Issuu

momaha.com

volume 7 · issue 8

AUGUST 2016

Rise and shine tough? You’ve been doing it all wrong

A new backto-school tradition filled with fun

GET ORGANIZED Put a stop to hectic mornings before they start

SPREAD YOUR

WINGS

Visit Raptor Woodland Refuge, a new sanctuary for non-releasable hawks, falcons, owls, and other raptors in thirteen custom mews. Walk across a suspension bridge thirty feet above the forest floor and see majestic birds of prey up close. Each visit to the forest is its own unique adventure, its own story, its own memory to share.

FontenelleForest.org

WE ARE READY FOR YOU TO EXPERIENCE CREIGHTON PREP.

Over the summer we welcome any student and family to come and take a tour of Creighton Prep. When you walk the halls, you’ll witness a school built around your son’s success as a whole person. We want to show you how your son can be a part of the Creighton Prep legacy.

SCHEDULE A TOUR AND SEE HOW OUR STUDENTS BECOME MEN FOR OTHERS.

CALL 402.393.1190 TODAY.

WE ARE PREP. 7400 Western Ave. Omaha, NE 68114-1878 | www.CreightonPrep.org

THE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS.

Femi, age 11 Restrictive Cardiomyopathy â€“ Heart Transplant Recipient

Visit ChildrensOmaha.org for more information on how we can help your child. For a pediatrician, family physician or pediatric specialist, call 1.800.833.3100.

BE HEALTHY BE STRONG BELONG JOIN THE YMCA!

August 1-31, pay no joining fee! ($49 savings) Valid at any YMCA of Greater Omaha location. Must be a new member. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Must present coupon and bank draft info. First draft 9/3/16.

SHOOT & SCORE! FALL & WINTER YOUTH BASKETBALL Fall Season: 3yrs - Kindergarten; 1st - 12th grade October 17 - December 17 Register through September 24

Winter Season: 3yrs - Kindergarten; 1st - 12th grade January 2 - March 4 Registration: September 1 - December 3

YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA â€¢ www.metroymca.org 3

#OPSProud

Every student. Every day. Prepared for Did you know? success. OPS 2016

graduates received $62.88 million in scholarships.

momaha where moms connect

VOLUME 7 . ISSUE 8 . AUGUST 2016 editor in chief CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094

creative director + designer HEIDI THoRSoN hthorson@owh.com 402-444-1351

assistant editor CONNECT WITH US:

OmahaPublicSchool

@OmahaPubSchool

kIm CaRpENTER kim.carpenter@owh.com 402-444-1416

momaha.com editor

Sweet Corn FESTIVAL August 13 and 14

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tastings - Activities - Demonstrations Fun for the whole family!

aSHlEE CoffEy ashlee.coffey@owh.com 402-444-1075

production coordinator paT R I C I a “ m U R p H y ” B E N o I T

content contributors J E f f R E y B E B E E , E R I N fa I R C H I l D , CHRISTINa IHNkEN, kURT a. kEElER, H o w a R D k . m a R C U S , E m I ly m a R T I N , REBECCa olSEN, amy TokoS

account executive SaRa BakER sara.baker@owh.com 402-444-1442

account executive G ay l I D D E l l gay.liddell@owh.com 402-444-1489

account executive E m I ly m a R T I N emily.martin@owh.com 402-444-1411

account executive C aT H l E E N Va N H a U E R cathleen.vanhauer@owh.com 402-444-1209

100 Bancroft Street, Omaha (402) 346-4002

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Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the news division of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 700, Omaha, NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2016 by the Omaha WorldHerald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine or its publisher.

SAFE & LOVING QUALITY CHILD CARE

CONTENTS

Real MoMs + advice

6 Momaha.com Editor 8 On Our Radar 10 Be Well: Advice for a Better Life 18 A Bargain Dozen

BacK To scHool 12 School Cones 14 Get Organized 16 Sweet Dreams

ReciPes

20 Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes 22 Southern Roasted Pecan Ice Cream Balls 24 Rice Krispie Bars

on THe coveR How are you prepping for your back-to-school routine? We help get you started on PaGe 14.

