Ram runs with the foxes, and when he (or she) your family bonds strong when life gets crazy? One of the thinks the sheep would have a good chance to make it back best things my husband and I ever instituted in our home to the sheep pen without being caught by the foxes, he yells was Family Night. This was an informal family fun night out, “Run, Sheep, Run.” where we discussed the schedule for the week with the kids, • Both the foxes and the sheep then race to the sheep pen. planned our menus, and then played fun games. In the If the sheep get there first, they get to be the foxes next. winter, we would play cards, board games, or charades; but Otherwise, they must continue to be the sheep. in the warmer months of late spring, summer and early fall, • The game is won when one group has been the foxes for outdoor games were our favorite. three consecutive times.

Here’s how we did it: We set aside one night each Kick the Can week. Sometimes it was different, depending on the week’s • Set the boundaries of your game area and tell players schedule. If we had a crazy week, we did it on Sunday. that they cannot go outside of them. Players should have Have an activity in mind to do. We took turns enough space to have a chance to outwit or outrun “it” (the choosing a game or activity. Sometimes we would have treats person who is “it,” as in “you’re it”) but not so much space and just talk about how things were going. My oldest son and that “it” can’t compete. A large backyard or park area with his kids like to have treats and watch YouTube videos every trees is perfect. Players hide during the game, so you need so often. When she was a child, my youngest loved to play somewhere with enough hiding places. You don’t need any Uno, so that was almost always her choice. equipment apart from the can; however, if you don’t have a Spend a few hours together laughing and playing. can, a plastic ball, empty carton, or anything that can take Don’t get too formal with it. It will be easier on you in the being kicked around will do. Avoid glass or solid containers long run. Let your Family Nights become your favorite family unless you set rules that players touch the container rather bonding tradition. than kick it. Put the can on the ground somewhere in the Here are the instructions for a few of our family’s favorite middle of the play area and choose an area to be the “jail” games. for captured players.

Run Sheep Run

• Set up a “sheep pen” and a “fox den.” These are simply two areas on opposite sides of the playing area.

• Mark boundaries clearly; let kids know how far they can go for both the hiding (for the sheep) and the searching (for the foxes).

• Divide everyone into two groups: one group of sheep and 22 JUNE 2019 | Idaho Family Magazine

• After choosing one player to be “it,” there are two ways to start a game. You can have “it” cover his eyes and count to 50, or to 100 if you have a large game area, while the other players hide. Alternatively, one of the players kicks the can as hard as possible to give players a chance to scatter and hide while “it” retrieves the can and puts it back in its place. When the count is done or the can is back, “it” then

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tries to catch players by finding their hiding places.

• The player who is “it” scouts around looking for other players. When she (or he) spots them, she shouts out their names and locations. Any player who is found then races “it” back to the can. If “it” kicks the can first, the player goes to jail; if the player gets there first, any players who are in jail go free and the game starts over. “It” wins if she puts all players in jail and a new “it” is chosen for the next game.

Ghost in the Graveyard

• Select the playing area. Make sure that it has plenty of places for players to take cover. Point out the boundaries of the playing area to all players. Designate one location within the playing area as the base.

• Select one player to be the ghost. While the other players cover their eyes and count, the ghost finds a hiding place.

The number the players must count to will vary depending on the size of the playing area.

• Spread out and search for the ghost. The player who finds the ghost must shout out, “Ghost in the Graveyard!”

• Run for base. The ghost will pursue the fleeing seekers, trying to tag one of them. Tagging a player makes them the next ghost. If the ghost fails to tag a player, they remain the ghost for the next round.

Sardines

• If you are playing with young children, it is best for this game to make sure all the players have a buddy, especially when playing in an unfamiliar area.

• Send one pair of children out to hide, while the rest count to 50.

• Then the pairs must hunt around to find the ones who are hiding.

• When a pair comes across the hidden kids, they hide right along with them.

• There is the possibility of ending up with 10 to 20 people all hiding in the same place.

• When everyone has found the group, start over again. The pair that found the hiding pair first gets to hide next.

Flashlight Tag

• Played at night, this game mixes the popular game Hide and Seek with Tag. • The person who is “it” waits at the “jail” counting to a high number while everyone else hides.

• Then, armed with a flashlight, this person searches for the others who may be switching hiding spots.

• The flashlight must remain on at all times and may not be covered.

• When “it” spots someone, he must use the flashlight to get a close enough look at the person to identify him or her and call out his/her name.

For more information, go to www.maryannscupboards.com.

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Idaho Family Magazine | JUNE 2019 23

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24 JUNE 2019 | Idaho Family Magazine

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