Issuu

the story behind little beans play café

an open play café for young children and parents page 8 step into the real world the bay’s gap year program page 20

find out what these cool kids from right here in lincoln are loving lately page 6

It is recommended to start seeing an orthodontist at age seven! Schedule your free orthodontic consultation with Dr. Willett and start your journey to a more beautiful smile!

Did you know ice cream is a braces-friendly summertime treat? So are popsicles, smoothies, soft fruits and veggies, yogurt parfaits, cheese, and soft pretzels.

and request an

Christine Weeks

Mackenzie Slivka

Jacque Genovese

Andrea Caverzagie

Nathan Lake

Sean Flattery

Jodi Richey

Sheena Rancourt

Elizabeth Fischbach

Emma Lauterbach

Regan Douglas

Emily Arnold

letter from the editor

Hey LK readers,

I can’t believe you’re already reading the summer edition! School is almost out—it’s time for dance recitals, end-of-year field trips, graduations, and all the fun and memories that summer brings.

I’m excited to introduce you to seven incredible Lincoln kiddos on page 6. A big shoutout to Jace, our cover model—he makes swinging a golf club look waaaaay too easy.

As you plan your summer, be sure to check out some local ice cream shops on page 35. If you’re looking for a day adventure, we have road trip ideas on page 26.

We are lucky to have so many amazing places to take our kiddos— from longtime favorites like the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and Morrill Hall to newer spots like Little Beans Play Café—learn more on page 8.

Moms, if you haven’t yet, I hope you can join us for one of our Moms’ Panels—Coffee and Perspectives. It’s a great chance to spend some time away from the kids, connect with other moms, and enjoy breakfast and coffee on us (follow our socials for all the details)!

I hope your summer is full of relaxing days at the pool, watching your kids live their best lives, and maybe even squeezing in a good book or two.

Editor-in-Chief

Get to Know these Lincoln Kids!

We talked to some super cool kids from right here in Lincoln to find out what they’re loving lately—from favorite books and yummy ice cream flavors to summer plans and dream road trips! They had a lot to say—and we think you’re gonna love getting to know them.

Meet Finn (7), Henry (7), Lydia (8), Hamish (8 1/2), Iris (9), Jagger (10), and Bobby (11)!

Meet Finn (aka Finny)

What’s your favorite book?

“THE COLOR MONSTER BOOK!”

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

“Pomegranate Fruit Bars by Outshine®.”

Looking forward to anything this summer?

“Visiting my grandparents in Kearney.”

Where would you go on a road trip and who would you take with you?

“To Charlotte, NC with my friend Melody.”

What’s your favorite thing to do outside?

“Ride my bike and play with my friends in the neighborhood.”

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

“Super Sonic Speed because I love Sonic the Hedgehog.”

Meet Henry

What’s your favorite book?

“Wings of Fire Series by Tui T Sutherland.”

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

“Chocolate.”

Looking forward to anything this summer?

“Going tubing on Capitol Beach Lake in Lincoln with our neighbors!”

Where would you go on a road trip and who would you take with you?

“I’d go to LEGOLAND and I’d take Clay, Zoe, Jack, Collins, my mom, my dad, Ruby, and Grace.”

What’s your favorite thing to do outside?

“Look for the ice cream truck.”

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

“Teleportation!”

Meet Lydia

What’s your favorite book?

“This is hard to answer!

Right now I’m reading some Baby-Sitters Little Sister books, and I like them.”

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

“Vanilla, but I really like to mix in OREOs® or add sprinkles.”

Looking forward to anything this summer?

“I am really excited to go swimming, play outside, and go camping.”

Where would you go on a road trip and who would you take with you?

“I’d take my family, and we’d ride in a camper to the Grand Canyon. I’ve seen pictures, and it sounds super cool and like nothing I’ve ever seen before!”

What’s your favorite thing to do outside?

“Play on the monkey bars. I have lots of things I like to do outside. It was hard to pick just one!”

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

“Be able to climb walls and stick on the ceiling.”

Meet Hamish

What’s your favorite book?

“My Dad got me, Little Guides to Great Lives: Nelson Mandela. I’ve been reading about what he went through which was so hard. My mom is from South Africa, too.”

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

“I like the Mint Chocolate Chip flavor by Yasso® and 402 Creamery mint with dark chocolate.”

Looking forward to anything this summer?

“The Dylan Raiola football camp because he and Emmett Johnson are my favorite college football players.”

Where would you go on a road trip and who would you take with you?

“I want to go to New York City and I want to take my little brother and my mom and dad.”

