MetroFamily Magazine October 2013

OKC Family Fun OCTOBER 2013

ULTIMATE FALL FUN ADVENTURES The can’t miss art museum that Walmart made free HOW YOUR KITCHEN CAN BE THE BEST RELATIONSHIP BUILDER WITH YOUR KIDS DIY costumes – EASY ideas from the experts THE BEST TRICK OR TREATING FUN

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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2013

Volume 16, Number 10

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EDITORIAL

Sarah Taylor - Publisher Brooke Barnett - Editor/Social Media Sara Riester - Assistant Editor/Calendar Nicole Nuccio Calvert, Stephanie Clinton, Steve Davala, Heather Davis, Shannon Fields, Jennifer Geary & Erin Page - Contributing Writers

The art museum that Walmart made free

Visit this colorful art museum offering beautiful spaces, world-class art and unforgettable family experiences.

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

CONTACT THE TEAM AT (405) 601-2081

DESIGN & SALES Kathryne Taylor - Art Director Lisa Kelley - Sales Director Athena Delce, Dana Price - Sales Kathy Alberty - Office/Distribution

Circulation - 35,000 Also available as a digital edition at metrofamilymagazine.com.

Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

MetroFamily Magazine is a monthly magazine published by Inprint Publishing 725 NW 11, Suite 204 • OKC, OK 73103 Office: 405-601-2081 • Fax: 405-445-7509 E-mail: info@metrofamilymagazine.com ©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2013, All Rights Reserved.

20 P. 20 HALLOWEEN FUN IN OKC! Our insider’s look at seven spook-tacular trick-or-treating events that your family won’t want to miss.

PLUS...

DON’T MISS ALL THIS

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51 P. 51 KIDS IN THE KITCHEN Why cooking with your kids can be a great relationship builder—plus six tasty fall recipes to make together.

P. 26 LOCAL SHOPPING Meet the family behind TG Farms and get an exclusive glimpse into this annual pumpkin patch offering up family fun, seasonal decorations, jams, jellies & more.

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Top 10 fall getaway ideas

11

Build your own catapult

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Mom humor: Don’t mess with the corn maze

18

Make your own handmade leaf prints

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Find the best retail shopping, birthday party venues and more in our specialty ad guides

Welcome FROM OUR EDITOR

MetroFamily recently took a big leap of faith and decided to change our perspective on how— and why—we do what we do.

W

hen I was younger, I remember seeing a quote that said “Always remember that the future comes one day at a time.”

At the time, I thought, “Well, duh!” But lately, that saying has never rang more true.

Earlier this year, the staff of MetroFamily decided to shake things up, move things around and re-focus our efforts to be the very best resource possible for Oklahoma City-area parents. It meant shedding our former look and embracing a fun and modern new version of MetroFamily. It is truly a metamorphosis—and the first step in an exciting new vision for MetroFamily’s future.

“We decided to shake things up, move things around and re-focus our efforts to be the very best resource possible…”

What you hold in your hands today is the result of countless meetings, phone calls, emails and brainstorming sessions (and more coffee and chocolate than we will admit to consuming!), but our staff has never been more excited. We see a vision for our future—becoming the one-stop, go-to resource for metro area parents—and we are working every day to make that vision a reality.

Making your own Halloween costumes can be a creative learning experience for your family. Find fun ideas that you can easily make here.

ENTER TODAY TO WIN at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ contests.

• 6 months of unlmited yoga for you and a friend at Edmond’s You Power Yoga (Deadline: October 31) • Celebrity Attraction’s White Christmas ticket giveaway (Deadline: October 29) • OKC Philharmonic’s Discovery Family Concert “Phil…Phone Home!” ticket giveaway (Deadline: October 18) • OKC Philharmonic’s The Christmas Show Ticket Giveaway [October 15–November 15]

Inside this issue you will find the very best in fall fun in Oklahoma City— everything you need to make this an unforgettable time for your family. Writer Erin Page shares the inside scoop on seven “don’t miss” trick-or-treating events on p. 20., and columnist Jen Geary takes you on a trip to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art on p. 12.

We share ideas for making your own Halloween costumes (p. 8), fun things that you can hand out this Halloween to cut back on candy consumption (p. 10) and our October calendar (p. 30) is packed full of fun events to enjoy with your family.

As we begin this new chapter, please let us know what you think. Email me at editor@ metrofamilymagazine.com, visit us at www.facebook.com/ MetroFamily or tweet us at @MetroFamily. We look forward to being an important part of your family’s future—one day at a time.

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P. 48 REAL MOM OF THE METRO From rocking on the road to finding the rhythm of motherhood, meet Oklahoma City violinist and mother of four, Sarah Grote.

WIN A $900 HOLIDAY GETAWAY TO THE GAYLORD TEXAN RESORT IN GRAPEVINE, TEXAS!

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P.10 NON-CANDY OPTIONS Looking for healthier Halloween handouts? These tasty treats and ghostly goodies can help you make candy a thing of the past!

This getaway includes two-night accommodations for up to four people, plus the complete Christmassy Dreamworks Experience—including admission to ICE!, Dreamworks character meet-and-greets and more. To be eligible to win, complete a minimum of 35 categories in our 2014 Family Favorites Nomination ballot. Our annual Family Favorites awards program is your chance to honor your favorite local family-friendly businesses, so share your thoughts for a chance to win!

Best,

Brooke

WIN A

$900

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E T D R WAY A GAYLO T E G Y HOLIDA at:

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ilym etrofam www.m

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P. 8 DIY HALLOWEEN COSTUMES

Enter our contests to win big!

P. 7

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CLASSROOM PARTIES

Planning an awesome classroom holiday party can be easy! Here are ideas for fun party food, decorations and more that just might make your Pinterest boards jealous.

THIS MONTH’S COVER

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Cover photo

by Steffanie Halley, www.steffaniehalley.com.

About our cover: 13-month-old toddler and “cowboy” for Halloween, Xander Reynolds was named a Cover Kid in the 2013 Cover Kids contest. Parents are Dustin and Stephanie Reynolds of Edmond. Look for more information to come soon about our next Cover Kids Search!

family buzz

It’s all about family fun!

RESOURCES TO ADD TOYOUR FUN QUOTIENT THIS MONTH 6

// METROFAMILY MAGAZINE / OKC FAMILY FUN / OCTOBER 2013//

This month, we’re buzzing about all things Halloween!

Find everything from classroom parties to costumes to cutting down on candy.

BY STEPHANIE CLINTON - CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Putting Pinterest to shame: simple, cute and fun ideas for classroom party fun

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hen it comes to classroom parties, homeroom parents can often feel the pressure to perform.

Thanks to the plethora of ideas readily available on Pinterest, the pressure to provide over-the-top themes, decorations, and recipes can get a little overwhelming. And with class party season is upon us—Halloween, fall festivals, Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays—it’s enough to set the “Pin it” button on fire.

If you are questioning whether the kids in your child’s class will even notice the super cute printables, banners with fun fonts and one of a kind crafts, you are not alone. But, what is a mom to do when the crafter deep inside us wants the fun themes and unique decorations that go with it?

There may be a way to satisfy that inner Martha Stewart, give the kids what they enjoy and not break the bank in the process.

DIY, REUSEABLE DECORATIONS Banners, chalkboards and chalkboard paint are really popular right now. Using a chalkboard to decorate for class parties is a fun way to use this popular item, and it can be reused for party after party.As an added bonus, many home improvement stores provide plywood already painted with chalkboard paint on their lumber aisle for around $10. Use it to create a fun sign, serve goodies on it or even use it to play games. During the holidays, draw a snowman

“When it comes to class parties, remember that simple can be just as cute—and give you more time to enjoy the celebration.”

and play pin the nose on Frosty.

The possibilities are endless—and, at the end of the party, a quick erase and it is ready to go for the next party.

QUICK AND EASY THEMED BANNERS When it comes to cute banners you don’t need a fancy cutting machine.Visit your local craft store and select a few sheets of fun paper in the scrapbooking aisle.You can purchase the paper by the sheet for pocket change, making it easy to coordinate with the holiday or party theme For added flexibility, mix in with coordinating primary colors or school colors.Then, simply cut out triangle shapes of your desired size. Use clothes pins to attach them to a ribbon and you have an instant, adorably-cute banner.Want even less work for yourself? Cut out a triangle from card stock then set the kids to work cutting out the number you need for the banner.

Have younger children trace the shape on the wrong side of the paper and let older kiddos cut them out.

FUN FOOD When it comes to the perfect food to serve at your class shindig, stick with what you know. Don’t try a complicated recipe on kids who probably won’t appreciate all the hard work and how late you stayed up the night before preparing a masterpiece. Simply rename kid-friendly food to fit within your party theme.While they may have just been green grapes on October 30th, they turn into “Monster Eyeballs” on October 31st. Fresh figs become “Heart of Rat” and you can make “Friendly Ghosts” by dipping Nutter Butter cookies in melted white chocolate and use mini-chocolate chips for eyes.” How easy was that?

The most important lesson for us overachieving moms? When it comes to class parties, remember that simple can be just as cute—and give you more time to enjoy the celebration.

family buzz

BY BROOKE BARNETT - METROFAMILY EDITOR

DIY halloween costumes: The hottest ideas from industry experts

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our child is one-of-a-kind, so why shouldn’t their Halloween costume be? If your child doesn’t want to be the fifth Disney Princess or tenth superhero to come along on Halloween night, it’s time to break out the hot glue gun and create a DIY Halloween costume just for them.

THE BENEFITS OF DIY Kate Horvat, a Halloween costume, makeup and décor expert with HalloweenCostumes. com says that creating DIY costumes not only encourages creativity, but also gives you an opportunity to customize just the right costume for your child’s specific interest and size.“Even altering a hand-me-down or readymade costume gives you a chance to create something as unique as your child,” she explains.

“One of the benefits of making your own costume is saving money,” says Carly Fauth, Head of Marketing at MoneyCrashers.com, a personal finance blog.“If you make it out of items you already have from around the house, you won’t have to spend a dime.You can also make it fit perfectly, making it more comfortable for your child to wear on Halloween night.”

Larry Kirchner is the owner of Hauntworld. com, a site that ranks the nation’s best haunted houses and attractions, including the elaborate costumes used in these attractions each season.

Larry says that creating a costume at home can give parents and children alike a great sense of pleasure and pride.“Taking materials right out of your own closet and turning them into something memorable is fun,” Larry explains.“There is nothing like it!”

TAKING THE FEAR OUT OF MAKING YOUR OWN

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// METROFAMILY MAGAZINE / OKC FAMILY FUN / OCTOBER 2013//

If you fear the a mount of work it will take to create your own costume, or worry that the end result will be inferior to a purchased costume, Larry says you are not alone.“Remember that you can be so much more creative when you make your own costume, and the result is almost always more unique and better quality than what you’d find in the store,” he explains.

Pony graphic. And if you want to really get crafty you could print Rainbow Dash’s cutie mark onto transfer paper and create a personalized iron-on for the top!

- Turquoise pants or tights - Handmade or readymade rainbow tutu and leg warmers - Handmade or readymade wings (because she is a Pegasus pony) - Optional, to really pull it all together, consider a rainbow wig!

DO-IT-YOURSELF DUCK DYNASTY “Duck Dynasty has made huge waves in reality TV,” Kate explains.“This year, everyone “Taking materials from men to women and even kids will be sporting shaggy right out of your Kate understands that many beards and camouflage.” Fan own closet and parents shudder at the idea of favorite, Uncle Si is a really easy making their own costumes. and fast costume to make at turning them “Often thoughts of glue guns, home. Just grab these supplies:

into something expensive materials and hours - Camouflage top, bottom spent sewing come to mind. memorable is fun... and hat But that isn’t necessarily Pair of fake glasses, or there’s nothing so,” she encourages.“A DIY remove the lens from some costume can be created with like it!” old sunglasses items that you already own, Toy Rifle LARRY KIRCHNER grab off a thrift store rack and - Stuffed duck dog toys HAUNTWORLD.COM find readymade. It’s really about - Readymade beard and blue inspiration and combining items plastic cup. to create a costume that is one - Optional: Use some black of a kind, representative of your child.” Ready to makeup under the eyes get cracking? Here are two DIY costume ideas

sure to make a splash this Halloween.

Whether you choose to tackle one of these

projects or opt create your own design, Larry MAKE-YOUR-OWN MY LITTLE reminds you that the overarching benefits of PONY creating with your child last far beyond “My Little Ponies is one of the trick-or-treating.“Many parents work hottest kids show on television on various projects with their kids, today,” Kate says.“Any little girl such as painting, pottery or science who wants to be the leader fair projects,” he explains.“Making a of the pack will want to don costume could be as much fun and a Rainbow Dash costume. more, because it actually teaches She’s fast, brave, loyal and practical skills that can be used all rainbowed!” A few items to throughout life such as sewing, crafting create this look are: and, not to mention, ingenuity.”

- Turquoise shirt Find two more great DIY ideas or sweatshirt for at www.metrofamilymagazine. colder climates; com/costumes. plain or with a My Little

family buzz

BY SARA RIESTER - METROFAMILY ASSISTANT EDITOR

Don’t Eat It—Sell It! Halloween Candy Buy Back Options in the OKC Metro

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hen all the Halloween parties and trick-or-treating is over, many families find themselves drowning in a sea of sugary sweets. If eating every last piece of candy is on your child’s agenda but preventing tooth decay is on yours, you’ll be pleased to know that there are some kid-friendly alternatives to throwing it away or eating it all yourself.

Several metro-area dental and orthodontic practices offer Halloween Candy Buy Back programs, which provide cash or other incentives in exchange for children’s excess Halloween candy.The candy is often donated to programs that send care packages to troops serving overseas. Kids can choose to keep their favorite pieces of candy and sell the rest back to help bring share some sweetness with others.

Smile Galaxy (9801 S Pennsylvania Ave) offers just such a program. Partnering with the Blue Star Moms organization, children can bring their candy to the office in return for $1 per pound up to a maximum of five pounds.

