November 2015 HerFamily

NOVEMBER 2015

The Wetjen/ Rizzo Family

CREATING A SIMPLE LIFE

Cook This!

GRILLED TURKEY LONDON BROIL Autumn

Color DIY DOOR BORE NO MORE

THE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS.

Campbell, age 5 Crohn’s Disease and Autoimmune Hepatitis

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.

Trusted 3 • Issue 6 Molly Maid clean is now Volume green! in More Molly Maid clean is now green!

Molly Maid clean is now green!

Neighborhoods PUBLISHER

Todd Lemke

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Trust Molly Maid to clean your home so thoroughly, people are guaranteed to notice!

Than Any Other Local Real Estate Trust Molly Maid to clean your Trust Molly Maid to clean your homehome so thoroughly, people so thoroughly, people Company. are guaranteed to notice! are guaranteed to notice!

Daisy Hutzell-Rodman

daisy@omahamagazine.com EDITOR

5

Molly Maid clean is now green!

David Williams

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

NP Dodge knows your Bill Sitzmann neighborhood. We’ve built a ART DIRECTOR reputation of trust through Kristen Hoffman For a Cleaning Plan designed around Reasons why hard work and experience. it makes sense. your home and your lifestyle SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Molly Maid’s private label cleaning Call your Local Rachel Joy Our community connections are environmentally safe, Molly Maid to clean your 1Trustproducts biodegradable and non-toxic.

Trustso Molly Maid to clean your home thoroughly, people and local resources give our GRAPHIC DESIGNER home so for thoroughly, people For a Cleaning Plan designed around Reasons why healthier my family, thenotice! products areIt’s guaranteed to are guaranteed to notice! agentsReasons a big advantage, Matthew Wieczorek are all natural cleaners and disin2 For ayour Cleaning Planyour designed why it makes sense. home and lifestylearound fectants, I don’t worry about fumes, whether they’re helping you residue or build up.

Molly Maid’s private label cleaning ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES it makes sense.

Call your your Local lifestyle your home and products are environmentally safe, 1home I’m doing my part to help the environment. sell aMolly or find a new one.

Gwen Lemke • Greg Bruns • Gil Cohen Maid’s private label cleaning biodegradable and non-toxic.

Even the smallest contributions Call your Local can make 3 Kyle Fischer • Angie Hall • George Idelman a big difference over time. products are environmentally safe, started with a local real 1To getbiodegradable It’s healthier for my family, the products and non-toxic. are all natural cleaners and disinMolly Maid’s “Small Efforts. Big Results.”

MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHA/COUNCIL ASSISTANT TO BLUFFS THE PUBLISHER estate2expert in your neighborfectants, I don’t worrythe about fumes, brochure provide additional informaIt’s healthier for my family, products 4 Sandy Besch Matson tion about creating a more green friendly residue or build up.

402.932.MAID (6243) hood, npdodge.com. all natural cleaners and disinhome.

2 arevisit For a Cleaning Plan designed around

Molly Maid clean is now green!

55

5 5

doing worry my partabout to helpfumes, the environment. fectants,I’m I don’t

3

3

4

People always notice how clean and fresh my home is, now I’mlabel proud to Molly Maid’s private cleaning tell them it’s also Molly Maid Green products areaenvironmentally safe, Home!biodegradable and non-toxic.

For a Cleaning Plan designed around ACCOUNT ASSISTANTS your home and your lifestyle A clean you can Jessica Cullinane • Dawn Dennis your Local Plan designed around For Call a Cleaning Alicia Smith Hollins • Justin Idelman • Jessica Linhart

. yourOPERATIONS Call Local

Maid’s private label cleaning 2Molly 402.932.MAID (6243) products are environmentally safe, cathy.tichy@mollymaid.com 1 Molly Maid’s “Small Efforts. Big Results.”

MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHA/COUNCIL BLUFFS biodegradable and non-toxic.