�� • �� • ��

Call today for a tour | 402-451-0787

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MoMAhA.coM editor // AShlee coffey Wife to Kevin Coffey, music critic for the Omaha World-Herald. Mom to Sam. Baby on the way. Follow her on Twitter: @ashleecoffeyowH

ugust is here, which, for many kids, means the end of summer vacation and the start of a new school year. As a child, part of me dreaded the end of summer vacation. No more sleeping in. No more doing whatever I wanted. But the other part was always so excited for back-to-school shopping. I especially loved getting a brand new box of crayons and a

new Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper – does that show my age at all? It was also a chance to start with a clean slate – a brand new year to make new friendships and strive for getting all A’s. In this issue, we’ve got helpful tips for kids (and parents) to have an organized school year. No more hectic mornings and evenings trying to get everything done! We also have expert advice on how to adjust sleep

schedules, so kids are wide awake and ready to learn when the first school bell sounds. And if your child isn’t excited at the idea of heading back to the classroom, we have a fun, new tradition to celebrate the first day of school. Good luck to all the kids heading back to school this month – and to the parents helping them along the way!

Get SociAl Facebook /momahacom TwiTTer @momaha_owh PinTeresT /momahaowh

GET MORE LIKES AT THE DINNER TABLE. HEALTHYKOHLSKIDS.COM 6

Make the grade! See why a library card may be the most important school supply of all.

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P R E S C H O O L â€¢ E L E M E N TA RY â€¢ M I D D L E S C H O O L â€¢ H I G H S C H O O L

On OUR RADAR COMPILED by Erin Fairchild, herheartlandsoul.com

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH

GO BACK IN STYLE

While we’re not ready to wish summer away, we’re looking forward to a little more structure in our days. Check backpacks off your back-to-school list with these adorable styles. Herschel Survey Backpacks come in full and half-pint sizes. Herschel Supply, $49.99

EXPLORE THE WIZARDING WORLD

Calling all Harry Potter fans! This month the eighth Harry Potter story, set 19 years after Harry’s epic showdown with Voldemort, hits the stage with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a play at London’s Palace Theatre. While getting to the U.K. isn’t a weekend jaunt for most Americans, this script makes it possible to stay up to date with our favorite boy wizard, now all grown up. Amazon, $17.99

MAKE MELODIES

Hawaii officially became a state on Aug. 21, 1959. Your kids can say “Aloha” and strum some tunes on this Hape Early Melodies Blue Ukelele. While the instrument won’t transport you to a sandy beach, it will teach your little ones some basic rhythm, strumming and creativity. Amazon, $21.15

PLAY COLORFULLY

Summer sunshine is fleeting. Make the most of it with this Rainbow Ribbon. It’s perfect for playing with in the wind, practicing dance moves or even using as a fort flag. Toys R Us, $10.99

GET DRESSED UP

Fall fashion is right around the corner. This stylish and affordable Target dv Chain Strap Shoulder Handbag is ideal for dressing up (or down) any outfit. It’s also an almost exact copy of one of the season’s hottest bags: the Chloe Drew bag. The best part? It costs $1,825 less! Target, $24.99

SPLA SH OF THE ARTS!

Piano, Mariachi, Ukulele, Drums, Guitar, Voice, Cartooning, Painting, Ceramics, Ballet, Tap, Acting/Improv, Stage Makeup, & More!

View our website for more information regarding our classes & upcoming events. Jacki Ehmke 402-616-7212

houfekrealtygroup.com

Amy Houlton 402-714-0350

Cheryl Houfek 402-598-1408

TRUSTED RESULTS

402.556.7821

Advice for A better life coMPiled by Momaha Magazine

KeeP it cleAN

Food, glorious food. How we choose, handle and prepare it can make all the difference in staying healthy.

lAbel MAKeover

Making healthier choices at the supermarket will get easier in the next two to three years. The FDA is implementing updated nutrition labels that will more clearly list total calories, added sugars and certain nutrients, such as vitamin D. About 77 percent of adults read nutrition labels, so the change, experts hope, will make for better informed consumers. CNN