The donated candy is then used to make care packages that are sent to family members serving in the military overseas.

“It’s not that we don’t want kids to have candy, but they have so much candy after Halloween that they might try to eat it all in a very

short amount of time,” explains Brent Greene of Smile Galaxy. “This way, they can pick their favorite pieces and bring the rest in to our program. It’s a win-win situation.”

If a Halloween Candy Buy Back program sounds like the answer to your sweet surplus this year, check out the following opportunities: SMILE GALAXY HALLOWEEN CANDY BUY BACK PROGRAM Offered November 4th-5th at their office at 9801 S Penn, Oklahoma City. $1 per pound, maximum of five pounds.All candy collected is donated to troops overseas through Blue Star Moms. For more information, call 405-692-1222 or visit www.smilegalaxykids.com.

DR. LORI M. LOVETTE’S HALLOWEEN CANDY BUY BACK Monday, November 4th at her office at 1211 N Shartel Ave, Oklahoma City. $1 per pound, maximum of 10 pounds, plus other free toothbrushes and more. All collected candy will be donated to the troops overseas through Blue Star Moms. For more information, call 5255555 or visit www.drlorilovette.com.

For more Halloween Candy Buy Back options, visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ candy-buy-back.

Top 10 Reader Picks: Best Places for a Fun Fall Getaway

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ooler temperatures, beautiful foliage and seasonal events make fall the perfect time to plan a fun family getaway. We recently polled our readers for their favorite places for a fall getaway.

Here, in random order, are their recommendations: •

Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge (SW Oklahoma, near Lawton)

•

Talimena National Scenic Byway (Ouachita Mountains in SE Oklahoma)

•

Arbuckle Mountains (south-central Oklahoma)

•

Woolaroc (Osage Hills of NE Oklahoma)

•

Beavers Bend State Park (southeast corner of Oklahoma)

•

Robbers Cave State Park (Sans Bois Mountains, SE Oklahoma)

•

Alabaster Caverns State Park (NW Oklahoma near Freedom, Oklahoma)

•

Oklahoma WONDERtorium (308 W Franklin Ln, Stillwater) • Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse & Adventure Quest (200 E Maple Ave, Enid) • Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Arbuckle Mountains in south-central Oklahoma) Thanks to Andee J., Shana H., Barb H., Crystal V., Annie F. , Jessica D., Kaylee R., Stephanie B. and Denise P. for contributing to this list.

Follow us at www.facebook.com/ metrofamily to weigh in on next month’s list. Have a place you’d like to suggest? Comment at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/fall-getaway.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE / OKC FAMILY FUN / OCTOBER 2013 //

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family buzz

BY NICOLE NUCCIO CALVERT - CONTRIBUTING WRITER

When Candy Isn’t Always Dandy….

Ideas for Healthy Halloween Treats

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o you cringe at the sight of candy dropping into your child’s Halloween buckets? Does the mere sight of the gigantic bags of sugary treats on the grocery store candy aisle make you want to run away screaming? This Halloween, fear not! There are lots of fun, healthy and creative alternative treats to hand out to those decked-out darlings who come to your doorstep.

But before you set off on a onewoman crusade to rid the world of sugar, local dietitian Kimberly DavisConiglio, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, and Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics recommends offering both a candy and a non-candy option.

“Let the child and/or parent choose from a bowl of candy or from a bowl of non-candy options,” she explains. “Some children have food allergies or are on a special diet, but they still want to participate in traditional trick-or-treating. These kids would appreciate non-candy options.You may also be surprised to see that some children will pick some fun stickers, crayons, or other party-favor type of option over candy anyway.” Davis-Coniglio says that a little bit of candy consumption can be part of a healthy lifestyle, but that the mountain of candy one gets on Halloween tends to be consumed in excess and in a short amount of time.To prevent kids from eating too much candy, Kimberly suggests that parents place it in a storage container that is out of reach and out of sight. “Offer those treats occasionally,” she notes.

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“Americans have a very all-or-nothing view of nutrition. They either over-indulge, over-restrict or swing between the two.”

Traditional non-candy options that you can use to fill your Halloween bowl include raisins, spider rings, vampire teeth, tattoos, bouncy balls, silly straws, glow sticks, erasers, play dough, bead necklaces, bracelets, and pencils.

These are often available at your local party supply of discount store and can be purchased in bulk to reduce the cost per item. Crafty local mom and preschool teacher Melesa Beckham Dobbins also provides these great “out-of-the-box” ideas:

also a wide variety of free, readyto-print labels online by searching for “DIY Halloween water bottle labels.”

VAMPIRE TOOTHBRUSHES: Tie vampire teeth and a toothbrush together to remind those kiddos to brush after assaulting their teeth with all that sugar! Attach a note with a fun message like “brush your fangs.”

CUTIE JACKO-LANTERNS: Take a permanent marker to a clementine to draw a jack-o-lantern face. Be sure to let the marker dry before handing out this frightfully fun healthy treat.

Another added bonus of these non-traditional Halloween treats?

Your kids can help you decorate, glue, and design, adding one more element of family fun to the season.

Plus, they make great handouts at Halloween parties and classroom celebrations—and there is nothing scary about that!’’

Find more ideas for noncandy options at www. metrofamilymagazine.com/ non-candy.

JUICE BOX MUMMIES: Thirsty trick-or-treaters will love these fun drinks. Detach the straw from the box, wrap the box in white paper and gauze, white tape, or white crepe paper (make sure you leave the straw hole accessible) then make eyes.

Reattach the straw with hot glue.

DECORATED WATER BOTTLES: Bottles of water are a great way to dilute the flood of sugar. Jazz them up with homemade labels, ribbon, crime scene tape, or designer duct tape.These variations can be used on the juice boxes as well.You can

// METROFAMILY MAGAZINE / OKC FAMILY FUN / OCTOBER 2013//

BY STEVE DAVALA - CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Love Punkin’ Chunkin’? How to Build Your Own Catapult

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nvented about 1,500 years ago, catapults were an amazing piece of technology for their time. Originally developed as a siege engine for war, this clever technology was used to bring down the castle walls of your enemy. The basic components of a catapult include a long arm that can be pulled back under tension and then released and launched with great force—making castle walls a thing of the past. Since we rarely need to take down a neighboring castle anymore, we can use the principles of basic catapulting for a more entertaining purpose. Your family can build your own mini-catapult to fling ping pong balls to knock down a target—or scale it up to do your own punkin’ chunkin after Halloween!

MATERIALS: 10 bamboo skewers; 5 marshmallows; a medium sized rubber band; some Dixie cups (one for the catapult, and others for stacking a tower); a ping pong ball (or other small projectile that won’t damage things); masking tape; heavy snips (for cutting the bamboo skewers).

PROCEDURE: Refer to the picture to see where you are heading, or if you are creative, go ahead and try to build one

similar or even your own model! Put three marshmallows in a perfect triangle on a table and connect them by sticking them with three bamboo skewers. This is your base. Take the next three skewers and shorten them by about 1 inch with the snips. Attach these to the base marshmallows pointing towards toward the center and up a bit of an angle. Connect all three of these together by sticking them into one marshmallow.

Put a strip or two of masking tape around this marshmallow, as it will get a lot of stress on it. Take one last skewer and attach it to a Dixie cup.You can poke through its side at the bottom, or attach it by tape. Take this skewer and stick it into one base marshmallow. Wrap a rubber band around the Dixie cup end and over the center marshmallow. Now, add a ping pong ball to the cup, pull back, and bombs away! Set up some empty Dixie cups as a makeshift castle and try to knock it down.

BE SURE TO BE SAFE AS YOU BEGIN CATAPULTING Make sure you don’t aim anything at someone’s face. Or use rocks, as things might get broken (remember the castle walls?).

This is just one example of a simple catapult that you can construct. Can you think of other longer lasting materials to use to make your next catapult? Can you build a larger catapult?

If your family would like to see some punkin chunkin in action, head down to the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation’s Haunt the River event on Saturday, October 19 and 26, from 10:00am—10:00pm and Sunday, October 20 and 27, from 1:005:00pm. Passes for all the attractions are $35 for adults and $25 for youth, and other event attractions include a Kreepy Kayak Zone, Candy Corn Climb, Boo Zone, Zombie Zip, Ghost Bounce, Spooky Sky Trail, Bat Launch and more. In addition, food trucks will be available and a free outdoor movie night will be held on Saturday, October 19. For more information, visit www. oklahomariverevents. org/haunt-the-river.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

exploring beyond oklahoma

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// METROFAMILY MAGAZINE / OKC FAMILY FUN / OCTOBER 2013//

exploring beyond oklahoma

Why Walmart made a world class art museum free AND WHYYOUR FAMILY NEEDS TO GO

BY JENNIFER GEARY - METROFAMILY COLUMNIST

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rystal Bridges Museum is far more than the crown jewel of Bentonville, Arkansas. It’s the art museum Walmart built. The world’s largest retailer has created its own work of art with this new world-class museum. Crystal Bridges began with a great dream and an even greater question. The location in Bentonville is hundreds of miles from the nearest national museum—if they built it, would anyone come? With over 655,000 visitors in their first year, the museum has been a success beyond anyone’s wildest imagination.

What makes it such a find for families and children—beyond the children’s activities and exhibits—is the 120 acres and 3.5 miles of trails in the vast Ozark landscape. It’s an experience so rich that Alice Walton, daughter of Sam Walton, agreed to provide a grant to cover the cost of general admission so that everyone could experience the museum’s grandeur and beauty.

providing all that Crystal Bridges has to offer to all people at no cost.”

While you may not be able to easily or affordably visit the Louvre or the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this breathtaking museum—and its exceptional collection—is just a short drive away and well worth the trip.

A SUPERB COLLECTION

Though visitors come to Crystal Bridges to enjoy the artwork inside, the building itself is unique and beautiful.

Created by architect and urban designer Moshe Safdie, the museum has a glass and copper bridge design centered around two “One of the greatest challenges for ponds, which are fed by a spring on the museum grounds. The result is a striking museums today is finding ways contrast of modern material and pristine nature. to remove barriers to community

The museum has 217,000 square feet of gallery space and is home to a superb DON BACIGALUPI - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR collection of American art, highlighting both masterworks and lesser-known gems, ranging from the colonial era to contemporary work. With a permanent Crystal Bridges opened to the public on collection that encompasses five centuries of American art, guests can November 11, 2011, just a few months after Walmart announced their view works such as Norman Rockwell’s iconic Rosie the Riveter, Warhols, plans to cover general admission fees for all visitors, allowing families of Cassatts, O’Keeffes and many other recognizable pieces. The museum all income levels to experience a world-class museum and making art has also launched a series of changing exhibitions, promising guests a new accessible to all. experience on every visit.

“One of the greatest challenges for museums today is finding ways to The museum is open Mondays, Thursday, Saturdays and Sundays from remove barriers to community participation, including admission charges,” 11:00am-6:00pm, and Wednesdays and Fridays 11:00am-9:00pm. It is said Don Bacigalupi, Crystal Bridges executive director. “Walmart has closed every Tuesday, as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas. shown extraordinary vision and foresight in funding access to the museum,

participation...”

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE / OKC FAMILY FUN / OCTOBER 2013 //

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exploring beyond oklahoma HANDS-ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILIES Crystal Bridges also offers many opportunities for families. Children of all ages can interact with art and even create their own pieces in the Experience Art Studio.

You’ll also find games, toys, computer activities and other art-related items that can be touched, held, moved and used. It is also the perfect opportunity for children to create handmade souvenirs of their visit.

The museum offers many events for kids, teens and families throughout the year. If you have young children (ages 2-5) plan your visit for a Preschool Playdate day.These days include a performance geared toward young children in the Great Hall, followed by activities centered on a specific theme or collection throughout the event.

These special events do draw more visitors but are worth the crowds. Check the events calendar on the website when planning your visit to take advantage of the events that will best suit your family.

If you want to explore on your own but you don’t know where to start, look for the Family Guide brochure or a Family Art Tote in the main lobby.These tools will help you find ways to actively include your children in your visit.

TOUR YOUR WAY Several options are available to take a guided tour of the museum. For those who want to move at their own pace, Crystal Bridges has a free app offering a self-guided audio tour. If you don’t have an Apple device, you can check one out at no cost at Guest Services. These tours vary in length, so you can choose the ones that best fit your schedule.

Free public drop-in tours on a number of topics are held daily. Be sure to check the museum’s website for information as tours vary seasonally. Guided group tours are also available.

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SPECIAL EXHIBITS Along with the vast permanent collection, Crystal Bridges also hosts temporary exhibits throughout the year. Some of these exhibits require paid tickets and often sell out, so it is recommended to purchase these online prior to your visit.

There may be a slight wait for entrance to the special exhibits, so inquire about the availability of children’s guides to share information with your child prior to entering the exhibit.You can view the temporary exhibit schedule on the museum’s website.

FOOD YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE After a few hours at Crystal Bridges you may find yourself in need of something to eat.

The museum restaurant, Eleven, has a menu full of scrumptious goodies to fill you up, appeal to your children and get you ready for the rest of your visit. Lunch is served from 11:00am to 2:30pm daily. The chefs use fresh ingredients from local farmers’ markets vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. If are looking for a quicker snack or meal, the museum’s coffee

// METROFAMILY MAGAZINE / OKC FAMILY FUN / OCTOBER 2013//

bar serves drinks, quick lunch specials, and amazing baked goodies from a local French bakery. Full lunch and dinner menus, as well as information about special dining events, are available on the museum’s website.

TRAILS TO REFRESH THE SPIRIT The grounds at Crystal Bridges are a breathtaking way to refresh your mind and spirit. Crystal Bridges has six different trails that cover more than more than three miles of the museum grounds. Open during daylight hours, these paths wind through the hills and trees and are a relaxing way to spend part of your visit. If you park in the first parking lot as you enter the museum grounds, begin your visit with a short walk on the Orchard Trail. This paved trail is lined with tall trees that offer shade on the hot days of summer and pop with color throughout the fall.