A clean you can brochure provide additional information a more green friendly for my family, the products 3It’s healthier 5about creatingTrust Molly Maid to clean your 402.932.MAID (6243) Trust Molly Maid to clean your trust! home. home so thoroughly, people are all natural cleaners and disinhome so thoroughly, 2 people It’s healthier for my family, the products Each franchise and disin- independently are all natural cleaners fectants, I don’t worry about fumes,

tion about creating a more green friendly home.

owned and operated

Tyler Lemke

residue or build up.

People always notice how clean and fresh my home is, now I’m proud to tell them it’s also a Molly Maid Green Home!

5

5

I’m doing my part to help the environment.

Maid’s “Small Efforts.

Big make Results.”

Even theMolly smallest contributions can brochureover provide additional informaa big difference time.

4

Reasons why it makes sense.

Reasons why trust!

1is Molly Maid now green!

Mollyclean Maid is now green!

MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHA/COUNCIL BLUFFS itclean makes sense. your home and your lifestyle

Even the smallest contributions can make residue or build up. a big difference over time.

I’m doing my part to help the environment.

Even the smallest contributions can make a big difference over time.

A clean 4 .you can cathy.tichy@mollymaid.comtrust!

3

ACCOUNTING Holley Garcia-Cruz

are guaranteed are to notice!

Molly Maid’s “Small Efforts.

Big Results.” guaranteed to notice! fectants, I don’t worry about fumes, MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHA/COUNCIL BLUFFS

People always notice how clean and brochure provide additional informaresidue or build up. tion about creating a more green friendly franchise independently owned and operated fresh my home is, now I’m Each proud to home.

I’m doing my part to help the environment. tell them it’s also a Molly Maid Green People always notice how clean and Even the smallest contributions can make Home! fresh my home is,over now I’m proud to a big difference time.

5 5

5

.

tell them it’s also a Molly Maid Green

Home!

Each franchise independently owned and operated Molly Maid’s “Small Efforts. Big Results.”

cathy.tichy@mollymaid.com 4 brochure provide additional informa-

WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

402.932.MAID (6243) Mike Brewer A clean you Printed canby Omaha Print trust!

For a one-year subscription MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHA/COUNCIL BLUFFS

.

Each franchise independently owned and operated

(12 issues), send $9.95 to

402.932.MAID (6243) Reasons it makes sense. your home and your it makes sense. your lifestyle home and your lifestyle A clean you can Call your Local Call your Local 1 5 1 trust! tion about creating acathy.tichy@mollymaid.com more green friendly Forwhy a Cleaning Plan whyReasons For designed a Cleaningaround Plan designed around home.

People always notice how clean and

Molly Maid’s private label Molly cleaning Maid’s private label cleaning fresh products are environmentally safe, are environmentally products safe, my home is, now I’m proud to biodegradable and non-toxic. biodegradable and non-toxic. tell them it’s also a Molly Maid Green

2

It’s healthier for my family,It’s thehealthier productsfor my family, the Home! products are all natural cleaners and aredisinall natural cleaners and disinfectants, I don’t worry about fumes,I don’t worry about fumes, fectants,

2

residue or build up.

3

4 5

P.O. Box 461208, Papillion, NE 68046-1208. www.omahamagazine.com

Original contributions become the property of Omaha Publications.

Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned.

.

The information contained within HerFamily is for informa-

tional purposes It is not intended and should not be used Each franchise independently owned andonly. operated

residue or build up.

cathy.tichy@mollymaid.com assistance. Omaha Publications makes no endorsement of

to take the place of seeking professional advice, counsel or

I’m doing my part to help the I’menvironment. doing my part to help the environment.

Even the smallest contributions Evencan the make smallest contributions can make a big difference over time. a big difference over time.

3

and is not responsible for contributors or advertising herein. If

Molly Maid’s “Small Efforts.Molly Big Results.”

MOLLY OF CENTRAL OMAHA/COUNCIL BLUFFS Maid’s “Small Efforts. MAID Big Results.”

MOLLY MAID OF CENTRAL OMAHA/COUNCIL brochure provide additional informabrochure provide additional information about creating a more green friendly tion about creating a more green friendly home. home.