What’s your favorite thing to do outside?

“Practice football with my dad.”

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

“The power to be fast and strong in any sport.”

Meet Iris

What’s your favorite book?

“Allergic. It is about a girl named Margaret who really wants a puppy but is allergic to dogs.”

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

Meet Jagger

What’s your favorite book?

“I can only choose one? Ok, the Percy Jackson series.”

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

“Vanilla bean.”

Looking forward to anything this summer?

“Going to two sleep-away camps.”

Where would you go on a road trip and who would you take with you?

“Colorado to go skiing. I’d take my mom and dad... and I guess I’d let my brothers come.”

What’s your favorite thing to do outside?

“Play four square and pickleball.”

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

“Shoot money out my belly button whenever I wanted it.”

“I really like strawberry OR cookie dough. It’s hard to choose just one!”

Looking forward to anything this summer?

“I will be going to Wisconsin for a dance competition. Also, I’m looking forward to swimming with my grandma at the pool!”

Where would you go on a road trip and who would you take with you?

“Walt Disney World®! I would take Ariana Grande!”

What’s your favorite thing to do outside?

“I love to go on walks with my family and ride my scooter to the park.“

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

“Mind control, so I could get whatever I wanted for a day!”

Meet Bobby

What’s your favorite book?

“Invisible: A Graphic Novel by Christina Diaz Gonzalez & Gabriela Epstein.”

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

“Strawberry.”

Looking forward to anything this summer?

“Playing basketball.”

Where would you go on a road trip and who would you take with you?

“I would go to Tokyo, Japan. I would want my mom to go with me.”

What’s your favorite thing to do outside?

“Ride my bike.”

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

“To fly!!”

The café fosters an understanding community of parents who “get it” and know what it’s like to juggle responsibilities and care for young children. If a child has a meltdown, it’s not seen as a problem; instead, other parents step in to offer support and a helping hand.

A Safe Space for Kids

Safety is a top priority at Little Beans Play Café. Every visitor must sign a waiver, and the play area is equipped with padded floors, corner protectors on tables, and plenty of parental supervision to ensure that children can explore freely without risk of injury.

To maintain a clean environment, the café sanitizes the play area after every two hour session and has a special “Tasted Toys” bin for toys that need deep cleaning after being placed in children’s mouths. Hand sanitizing and extra hand washing are encouraged, giving parents peace of mind.

Activities and Events for Kids

“Engaging” is possibly the best way to describe the café’s environment. With a monthly schedule that’s full of crafts, activities, and events, Jesus and Llana keep things fresh and exciting. By limiting open play sessions to just 25 guests, Little Beans Play Café creates a calm environment where kids can explore without feeling overstimulated. Plus, you can check the live attendance counter online when booking a time to ensure there’s a spot available for you and your little ones.

For those looking to celebrate special occasions, Little Beans Play Café offers private facility rentals on Saturday afternoons and Sundays by request. Parents can bring their own food–a great option for those with dietary restrictions. The rental package includes everything needed for a fun and stress-free party, from high chairs, to cutlery and napkins. The café stays open during these events for those last-minute needs.

They also offer fun character (Bluey, Bingo, Olaf, Grinch, Dino, and more) events!

Supporting Local Businesses and Building Community Connections

One of the driving forces behind Little Beans Play Café is the owners’ commitment to supporting local businesses.

Their community support is evident in how they feature neighborhood vendors, including a mom who creates custom playdough kits. The owners also take an active role in local events, such as Babe Lincoln, an expo for new parents and growing families. They also locally source their coffee from Ahroma Specialty Coffee.

Finding Center

Balancing business and parenthood is a challenge, but Jesus and Llana make it work by involving their whole family in the process! Daughters Evelyn and Lucia are the “official product testers,” trying out new toys and equipment before they’re introduced to the public. The kids often play in the café while Jesus and Llana handle behind-the-scenes tasks, making the business a true family affair.

Visit LittleBeansPlay.com to reserve your two-hour open play session with full café access. If Little Beans Play Café becomes your family’s go-to spot, the café also offers convenient monthly and yearly membership options. Little Beans Play Café is excited to grow and become a beloved spot for families in Lincoln to play, learn, and connect.

5310 S. 56th Street, Suite 4

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM-3:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM-12:30 PM

Sunday: Closed

Lincoln Animal Ambassadors

Make a Difference in Our Community This Summer!

Summer break is the perfect time to try something new and make a difference! Volunteering is a great way to do this.