Additional trails vary in length and paving material, but all have artwork along their routes.

A description of each trail is available online to help you decide which ones will best suit your

Other “don’t miss” stops in Bentonville Bentonville is known for being the site of Sam Walton’s first store and is now home to the Walmart Visitors Center Museum, where visitors can come to learn about the history of one of the most wellknown stores in the world.

The Museum of Native American History and the Peel Mansion are both wonderful ways to learn more about the history of northwest Arkansas.

To find more about these and other venues, visit the Bentonville Convention and Visitors Bureau website at bentonvilleusa.org.

needs—there is something for walkers, hikers, becoming one of the nation’s leading cultural institutions. And thanks to Walmart, this bikers, strollers and wheelchairs. priceless opportunity won’t cost a thing.

GETTING TO BENTONVILLE Bentonville is approximately three-andone-half hours from Oklahoma City. Take the Turner Turnpike to Tulsa and then follow I-44 East to US-412 West. Continue on 412 West into Arkansas. (Part of this road will be the Cherokee Turnpike, so be prepared for tolls.) Take I-540 North and look for Exit 88 in Bentonville. Make a left turn onto Central Avenue and follow it as it curves until you reach NE J Street. Make a right onto J and then a left onto Museum Way. If this drive is too long for your family to make without some stops, you will pass through Tulsa, Siloam Springs, and Springdale on the way, so there are plenty of opportunities to get out and stretch your legs.You can also travel west on I-40 until you reach I-540 North just west of Van Buren, Arkansas, but this will add about half an hour to your travel time.

Regardless of how you get there, be sure to visit the Cyrstal Bridges—it is quickly

WANT TO KNOW MORE? ONLINE: www.crystalbridges.org PHONE: 479-418-5700

mom gets the last laugh

ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY BALL, HTTP://EMILYMGBALL.COM.

Don’t mess with the corn maze

BY HEATHER DAVIS - METROFAMILY COLUMNIST

U

pon arriving at the farm out in the middle of nowhere, our daughters picked out their pumpkins—they were the roundest, fattest, orangest (it’s a word) pumpkins in the whole patch. We hauled the fall gourds back to the minivan, and then we stood in front of the cornfield ready for the maze.

16

// METROFAMILY MAGAZINE / OKC FAMILY FUN / OCTOBER 2013//

The crisp air and colorful leaves lulled me into thinking that the corn maze would be a good day-trip for our family.

We can’t even walk through the Friday night buffet without loosing a kid or two; I’m not sure why I thought we could actually make it through a ten-acre corn maze.

I had been through a hay bale maze; it was easy peasy.

I had walked a labyrinth; it couldn’t be that much different. I

had made it through the mega, multi-level mall on Black Friday; I had this corn maze in the bag.

Someone famous once said, “Don’t mess with the corn maze.” But, if no one’s ever said it, let me be the first.“There are seven sign posts throughout the maze,” the admissions officer, um … farmer, um … person told us. “Use your phone to take a picture of all seven and you’ll get a free pumpkin.”

The girls were thrilled at the prospect. I mentally made a note for next year: Do the corn maze before dropping hundreds of dollars on pumpkins at the patch.

Our older daughter, who is a full-fledged tween, had brought along a friend so she’d “have someone to talk to.” They quickly took off by themselves into the corn maze.

“So, here I was, a week from Halloween, by myself in the middle of a corn maze, with no one around who could hear me and a cell phone that was useless for anything but taking pictures.

That was the moment I decided to leave the cornfield before I became the main character in a Stephen King novel.”

Our younger daughter, who has apparently spent way too much time with me driving aimlessly in the minivan, said she was going with someone who could get her out alive. She and my husband took off into the corn maze.

I stood all by myself at the entrance and decided that I could just do the maze by myself. Besides, if my husband and I each took pictures of the sign posts, we’d each get a pumpkin. So, I took one small step into the corn maze and one giant leap for directionallychallenged people everywhere.

I wasn’t too far into the maze when I spotted the first sign. I whipped my phone from my back pocket and snapped a pic.

Proudly, I gave myself a high five. No one else was around. I stood at the double Y—there were four different paths I could take—and

contemplated Robert Frost. Sure, the road less travelled is philosophically a great choice.

However, the well-trodden path will surely lead to more signs.

“One sign down,” I hollered to my family who was somewhere in the cornfield. I heard nothing in return. I kept walking; surely I’d run into them soon enough.

With a lot of winding and curving through stalks that were much taller than I, I finally found sign number two. I snapped my pic and called out, “Sign number two!” and was met with rustling stalks. I snickered at the thought of my family leaving me there in the corn maze by myself. I ventured on.

After a trail that led me into a giant spider web and then into a wheat field (not a part of the corn maze), I found a third sign. I hollered out my find to no one in particular aside from the giant spider, the designer of the giant spider web I had just destroyed. I got nothing in return.

I decided to Instagram the picture thinking the world wide web would cheer me on, but discovered I had no service. So, here I was, a week from Halloween, by myself in the middle of a corn maze, with no one around who could hear me and a cell phone that was useless for anything but taking pictures. That was the moment I decided to leave the cornfield before I became the main character in a Stephen King novel.

I called out to my family. I got silence in return. I power walked down endless trails—I wanted to save my strength in case I got chased. I got nowhere.

I twisted a stalk of corn so I could tell if I’d been down that path already. I passed the twisted stalk four times.

I raised my phone in the air just like the lovely Lady Liberty in New York Harbor and jumped until I was out of breath trying to get a signal. I twisted my ankle on a landing.

Eventually, as the sun was beginning to set (although when my husband tells the story, it had only been thirty-five minutes and was barely 3:00pm), I emerged with only three pictures from the corn confusion and found my family and the extra tween sitting on hay bales, each of them holding a pumpkin.

They begged to go again this year, and I agreed.

But only if they tethered me to one of them.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? ONLINE: www.metrofamilymagazine.com EMAIL: info@metrofamilymagazine.com

Making fall leaf prints

FAMILY ACTIVITIES FOR CREATIVE MINDS

F

all is the perfect time of year for appreciating beautiful foliage—the colors are vibrant and the falling leaves provide a plethora of opportunities for creative art projects. Your children can capture the beauty of autumn leaves in this simple art activity designed to bring the beauty of fall indoors.

Nature printing is a process by which a subject from the natural world (such as a leaf, flower or rock) is inked and rubbed to give a direct impression onto a material of the artist’s choice. Naturalists, explorers and researchers have used nature printing for centuries as a way to produce an image of nature that can be catalogued and preserved. In addition to being

practical, nature printings can also be quite beautiful.

This activity will guide your children through the process of creating a leaf print. For younger children, introduce the project by discussing the change of seasons and why the leaves change colors in the fall. Older children can also explore different types of trees and the shape of their leaves.You can begin the project by exploring different sizes and textures of leaves to determine what will make the best prints.

Once your print is complete, you can frame it for a beautiful, handmade fall decoration. Smaller leaves can be used to create note cards or thank you notes. If you participated in September’s Learning Adventures activity, you can a leaf print to create a oneof-a-kind cover for the type of handmade journal that you created. Find the steps to make your own journal at www.metrofamilymagazine. com/learning-adventures.

ACTIVITY DIRECTIONS 1.

Explore outside and find interesting leaves that are not yet brittle.

2.

Choose which side of your leaf that you will print.You can create your print using either side, but the back usually has more texture and more pronounced veins.

3.

Using a liquid ink or paint (tempera, acrylic, watercolor, etc.), brush or roll your color onto the leaf.

4.

Lay your leaf with the paint side facing up on a flat surface. If you are using more than one leaf in your creation, lay them in your desired arrangement.

5.

Cover the leaf or arrangement with a piece of paper and rub gently with your fist to transfer the image.

6.

Peel off the leaf and let your masterpiece dry.

7.

To experiment further, try wetting your paper before you rub the leaf. What happens to the colors? How does it affect the resulting print?

DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that ancient Japanese fishermen used to make fish rubbings (Gyotaku) to record their catch? Even Benjamin Franklin discovered a clever use for nature printing.

He got the idea to use leaf prints on currency to prevent counterfeiters. Even the best counterfeiters could not duplicate the intimate detail and irregular patterns created by the leaf impressions.

Activity provided by Oklahoma A+ Schools, the state’s only research-based whole school network with a mission of nurturing creativity in every learner. Learn more at www.okaplus.org.

THIS LEARNING ADVENTURE PROJECT IS SPONSORED BY PRIMROSE SCHOOLS. ONLINE: www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ learning-adventures.

EMAIL: info@metrofamilymagazine.com

fall fun guide

PIHOTO CAPTION CAN GO HERE TOGEROMNEQUITRA, ESSIS OPTELIA ILICITI USULLA OMNIUM UTE FUIDI, QUIDEORE NONTEM.

BY ERIN PAGE - CONTRIBUTING WRITER

With your busy schedule and so many events and activities to choose from—how do you know which ones are the right fit for your family? Look right here!

20

// METROFAMILY MAGAZINE / OKC FAMILY FUN / OCTOBER 2013//

W

hether you’ve got tiny tots or picky teenagers (or both!), are seeking daytime fun or evening entertainment, want a little fright or prefer a no-scare zone, our list of top fall events in the Oklahoma City metro has taken the guess-work out of choosing the right event to get your family feeling festive. Now get out there and enjoy!

fall fun guide

The ultimate guide to halloween fun in OKC 6 SPOOK-TACULAR EVENTSYOU WONT WANT TO MISS Halloween Fun at the OKC Zoo Pumpkin Drive: October 5-13 Pumpkin Chomp n’ Stomp: Friday, October11 Haunt the Zoo: October 26-31

Trick-Orr-Treating & Costume Contest at the Orr Family Farm Saturday, October 26

Pumpkins, pony rides and zip lines, oh my! The Orr One of Oklahoma City’s most beloved fall traditions is Family has a lot of celebrating to do at this year’s Trick-Orrcelebrating its 30th year. Haunt the Zoo’s six nights of trickTreating & Costume Contest, as they or-treating fun will take place Oct. 26-31 from commemorate the Orr Family Farm’s 6:30-8:30 p.m. each evening. This safe, family10th anniversary and a summer spent friendly trick-or-treating experience takes guests cleaning up and rebuilding after the May along a jack-o-lantern-lined pathway throughout Opportunities for 2013 tornado ripped through their land. the acclaimed Oklahoma City Zoo, with stops family fun abound The farm reopened just in time to kick at fantasy-themed booths to collect tasty treats off the fall 2013 season. from volunteers. in Oklahoma City

each fall—from

The farm’s annual Trick-Orr-Treating & Costume Contest will be held on trick-or-treat Saturday, October 26 from 10:00am9:00pm. This non-scary Halloween events to pumpkin spectacular features all the staples of patches to haunted the farm, like the giant corn maze, cozy hayrides and the traditional pumpkin houses and more. patch, along with plenty of candy and prizes for best costumes. Trick-ortreating throughout the farm begins at noon, and the costume contest begins at 5:00pm. Prizes will be awarded for the top three best costumes for ages For all events, free parking is available at 12 and under. Animal lovers will feel right at home in the the Zoo, in the adjacent parking lot at Science animal barn, where llamas, pygmy goats, sheep, bunnies and a Museum Oklahoma or across the street at chicken are vying to be petted and fed.

Remington Park.

The Zoo’s team works for months each year to create new and exciting props to bring each of the event’s 21 trick-or-treating booths to life.

Children’s favorite characters, animals and superheroes are presented in two or three-dimensional masterpieces, complete with special light and sound effects to make each one-of-a-kind stop truly magical.

Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens 2101 NE 50th Street 405-424-3344 www.okczoo.com

Orr Family Farm 14400 S. Western (405) 799-3276 www.orrfamilyfarm.com

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE / OKC FAMILY FUN / OCTOBER 2013 //

21

Pumpkinville at the Myriad Botanical Gardens

October 11-31 Free Crystal Bridge Admission: Friday, October 25

For those who have not yet visited the renovated Myriad Gardens in downtown Oklahoma City, Pumpkinville is the perfect opportunity to see the gardens at its best. Open October 11 through 31 (Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Pumpkinville transforms the six-acre Children’s Garden into a charmed wonderland featuring more than 3,000 of fall’s favorite orange gourd.Visitors are immediately greeted by sights from a slower, simpler time, including an antique tractor, creative scarecrows designed by local artists and community members, straw sculpture animals and candy corn houses.

Old-fashioned fun at the Gardens includes cider pressing, a hay bale maze and pumpkin decorating. This event is especially perfect for kids and families who love to craft. Activities will be ongoing each day and include making cornhusk characters, swab skeletons, pumpkin seed mosaics and monster masks. Active kids will love the games like pumpkin bowling and pumpkin leap frog, and those looking for the spirit of Halloween will find it in spooky storytelling.

While fun for all ages, Pumpkinville is ideal for ages 3 to 12. Admission is free for Myriad Gardens members and $5 per person for non-members.

With more than 5,000 expected during the event’s three-week span, consider visiting on a weekday or weekday evening to beat the crowds.

Parking for Pumpkinville and the Myriad Botanical Gardens can be found at meters around the gardens or underground at the nearby Cox Convention Center’s garage.

Myriad Botanical Gardens 301 W. Reno & Harvey (405) 445-7080 www.myriadgardens.com

Haunt the Harn at the Harn Homestead Museum

Thursday, October 24

Step back in time at the historic Harn Homestead & 1889ers Museum to “Haunt the Harn” on Thursday, October 24 from 6:00-9:00pm. The open grounds of the territorial farm provide plenty of room for little ghouls and goblins to run and play throughout the evening as they collect candy and enjoy fall-themed activities.

The Harn Homestead is a turn-of-thecentury farm, including a one-room school house and 19th century Victorian home.

Haunt the Harn was created in 2006 in true Harn spirit to give children a fun and safe opportunity to trick-or-treat. In its eighth year, the event has gained popularity and expanded to include children from across the metro.