PAreNtAl PoWer

Pop stars make millions of dollars endorsing foods laden with sugar and low nutritional content. Katy Perry, for example, does product placement for Pepsi, while Justin Timberlake sings McDonald’s praises. With childhood obesity on the rise, that’s not a great trend. Parents, though, still have the most influence as role models of healthy eating up to about age 12, so instill healthy eating choices early on in life. Pediatrics

Nearly 48 million people in the United States get sick every year from contaminated food. Minimize your family’s risk by thoroughly washing your produce. Even if they look clean, fruits and vegetables can become contaminated. Think of it this way: the person in the grocery store who handled your apple may not be a regular hand washer. fda.gov

Give it A reSt

The next time a recipe tells you to let a piece of meat rest several minutes before serving, heed the instruction. Allowing steak, beef roast, pork and ham to rest can kill any remaining harmful bacteria. Find a chart of minimum cooking and recommended resting times at foodsafety.gov.

folloW foUr

The four-day leftover rule is a great guideline for figuring out what is – and isn’t – safe to eat. Some leftovers stay safe longer than others, but this rule provides an easy way to avoid food poisoning. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Office

1/2 off first month for new and returning students!

Concerts For Performers • Lessons For Beginners 13270 Millard Ave. | Omaha | 68137

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DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE A BROWNELL-TALBOT EDUCATION CAN MAKE FOR YOUR PRESCHOOL - GRADE 4 STUDENT Schedule your tour today! LOWER SCHOOL CURRICULUM OVERVIEW • Intensive science exploration begins in Preschool • World language instruction begins in Preschool • Nature classroom instruction begins in Preschool

• Weekly swim instruction begins in Kindergarten • Specialized teachers for world language, science, technology, art, music and library throughout Lower School

400 N. Happy Hollow Blvd. Omaha, NE 68132

402.556.3772 brownell.edu

GOODNIGHT MOON Book, Music and Lyrics by Chad Henry Bo Adapted from Goodnight Moon. Created and illustrated by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd. ©HarperCollins Publishers Ada Goodnight Moon©1947 by Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc. Text copyright © renewed 1975 by Roberta Brown Rauch. Illustrations copyright © renewed 1975 by Edith T. Hurd, Clement Hurd, John Thacher Hurd, and George Hellyer, as trustees of the Edith and Clement Hurd 1982 Trust and by Albert E. Clarke III, Trustee of the Albert E. Clarke III Living Trust dated April 3, 2013. Used by permission of HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.

Sept 2-18, 2016 S Fr Fridays at 7 pm · Saturdays at 2 pm & 5 pm · Sundays at 2 pm Select Sundays at 5 pm Se Go Goodnight Moon has been cherished by generations for over 40 years. This lively musical pr production will now have your family laughing and singing along with Bunny. En Enjoy the surprise and delight of Bunny’s imaginative detours on the way to dreamland. In this acrobatic production, everyone will revel with Bunny in the fun of jumping cows, da dancing bears, and a room that springs to life. Goodnight Go Moon is truly a timeless theater ex experience the whole family can enjoy. TICKETS: $20 ROSE MEMBERS RECEIVE 4 FREE TICKETS EXPECTED RUN TIME: 60 MINUTES Show Sponsored By: THEMES

TICKETS: (402) 345-4849 or www.rosetheater.org 11

The McGrory Twins Harry (left), Eamonn

Make the first day of school a treat with a school cone surprise TEXT + STYLING Kim Carpenter PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson

hen the first day of school rolls around in Germany, parents partake in a particularly sweet tradition. They present their children with a Schultüte (“Shooltoo-tah”), a colorful cone filled with sweet treats, school supplies, small toys and other items. While this is usually done for the first grade, it can be a family’s tradition throughout a child’s grade school years. Make the first day back in the classroom extra fun with a Schultüte of your child’s own.