If you’re looking for some ways to give back this summer, here are a few opportunities to do so. Have a fun, meaningful summer while spending your free time helping others!

Food Bank of Lincoln

No one in our community should ever have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. Help families in need by sorting food or volunteer during events at the Food Bank of Lincoln. Work with others who want to make a difference! Make sure to wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

lincolnfoodbank.org

We Can Do This

We Can Do This provides free meals for kids in the community at the F Street Community Center. Volunteers can help with preparing, serving, and cleaning up meals, making sure every child has something to eat. It’s a great way to give back and meet other kind-hearted people!

wecandothislincoln.org

Prevent pet homelessness by helping pet owners take care of their furry friends! Lincoln Animal Ambassadors has programs like spay/neuter vouchers and pet food banks. By volunteering, you can help keep animals in their loving homes, right where they belong! Volunteers younger than 16 can join with an adult.

lincolnanimalambassadors.org

Lincoln

Parks and Recreation

Enjoy spending time outdoors? Lincoln Parks and Recreation offers plenty of opportunities to volunteer! From cleaning up parks and trails to coaching youth sports, you can make a big difference. You’ll have a great time making friends with other volunteers along the way as you help with events like park cleanups and nature projects!

lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation

Don’t forget, you can always check with local schools or nonprofits for volunteer opportunities. Whether it’s helping at events, cleaning up neighborhoods, or organizing activities, there are plenty of ways to give back. Volunteering is a fun way to build new skills, make friends, and feel proud while making a positive impact.

Ready to start? Explore these programs and find one that excites you!

Summer Reading: Your Ticket to Adventure!

Whether it’s wild adventures, laugh-out-loud moments, or intriguing mysteries, these books promise to transport you to new realms and keep you hooked from start to finish. Grab a cool drink, find a sunny spot, and let your imagination take flight this summer.

2nd - 3rd Grade

Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne

Travel through time with Jack and Annie as they explore a world filled with real dinosaurs and amazing adventures! This is the first book in Mary Pope Osborne’s beloved Magic Tree House series.

Could You? Would You? by Trudy White

This playful book challenges your thinking with clever questions and fun tasks designed to tickle your brain. It’s a great way to spark creativity.

Cat Kid Comic Club by Dav Pilkey

Bursting with silly antics and playful doodles, each page is a wild ride of unexpected jokes and creative adventures that will leave you grinning and inspired to draw up your own funny stories.

3rd - 4th Grade

The Bookwanderers by Anna James

Young Tilly discovers she can wander inside her favorite stories and meet beloved characters like Anne of Green Gables and Alice from Wonderland But when a mysterious danger threatens both the real world and the book world, Tilly must use her newfound abilities to save the stories she loves.

Los Monstruos: Felice and the Wailing Woman by Diana López

Felice discovers that friendly, quirky monsters in the town of Tres Leches have secrets to share and mysteries waiting to be solved. The monsters are full of surprises in this adventure, highlighting Mexican folklore.

5th - 6th Grade

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Percy is swept into a whirlwind of brave battles with Greek gods, epic quests, and mischievous monsters. The thrilling journey kicks off the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.

The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel by Sheela Chari

With unexpected twists at every turn, Mars’ disappearance leads you on a heart-pounding adventure where solving the puzzle is just as exciting as discovering the truth.

Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley

When his grandfather shares the wonderful secret of the Circus Mirandus, Micah’s life is forever changed. Weaving together history and heart, the circus reveals enchanting secrets and breathtaking performances that invite Micah—and you—to believe in the power of magic.

Did you read one or all of these books? Write what you liked and disliked, who your favorite characters were, and other thoughts you had about the books down below.

Summer Bucket List

When you’re looking for something to do this summer, cross a fun activity off this bucket list.

Have a watermelon seed-spitting contest

Run through the sprinklers

Visit a butterfly garden or catch fireflies

Go on a family picnic by the lake

Paint rocks and hide them around the neighborhood

Camp in the backyard and stargaze

Dress up as superheroes for a day

Make a rainbow with sidewalk chalk

Host an outdoor movie night with blankets and popcorn

Pick wildflowers Build a sandcastle (even in a sandbox!)