Children are encouraged to don a costume and begin their evening by trickor-treating at each of the Harn Homestead’s historic buildings. As they pass by each building, they will get glimpse into pioneer life as they see how Oklahoma’s early settlers lived and worked—like washing clothes by hand and grinding corn by hand. The rustic Event Barn hosts games and activities like pumpkin bowling, a cupcake walk, face painting and corn cob darts.

With a reasonable admission of $3 per person in advance or $5 at the door, Haunt the Harn is especially ideal for families with multiple children looking for a less-crowded option for trick-or-treating.

The event is most appropriate for ages 3 to 10. To purchase advance tickets, visit www. harnhomestead.com.

Haunt the Harn is free to Harn Homestead members. Free parking is plentiful adjacent to the museum.

Harn Homestead Museum 1721 N. Lincoln Boulevard www.harnhomestead.com (405) 235-4058

Halloween Bash at the Museum of Osteology

Thursday, October 31

Could there be a more perfect place to celebrate Halloween than amongst 300 skeletons? The Museum of Osteology, opened in 2010, is home to the largest privately held collection of osteological specimens in the world. The 7000-square foot museum displays hundreds of skulls and skeletons from all corners of the world, from tiny mice to a 40-foot humpback whale, with the intent to showcase the form and function of the skeletal system.

The fourth annual Halloween Bash will allow guests to tour all of the museum’s exhibits, comparing and contrasting the variety of species within.

In addition to the fun of hanging out with skeletons on Halloween, the museum is truly an educational experience, making the bash a perfect choice for especially curious kids and family.

In addition to viewing skeletons of all shapes and sizes, Halloween Bash guests can interact with live creepy-crawly insects and reptiles, children can trick-or-treat while learning about the variety of species throughout the museum and families will enjoy seasonally-themed games and crafts. Cameras are welcome in the museum, so bring yours to capture some special skeletal photo opps.

Admission is $3 per person and children are asked to bring their own treat buckets. Free parking is available.

Museum of Osteology 10301 S. Sunnylane Rd. (405) 814-0006 www.museumofosteology.org

Storybook Forest at Lake Arcadia October 23-30

For families and children who love to read, Storybook Forest at Lake Arcadia is a nostalgic trick-or-treating experience that is a fall “mustdo” event.

In its twelfth year, Storybook Forest will take place nightly October 23-30 from 5:308:30 pm at Lake Arcadia’s Spring Creek Park.

The winding trick-or-treat path along serene Lake Arcadia will present such characters as Rapunzel in her 16-foot high tower, the little old lady in her life-sized shoe house and the three little pigs in various stages of building their homes. New this year, Curious George will be monkeying around and Biscuit the Dog will be stirring up trouble! Many of the trick-or-treat stops along the path are threedimensional and life-sized, so children (and adults!) will feel they have stepped directly into their beloved stories.

Storybook Forest is ideal for children 6 months through 10 years of age, making it an especially great option for families with very young children seeking a memorable autumn experience.

Admission for each child (including infants) is $6 in advance or $8 at the event. Adults are free as long as they are in the same vehicle as the child. Vehicles entering without a child’s ticket will be charged an entrance fee.

Storybook Forest at Lake Arcadia Spring Creek Park, two and a half miles east of I-35 on 15th Street i n Edmond (405) 216-7470. www.arcadialakeok.com For more Halloween and fall fun events, visit MetroFamily’s 2013 Fall Fun Guide at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ fall-fun.

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local shopping

BY BROOKE BARNETT - METROFAMILY EDITOR

Discovering fall fun at TG Farms AN INSIDER’S LOOK AT AN ANNUAL HALLOWEEN TRADITION

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// METROFAMILY MAGAZINE / OKC FAMILY FUN / OCTOBER 2013//

local shopping Around the grounds of TG Farms, Todd Griffith is jokingly referred to as Peter Pan. “He is truly the ‘boy who ever grew up’,” jokes Shelli McCammond, the farm’s manager.

“He has so much fun making and switching up the hay slides and creating new corn mazes each year.

You can just see how much fun he has building and designing them, all so that our guests can have as much fun as possible.”

F

un is what TG Farms is all about this time of year.

This popular pumpkin patch has locations in both Norman and Newcastle and treats hundreds of families and school groups to unforgettable fall adventures each year.

A HANDS-ON FARM EXPERIENCE

designs,” She says. “He loves making it better and more creative each year.”

Admission is $8.00, plus tax, for guests of walking age and above during daytime hours, Monday through Friday.

After 3:00pm, admission is $10.00, plus tax. Entry fee includes your choice of a pumpkin. Season passes are available for $19.95.

A family-owned and operated THE CORN MAZE business, TG Farms opened their pumpkin While the Norman location will patch to the public in 1995. Open feature a corn maze this year, the throughout the month of October, the Newcastle farm did not receive enough two pumpkin patches offer tractor-drawn rain for the corn crop to be tall enough hayrides, a petting zoo, massive hay mazes, for a good maze. Instead, the Newcastle giant hay slides, tricycle race tracks, duck location will include ponds, pony rides, a larger-than-usual pick-your-own hay bale maze. pumpkin patches, “If you’re not from the Todd gives visitors a general store, sneak peek of country, it can amaze you!” awhat concessions and they will find more. “ If you SHELLI McCAMMOND - FARM MANAGER in Newcastle. “It are not from the will have a castlecountry, it can looking front and amaze you,” Shelly feature a hay bale slide in the middle,” he explains. confides. “It will be very cool.”

“There are so many children While Norman’s corn maze is a nowadays that live in [city] neighborhoods highlight for some, it is a source of fear for that have never seen a true, working others. “My own mother won’t go in the farm,” she continues. “Many kids don’t maze,” Todd says. “She is claustrophobic. even know that pumpkins grow on There are always a few people that refuse a vine. Watching kids learn and have to go in.” But the vast majority of people, new experiences is what makes this all including school groups, consider the corn worthwhile. We offer a chance for families maze to be a welcome challenge. “Each to come and spend the day with us, see employees has to know it like the back of the farm, pet our animals and just be their hand,” Shelli explains. “It seems like outside together.” every year we have some ornery school The farm includes many traditional kids that come and try to hide from their favorites, including hay slides that are teacher.” approximately 9 feet tall and 20 feet long The Norman corn maze gets even built into towering stacks of hay. “If you more exciting from October 24-26 and get the parents up there to do the hay on Halloween night, when the Haunted slides, they will do it as many times as the Corn Maze makes it debut at dusk. “It’s kids,” Shelli laughs. Other familiar favorites great for older teens,” Todd says. “It is include hayrides, a barrel train and a tastefully done, not bloody or gory. But it “How Tall this Fall” sign that provides will certainly make you jump!” families with a fun photo opportunity to track their child’s growth each year.

THE GENERAL STORE “The set up of the pumpkin patch is In addition to outdoor activities, TG tough,” Todd admits. “But I like the smiling Farms is well known for the handmade kids. They are so happy to be able to pick products sold in the farms’ General out a pumpkin as they leave. It’s better Store. In addition to a variety of pumpkin than a million bucks.” butters, jams, jellies, salsas, pickles and And the intense setup is part of what seasonal produce, the store also offers a Shelly says makes Todd their resident selection of fall decorations such as straw Peter Pan. “He puts a lot of thoughts bales, corn stalks, decorative gourds and a into the pumpkin patch and corn maze large variety of pumpkins.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE / OKC FAMILY FUN / OCTOBER 2013 //

27

local shopping TG Farms (405) 387-3276 www.tgfarms.com Newcastle location: 1580 Oklahoma Highway 37. Take I-44 south to exit 108. Continue west 1 mile and the farm is located on the south side of the road. Open daily, 9am-dark.

Norman location: 4335 West Highway 9. Take 1-35 south past Norman to exit 106. Continue 1 1/2 miles west. Please call for hours.

Shelli McCammond - manager of TG Farms

Todd Griffith - owner of TG Farms

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// METROFAMILY MAGAZINE / OKC FAMILY FUN / OCTOBER 2013//

FUN FOR GROUPS Todd estimates that several thousand school children visit the farm’s two locations each year, coming from schools in Newcastle, McLoud, Norman, Blanchard, Washington and more. “We began hosting school groups here in 1999,” he says. “Each group gets an educational presentation about the farming behind what we do.”

The farms hosts church groups, corporate events and family reunions and offers special admission rates for groups. “We also host birthday parties,” Todd adds. “They are great for kids with fall birthdays.You get the barn for two hours, a hostess and a cake.

It’s a lot of fun. My daughter always waits to have her birthday party in October so she can have it at the pumpkin patch.” Group pricing and birthday party information is available by calling 405-387-9222 or emailing reservations@tgfarms.com.

A TRUE, WORKING FARM Behind the hayrides and corn mazes is a fully functional, year-round agriculture enterprise. “We’re a true working farm,” Griffith explains. “My dad farmed and my grandpa farmed. Farming has always been in my life.”

Griffith graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in animal science and went to work on his father’s dairy farm.

As the family business grew, his father sold the dairy and they transformed into to a seasonal business. “We grow and sell yearround, from flowers and shrubs in the spring, produce in the summer, run our pumpkin patch in the fall and then plan our gardens again in January,” he explains.

“We plant and harvest 22 acres of pumpkins, watermelon, okra, cantaloupe and winter squash,” Todd says.

“Everything is grown at our Norman location, where we have both center pivot and drip irrigation, and then sold at both places.”

Depending on the growing conditions of each year, customers can expect to find potatoes, vineripened tomatoes, okra, corn on the cob, peaches, cantaloupes, peppers and more. The farm now features a fully-featured greenhouse, garden center, landscaping and design services.

Customers can find a wide array of flowers, hanging baskets, trees, shrubs, bedding plants, mulches and more.

“Our customer service really sets us

apart,” Todd says. “Our staff is here to share knowledge and experience, whether it is about gardening or landscaping. We can help people figure out what they need.”

In addition, TG Farms offers a community supported agriculture program (CSA). CSA members receive a weekly box of fresh produce from the farm from late spring through early farm. “CSA members establish a connection to the food they eat, the land where it is grown and the people who produce it,” Griffith explains. “It allows them to make a commitment to local, sustainable, environmentally-sound agriculture. They are literally putting their money where their mouth is.”

The farm participates in a Farm to School program with Washington Public Schools, delivering fresh watermelons, cantaloupes and cucumbers when in season.

Fresh produce and berries are also available for farm guests to “pick their own” beginning in June each year.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS For Todd, the biggest benefit to running the annual pumpkin patch is staying connected to the community. “It truly is very rewarding,” he says. “I remember one time when a retirement home came to visit and my fourth grade teacher was in the group.

It’s amazing how many people come by that I haven’t seen for years.”

And the sense of community connection holds true for TG Farm’s customers as well.

“The most common thing we hear is ‘thanks for being here for another year,’” Todd says.

“So many families come every year and we love that they are able to have so much fun with something so important to our family.”

calendar

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OUR CALENDAR MAKES FINDING FAMILY FUN IN OKC EASY— PLUS FIND EVEN MORE AT METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM

OKC THUNDER—OCTOBER 15 & 20 It’s time to Thunder Up, OKC! The Oklahoma CityThunder return to the Chesapeake Energy Arena for a preseason matchup against the Denver Niuggets at 7pm on Tuesday, October 15, with a final preseason game at 6pm on Sunday, October 20 against the Utah Jazz. You can also catch the Thunder in action on Sunday, November 3 against the Phoenix Suns for the 2013-14 regular season home opener. The Thunder will continue the tradition of family-friendly scheduling this season, with 22 home games set to be played on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with earlier start times on Sunday evenings.

MORE INFORMATION: www.nba.com/thunder PHONE: 208-4800

OKC BARONS—THROUGHOUT OCTOBER The Oklahoma City Barons hit the ice for their 2013-14 season with an exciting season opener against the Charlotte Checkers on Friday, October 4, 7pm at the Cox Convention Center. The Barons play a total of 38 home games this season, including opportunities to win a new car during Saturday night games and after Sunday games, skate time is made available to families. Special theme nights, promotional giveaways and concession discounts are offered throughout the season.

Tickets begin at $16 and are available at the Cox Convention Center box office or at www.ticketmaster.com.

MORE INFORMATION: www.okcbarons.com PHONE: 232-4625

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RACE FOR THE CURE—SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 The 20th Annual Susan G. Komen Oklahoma City Race for the Cure will be held on Sunday, October 20 from 6:30-11:00am at the Myriad Gardens. Part of the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world, the Race for the Cure raises fund for the fights against breast cancer, celebrates breast cancer survivors and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease. The event features a competitive 5K race, 1-mile Fun Run & a Kids’ Dash & Survivors’ Ceremony. Registration begins at $20.

MORE INFORMATION: www.komencentralwesternok.org PHONE: 526-2873

WATONGA WINE AND CHEESE FESTIVAL—OCTOBER 11-12 The 2013 Watonga Cheese and Wine Festival will be held October 1112 from 9:00am-6:00pm in downtown Watonga. This annual two-day festival features live entertainment, crafts, art show and a widerange of cheese-related activities, including tastings and cooking contests. In addition to the bevy of foodie favorites, the festival will also include a downtown parade, 5K, bicycle race, family-friendly activities and shopping opportunities. A complete schedule of events is available online.

MORE INFORMATION: www.watongacheesefestival.com PHONE: 580-623-5452

CHESTER’S PUMPKIN PATCH—THROUGH NOVEMBER 3 Offering 25 acres of family fun, Chester’s Pumpkin Patch at Chester’s Party Barn & Farm (5201 Cimmaron Rd NW, Piedmont) offers an exciting new entertainment option this season. Families can check out the Great Underwater Escape Show, which features daring feats from escape artist and magician Steve Crawford. Regular admission (for ages 1+) is $8 and includes a pony ride, one pumpkin, hayride, petting zoo, giant slide, 3-acres mystery maze and more. $1 additional admission charge applies for Great Escape show.

Chester’s is open Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm and Sunday, 1-6pm.