WHAT YOU DO 1. Roll a standard sheet of poster board or heavy cardstock

(22-by-28 inches) tightly into a cone shape. If your child is a fan of something special like “Star Wars” or “Frozen,” a poster can be used; just be sure to roll it with poster board as backing for strength. 2. Secure the cone’s seam with duct, packing, painter’s or craft tape. 3. Decorate the cone with colorful stickers, rhinestones, paper cutouts, etc. 4. Tuck a few sheets of wadded tissue paper into the tip of the cone to help keep its shape. 5. Fill cone with fun surprises. (See our suggestions). 6. Glue or tape a couple of sheets of tissue paper around the top of the cone, leaving about 6 inches overhang. Gather ends of tissue paper and tie shut with ribbon to create a sort of carrot top. 7. Present cone to your child on the first day of school. Note: This idea is easily adapted for a child’s birthday gift, too.

CONE SURPRISES These items are sure to bring a grin the first day of school. Most cost only a few dollars each, making it easy to fill a cone for $20 or less. • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Metallic pencils Pipe cleaners Soft grip scissors Gummy candies Bouncy balls Card games Mini dominoes Balsa wood airplane kit Locker magnets Metal model kit Temporary tattoos Rosette necklace Nail polish Hair clips

SOURCES: Mangelsen’s and Rosie-Jane

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Occurs EVERY WEDNESDAY JUNE 4-AUG 12TH EXTREME WRISTBANDSS sell for $14 ALL DAY

Get ORGanized // amy tOkOs Amy Tokos is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of Freshly Organized. You can find more organizing tips at freshlyorganized.com.

WOrld-Herald FIle PHOTO

ED access to go-ka NLIMIT rts, de U lf, laser tag, Spaceba u l llll, inc ini go a W t e d n r W a t a m rs ! psho Jum

4 HabITS of HIgHLy organIzEd kIdS

Start the school year off right by getting kids wellorganized. You – and they – will be grateful every hectic morning and rushed homework hour.

SET LIMITS

August 12th, 13th, 14th 2016 Hastings, Nebraska

www.Kool-AidDays.com dDa Days.com a ys.com 14

We all have limits with our stuff. Once our spaces are full, we can’t take over our neighbor’s home with our stuff. This concept should also apply to our kids. To prevent their stuff from taking over every room in the house, set limits that teach kids how to be good housemates – for life. To keep toys in check, set aside a main storage area and a bedroom storage area. Set a limit of one bin per child and be selective about what stays and what goes. If your child likes to hang onto things, designate one drawer or basket in his or her room for “junk” they just can’t part with. Once it’s full, they either need to clean it out or refrain from adding items. This concept also works for toy collections. Give kids space, but not unlimited space.

Concerned with your child’s progress report? Anxiety

Sensory Issues

STICK TO A ROUTINE

Attention & Focus

Kids love predictability. Routines are especially helpful in the morning, when they need to get out the door and in the evening during homework and bedtime. A good routine gives your child time to get tasks done without undue stress. For routines to work, you need to allow plenty of time. If it takes your child five minutes to eat cereal, start breakfast a minimum of five minutes earlier. If you only give them three, you’ll have a constant battle. To keep kids moving, give them time for a task, but set a timer. Back to the five-minute cereal: Let them eat leisurely for four minutes, then set a timer for one minute and let them know they need to finish before it sounds. This places the “hurry up battle” between the timer and child instead of you and your child.

Organizational Skills Emotional Control

Academic Struggles

Contact today for long - term solutions! Classes and private sessions available

Ruth Murray 402.339.0992 www.movementsolutions.us

USE LISTS

Are you constantly reminding kids what needs to happen each morning? Brush your teeth! Comb your hair! Wash your face! Creating a checklist and posting it in the bathroom helps. For kids who can’t read, use a photo checklist. You’ll most likely still need to follow up, but all you need to do is ask if they did everything. Then smell their breath. Lists also work for other everyday routines. Post a sports checklist near their gear for items they need to remember. Include a homework checklist for each day after school. Maintain a chore checklist and have kids check off tasks as they complete them.

INVOLVE KIDS

Cooking, cleaning and shopping are all opportunities to get your kids involved with maintaining the family and learning life lessons. Do your kids know how to clean a mirror? Can they plan a healthy meal? Can they peel a carrot? How about shop for food and pick out a good cucumber? As parents, we all know it’s easier to do these tasks ourselves than fight the battle or take the time to teach. But the pain is only temporary. The more we teach and set expectations at a young age, the more successful our children will be as adults.