4

BLUFFS you have concerns or questions related to your health, consult

with your physician. HerFamily is protected by copyright and 402.932.MAID (6243) 402.932.MAID (6243) may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written A clean you can you can permission of Omaha Publications, 402.884.2000.

A clean 5 trust! trust!

Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine, LTD . .

Each franchise independently and operated owned and operated Each owned franchise independently

People always notice howPeople clean and always notice how clean and fresh my home is, now I’mfresh proud tohome is, now I’m proud to my tell them it’s also a Molly Maid Green tell them it’s also a Molly Maid Green Home!

Home!

cathy.tichy@mollymaid.com npdodge.com cathy.tichy@mollymaid.com omahamagazine.com

•

bestofomaha.com

3

SAVE THE DATE!

M

TE

n ov e

R

A

, 20

e mb

r

K E T V 7 • BA X

21

R

EN

A

15

A

seco nd OMA H

al nu INE’S n a AGAZ

The Second Annual Omaha Magazine Best of Omaha Festival!

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Don’t miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine NO

V EM

B ER

/D EC

EM B

ER

13 • 20

™

University of Nebraska at Omaha Baxter Arena | Nov. 21, 2015

The Road Home

tion crip Pres A buse g Dr u Teens ng o m A ska’ss ebra N

or

is h Adv ealt ska ier W ebra n Prem of N ckso ing John Ja Mak The

SE PT

EM BE

R/ OC

TO BE

R • 20 13

Mayo r Jean Stot

™

Leading hert a Man’s in World Jim WeathFlowers ers the Storm

Omah

Best Da’s octors® BIG GIV E Omah a’s 2013

™

ii y/Be BIR Uy OY8G s H43g UgR09F VQy5 8T Lq Q0 H $10$ NEaP oeU1BB n$2a HYoUvJ 5t V/Bd KL lORS kU=\ V2a7 TZktxU EhFU TxtUp4 VX TE 6SH 6f lV 10$B BL JF Tk 0V TI $2a$ EMuGFh SBHT WOEU/ BIRV mkaYg 1BBQ Uy OR 2U 959f kVXT El rmX/NO R09F BSUej3 1S52 kU=\ 7r Ug $.

FU VJFT Ii93aOz BBQ0 io4k TIEh DM a$10 U1 IR \n$2 tENIJR HT 0V K1V4 jVaO GnKq FUyB UkU= MC7 ElORSB EODE zE gR09 k eu GIm VTIEhF 9chb BQ0U bo NK. kVXT OdrT BH T0 uV.CLT IRVJFT 9MsIVt OU1B 2a$10$ iMvm 0V TIE b ql Ocv2 =\n$ UVRGxW SBHT 5YKM dzkr 09FUyB Z1bj Ja ElOR LDpu EhFUkU ae 7k VX 0UgR $10$8l Okcm TI kVXT WyOIU JF Tk ljO 75Gm 3E HT 0V 1OiPJn IRVJFT v/tv BIRV 3f 8/Ig n$2a CqgO SB Uy yB xW R OR tz 9F NLfq h2sWkVXT El LS08M UyBI 09FU GBFnlV UgR0 Q0 EWkC UgR09F 0UgR NCHE BB VJFT s0YeID a1 BQ U1 zd Q0 1B Pw og0h 5omCU a$10$6 uQBedG a$10$0 AKU1BB 8HQy $2 Fn K1 0$ $2 5k YN \n kJ 96 U= dY 2a$1 8uQe U=\n Ybx8 hFUk x4 P0QQ IEhFUk xEm Jl kU=\n$ nK4obI VT st VX EhFU XvS4 G9AK BH T0 c9tf Tc JF Tk d RS 0V TI Pwfq BIRV vJ6oFq TElO u/8SQW SBHT OG Uy RB OR 9F $U u3 0gl8 kVXT El a$10 UgR0 EH. 2RC1 VJFT Abw.q U1BBQ0 U=\n$2 CR1BvN CRFm 0cM/2 IEhFUk oS2JG9 R09FUy ST Ug T0VT RuAq WIA BBQ0 IEh Vq RSBH TElO p.O03W hVUWU1 T0VT .