MORE INFORMATION: www.chesterspartybarn.com PHONE: 373-1595

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THROUGH OCT 31

THROUGH NOV 3

Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch (720 Henney, Arcadia) includes hayrides, cornfield maze, fun fort, petting zoo, flower maze, pumpkin maze, pony rides, fire pits for roasting & more. Cash or check only. $8. Thursday, 1-6pm; FridaySaturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 1-6pm. 396-0909, www.parkhurstpumpkinpatch.com.

Chester’s Pumpkin Patch (5201 Cimarron Rd NW, Piedmont) features pony rides, hay rides, giant sand box, mazes, pumpkin bowling, games, free pumpkin with admission and more. Great Escape magic show on Saturdays and Sundays for $1 additional charge. $8. Infants 12 months & younger & seniors ages 65+ FREE. Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 1-6pm. 373-1595, www. chesterspartybarn.com.

WINGS: A Special Needs Community Fall Festival Fundraiser at WINGS (13700 N Eastern, Edmond) features pumpkins, weekend hayrides, hay bale maze, animals & fall decor. Monday-Saturday, 10am-7pm; Sunday, 1-6pm. 242-4646, www.wingsok.org.

Wild Things Farm (700 Beaty, Pocola) features corn maze, flashlight maze & pumpkin patch. $8. Saturday, 10am6pm; Sunday, 12-4pm. 918-6264053, www.wildthingsfarm.com.

St. Matthew United Methodist Church Annual Pumpkin Patch (300 N Air Depot, Midwest City) features story time, the garden shop, pumpkins of all sizes, & picture opportunities.

Proceeds benefit local missions & non-profits. Monday-Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, noon-8pm. 7326831, www.stmatthew.org.

TG Farms (4335 W Highway 9, Norman and 1580 NW Highway 37, Newcastle) features tractor drawn hay rides, petting zoo, hay maze, hay jump & slide, corn maze, tricycle race track, duck pond, pony rides, pick your own pumpkin patch, concession stand, general store & more. $8 per person Monday-Friday 9am-3pm, $10 per person Monday-Friday 3pm-dark & SaturdaySunday. Open daily, 9am-dark. 387-3276, www. tgfarms.com.

Teacher Appreciation Month at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) offers FREE admission for all pre-K through 12th grade educators & their families. www.snomnh.ou.edu.

OCTOBER 1 • TUESDAY FREE Monthly Mini Model Build at Penn Square Mall’s Lego Store. Children 6-14 can build a new model on the first Tuesday of every month. Quantities limited. 5pm. 8409993, www.stores.lego.com.

FREE Family Night Out at Quail Springs Mall (2501 W Memorial) features crafts, balloons, face painting & more. 6-8pm. www.facebook. com/quailspringsmall.

Gluten-Free Cooking at Francis Tuttle (12777 N Rockwell) focuses on kidfriendly, family-oriented cooking.

Preregister. 6:30-9:30pm. www. francistuttle.edu.

FREE Downtown OKC Bike Tours are led by an expert guide. Bicycles provided FREE of charge courtesy of the Spokies bike share program. Preregister for a bike. 6pm. 235.3500, www. downtownokc.com. Also held: 10/8, 15, 22, 29.

OCTOBER 1-5 Kids Consignment Sale in Yukon Shopping Hills (Cornwell & Vandament).

Many items half price on Saturday. TuesdayFriday, 8am-7pm; Saturday, 8am-4pm. www. kidsconsignmentsale.com.

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(October 1- October 4)

OCTOBER 2-6 2013 Oklahoma Regatta Festival at the Oklahoma River in downtown Oklahoma City includes the OCU Head of the Oklahoma, VIP Party, OG&E Night springs & a family festival featuring live music, art,a children’s area, food & racing. 552-4040, www.oklahomariverevents. com.

OCT 3 • THURSDAY A Haunting Art Show at the Silver Leaf Gems Gallery (19 N Broadway, Edmond) features 6x6 works of art available for purchase for $66 each, benefitting Edmond’s Fine Art Institute. 5:30pm. 285-9700, www.silverleafgems. com.

Fit Family Meals at Francis Tuttle (12777 N Rockwell) focuses on kid-friendly, familyfriendly cooking. Preregister. 6:30-9:30pm. www. francistuttle.edu.

The Moth Mainstage at the Rose State Performing Arts Theatre (6420 SE 15, Midwest City) features storytellers from The Moth Radio Hour & The Moth Podcast. $25+, 7:30pm. 2972264, www.rose.edu/rslive.

OCTOBER 3–5 Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival in Guthrie features international & national bluegrass bands, children’s activities & workshops. 282-4446, www.oibf.com.

OCTOBER 3–6 Sugar & Spice Kids Consignment Sale at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center (1700 W Independence, Shawnee). Many items halfprice on Saturday. $1 charity sale on Sunday.

Thursday-Friday, 9am-8pm; Saturday, 8am-2pm; Sunday, 2-3pm. www.sugarandspicesale.com.

OCTOBER 4 • FRIDAY FREE Annual OU Westheimer Airport Open House & Family Festival (1700 Lexington, Norman) features OU & General Aviation aircraft as well as the War Birds OU

halftime flyover aircraft, Kids Zone for ages 5-14, remote control aircraft club flying, fire trucks, law enforcement vehicles & more. Noon6:30pm. 325-7231, http://airport.ou.edu.

FREE EdFest “Bands, Bites & Brews” at Festival Marketplace in Edmond benefits Edmond Mobile Meals & features entertainment, food vendors & a variety of brews. 6-10pm. 3413111, www.edmondmobilemeals.org.

OKC Barons vs. Charlotte Checkers at the Cox Convention Center. $16+. 7pm. 2324625, www.okcbarons.com. Other home games this month: 10/5, 15, 18, 19.

Tie One on for Cancer 5K at Lake Hefner Stars & Stripes Park features a 1-mile Fun Run, a 5K & a Dog Run. Benefits the LIVESTRONG at the Y program. $15/1-mile, $30/5K, $40/5K with dog. 7pm. 290-5085, www.signmeup.com/94051.

Carmina Burana presented by the Canterbury Choral Society at the Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) features live painting with an art piece created spontaneously with the sounds of the music. 8pm. $15+. www. canterburyokc.com.

OCTOBER 4–5 FREE First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts District features more than 60 artists in 17 galleries. Friday, 6-10pm; Saturday, noon-5pm. 525-2688, www.thepaseo.com.

OCT 4–NOV 2 FrightFest at Frontier City (11501 N I-35 Service Rd) features a haunted house, scare zones, shows & entertainment, BooVille Trick-or-Treat Trail & more. FREE with park admission. Additional charges apply for Haunted House. Friday, 6-11pm; Saturday, noon-11pm; Sunday, noon-10pm. 478-2140, www.frontiercity. com.

Terror on 10th Street Haunted House (2005 NW 10th, OKC) features a new nightmare around every corner. $7.

Friday-Sunday, 7-11pm. www.facebook.com/ terroron10thstreet. Also held 10/28-11/2.

METROPOLITAN LIBRARY SYSTEM & CIMARRON OPERA PRESENT

Take three short operas based on Grimm's Fairy Tales and combine them with the awesome voices of Cimarron Opera and you have a beautiful and comedic performance.

Free for all ages.

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OCT 5 • SATURDAY

(October 5 - October 6)

OU Sooner Football vs. TCU at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman. www.soonersports.com. Also held 10/26.

FREE Fall into Art at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) explores how art & nature go hand in hand, including art exhibits, live music, kids activities & more.

1-5pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/ martin_park/index.html.

OSU Cowboy Football vs, Kansas St at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater. www. okstate.com/sports/m-footbl. Also held 10/19, 11/9.

FREE Oklahoma Czech Festival in Yukon features a carnival, parade, craft booths & food. 206-8142, www. cityofyukonok.gov.

Baby Bazaar at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang, Mustang) allows parents to buy & sell new & used clothing, toys & other children’s items. $10/booth to sell items. 8amnoon. 376-3411, www.cityofmustang.org.

She’s Somebody’s Daughter “Into the Light” Concert at Crossings Community Church (14600 N Portland) features songs & stories from the award-winning program & concert by contemporary Christian artists. $10. 7pm. 302-1257, http:// crossingsokc.org/events/ intothelight.

Inaugural Project Life 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run at Lake Hefner East Wharf side benefits the OKC Fire Department program providing FREE smoke alarms to citizens in need. $25 in advance, $30 race day. 8:30am. www. signmeup.com/92891.

The Color Run 5K at Remington Park (1 Remington Place). $45 individual, $40 team runner. 9am. 855-662-6567, www. thecolorrun.com/oklahoma-city.

5th & 6th Grade Dance at Mustang Town Center Gym (1201 N Mustang) enjoy music, dancing, rock wall climbing & game room. $5 in advance. $7 at the door. 7-9pm.

376-3411.

THROUGH OCT 5

FREE Saturdays for Kids: The Ward Family Trick Ropers at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63) features fourth & fifth generation Western entertainers. Includes museum admission.

10:15am & 11:15am. 478-2250, www. nationalcowboymuseum.org.

FREE Costume Swap at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington) accepts new or gently used child-sized Halloween costumes in exchange for a ticket to come back & shop the swap on October 5. Donation times are 8am-5pm daily, swap times are 10/5, 10am2pm. 424-3344, www.okczoo.com.

Sensory Sensitive Movie: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 at Warren Theatres (1000 S Telephone, Moore) offers showings of a new release, family-friendly movie for children with autism &/or sensory disorders with modifications that include lower volume, no previews or ads, kid-friendly talking, wiggling, standing & dancing okay. $7. 11am.

735-9676, www.warrentheatres.com.

Weekend Wavemakers: What Bugs You? at the Oklahoma Aquarium (300 Aquarium, Jenks) offers special activities for families. Saturday, 11am-1pm; Sunday, 1-3pm.

918-296-FISH, www.okaquarium.org.

OCTOBER 5–6

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OCTOBER 5–13 Pumpkin Drive at the OKC Zoo. FREE admission when you bring a pumpkin larger than your head. www.okczoo.com.

OCT 6 • SUNDAY Boo Boo Dash 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run at OU Children’s (1200 Children’s/Phillips Ave) benefits patient programs at OU Children’s Hospital. $25. 1pm. www.signmeup.com/94899.

FREE A Grimm Affair musical program presented by the Cimarron Opera at the Downtown Library (300 Park) features three short operettas based on fairytales by the Brothers Grimm. Though somewhat dark, they are suitable for adults & children. 2:30pm.

364-8962, www.cimarronopera.org. Also held: 10/7, Warr Acres (1pm) & Northwest (7pm), 10/8 Edmond (1pm) & Midwest City (7pm), 10/10 Choctaw (1pm) & Belle Isle (7pm), 10/11 Village (10am) & Del City (2pm).

Cleveland County CROP Walk to STOP Hunger is a 3 mile walk beginning and ending at Norman’s Food & Shelter, Inc (104 W Comanche). Proceeds support hunger-fighting charities and disaster relief. Pre-walk entertainment include live music and face painting. 1:30pm. www. clevelandcountycropwalk.org.

FREE Rebuilding Together OKC’s 10th Annual Construction Derby at “No Motor Speedway” (NW 5th between Walker & Shartel) features children’s activities, car show & tailgating.

607-0464,www. rebuildingtogetherokc.org/ about/construction-derby/.

FREE Schlegel Fest 2013 at Schlegel Bicycles (900 N. Broadway) features bicycle clinics, face painting, bounce house, bicycle rodeo & more. Noon-5pm. www.schlegelbicycles.com/ events/schlegelfest.

Mid-South Professional Wrestling at the Golden Goose Flea Market (2301 N Douglas, Midwest City) features local professional wrestlers in action. $8, $6 for kids 10 & under. 3pm. 630-9719. Also held: 10/20, 11/3.

Pistol Pete’s 90th Birthday Celebration at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington) features free birthday activities in the Global Plaza entry area. Guests can bring a pumpkin larger than their head to receive FREE Zoo admission. Otherwise, regular admission fees apply to enter Zoo. 2pm. www.okczoo.com.

OCT 7 • MONDAY FREE Admission at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) on the first Monday of each month. 10am-5pm. 325-4712, www. snomnh.ou.edu.

Hungarian State Folk Ensemble at the Armstrong Auditorium (14400 S Bryant, Edmond) features authentic folk music, folk dances & traditional costumes of Hungary & Hungarian inhabited areas. $28-$68. 7:30pm.

285-1010, www.armstrongauditorium.org.

OCT 8 • TUESDAY FREE Foster Care Orientation at Eckerd (5350 S Western) shares information about changes to Oklahoma’s foster care prigram & how to become a foster parent.

636-5956, www.eckerd.org.

Homeschool Day at the Oklahoma Aquarium (300 Aquarium, Jenks) includes a self-guided visit & choice of two educational programs at 11am or 2pm.

Preregister no later than 2 business days in advance. $7/ student ages 3+, $10/adult. 918296-FISH, www.okaquarium.org.

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(October 5 - October 12)

FREE Fall Break Movie Night at Mitch Park Amphitheater (1501 W Covell, Edmond) screens Beetlejuice. Concessions available. 7pm.

359-4630, www.edmondok.com.

OCT 10 • THURSDAY Homeschool Day at the Harn Homestead Museum (1721 N Lincoln) features hands-on learning activities for ages 5-12 in an 1897 schoolhouse, a 1909 farmhouse & 1904 dairy barn.

Preregister. $8/student, Up to 2 parents admitted FREE with student.

9:40am-1:30pm. 235-4058, www. harnhomestead.com.

Jack-O-Lantern Session at Paint Your Art Out (10 S Broadway, Edmond). Create your own masterpiece on canvas. Preregister. $35.

7pm. 513-5333, www.paintyourartout.net.

OCTOBER 10–11 American Red Cross Babysitting Boot Camp at Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang). Participants will receive certification in Red Cross CPR, First Aid & Babysitting & learn how to perform basic skills such as feeding & diapering. $50. 10am-3pm. 376-3411.