FALL LACROSSE IS OPEN FOR U2-U15 BOYS AND GIRLS!

Location: UNO UNOFields-(6808 Fields - (6808Spring SpringSt) Street) th th 4 Dates: Sundays Only - Aug14 to Sept Dates- Sunday’s OnlyAug 14th to Sept 25th25 Times: Noon hour practice / 1game) hour game) Times: 12-6 pm -(16pm hour(1practice / 1 hour Cost: $99-$129 Cost: $99-$129

Join us for Fall Lacrosse and see why it’s the fastestJoin us for Fall Lacrosse and see why it’s the fastest growing USA! growingyouth youthsport sportininthe the USA!

FREE

Intro to Lacrosse Clinics-Look on our website for dates and times. You must sign up online and we will provide the sticks! Limited spots available so encourage your friends to come try it out. Youth and H.S kids welcome.

The school year is starting. Here’s how to get your kids the sleep they need. STORY kIM CARPENTER

One of the best parts of summer for kids is staying up late. And sleeping in. But that can make transitioning back to school tough. We caught up with two local experts on children’s sleep for advice on resetting the clock so kids are bright-eyed, bushy tailed and wide awake in the classroom.

HOW MUCH? The amount of sleep kids need depends on their age. Dr. Brett R. Kuhn, director of the behavioral sleep disorders clinic at the Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Sleep Disorders Center, advises “10 for 10” – 10 hours of sleep on average for the average 10-yearold. Other recommendations: Toddlers and early elementary school kids, 11 to 13 hours; older elementary through middle school students, 9 to 11 hours; high schoolers, 8 to 9 hours.

WHEN TO TRANSITION Depending on your child’s sleep-wake schedule, Dr. Heidi Johnson of Boys Town Pediatrics says you can start anywhere from a few days to one week before the first day of school. Exactly when depends on how much children need to adjust their sleep schedules in

advance of the school year. “Get kids used to going to sleep when it’s still light out and getting up at a reasonable time for school,” she advises.

EARLY TO RISE While it might be tempting to send kids to bed earlier in preparation for school, parents should instead do the opposite: get them up earlier. “You can easily wake them 20 to 30 minutes earlier every couple of days and get their sleep-wake schedule moved to an earlier time,” says Kuhn. “The biggest pitfall is saying, ‘You have to go to bed early. You have school next week.’ Don’t put them to bed earlier when their bodies aren’t sleepy. You’re going to cause more problems than you solve. Start on the waking end, then once they’re sleepier at night, start putting them to bed earlier.”

NO SLEEPING IN Don’t ruin your efforts by allowing your child to sleep several hours later on weekends. “It’s always good not to have a lot of changes in your sleep,” explains Johnson. “Get your kids up (on weekends) within two hours of the time they get up on school days. If they get up at 7 o’clock, get them up on the weekends by 9 o’clock. That’s a better sleep regimen for them.”

CUT THE CAFFEINE

KEEP THEM IN THE DARK

While it typically doesn’t happen until adolescence, caffeine can interfere with getting enough sleep. Eliminate or reduce caffeine or adjust the time of day it’s consumed to make it easier for kids to fall asleep. “Caffeine can have a big effect on kids,” notes Johnson. “Usually we see a difference with younger children, particularly if they have caffeine at dinnertime. It keeps them awake.”

Since light is what sets our internal sleep-wake clocks, minimizing light when it comes to technology, windows and indoor lights is the key to getting good sleep, says Kuhn. “You can put kids to bed whenever you want and wake them up whenever you want,” he says, “but if you don’t manage light exposure, you’re going to lose the battle.” Indeed, it doesn’t take much light in the evenings to keep kids awake. “You want the lights down and dim at night,” he explains. “You can dim the lights and get the technology out of the bedroom, but if they’re getting bright sunlight, you’re fighting a losing battle.” Blackout curtains or shades that block daylight can be excellent ways to address longer days. “Those can definitely be helpful when you’re trying to get your kids to bed earlier, especially for kids who have a hard time falling asleep when it’s light outside,” Johnson explains.