Start a summer book challenge with a friend (summer reading list on page 12)

Learn a new outdoor game

Go on a nature scavenger hunt

Set up a lemonade stand

Make flower crowns or nature bracelets

Host a stuffed animal tea party or picnic

Put on a family talent show Visit a

Crossword on the Coast

DOWN:

1. Marine animal with ﬁve points.

3. Headwear for sun protection.

4. Eyewear to shield your eyes from sunlight.

6. Green marine plant that grows in the ocean,

ACROSS:

2. Large, absorbent cloth used for drying o after a swim or lounging on the beach.

5. Clothing worn for swimming.

7. Tool for digging in the sand. often found along shorelines, similar to kelp.

8. Casual beach footwear.

9. Hard outer covering of marine creatures, the beach. often found on beaches.

11. A coastal creature with pincers and a hard shell.

12. Fine particles that cover beaches.

10. A sculpture made of sand, often on

13. Lotion for protecting skin from the sun.

14. A white and gray bird commonly found near the ocean.

Summer Safety with

Summer is here, and it’s time for sunny adventures, pool days, and bike rides on Lincoln’s trails. Before you head outside, here are a few simple safety tips to help you and your family stay safe all summer long.

Helmet Safety

• Always wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard. Even short rides near home can lead to accidents, so helmets should be worn every time.

• Make sure the helmet fits snugly—not too tight, not too loose. You should be able to fit two fingers between the strap and your chin.

Look for helmets that meet Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standards.

• Let kids choose their own helmet colors or decorate with stickers to make it their own.

Swimming Safety

• Never swim alone—always have an adult watching.

• Supervising adults should avoid distractions like texting or reading.

Learn how to swim, and stay away from pool drains and suction outlets.

• Make sure backyard pools have fences on all four sides that are at least four-feet tall.

• Use self-closing gates and consider pool alarms for extra safety.

Adults should learn CPR and keep a phone nearby in case of emergencies.

Sun Safety

• Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) 15 to 30 minutes before going outside.

Choose broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.

• Reapply every two hours, or after swimming and drying off.

• Try to stay in the shade during peak sun hours: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Wear clothing, hats, and sunglasses with UV protection.

Bluestem Health wants you and your family to stay safe and healthy this summer. Our board-certified pediatricians, Erica Peterson, MD, MPH, and Humaira Qasimyar, MD, serve the Lincoln community—caring for families through every season. Whether it’s bike rides, pool days, or outdoor adventures, summer is a great time to stay active—but also a time to stay safe with the right care and guidance.

We know how important it is to have a trusted family doctor or pediatrician. Finding the right provider can feel overwhelming, but Bluestem Health is here to help. Our Lincoln clinics offer integrated care for the whole family—so you can get the support you need, all in one place.

Learn more at bluestemlincoln.com.

Dr. Peterson Dr. Qasimyar

Directors Training

By invitation only

May 27 - 30

First Year: $250

Returning: $100

T-F 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

The Voice Studio (5820 M St, Lincoln)

SUMMER

Classes

Planting A Rainbow

June 16 - 20

Ages 3 - 6; $175

M-F 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Family Share: Fri, June 20 11:00 AM

Bethany Park (66th & Vine, Lincoln)

Workshops 2025

Broadway Out West

June 2 - 6

Ages 7 - 15; $75

M-F 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Family Share: Fri, June 6, 11 AM and 2 PM

Friend Historical Society (Friend, NE)

Beetlejuice Jr.

June 16 - 20; June 23 - 28

Ages 7 - 15; $475

M-F 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Performances:

Fri, June 27, 2 PM & 7 PM Sat, June 28, 2 PM & 7 PM NCP (Hickman, NE)

World Music

June 16 - 20

Ages 6 - 12; $185

M-F 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Family Share: Fri, June 20 2:30 PM

Bethany Park (66th & Vine, Lincoln)

Fairy Tale Forest

June 9 - 13

Ages 6 - 12; $350 M-F 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Family Share: Fri, June 13, 2:30 PM

Bethany Park (66th & Vine, Lincoln)

Shows

Jungle Book Kids

July 7 - 11

Ages 6 - 12; $360

M-F 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Performances: Sat, July 12, 11 AM Screamers (Lincoln, NE)

Mean Girls Jr.

July 14 - 18; July 21 - 26

Ages 7 - 15; $475

M-F 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Performances: Fri, July 25, 11AM & 2 PM Sat, July 26 11 AM & 2 PM Screamers (Lincoln, NE) For more information, visit TAFK.ORG

Step Into the Real World: The Bay’s Gap Year Program

Redefines Learning

BY KATE SULLIVAN

For many of us in The Bay’s Gap Year program, the traditional college path just didn’t feel like the right fit. Large classrooms, limited personal interaction, and a lack of hands-on experience in our chosen field left us feeling disconnected. My classmate, Noah, explained it perfectly: “One of my worries that stopped me from going to college was being unable to pay off student debt, combined with the struggle to succeed academically in a large classroom setting.”