OCT 11 • FRIDAY FREE Art a la Carte at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) includes live music, films & an art activity. 6:30-8:30pm. 3253272, www.ou.edu/fjjma.

FREE Norman’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art is a is a monthly celebration of the arts connecting the downtown arts district with galleries, performance halls, & Campus Corner.

6-10pm. 360-1162, www.2ndfridaynorman.com.

FREE LIVE on the Plaza in the Plaza District (NW 16th between Classen & Penn) on the second Friday of each month includes art walk, local artists, live music & shopping. 7-11pm. www.plazadistrict.org.

THROUGH OCT 11 Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse presented by the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre (2501 N Blackwelder) is the story of an exuberant young mouse facing familiar issues at home & in school, based on the books by Kevin Henkes. $10 adults, $7 ages 2-12.

Wednesday & Friday, 11am; Saturday & Sunday, 2pm. 951-0011, www. oklahomachildrenstheatre. org.

OCTOBER 11–12 Watonga Cheese & Wine Festival & Arts Show on Main Street in Watonga offers cheese tasting, wine tasting, art show, craft show, kids craft area, parade, car show & more. $5 admission for both days.

Children under 12 FREE. 9am-6pm. 580-6235452, www.watongacheesefestival.com.

OCTOBER 11–31 Pumpkinville at the Myriad Gardens (301 W Reno) features hundreds of pumpkins are on display along with hay-bale mazes, scarecrows & a variety of activities. FREE for members, $5 nonmembers, $5 pumpkins to paint. SundayThursday, 10am-6pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am7pm. www.myriadgardens.org.

OCT 12 • SATURDAY Saturdays-R4-Kids: Ghoul Food at Francis Tuttle (12777 N Rockwell) focuses on kid-friendly, family-friendly cooking for kids & parents. Preregister. 10am-1:30pm. http:// francistuttle.edu/bis/continuingEducation.aspx.

FREE Kids’ Meditation Class at Buddha Mind Monastery (5916 S Anderson) helps kids discover their inner wisdom through meditation, Dharma talks, Chan stories & fun activities.

Wear comfortable, modest attire & socks. Kids, 10:30am-noon. 869-0501, www.ctbuddhamind. org/classes.php. Also held: 10/26.

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events this DAILY EVENTS

OCT 12 • SATURDAY

OCT 15 • TUESDAY

FREE They Have Eight Legs Creature Feature at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) takes a bite out of the myths & mysteries surrounding the earth’s eight-legged creatures. 3-4pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/ parks/martin_park.

Tiny Tuesdays: Jack-O-Lanterns at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch) features a come-&-go, open-ended art making activity geared towards ages 2-5 with parent or caregiver. FREE with admission. 10am-noon.

236-3100, www.okcmoa.com.

Greater Oklahoma Bluegrass Music Society Concert at the Oklahoma CountryWestern Museum & Hall of Fame (3925 SE 29, Del City) is a concert featuring 3 professional bluegrass bands. $6, 12 & under are FREE. 4-9:15pm. 677-7515, 308-3595.

She’s Somebody’s Daughter Shine a Light Event at Wheeler Park (1120 S Western) includes guest speakers Wanda Pratt (Mama Durant) & Congressman James Lankford.

6:30pm. Register to reserve your flashlights at www.ssdshinealightokc.eventbrite.com.

FREE Family Talent Show at the MAC (2733 Marilyn Williams, Edmond) invites families to prepare an act & bring it to the amphitheater stage.

Entry forms available online. Preregister by 10/7.

6:30-8pm. 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks.

OKC Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets at the Chesapeake Energy Arena (100 W Reno).

7pm. www.nba.com/thunder. Other home games this month: 10/20.

OCT 13 • SUNDAY Witch Shoes Session at Paint Your Art Out (10 S Broadway, Edmond). Create your own masterpiece on canvas. Preregister. $35. 7pm.

513-5333, www.paintyourartout.net.

FREE Dale Rogers Training Center 60th Anniversary Celebration (2501 N Utah) includes inflatables, clowns, exhibits & more. 946-4489, www.drtc.org.

OCTOBER 13–19 Just Between Friends Children’s Consignment Event at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds (615 E Robinson, Norman).

Many items discounted on Friday & Saturday.

Sunday, noon-9pm; Monday-Tuesday, 10am9pm; Wednesday-Thursday, 10am-4pm; Friday, 10am-4pm & 7-10pm; Saturday, 9am-noon. www. norman.jbfsale.com.

OCT 14 • MONDAY FREE Home School Day at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi). Includes a scavenger hunt, hands-on demonstrations, & enjoy a variety of historical interpreters. 10am2pm. 522-3602, www.okhistory.org.

OCTOBER 15–31 The Pumpkin Patch at Gate Church (7700 N Council Rd, OKC) features fall fun with a pumpkin patch and much more. Admission and fun activities FREE. Pumpkins available for purchase (price varies by size). Monday-Friday, 10am – 6pm; Saturday, 11am-7pm; Sundays 1-5pm. 728-7700.

OCT 16–NOV 2 The Rocky Horror Show presented by Lyric at the Plaza (1725 NW 16). $40. Some midnight performances available. TuesdayThursday, 7:30pm; Friday-Saturday, 8pm. 5249312, www.lyrictheatreokc.com.

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(October 12 - October 19)

OCTOBER 17–18 The GW Interactive Zoo at the Museum of Osteology (10301 S Sunnylane) teaches kids about currently living and past animals.

Plus enjoy interaction with a baby tiger and a kangaroo. 11am-5pm. 814-0006, www. museumofosteology.org.

OCTOBER 18 • FRIDAY Full Moon Bike Ride at the Myriad Gardens features a 1-hour ride through downtown OKC, the river trail & other routes.

Helmet & light required to ride. $5 suggested donation/ rider. 10-11pm. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org.

Magic Tricks & Tasty Treats at the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre (2501 N Blackwelder) features Halloween dinner, crafts, games, dancing & fun for ages 5-12. Preregister. $25. 6-9pm.

606-7003, www.oklahomachildrenstheatre.org.

OCTOBER 18–20 Sweet Repeats Children’s & Maternity Consignment Sale at the Edmond Armory (600 S Bryant, Edmond). Many items half-price on Sunday. Friday, 9am-6pm; Saturday, 9am3pm; Sunday, noon-3pm. 706-5712, www. sweetrepeatskidsconsignment.com.

OCT 19 • SATURDAY Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma Buddy Walk & 5K at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark include raffles, moon bounces, petting zoo, games, music & more. 8am. $30/5K. www.dsaco.org/ walkandrun/index.html.

FREE Pumpkin Patch Festival at St. Matthew United Methodist Church (300 N Air Depot, Midwest City) includes fall festivities, music & shopping, silent auction & children’s tent.

9am-4pm. 732-6831, www.stmatthew.org.

FREE Fall Festival at the Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Cooper Memorial, Sulphur) features food arbors, pumpkin patch, roasted corn, living village activities & Chickasaw Press book signing. Admission required for the exhibit center. 10am-5pm. 580-622-7130, www. chickasawculturalcenter.com.

FREE Halloween Extravaganza at Uptown Kids (5840 N Classen) features Spaghetti Eddie in concert. 10:30-11:30am. 4188881, www.uptownkidsstyle.com.

The Art of Science at the Museum of Osteology (10301 S Sunnylane) is offered to students in grades 3 & up. Preregister. $25. 2pm-4pm. 814-0006, www.museumofosteology.org.

FREE Scorpion Creature Feature at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) teaches about scorpions’ unique sensory abilities & their interesting biology. 3-4pm. 7550676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_park/index. html.

FREE Children’s Fall Festival at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church (3901 S Sunnylane, Del City) includes games & concessions.

Costumes welcome. 6-8pm. 802-5747.

Night on the Town Benefit Concert at New Covenant Christian Church (12000 N Rockwell) features Broadway performer Erin McCracken & benefits ongoing ministries. $30-$65. Dinner, 6:30pm; Concert, 7:45pm.

659-9945.

Mummy & Son at the Mustang Town Center (1201 N Mustang) is a costumed affair for moms & sons (4-10 years old) including games, limbo, dancing, monster munchies & more. $15 per couple. $5 for extra son ticket. 7-9pm. 376-3411.

OKC Philharmonic—Beethoven’s Fifth at the Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) features Jennifer Koh on violin. $15+. 8pm. 8425387, www.okcphilharmonic.org.

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events this DAILY EVENTS

OCTOBER 19–20

OCTOBER 23–30

HITS Running Festival at Remington Park (1 Remington Place) features a distance for everyone over two days including Friends & Family mile, 5K, 10K, Half-Marathon & Marathon. See website for fees & race times.

Mile, 5K & Half-Marathon distances on Saturday; 10K & Marathon on Sunday. www. hitsrunning.com/oklahoma-city-ok/registerto-race.

Storybook Forest at Arcadia Lake features a not-so-scary walk through the woods collecting candy from storybook characters in storybook scenes. Children $6 in advance, $8 at event.

Adults FREE with the purchase of a child’s ticket.

5:30-8:30pm. 216-7471, www.arcadialakeok.com.

Haunt the River at the Oklahoma River (725 S Lincoln).

Attractions such as the Air Express Zip Line, SandRidge Sky Trail & Slide, rock wall & kids’ activities take on ghostly themes.

Includes free movie night double feature screening Casper & Ghostbusters.

Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. www. oklahomariverevents.org.

Also held: 10/26-27.

OCT 20 • SUNDAY 20th Annual Susan G. Komen OKC Race for the Cure at the Myriad Gardens benefits Susan G. Komen Central & Western OK & features a competitive 5K race, 1-mile Fun Run & a Kids’ Dash & Survivors’ Ceremony. $30 adult, $35 competitive, $20 ages 17 & under. 6:30-11am. 526-2873, www. komencentralwesternok.org.

THROUGH OCT 20 Noises Off! at the Poteet Theatre (222 NW 15) presents a manic menagerie as a cast of itinerant actors rehearses a flop called Nothing’s On. Rated PG. $20.

Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday 3pm. 6091023, www.poteettheatre.com.

OCT 24 • THURSDAY The Blues Brothers Revue at the Rose State Performing Arts Theatre (6420 SE 15, Midwest City) combines the comedy & hits from the original movie & pays homage to Chicago’s rich history of blues, gospel & soul music. 7:30pm. 297-2264, www. rose.edu/rslive.

OCT 25 • FRIDAY FREE Admission at the Myriad Gardens Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Myriad Gardens. 9am-5pm. 445-7080, www. myriadgardens.org.

Mummy & Son Dance at the Moore Community Center (301 S Howard, Moore) is a Halloween themed dance for mothers & sons.

Preregister. $5. Ghost Dance 6-7:30pm, Ghoul Dance 8-9:30pm. 793-5090, www.cityofmoore. com/fun.

Bright Night of Superheroes at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52). Come dressed as your favorite superhero while enjoying a special night at the museum. Features experiments, Planetarium Show, Science Live Show & Dome Theater movie. $45 kids, $25 adults. 6pm-midnight. Preregister. 602-3760, www.sciencemuseumok.org.

FREE 1st Annual Norman Fall Fest in historic Downtown Norman (200 S Jones) features the Cimarron Opera Tales From the Brothers Grimm. Suitable for all ages. Donations accepted. 6:30pm. www.cimarronopera.org.

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(October 19 - October 27)

OCTOBER 25–26 FREE Boo on Bell Carnival in the Shawnee Historical Retail District (Main & Bell, Shawnee) includes a street dance, ghost tours, trickor-treating, pie eating contest, hotdog eating contest & pumpkin pie cook-off. 275-9780, www. visitshawnee.com.

OCTOBER 25–27 An Affair of the Heart at the State Fairgrounds is among the largest arts & crafts shows in the nation occupying more than five buildings & offering a variety of crafts, antiques, collectibles, furniture, decorative items, jewelry & clothing. Tickets $7 for all 3 days. Friday & Saturday, 9am-6pm. Sunday, 11am-5pm.

632-2652, www.aaoth.com.

OCT 26 • SATURDAY FREE ACT Practice Test at College Tutors Learning Center (1333 N. Santa Fe, Edmond). Preregister. 513-6060, www. collegenanniesandtutors.com/edmondok.

Trick-Orr-Treating & Costume Contest at the Orr Family Farm (14400 S Western, OKC) is a non-scary Halloween spectacular including trick-or-treating and costume contest. 10am-9pm. www.orrfamilyfarm.com.

FREE Pumpkin Palooza at Mitch Park in Edmond features pumpkin painting while supplies last, arts & crafts, pumpkin activities, carnival games & more. Food available for purchase. Bring a flashlight to search for hidden mini pumpkins.

5-8pm. 359-4630, www.edmondok.com/parks/rec.

FREE Bats in the Belfry Creature Feature at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial). Learn about different types of bats, plus discover how these crafty creatures make their home in Oklahoma. 3-4pm. 755-0676, www.okc. gov/parks/martin_park/index.html.

FREE Haunt Old Town at the Moore Community Center & Library (301 S Howard, Moore) features family fun & safe trick or treating along with inflatables, music, extreme animals, games & candy. 4-7pm. 793-4332, www.cityofmoore.com.

FREE Spooktacular at Wild Horse Park at Mustang’s Town Center (1201 N Mustang) includes 40+ carnival games, a haunted house, live-entertainment, inflatables, train rides & food vendors. 5-8:30 pm.

376-341, www.cityofmustang.org.

FREE Gazette’s Halloween Parade (Downtown & Midtown) celebrates artistry & creativity in a parade through downtown and midtown. 7pm. www. okgazetteparade.com.

Trail of Fears at Little River Park (700 SW 4, Moore) is a haunted outdor attraction for adults & children ages 12+. Children 11 or younger must be accompanied by an adult..$5. 8-11pm.

793-5090, www.cityofmoore.com/fun.