BH 71pg Sgt2C7 lORS IjrLTW GD TE KqLy JF TkVX $10$Fm gthtLu BQ 8h 2a RV 8b BI yU1B S =\n$ XJ.u ni0N XT ElOR FUkU Tr woJ yFkE kV $C ACeL V8EJZj IRVJFT a$10 $2 By0s 09FUyB U=\n eh. f Uk xti7 Atx1 0UgR VTIEhF Q5i4 CNfvQs Uy BH T0 V1n0ig JU LY 4Or3 UgR09F IE /A U VT jZNV wczBJ BBQ0 RSBH T0 GUS yT U1 yy T X/m TElO PCa K HkrP JF TkVX a$10$u AtZv ke $2 eE BIRV U=\n 3Y Tc dy hFUk y7F01s w3PCq JPhR eNkqA5 E SID 9r 2s D IN .m DE eW CO Om Br.0 TEX T DE

•

20 14

R topDaha’sCOVE enti sts™ Bes Camt of Om paig aha™ n 20 15

war

TICKETS START AT

DECEMBER 12 - 20

$19

&

Chu a fu ck Hag tu e the re fre l battle e q s fo of th uagmir of r e pa e st. s

™ The Lo Alexyal Roy Gor al don Mal or Om ie Mad aha Stordox ies

Pea ce

Last year’s runaway hit returns better than ever! Celebrate the magic, romance, and joy of the season as Broadway stars add to the lush sounds of the Omaha Symphony. A singing and dancing treat for the whole family!

December 12 - 20, 2015 | Holland Center Ernest Richardson, conductor Broadway Cast & Chorus

Pleae donate non-perishable food items Nov. - Dec. at the Holland Center.

Beat the Holiday Season Rush - order your tickets now!

4

402.345.0606 | OMAHASYMPHONY.ORG HerFamily

•

November 2015

omamag.com/save

written by RACHEL JOY | photography by BILL SITZMANN

YOGA

Wide Angle Seated Forward Bend SANSKRIT NAME: UPAVISTHA KONASANA (OO-PAH-VEESH-TAH CONE-AHS-ANNA)

T

HE WIDE ANGLE Seated

Forward Bend stretches the hamstrings and inner thighs, tones and strengthens the spine, opens the hips, and stimulates the abdominal muscles, all while relaxing the mind.

1. Sit upright and separate the

legs, creating a “v” shape.

2. Rotate the legs back so that the knees face towards the sky, and flex your toes to protect the knee caps.

3. Ground the sit bones to the earth, and lengthen the spine by reaching the crown of the head towards the sky.

4. Roll the shoulders down the back, and away from the ears. Open through the chest to unround the spine.

5. Actively press the thigh bones into the ground.

6. Inhale deeply, and as you exhale, bend forward at the hip joints.

7. Place hands on the ground in

front of you, and reach forward (for a more advanced pose, grab each of the big toes with the peace sign fingers and thumb).

8. Breathe deeply for 10-20 breaths.

9. Inhale to come up, and repeat.

Rachel Joy YOGA

omahamagazine.com

•

bestofomaha.com

5

DIY

6

written by KRISTEN HOFFMAN | photography by BILL SITZMANN

HerFamily

•

November 2015

DIY

Autumn Wreaths A

BOUT THIS TIME each year our minds

DIRECTIONS

start drifting away from work and daily responsibilities, and our thoughts are filled with excitement for the cold air and holiday season. I walk into craft stores looking for something to adorn my door, but the wreaths that I find always seem to be too gaudy—bursting with mini-pumpkins, monograms, and sparkly fake leaves. While many women love to decorate their homes in all that is glitter, I prefer to decorate with the natural elements of autumn. So, I decided to make one myself out of things I love the most about this season.

1. Do some research. Look at different shapes and styles of wreaths to figure out what you prefer.

2. Choose a natural vine wreath that fits the size 3.

4.

5.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

6.