TAME TECHNOLOGY Technology poses two threats to sleep and can greatly interfere with a child’s ability to get enough. First, there’s the fun factor. “It’s so enjoyable and engrossing that kids will engage in it all night long,” says Kuhn. Second, the blue light emitted by technology interferes with falling asleep, and light is what governs our sleepwake schedules and internal clocks. Johnson concurs. “That screen time can really affect kids’ sleep and make it so that they have a hard time falling and even staying asleep.” It’s important, she stresses, not to have a TV in their bedroom. If children fall asleep with the blue glow of a television, their sleep patterns are likely to be disturbed. And if teenagers are texting or checking incoming texts throughout the night, they’ll be missing the sleep their bodies need.

SET CURFEWS “Parents want to have a technology and electronic curfew, when the child can’t bring a cellphone, tablet or anything with a screen into the bedroom,” advises Kuhn. “The bedroom is for sleep. Parents can make sure they’re not sneaking and engaging in that stuff.” Johnson additionally recommends that kids not use any light-emitting technology for at least an hour prior to bedtime. “Just so they have a chance for their brains to unwind and get ready for bed.”

STAY COMFY Try to establish a sleep-compatible environment for your child. That means a bedroom that is reasonably dark, quiet and comfortable in terms of temperature. Cooler temperatures tend to be more conducive to better sleep, but Johnson says it can vary among individuals. “Some kids get really hot at night and sweat buckets. In that case, you want to lower the temperature – but it all depends on the kid. Let them decide what temperature is comfortable for them.”

BUT NOT TOO DARK Keeping a room dark doesn’t mean night lights are a no-no. A little light in the middle of the night can help kids feel safe. “If there’s enough light that you can read a book, it’s too light,” offers Kuhn as a guideline. “Especially with small kids, their eyes should be able to adjust so they can look around and see. That helps them relax a little bit.” “Night lights are great for kids,” Johnson agrees. “A lot of times kids are afraid of the dark, and that can make it difficult for them to fall asleep. Having a night light for a little bit of comfort is fine – just so they can see around, and it’s not completely dark.”

RISE AND SHINE! When it’s time to get your youngster up on a dark school morning, open the curtains and turn on the lights. This will prompt the body to wake up. “What I really recommend is a lot of bright light in the morning even before you wake up,” says Kuhn. “Open the shades and get that bright light exposure immediately upon wakening. That’s really what anchors our sleep-wake schedule.”

FONTENEllE FOREST Escape to nature on 26 miles of trails, including strollerfriendly boardwalks. Don’t miss: Acorn Acres, a nature-inspired play space. Where: 1111 Bellevue Blvd. North, Bellevue Cost: $65; reciprocal benefits include free or discounted admission to 170 nature centers listed at natctr.org. fontenelleforest.org

13 value-filled family memberships that pay off all year STOry REBECCA OlSEN

eeping kids entertained can be expensive – both at home and on the road. Annual memberships are one way to experience local attractions multiple times, both saving money and avoiding the dreaded “we must stay here all day to get our money’s worth” mentality. Here, we list 13 value-filled family memberships. Unless otherwise noted, all prices are for a 12-month membership for two adults and all children living in the same household.

ARBOR DAY FARM TREE ADVENTURE See the birthplace of Arbor Day and experience trails, sensory activities, flora and fauna. Don’t miss: climbing the 50-foot treehouse for views above the tree canopy. Where: 2611 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, Nebraska Cost: $49 arbordayfarm.org

DO SPACE Use world-class technology, software and printers to learn, explore and create. Don’t miss: the tech activity kits, teaching everything from robotics to programming, and youth programming such as “Littles Lab,” “Junior Makers” and “Teen Hackers.” Where: 7205 Dodge St., Omaha Cost: Free dospace.org

THE DURHAM MUSEUM Experience Omaha’s history and the world beyond through permanent and traveling exhibitions, many of which are interactive. Housed in the former Union Station, the museum is a Smithsonian affiliate. Don’t miss: the model train and diorama depicting Union Pacific’s 1950s train line, the streetcar and a storefront replica of the original Buffett Grocery Store. Where: 801 S. 10th St., Omaha Cost: $60 durhammuseum.org