OCTOBER 26–31 Haunt the Zoo at the OKC Zoo (2000 Remington) includes trick-or-treating & Halloween-themed fun. $7/child, adults FREE. 6:30-8:30pm. www.okczoo.com.

OCTOBER 27 • SUNDAY Phil… Phone Home – A Discovery Family Concert presented by the OKC Philharmonic at the Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) is a concert designed for children ages 4-12. Costumes welcome.

Activities begin 1 hour before the concert. $9. 2pm. www.okcphilharmonic.org.

FREE Trunk or Treat at New Covenant United Methodist Church (2700 S Boulevard, Edmond) is a family-friendly event with inflatables, candy, carnival games, refreshments, door prizes & more. 6pm. 562-3242.

octob

events this DAILY EVENTS

OCTOBER 27 • SUNDAY

OCT 30 • WEDNESDAY

Monster Dash at Reeves Park (Jenkins & Constitution, Norman) features the race, arts & crafts and fun for the whole family. $35 adults, $5 children 12 & under. Adult can accompany children on 1 Mile Run/Walk for FREE. 5K, 2pm; 1 Mile Run/Walk, 2:45 pm; costume contest, 3pm. 329-9617, www. juniorleagueofnorman.org.

FREE Halloween Flashlight Candy Scramble at the Irving Recreation Center (125 Vicksburg, Norman) for ages 5-11. Bring your own flashlight. 7pm. 292-9774, www. normanfun.com.

2nd Annual Wolves & Witches at the Performing Arts Studio (200 S Jones, Norman) is an interactive Halloween performance of Tales From the Brothers Grimm presented by the Cimarron Opera, complete with a craft project & trick-or-treating.

Tickets $10. 3pm. http://cimarronopera.org.

OCTOBER 27–31 HallowMarine at the Oklahoma Aquarium (300 Aquarium, Jenks) features an indoor trick-or-treat trail, games, treasure hunt & mermaid & pirate dive shows & more.

Children $7, adults $10. 6:30-9pm. 918-2963474, www.okaquarium.org.

OCT 28 • MONDAY Mummy & Son Masquerade at the Jackie Cooper Gym (1024 E Main, Yukon) features carnival games, costume contest, hot dogs & candy. $4/person. Doors open, 6pm. 350-8920, www.cityofyukonok.gov.

OCT 29 • TUESDAY FREE Haunt & Harvest at All Souls’ Episcopal Church (6400 N Penn) for children in foster care & their families includes fall activities and refreshments. 6-9pm. www.cccokc.org.

OCT 31 • THURSDAY FREE Trick-or-Treat on the Street in downtown Edmond features trick-or-treating with the downtown merchants & community.

5-7pm. 249-9391, www.downtownedmondok. com.

Halloween Bash at the Museum of Osteology (10301 S Sunnylane) features a safe & educational trick-or-treating environment with candy, door prizes & crafts.

Costumes encouraged. $3/person. 814-0006, www.museumofosteology.org.

FREE Noon Tunes Live Concert at the Downtown Library (300 Park) featuring Wayne McEvilly’s Mysterious Mephisto. 12pm.

231-8650, www.metrolibrary.org.

NOVEMBER 1 • FRIDAY Family Game Night at the Museum at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) features family games in the galleries, a kid-friendly dinner & making a game to take home. Price includes 1 adult & 1 child.

Preregister. $20 members, $30 nonmembers, $10 additional member, $15 additional nonmember. 6:30-9pm. 325-4712, www. samnoblemuseum.org.

OKC Barons vs. Chicago Wolves at the Cox Convention Center. $16+.

7pm. 232-4625, www.okcbarons.com.

Other home games this month: 11/2, 12, 15, 16, 30.

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(October 27 - November 7)

NOVEMBER 1–2

NOV 5 • SATURDAY

OKC Philharmonic—Sci-Fi Spectacular at the Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) features host, George Takei & soprano, Kristen Plumley. $15+. 8pm. 842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.org.

Gluten-Free Cooking at Francis Tuttle (12777 N Rockwell) focuses on kid-friendly, family-oriented cooking. Preregister. 6:309:30pm. www.francistuttle.edu.

NOV 2 • SATURDAY FREE Pumpkin Harvest Craft Festival at Robertson Activity Center (Hwy 66 & Yukon Parkway, Yukon) features over 45 crafter vendors, bake sale & Pumpkin Patch Café. 9am-4pm.

350-8937, www. cityofyukonok.gov.

Oklahoma Wine Walk at Brookhaven Village (3700 W Robinson, Norman) taste delicious selections from Oklahoma wineries, listen to live music & stroll through outdoor booths featuring made-in-Oklahoma products & genuine wine collectibles. Tasting tickets $20+.

11 am- 6pm. 232- 6552, www.oktourism.com/ oklahomawinewalk.

FREE Ye Olde Hallows Eve at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) is an old-fashioned “Hallows Eve” festival including outdoor activities, pumpkin Olympics & costume contest. 1–5 pm. 755-0676, www.okc. gov/parks/martin_park/index.html.

NOVEMBER 2–3 Oklahoma Mineral & Gem Society’s Show at State Fair Park Modern Living Building features finished jewelry, beads, gemstones, rough rock & rock slabs, mineral specimens, geodes, fossils, equipment & supplies as well as demonstrations with skilled craftsmen. $6 adults, FREE for ages 12 & under. Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 9am-5pm. 262-6715, www.omgsminerals.org.

NOV 7 • MONDAY Fit Family Meals at Francis Tuttle (12777 N Rockwell) focuses on kid-friendly, familyfriendly cooking. Preregister. 6:30-9:30pm. www.francistuttle.edu.

Canadian Brass at the Armstrong Auditorium (14400 S Bryant, Edmond) features a legendary brass quintet in concert. $20+. 7:30pm. 285-1010, www. armstorngauditorium.org.

octob

events this WEEKLY EVENTS

FREE Discovery Room programs at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua, Norman). See website for details. 325-4712, www.snomnh. ou.edu.

FREE Art Moves weekdays (MondayFriday) in downtown OKC (various locations).

Performances, demonstrations, short films & discussions. Noon-1pm. 270-4892, www. artscouncilokc.com/art-moves.

FREE Sooner Mall Outreach Storytime is an interactive story time offered by the Norman Public Library in Norman’s Sooner Mall for ages 9 & under. Tuesdays, 10am.

701-2600, www.pls.lib.ok.us.

FREE Art Adventures at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) includes hands-on art fun for children ages 3-5 with adult. Tuesdays, 10:30am. 325-3272, www. ou.edu/fjjma.

FREE Tuesday Noon Concerts at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) features 30-minute concerts performed by OU music students & faculty. See website for schedule of performers. Tuesdays beginning 9/10, noon. 325-4938, www.ou.edu/fjjma FREE Night Time Stories at the Myriad Gardens Children’s Garden. Wednesdays through October, 7:30pm. 445-7080, www. myriadgardens.org.

Mid Week Market at the Myriad Gardens offers local fruits, vegetables & other goods.

Wednesdays, 4-8pm. wwww.myriadgardens.org.

Cocktails on the Skyline at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) with full bar, complimentary chips & salsa & live music on the Roof Terrace. See website for weather cancellations.

FREE for members, $5 nonmembers. Thursdays, 5-9pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com.

FREE Story Time at Cuppies & Joe (727 NW 23) features stories & a treat. Held the 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month. 9am. 528-2122, www.cuppiesandjoe.com.

Fitness Classes: Fit-4-All at Edmond Parks & Recreation for kids & parents ages 6+. Preregister. $10/person. Saturdays through December, 9-9:45am. www.edmondok.com.

FREE Crafts for Kids at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) features a new craft for ages 3+ each week. Saturdays, 11am-3pm. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com.

FREE Skating Lessons at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36) for all skill levels. Saturdays, noon-12:45pm. 605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc. com.

Drop in Art at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features hands-on art activities for all ages. FREE with paid admission. See website for themes/activities. Saturdays, 1-4pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com.

All-Star Bowling for Differently-Abled Individuals at AMF Yukon Lanes (500 E Main). $8/week includes 3 games & shoes. Saturdays, 1pm. Email dbrakefield@yahoo.com to verify schedule. 354-2516.

FREE Green Earth Gang for ages 9-13 works on conservation projects at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial). Saturdays, 2-5pm. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks/martin_ park.

FREE Green Earth Rangers at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) for teens ages 13-18 to assist the park with complex, leadership-driven conservation efforts. Sundays, call for times. 755-0676, www.okc. gov/parks/martin_park.

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ONGOING EVENTS OCT 5 -JAN 5 FREE Libertad de Expresion: the Art Museum of the Americas & Cold War Politics at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (55 Elm, Norman) features works by artists promoted by the Organization of American States during the Cold War. 325-3272, www. ou.edu/fjjma.

OCT 15 - DEC 20 FREE Ana Maria Hernando: The Illuminated Garden at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center (3000 General Pershing) features installations, paintings, drawings and prints with a layering of natural and formal elements. 951-1000, www. oklahomacontemporary.org. Opening Reception: 10/15, 5:30-7:30pm.

OCT 19 - JAN 26

THROUGH NOV 17 Of Heaven & Earth: 500 Years of Italian Painting from Glasgow Museums at the OKC Museum of Art (415 Couch) features works by some of the greatest names in European art including Giovanni Bellini, Sandro Botticelli, Francesco Guardi & more. 2363100, www.okcmoa.com.

THROUGH DEC 31 Reigns Supreme: The Little Black Dress at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi). 522-0765, www. oklahomahistorycenter.org.

THROUGH JAN 4 To Pioneer at the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum (1400 Classen) features mixed media paintings & drawings

by Denise Duong. Opening Reception: 9/18 5-7pm. $5/person, Preregister, 523-3231, www.oklahomaheritage.com.

The Art of Sport & Play at the Sam Noble Museum (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) features selected pieces of memorabilia gathered from around the world highlighting the universal power of sport. 325-4712, www. samnoblemuseum.org. Opening Reception: 10/18 from 6-8pm.

THROUGH MAR 1, 2014

THROUGH OCT 26

THROUGH MAY 11, 2014

Fairy Tales in Miniature: Russian Lacquer Boxes from the Lucy Maxym Collection at the MabeeGerrer Museum of Art (1900 W Mac Arthur, Shawnee) features a collection of hand-made boxes that portray Russian fairy tales & legends. 878-5300, www.mgmoa.org.

Untamed at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52) features works by Jennifer Cocoma Hustis exploring the mustangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plight & behavior through art. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org.

Allan Houser & His Students at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63) presents a look at Houser as teacher & mentor. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.

Just in case you missed a day...

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HYPERJON BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

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BY BROOKE BARNETT - METROFAMILY EDITOR

Real moms of the metro: Meet Sarah Grote HOW THIS MUSIC-MINDED MAMA FOUND THE RHYTHM OF MOTHERHOOD

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// METROFAMILY MAGAZINE / OKC FAMILY FUN / OCTOBER 2013//

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEFFANIE HALLEY - WWW.STEFFANIEHALLEY.COM

real moms

S

arah Grote was just four years old when she picked up a violin for the first time—an instrument that she chose primarily for its size. “My parents asked me if I’d rather play the violin or the piano, and the piano seemed so big,” she recalls. “I told my parents that the violin seemed like it would be easier to carry.”

This decision proved fateful for the Tahlequah native, who has spent the last 30 years playing music.

HURRICANE JANE Before she was married with children, Sarah and her sister Laura decided to start their own band. “We had a name [Hurricane Jane] and we had a plan, but no other musicians,” she explains. “We took out an ad in the paper and got some really, really crazy phone calls at all hours of the day and night. We eventually narrowed it down to three musicians and we had no idea those choices would someday be so significant.”

During her time in Hurricane Jane, Sarah began teaching middle school orchestra for Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS). “Some of our biggest fans were teachers and administrators

from my school,” she says. “And some of my students’ biggest fans at their orchestra concerts were the other members of Hurricane Jane. It was such a neat feeling to look out during a middle school concert and see [the other members] taking photos or playing along up on stage. The band had such a great attitude and were always up for playing anywhere and everywhere.”

“The dishes still overflow and the piles of laundry are still there—but Eric sends me on my way when it’s gig time and, for that, I love him more than he will ever know!”

Eventually, Hurricane Jane decided to tour and Sarah made playing music her full-time job. “It was liberating, fascinating and rewarding on so many levels and probably should have been a little scary,” she recalls. “But we never gave it a second thought. We had such an amazing support group that cheered us on.” Sarah admits that her goal was never to make it big as a famous

musician or to make a fortune. “I just wanted to make a living with music,” she explains. “At the end of our days as a group, I was able to say we did it. We made music, made a little money, made a lot of friends and made a life together.”

THE RHYTHM OF MOTHERHOOD A few years later, Hurricane Jane parted ways and Sarah married her husband Eric, whom she met through a band mate, and her sister Laura married the group’s guitar player. “After the band separated, I went back to teaching in OKCPS at an elementary school,” she continues. “My school received a VH1 grant that allowed any child to play a violin and we had over 200 children enrolled in strings that I was able to teach. We made some super cool music and changed many lives along the way.”

Her students’ lives weren’t the only ones changing at that time. Sarah gave birth to her first daughter, Julia, in 2008.

“After our first child, Eric begged me not to play gigs,” she recalls. “He worried about being left alone in case the baby cried or got hungry. The dishes would be overflowing and laundry piled high and I would rush home after a gig to help him. We just couldn’t imagine that life could be any harder.” Less than two years later, their son Jake was born—and then 9 months after Jake’s birth, the

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real moms Grotes found out that they were expecting twins Megan and Gretchen. “That’s when life got exciting,” she says, describing her life now with four children under the age of five. “The dishes still overflow and the piles of laundry are still there—but Eric sends me on my way when it’s gig time and, for that, I love him more than he will ever know!”

During the twins’ first year of life, Sarah recalls how tough it was to get all four children up and out of the house. “Julia was only 3, Jake was 17 months and I was nursing Megan and Gretchen,” she says. “My only break was loading them all up in the minivan, putting on some music, driving through Starbucks and then just driving around until the babies got hungry.