• Natural vine wreath • Foliage, pheasant feathers, pine cones, acorns • Wire cutter • Hot glue gun • Door hanger

7.

of your door. If it is too large, it may overwhelm your entry. If it is too small, it may not pack enough punch to do your door credit.

Pick out some foliage (real or faux) that draws your eye. For fall colors, it is safe to stay in the warmer color range, but do not be afraid to throw some green or purple into the mix.

With a wire cutter, clip off individual pieces from each bunch of foliage. Weave the ends of each piece through the natural vine wreath until secure. Be sure to tuck in any end that is sticking out, unless you mean for it to hang down.

Wreaths tend to look best when they are heavy on the bottom left or bottom right side. Make this section full, and disperse foliage sparingly as you work your way around the wreath.

Hot glue any pieces that cannot be woven through the natural vine, such as pine cones or acorns. Be sure to use a generous amount of glue since the surface will most likely not be flat.

Hook the door hanger under the top of the wreath, and proudly display on your front door.

Kristen Hoffman DIY

omahamagazine.com

•

bestofomaha.com

7

MEET THE FAMILY

written by DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN | photography by BILL SITZMANN

Calder, Brian Wetjen, Elke, Jill Rizzo

8

HerFamily

•

November 2015

n a i Br tj en e W &

i zz o

R l Jil

CREATING A SIMPLE LIFE

L

IKE IT IS in any home with small children,

the kitchen can be a flurry of activity when it comes to mealtime at the home of Brian Wetjen and Jill Rizzo. Brian makes PB&J while daughter Elke (4), uses the cap of a marker to transform a slice of American into its Swiss cousin. Meanwhile son Calder (7), attempts to bring a science play-set to the dining table.

“Calder, not now,” Brian says. “We’ll do science in a little while.”

It’s a Sunday scene that mimics their weekday lives—Brian stays home with the kids while wife Jill goes to work at Hayneedle, where she is the creative director. Brian works from home as a website designer, but took this past summer off while the kids were out of school.

Hectic though it may seem, the family’s lives have simplified over the past three years.

That’s when Brian ran his own company and Jill worked as the design director at Bozell.

They each toiled more than 40 hours a week, leaving little family time.

“We hated having to use the term ‘who has to pick up the kids’,’” Jill says, “because we both wanted to pick up the kids.”

“Once Calder got into kindergarten,” Brian adds, “we realized we wanted him to be able to come home after school. That’s really what kids want—they want to be at home.”

The lifestyle transition initially caused worry for Jill, who wondered about the “what ifs,” as in what if I lose my job?

Brian took the opposite road.

“Instead of sabotaging it in your brain,” he says “why don’t we think ‘wow—look at all the positives.'”

Also easing Jill’s worry is how the couple thinks about materialism, not just from a monetary standpoint, but as a philosophy that forms their values.

“I recognized I was spending money on just stuff,” Jill says. “Like stuff for the house. I’d buy new pillows and placemats, but we didn’t need them, it was just more stuff.”

“It was retail therapy,” Brian adds.

“And I’m in retail!” Jill quips with a laugh.

One area of “stuff” the couple have carefully cultivated is their kids’ belongings. Markers, paper, and play-dough clutter the kid-sized crafting table at the end of the galley kitchen’s counters, while a play kitchen sits next to the dining table, ready to prepare any manner of made-up meals.

“A lot of the toy choices we make for them are either a) things we loved, or b) art supplies,” omahamagazine.com

•

bestofomaha.com

Brian says. “We also built a really big sand box in the backyard so they can dig and build things.”

The kids’ creative spirits rub off on their parents.

Jill is a noted artist and the kids like to spend time painting with their mom.

“We work on art projects at night,” she says.

“I have an easel set up for them in my studio, and they will come down and paint with me… or vice versa. Calder, specifically, will come up and ask me, ‘Mom, why aren’t you painting?’”

Changes in school curricula over the years have influenced how this couple organizes family life.

“There’s less art, less music, less movement in school,” Jill adds, “all so they can get better test scores. Freedom of thought allows them to be creative problem-solvers.”