GOlDEN ARROW ARCHERY ClUB Channel robin Hood or Katniss from the “Hunger Games” with access to an indoor range and a variety of beginner equipment. Don’t miss: coaching with a certified archery instructor. Where: 11212 N. 72nd St., Omaha Cost: Starting at $120 archery-club.org

OMAHA’S HENRY DOORlY ZOO & AQUARIUM Make friends with the animals at a zoo ranked among the best in the world by international travel sites. Don’t miss: the new Alaskan Adventure splash park and African Grasslands exhibit. Where: 3701 S. 10th St., Omaha Cost: $120 for up to six children, ages 20 and younger; reciprocal benefits include free or discounted admission to zoos listed at aza.org. omahazoo.com

JOSlYN ART MUSEUM Immerse your family in breathtaking creativity and world-class art exhibitions. Don’t miss: themed activity art packs available for loan from the Scott EdTech gallery and Art Works, a 1,500-square-foot space filled with hands-on activity stations. Where: 2200 Dodge St., Omaha Cost: $60 for a family membership for two adults and children ages 17 and younger; reciprocal benefits for contributing level members ($150) include free admission at museums and galleries listed at museumswest.org and narmassociation.org. joslyn.org

lAURITZEN GARDENS Escape the city in this urban oasis of 100 acres of flowers, shrubs, trees and art. Don’t miss: the Children’s Garden, where kids can engage in hands-on gardening, and the Model Train Garden where seven miniature trains thread their way continuously through a natural diorama. Where: 100 Bancroft St., Omaha Cost: $65 lauritzengardens.org

OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Your children will have so much fun playing, they won’t realize they’re actually learning. Don’t miss: the daily science shows with interactive demonstrations. Where: 500 S. 20th St., Omaha Price: $109; reciprocal benefits include free or discounted admission to 250 science and technology museums listed at astc.org. ocm.org

OMAHA SYMPHONY FAMILY SERIES Give your children the gift of classical music by bopping along to four kid-friendly masterpieces. Don’t miss: the interactive activities in the lobby, starting an hour before the performance. Where: 1200 Douglas St., Omaha Cost: $32 per person, per season omahasymphony.org

Full-Time Positions Available We are seeking energetic individuals who enjoy working with young children. Previous childcare experience and /or early childhood education helpful.

Please email enrollment@smallmiraclechildcare.com or call Debbie at 402-932-2922.

THE ROSE THEATER Laugh and cry and experience all the emotions in between at live theater performances produced especially for children. Don’t miss: meeting the actors after shows to ask questions and get autographs. Where: 2001 Farnam St., Omaha Cost: $105 per season for a family of four rosetheater.org

2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: 180th & Dodge • 402-932-2922 192nd & Pacific • 402-991-0696

www.smallmiraclechildcare.com

SPIELBOUND CAFÉ Roll the dice, shuffle the deck and challenge your family to more than 1,500 board games. Don’t miss: demo days, when volunteers teach visitors new games. Where: 3229 Harney St., Omaha Cost: $300 spielbound.com

STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND & AEROSPACE MUSEUM Explore the history of the Strategic Air Command, America’s role in the Cold War and modern aerospace exploration. Don’t miss: “Member Second Saturday” featuring breakfast, an aircraft tour and collectible trading cards for the kids. Where: 28210 West Park Highway, Ashland, Nebraska Cost: $75 sacmuseum.org

FITNESS ADVICE YOU CAN FOLLOW.

compiled by kim carpenter photography jeffrey bebee

HEALTHYKOHLSKIDS.COM

Kick up your dessert offerings with these recipes from the momaha kitchen, with plenty of requests for seconds.