We never even got out of the car, but it was so peaceful and calming. During that first year, it was a solid hour of guaranteed ‘me time!’”

Now that her kids are older, Sarah explains that they are able to spend more time out and about. “Some adventures are easier than others.

Eating out is always a challenge,” she explains.

“Sometimes we have meltdowns, sometimes everyone stays calm. But, it doesn’t stop us from getting out and attempting to have some fun.”

CHANGING TUNES Even though her tune may have changed, music continues to play an important role in her life. Sarah feels that playing music keeps her balanced, relaxed and inspired. “It’s my therapy,” she explains. “I spend the day with my precious children. Then once the day comes to an end, I get a little break playing music with some of my best friends and amazing musicians. I get dressed, I get out and about, I have adult conversation, and I play some music.

And I get paid for it! It just works for me.” She currently plays with local groups the Stringents and ZuZu’s Petals, as well as offering group violin, viola, cello and guitar classes. “The group classes give me a chance to continue doing what I love, without committing too much time throughout the week,” she adds.

“Music has allowed me to travel all over the world and meet some amazing people along the way,” she concludes. “I spent a summer in Salzburg, Austria playing the viola, a summer traveling in Ireland and playing in pubs with my sister and have enjoyed road trips to Santa Fe playing local venues. Not to mention that ten summers of teaching a fiddle camp right here in Oklahoma and meeting eager kids ready to jam. But nothing compared to the five years of traveling the midwest with Hurricane Jane in a van with one of my best friends, my sister and our family members and friends that met us along the way!”

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// METROFAMILY MAGAZINE / OKC FAMILY FUN / OCTOBER 2013//

Here’s more about how this 38 year-old mother of four is rocking her way through motherhood: What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

We didn’t find out the gender in advance with any of our babies, even the twins—and it was so fun!

What are you passionate about?

Staying positive and happy. For me and for my kids, it makes life so easy.

How has motherhood changed you?

Motherhood has given me four amazing little ones to spend my days with, which has certainly been a life-changer.

How do you banish stress?

I make sure I am the first one to wake up every morning. Things are just smoother when I get a bit of time to myself in the morning. I may get a little exercise, do some grocery shopping or just do a few things around the house.

What is on your wish list?

I wish I could have a little European way of life. I wish I could walk my kids to school, walk to get my morning coffee, walk to the market, walk to church, walk to the local pizza parlor, etc.

What are you most proud of?

My parents and my upbringing. I love everything about my childhood and where I grew up. My parents and my sister made me the person I am today.

How do you find balance in your life?

Just by taking it one day at a time. Early morning, my routine is wake up, chai tea, shower, get kiddos going for the day, go out and about for a little fun with the little ones, afternoon naps for the kids, mom gets a little computer time, kiddos up, husband home, kiss husband, make dinner, take a little walk, get kiddos to bed, play a gig or teach a lesson, conversation with husband, go to bed. And we do it all again the next day.

Advice for other moms?

Our favorite family quote, courtesy of my brother-in-law, is “embrace the chaos.”

What is your parenting style?

Ignore the weeds and water the flowers! I try to focus on the things my kids are doing right.

And instead of saying “no” all the time, I try to divert their attention to something else. I’m not sure this will be my parenting style for the long haul, but it seems to work during these toddler years.

Favorite quote or advice about motherhood?

I have a tiny little reminder by my kitchen sink: “The days are long, but the years are short.”

healthy families

Really connecting in the kitchen FUN, HEALTHY RECIPES TO ENJOY WITH YOUR CHILDREN

BY SHANNON FIELDS - METROFAMILY COLUMNIST

T

he darkness lingers longer in the morning. The days are shorter and there is an unmistakable chill in the air as the kids head off to school. There’s no denying that fall is upon us—and with the cooler temperatures, our cravings and taste buds tend to change. Soups, stews, and other comfort foods become staples for many families during the fall and winter months, but such foods aren’t always friendly to our waistlines. With more families putting a focus on better health, we are pleased to showcase a sampling of healthy fall recipes that your family is sure to love, inspired by our readers and staff.

BAKING AND BONDING In addition to being tasty and healthy, these recipes can also serve as a vehicle for some truly awesome bonding experiences with your child—regardless of their age or abilities. “The whole process should be about coming together as a family,” explains Lori Manning, an Oklahoma City-based registered & licensed dietitian. “It’s not just about the eating, it’s about the meeting.”

And, according to Manning, involving children in the meal preparation process brings something else to the table. “It’s all about spending time with kids in the kitchen,” she explains. “Just be reasonable and realistic. They don’t have to be involved with preparing the entire meal. It’s really about connecting and being together.”

LEARNING TO LOVE FOOD This quality time also serves another importance purpose—helping children to form a healthy relationship with food. “The goal is to encourage food acceptance,” she adds. “When they are exposed to different things and have an investment in the meal, they tend to be open to trying and tasting new things.” Manning says that repeated exposure to new foods and new recipes can help establish life long healthy eating habits. “I always say that picky eaters are created, not born. Remember that you are not as concerned about if they necessarily eat perfectly today,” she cautions. “You are interested in making sure they form healthy food relationships in the long term.”

Manning’s last piece of advice to parents looking to create fun culinary memories with their kids? “Let them make mistakes and be messy,” she encourages. “Their relationship with food is extremely important and this is the way to make it great.”

Ready to start connecting in the kitchen? Pick a recipe, gather the needed ingredients and let the cooking— and bonding—begin.

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healthy families VEGETARIAN BUTTERNUT SQUASH CHIPOTLE CHILI Looking for another fun twist on traditional chili? This one comes from MetroFamily’s Art Director Kathryne Taylor who is also the creator of the award-winning blog www. cookieandkate.com.This hearty, spicy and sweet vegetarian butternut squash and black bean chili is perfect for game day potlucks. Top with creamy avocado for an easy meal that satisfies vegans, carnivores and gluten-free eaters alike.

“This chili is very hearty, so feel free to add another can of tomatoes or more vegetable broth if you want to thin it out a bit,” Kathryne explains.

Ingredients: 1 medium red onion, chopped 2 red bell peppers, chopped 1 small butternut squash (1 1/2 pounds or less), peeled and chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons olive oil ground sea salt 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2+ tablespoon chopped chipotle in adobo (usually found in the Mexican section of the grocery store.)

1 bay leaf 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 14 ounces (1 can) diced tomatoes - use the liquid

4 cups cooked black beans or 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained 14 ounces (1 can) vegetable broth 2 avocados, pitted and diced 3 corn tortillas for crispy tortilla strips (Use all corn/gluten-free tortillas for gluten-free chili.)

Instructions: In a 4 to 6 quart Dutch oven or stockpot, sautée the chopped vegetables (onion, bell pepper, butternut squash, garlic) in one to two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Stir the ingredients every few minutes.

Once the onions start turning translucent, turn the heat down to medium-low.Add all of the spices and canned ingredients and stir. Cover for about one hour, stirring occasionally.Taste test for spice level and add more chipotle if desired. By the time your chili is done, the butternut squash should be nice and tender and the liquid should have reduced a bit, producing the hearty chili consistency that we all know and love. Make the crispy tortilla strips: stack the corn tortillas and slice them into thin little strips, about 2 inches long. Heat a small pan over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and toss in the tortilla slices. Sprinkle with salt and stir. Cook until the strips are crispy and turning golden, stirring occasionally, about 4 to 7 minutes. Remove tortilla strips from skillet and drain on a plate covered with a piece of paper towel. Serve the chili in individual bowls, topped with crispy tortilla strips and plenty of diced avocado. Serves 3 to 4

GREEK QUESADILLA WITH DILL YOGURT DIP: Looking for a quick meal, snack or appetizer?

Kathryne Taylor suggests this tasty twist on a kid-friendly classic. This recipe yields a crisp quesadilla stuffed with Greek flavors.

“You can also switch things up with Cheddar cheese, thinly sliced Granny Smith apple and a light spread of Dijon mustard, or black beans instead of chickpeas,” she suggests.

“Or, skip the olives and include salsa for dipping. Try them with sautéed mushrooms and spinach, or enjoy a different flavor by including roasted sweet potatoes, black beans and roasted red pepper.” No matter what you stuff them with, the results will undoubtedly be delicious.

Ingredients: (Per quesadilla, multiply as necessary) 1 whole grain tortilla (use gluten-free tortillas for gluten-free quesadillas.)

3/4 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese 1/4 cup cooked chickpeas, well drained 8 mini heirloom, cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced into thin rounds 7 pitted kalamata olives, sliced into thin rounds (or a sprinkle of capers or crumbled feta cheese)

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// METROFAMILY MAGAZINE / OKC FAMILY FUN / OCTOBER 2013//

2 tablespoons chopped red onion 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, for brushing Dill-mint yogurt dip: (enough for at least 4 quesadillas) 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons packed fresh dill, torn into pieces 2 tablespoons packed fresh mint (or basil or flat-leaf parsley), torn into pieces 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about 1/2 of a large lemon) Pinch red pepper flakes 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions: In a food processor or blender, combine all of the dip ingredients.

Blend well, and transfer to a bowl(s) for dipping. Make the quesadilla(s) one at a time: heat a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Warm one tortilla for about 30 seconds, flipping halfway.

Flip once more, and sprinkle one-half of the tortilla with about half of the shredded cheese. Cover the cheese with chickpeas, tomatoes, olives, and red onion. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the other fillings and fold over the empty side of the tortilla to enclose the fillings. Quickly brush the topside of the quesadilla with a light coating of olive oil, and flip it with a spatula Let the underside of the quesadilla cook until golden and crispy, about a minute or two. Brush the topside with a light coating of olive oil, flip it and cook until the underside is golden and crispy.

Flip it once more and immediately transfer it to a cutting board. Let the quesadilla cool for a couple minutes, then slice it into three even wedges using a sharp pizza cutter or chef’s knife. Serve immediately, with a side of yogurt dipping sauce.

EASY PEASY 3 INGREDIENT COOKIES: Sarah Lucas is an Edmond mom to 5-year-old Sydney, and she selected this recipe because it’s a healthy, kid-friendly dessert. “It’s easy to get even small children involved in the preparation of these cookies, and they’re easy to change up and customize.”

Ingredients: 1 cup Quick Oats 2 large ripe bananas (3 if they are small) 1 teaspoon vanilla Instructions: Mix ingredients together using a pastry blender or two forks. If the dough looks too runny, add some more oats. If too dry, add more banana or a ½ tsp of applesauce.The consistency should be that of regular cookie dough for drop cookies. Drop on greased cookie sheets (or line with parchment paper) and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool on wire racks and serve.

Optional add-ins: ½ cup of any of the following: Chocolate Chips Chopped Nuts M&Ms Raisins Chopped Dried Fruit GREEK CHICKEN: Adrienne Dumas is a single working mom with a teenage son.“Getting him to eat healthy isn’t always easy. Plus, we have very busy schedules at our house,” says Dumas. She likes this recipe because it’s low-calorie, yet full of protein and easy to fix. Best of all? “Tyler loves it!” says Dumas. Serves 4.

Ingredients: 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 1 can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, undrained ¼ cup pitted kalamata olives 1 tablespoon bottled minced garlic ¼ teaspoon black pepper 1 cup crumbled feta cheese Instructions: Place a large non-stick skillet over mediumhigh heat. Coat pan and chicken with cooking spray and place chicken in pan. Cook until browned, about 3 minutes on each side.

Reduce heat to medium.Add tomatoes, garlic, olives, and pepper. Cover and cook 11 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat, sprinkle with feta.

Find more healthy fall recipes and more tips to involve your kids with cooking at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/fall-recipes.

guides

specialty

OKC Fam

ily Fun

THE BEST FAMILY RESOURCES, SHOPPING IDEAS, RESTAURANTS AND MORE Find what you need here in MetroFamily’s Specialty Guides—and find even more online at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/directories.

54 PARTY GUIDE

59 FAMILY SERVICES GUIDE

56 FAMILY FUN GUIDE

60 LOCAL RETAIL &

58 AFTER-SCHOOL

PARTY GUIDE

ACTIVITIES GUIDE

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// METROFAMILY MAGAZINE / OKC FAMILY FUN / AUGUST OCTOBER 2013 2013//

RESTAURANTS GUIDE

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FAMILY FUN GUIDE

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Subscribe to our Weekend Picks e-newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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// METROFAMILY MAGAZINE / OKC FAMILY FUN / AUGUST OCTOBER 2013 2013//

NOMINATE your favorite familyfriendly places to go, businesses and services in the OKC area!

FAMILY FUN GUIDE

We want your opinions!

You can determine the Family Favorites in over 80 categories, many of them NEW this year!

Nominate your “fave” local businesses by October 15.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE / OKC FAMILY FUN / OCTOBER 2013 //

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AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES GUIDE

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Always find the BEST After-School Activities for your kids via MetroFamily Magazine!

In print and online at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ after-school-activities

OKC Family Fun

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LOCAL RETAIL & RESTAURANTS GUIDE

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Show some love to your favorite local restaurants and retail stores!

Vote for your favorites now! www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ family-favorites Hurry, deadline is October 15.

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It's the most wonderful time of the year in the lone Star State!

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The Orr family would like to invite you to the Orr Family Farm for our lOth Anniversary season. We have worked all summer to rebuild after the May 20 tornado and would love for you to experience the Farm once again!

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Pink Pumpkins for the Cure: Purchase decorated pink pumpkins Oct. 1-31 . All proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen of Central and Western Oklahoma.

Hometown Heroes Day: On Oct. 5 aU military and first responders receive 20 percent admission discount with valid ID. Weather Round Up: Learn about severe weather safety, enter a drawing for a storm shelter, meet storm chasers. and more on Oct.l8-19.

Trick-Orr-Treating and Costume Contest: Nonscary Halloween spectacular with Trick-OrrTreating on Oct. 26. Plus, a costume contest for ages 12 and under with prizes!

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