“Unstructured time is just as important as structured time,” Brian says.

Calder has drifted into another room by himself to work with his iPad, while Elke bounces on the small trampoline in the TV-less family room, holding onto a small attached railing while she bounces and bounces, joyfully crying “look at me!”

Aforementioned, structured time is just as important as unstructured time. »

9

MEET THE FAMILY CONT'D

« “We have a routine,” Brian says. “I make breakfast, Jill goes to work.

I walk Calder to school then take Elke to preschool.”

Calder is in second grade at Swanson Elementary. Brian comes home and has a couple of hours to work before picking up Elke, then they have a couple of hours in the afternoon before picking up Calder.

Once school lets out, the kids get time to do what they want—playing outside or inside. Brian and the kids make sure the house is picked up on Fridays so the family can participate in things they want to do on the weekends. Their seemingly carefree situation is the envy of their friends.

“Most of our friends are pretty laid back,” Brian says. “Most of them have said, ‘boy, I wish I could do this.’ ”

A big focus for both Brian and Jill is travel. They have taken the kids to see Jill’s extended family in upstate New York along with trips to Colorado and North Carolina. The couple hope to travel more as the kids age.

“We want to incorporate as many new experiences as possible,” Jill says.

The less is more philosophy has worked well for the family, and they encourage others not necessarily to do things their way, but in whatever way works best.

“Not everyone can work from home,” Brian admits, “but if you think about it, you can design your life the way you want.”

10

HerFamily

•

November 2015

We give thanks for the children...

Mario & Aaden, Age 3 Foster Family Services

and EVERY family who nourishes their being. www.nchs.org 402.451.0787

Show us some

@OmahaMagazine omahamagazine.com

•

bestofomaha.com

 

11

FOOD

sponsored content by CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER photography by @BALDWIN PUBLISHING, INC.

Grilled Turkey London Broil INGREDIENTS • 1/4 cup olive oil • 1 Tbsp grated ginger • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce or 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce (gluten free if needed) • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar • 1 Tbsp brown sugar • 2 scallions, chopped • 2 1/2 lbs turkey breast, butterflied • 1/4 tsp salt • Black pepper, to taste

PREPARATION

1. In a large cup, combine olive oil, ginger, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and scallions.

2. In a large, shallow, glass baking dish, arrange turkey

breast and pour marinade over it to cover. Turn turkey to coat both sides. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or overnight.

3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove turkey from marinade. Season turkey with the salt and black pepper.

4. Grill the turkey 8 minutes on each side, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the turkey breast registers 165°. Let turkey rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

J

UST BECAUSE TURKEY is healthy doesn't mean

it has to be bland and boring. Try this delicious grilled turkey London broil. The ginger, soy sauce, and brown sugar marinade keep the turkey moist.

Find more great recipes at HealthyKohlsKids.com. The Healthy Kohl’s Kids program is a partnership between Children’s Hospital & Medical Center and Kohl’s Department Stores to educate children and parents about healthy nutrition and fitness.

12

HerFamily

Nutrition Facts: Serving Size: 5 oz turkey; Calories: 238; Fat: 9g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 70mg; Sodium: 340mg; Carbohydrates: 3g; Fiber: 0; Protein: 34g Yield: 8 servings

•

November 2015

㐀 ㈀ⴀ㠀㤀㘀ⴀ㌀㌀

䘀䰀䔀堀 䘀唀一䐀匀

唀猀攀 琀栀攀洀 戀攀昀漀爀攀 琀栀攀礀 愀爀攀 最漀渀攀

Use code NOVLESSONS15 to get $10 off the registration fee!

Grow STRONG with OneWorld Pediatrics Get your FLU SHOT today at one of our convenient locations!