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE CUPCAKES These sweet treats are as beautiful as they are delicious. recipe: christina ihnken

1. preheat oven to 325 degrees. 2. combine 1 cup Biscoff European cookie crumbs (or any ginger snap cookies), Âž cup sugar and 3 tablespoons melted butter; press into bottoms of cupcake liners. 3. beat 3 8-ounce packages cream cheese and 1 teaspoon vanilla with mixer until blended. add 3 eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until blended. Spoon mixture over crust ingredients in cupcake liners. 4. bake for 25 minutes or until centers are almost set. cool completely and refrigerate for 2 hours. 5. cut strawberries with small heart-shaped cookie cutter and then arrange hearts on cupcakes.

BACK TO SCHOOL Back to Swim Lessons!

SOUTHERN ROASTED PECAN ICE CREAM BALLS

ONCE-A-WEEK SWIM LESSONS

Sweet, salty and a little crunchy, this ice cream treat reminds us of a candy bar. Recipe: Emily Martin

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1. Roast 1 cup lightly salted pecans in a 375-degree oven for 10 minutes. Cool, then finely chop. 2. Form vanilla ice cream into ice cream scoop-size balls. Mold roasted pecans over them and freeze overnight. 3. Prior to serving, drizzle with caramel sauce (Monin Gourmet Caramel Sauce preferred).

Free Newborn Expo and Car Seat Check with Boys Town Pediatrics

Saturday, September 10, 2016 FREE Car Seat Check

FREE Newborn Expo

9:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.

Boys Town Medical Campus Pacific Street Clinic

Meet our pediatricians and attend newborn seminars. • • •

Car seat installation Pampering services Gift bags

• Desserts • Hourly prizes • Win a car seat

Grand Prize!

14040 Boys Town Hospital Road 139th & Pacific Street

BOYS TOWN

Pediatrics

boystownpediatrics.org

Newborn Photography Session

RICE KRISPIE BARS The butterscotch-and-chocolate topping makes for an elegant take on a beloved kidsâ€™ classic. Recipe: Heidi Thorson

1. Melt 1 stick butter and 1 heaping spoonful peanut butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, stir to combine. 2. Add 1 bag marshmallows and microwave on high, about 2 minutes (or until slightly melted), then stir to mix together with melted butter and peanut butter. 3. Add 1 jar Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme and microwave on high, about 1 minute (or until slightly melted). Stir together. Tip: Use a warm spoon to scoop out marshmallow creme. 4. Add 1 large box puffed rice cereal (we prefer Rice Krispies) and stir until cereal is wellcoated with marshmallow mixture. Transfer to a 9-by-13-inch pan and, using a buttered spoon, spread evenly. 5. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup butterscotch chips. Stir to combine and then pour over cereal mixture in pan. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the chocolate frosting evenly. Let set at least 3 hours before cutting and serving.

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SkyHawks are brothers and sisters on the same flight path. Learn more about Skutt Catholic’s faith-based, college prep curriculum and our over 50 award winning activity and athletic programs. Contact Tim Bloomingdale, Director of Admissions at 402.333.0818 ext. 5133, to schedule a tour. Ask about our financial assistance program. skuttcatholic.com « 3131 S 156 Street « Omaha, NE 68130

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S E A S O N

Membership is the best way to enjoy everything The Rose has to offer. Rose members receive access to seven regular season shows for one low price. That’s seven times to stop and laugh together with your child. Seven times to experience the awe and wonder of theater. Seven times to make memories together as a family — memories that will last a lifetime.

Memberships on sale now. JOIN TODAY!

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THAT’S 28 TICKETS! 2016-17 Mainstage Shows Goodnight Moon Shrek The Musical TYA The Jungle Book The True Story of the 3 Li le Pigs Huck Finn Harold and The Purple Crayon Stellaluna and Other Tales

Sept. 2-18, 2016 Sept. 30-Oct. 16, 2016 Oct. 28-Nov. 13, 2016 Jan. 27-Feb. 12, 2017 Feb. 24-Mar. 12, 2017 Mar. 24-Apr. 9, 2017 Apr. 21-May 7, 2017

2016-17 Hitchcock Series for Very Young Children Mouse on the Move Thumbelina

2016-17 Premium Shows Prancer Peter Pan

Oct. 15-Nov. 6, 2017 Jan. 14-Feb. 5, 2017

Nov. 25-Dec. 18, 2016 June 2-18, 2017