Noah’s words resonated with me because I shared similar fears and frustrations. Traditional education wasn’t aligning with my learning style or aspirations, but The Bay’s Gap Year program offered a different approach. It gave me a practical alternative to building real-world skills while also exploring my passions.

A History of Creative Education

Founded by Mike Smith and Andrew Norman in 2010, The Bay is dedicated to empowering young individuals through creative and educational programs. As a dynamic community hub, this nonprofit offers unique spaces, including an indoor skatepark, a music venue, and a digital art lab. It’s all part of The Bay’s mission to reshape education, the workforce, and society to be more inclusive, creative, and vibrant. Moreover, The Bay connects with local youth and prepares them for what’s possible by igniting their passions and connecting them to real-world opportunities.

Design Your Life in Five Phases

The Gap Year program is made up of five phases: Explore, Plan, Learning Modules, Capstone/Mentorship, and Internship. Throughout the five phases, students receive one-on-one mentorship. “One of the most valuable parts of Gap Year is the personal mentorship students receive throughout the program,” said Kayla Meyer, Workforce Education Program Manager. “Our team is deeply committed to guiding each student as they navigate their career and life choices— because we know firsthand how impactful it would have been to have a mentor at that age. We want every student to feel seen, supported, and confident in taking their next steps.”

Design thinking principles are used to help students map out a meaningful and adaptable five-year plan. I found that, just like designing a product, designing your life requires creativity, iteration, and a willingness to explore different possibilities. Through mentorship, guided exercises, and self-reflection, I learned how to set intentional goals, embrace curiosity, and create a flexible roadmap that aligned with my values. Instead of feeling stuck or overwhelmed by the future, I was able to gain the confidence and tools to design an exciting and fulfilling life.

The Fashion Pathway

I began my Gap Year journey in 2023, after dropping out of college, unsure of where to go next. I had the amazing opportunity in the Fashion Program to spend my class time at Innovation Studios, a community-oriented makerspace. Access to this space showed me new, innovative fields that existed within fashion, such as 3D modeling and printing. I am currently in my second year, and I chose to pursue dual pathways in fashion and photography.

Chill Out This Summer

Making your own popsicles is super fun and easy to do! Try different fruits, mix flavors, and create your own summertime treats. The best part? You get to eat them when you’re done!

What You’ll Need:

Popsicle molds with sticks

A blender for the fruity pops

A mixing bowl & spoon for the creamy pops

A freezer

Berry Lemonade Popsicles

Ingredients:

1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced

½ cup blueberries

1 cup fresh lemonade

1 Tbsp honey (optional)

Instructions:

Blend strawberries and lemonade together until smooth.

Add honey if you want extra sweetness.

Drop a few whole blueberries into each popsicle mold.

Pour the lemonade mixture over the blueberries and insert sticks.

Freeze for at least 4-6 hours before enjoying!

Mango Popsicles

Ingredients:

1 ripe mango, peeled and diced

¾ cup coconut water

½ cup pineapple chunks

1 Tbsp lime juice

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients until smooth.

Pour into popsicle molds and insert sticks.

Freeze for 4-6 hours and enjoy!

Cookies & Cream Popsicles

Ingredients:

1 cup whole milk (or oat/almond milk for dairy-free)

½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)

1 Tbsp powdered sugar

6-8 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed

Instructions:

In a bowl, whisk together milk, cream, and sugar until combined.

Stir in crushed cookies, reserving a little for the bottom of the molds.

Spoon some cookie crumbs into each popsicle mold, then pour in the liquid mixture.

Insert sticks and freeze for at least 6 hours

Pro tip: Run the mold under warm water for a few seconds to release the popsicles easily!

Morrill Hall camps are hands-on, minds-on experiences exploring natural history and science. Camps run June to early August. Topics include fossils, insects, water, exhibit creation, art in science, anthropology, astronomy and more. A full list of camps and registration information is available online. museum.unl.edu/camps

Ready to “drive” into summer fun? Each spot on this map is less than two hours from Lincoln— whether you’re splashing at Pawnee Plunge, spotting bison at Wildlife Safari Park, or playing I Spy in the car, adventure is just down the road!

About 1 hour & 15 minutes

Pawnee Plunge Waterpark

About 30 minutes

Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari

16406 North 292nd Street Ashland, NE

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

28500 W Park Highway Ashland, NE

Schramm Park State Recreation Area

21502 West Highway 31 Gretna, NE

About 28 minutes

About 1 hour & 37 minutes

Indian Cave State Park

65296 720 Road Shubert, NE

About 28 minutes

Arnold Heights, 4000 N.W. 46th St.