South Omaha 4920 S. 30th St. 402-734-4110

West Omaha 4101 S. 120th St. 402-505-3907

Northwest Omaha 4229 N. 90th St. 402-401-6000

Cass Family Medicine 122 S. 6th St. Plattsmouth 402-296-2345

45 YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE

oneworldomaha.org

45 Years of Making a Difference... ...One Child at a Time omahamagazine.com

•

bestofomaha.com

13

THE GRANDPA CHRONICLES

written by DAVID WILLIAMS

Taking Off THE TRAINING WHEELS

T

HE OLD ADAGE about never forget-

ting after learning how to ride a bike is pure hokum, and this grandpa is living proof.

On a recent camping trip with grandsons Barrett (4) and Easton (5), I climbed aboard my daughter-in-law’s girlie bike—the robin’s egg blue cruiser outfitted with a cute basket that is perfect for holding…I dunno… kewpie dolls or friendship bracelets or other sugar-and-spice paraphernalia.

About three feet into my wobbly peddling it struck me that I could not remember the last time I had been on a bicycle. After giving it some thought, I pegged the year to be 1981. I won’t bore you with the comical, look-out-for-that-tree details of our ride over hill and over dale (poor Dale) through the campground that day.

The experience reminded me that Barrett and Easton are born-to-ride daredevils when it comes to two-wheeled action.

Not 10 days after the training wheels came off Barrett’s bike he was already flying along the Wabash Trace Trail over

14

in Iowa on one of the popular Taco Rides, and his family has since taken 10-mile jaunts along other, sometimes more challenging trails while crisscrossing the metro.

The thought of which is all absolutely horrifying to me.

And doubly so for my wife, Julie. When we let our imaginations get the best of us, life as grandparents can be a pins-and-needles game of waiting for that inevitable phone call from my son or daughter-in-law where we are informed, “Well, just thought we’d tell you that we’re on our way to the emergency room.”

That’s where this story was supposed to end.

Sure, I would have yammered on for a paragraph or three on the terrors of being the grandpa of two young, adventurous boys who don’t know the meaning of fear…but that was going to be pretty much it. Column done. Over. See ya next issue.

Except that we did, in fact, get that phone call.

One week to the day after my tottering bike ride inspired this column, Barrett did a face-plant HerFamily

•

November 2015

onto the pavement off his otherwise trusty steed. Yes, he was wearing a helmet, as always, but he knocked out three front teeth, and his bruised and bloodied face looked like a punchdrunk Robert Ne Niro in Raging Bull.

My son, Eric, was a BMX rebel in his teen years, and I recall holding my breath (thank goodness for a gold-plated medical plan) every time that starter gate dropped with a clang and a quartet of riders hurtled toward certain doom.

That was at the bicycle track down in Lincoln but now, a generation later, Omaha has a BMX death trap of its own.

And Eric’s reaction to the events of last weekend? He plans to have Barrett fitted with a new mouthguard before going airborne for the first time in a gravity-defying ride on and over the dirt moguls of the local track. All before my grandson’s fat lip is even given a chance to recede to its former pretty-boy profile.

God help us all.

Omaha’s Only

Authentic German Restaurant

Locally Owned Since 1976

Hours: Mon-Thu 10-6 Fri-Sat 10-5 Sun 12-4

Call ahead to order

Visit us today!

12965 W. Center Rd · 402.778.0650

Holiday Dessert trays, pies, and authentic German stollen.

German Strudel, Sauerkraut, and Schnitzel.

Endless amazing interior designs to help bring life to your home!

Full bakery, fresh bread, donuts, and cakes!

10 min from downtown Omaha

5180 Leavenworth

402-553-6774

GerdasGermanRestaurant.com

Thanks for voting us Best of Omaha™

omahamagazine.com

•

bestofomaha.com

WE HAVE MOVED! 217 N. Jefferson St • Papillion

402-331-9136 • papillionflowerpatch.com

15

Omaha Magazine 5921 S. 118th Cir. Omaha, NE 68137

Register now for summer and fall classes!

Professional Dance Education For All Ages!

Jazz • Hip-Hop • Lyrical • Tap • Ballet • Pointe • Modern • Contemporary • Dance Theater We allow students to develop skills to their optimum potential while challenging them to achieve higher levels of dance education.

402.493.5671 • onpointedancecentre.com 1812 N. 120th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154