Ballard, 3901 N. 66th St.

Belmont, 12th and Mana St.

Eden, 4400 Antelope Creek Rd.

Irvingdale, 1900 Van Dorn St.

Woods, 33rd and "J” St.

Highlands Aquatic Center, 5511 N.W. 12th St.

University Place Aquatic Center, 2000 N. 48th St.

Star City Shores, 4375 S. 33rd Ct.

Reelin’ in Memories

For 12-year-old Madi Cheney, summer means hitting the water in Canada with her dad, uncle, and cousin. With fishing poles in hand and plenty of licorice for the boat ride, she’s spent the past two summers making memories on the lake!

Q: How old are you, and how long have you been going on these trips?

A: “I am currently 12 years old. My first trip to Canada fishing was when I was 10 years old! I went two times and hope to again.”

Q: Tell us about your fishing trips. What do you love most about these trips with your dad?

A: “I go to Flin Flon in Manitoba, Canada, with my dad and my Uncle Josh and cousin Brooklyn. We drive there for around 20 hours because we pull our boat. We stay at a cabin called Bakers Narrows, and we fish on Athapapuskow Lake. The thing I love the most about the trip is spending time with my dad, cousin, and family! My Uncle Josh’s cousin and aunt and uncle are also there fishing in another boat when we are there.”

Q: Are there any special things you always pack or bring with you on the trip?

A: “We bring warm clothes because it can be cold out on the water. We also bring rain gear because it often rains. We also get new fishing lures or any new fishing supplies. We usually get a lot of stuff at Scheels. We wear special life jackets that inflate if you happen to fall in the water, which I haven’t fallen in, or you can pull a string to inflate them. They are more comfortable than a regular life jacket. I have a specific fishing pole just for fishing in Canada. One of my favorite things to take with us is licorice because we eat a lot of it on the boat!”

Q: What’s your favorite part of the fishing adventure?

A: “My favorite part is seeing the different types of fish that we catch! The lake we fish on is huge, so you have to use navigation or you can get lost. My favorite spot was at Pickerel Bay! The most exciting part was reeling in the big fish and holding them afterward.”

Q: What’s the biggest fish you’ve ever caught in Canada?

A: “The biggest fish I caught was a 38-inch northern pike. The northern pike have a long snout, and they are slimy and skinny! They are slimy because it’s a protection mechanism. There are regulations on what size of fish you can keep and how many fish you can keep.”

Q: What do you enjoy most about spending this time with your dad? Can you share a favorite memory from one of your trips?

A: “I love that I get to spend time with just my dad. We are a lot alike. One of my favorite memories was when we were out fishing, dad kept telling me I had a fish on my line, I didn’t believe him! He finally made me reel in my line, and sure enough, I had a small little fish that was bobbing on my line.”

Q: What’s one thing you’ve learned from these fishing trips that you think everyone should know about fishing?

A: “You have to be patient, don’t go out thinking, ‘I’m going to catch a bunch of fish.’ You definitely have to be very patient.”

Q: What advice would you give to kids who want to try fishing for the first time? How can they make the most out of a fishing trip?

A: “My advice would be to just enjoy the outdoors and if you are lucky, you might actually catch a fish. If you don’t catch one right away, this doesn’t mean that you won’t. You have to keep trying.”

Q: Share a fun fact about your trip.

A: “We saw a baby bear and mama bear in the wild. We saw a moose. One time we did hit a rock in the water and had to fix the boat. Safety is important when out on the boat since it is such a large lake. The lake is approximately 15 miles long.”

Summer in Bloom!

It’s summer in Lincoln, which means these four native plants are in full bloom. Color this sheet and see if you can spot any of these plants around town!

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a prairie grass that has cool blue-green leaves. It’s super tough and loves hot, sunny weather. In the summer, its fluffy seed heads dance in the wind. Birds love to snack on the seeds.

Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) is a tall, sunny plant that blooms in late summer with bright yellow flowers. It’s super hardy and can handle Nebraska’s hot, dry weather.

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is also called bee balm—and bees really do love it! It has purple-pink blooms that look like wild hairdos. Its leaves smell minty, and you can even use them to make herbal tea.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) has purple-pink petals and a spiky orange center. It looks like it’s wearing a colorful party hat! It blooms all summer long and is a favorite hangout for bees and butterflies.