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Dinosaur Exhibit at the Science Center of Iowa

We had Family Night, Friday night and it was a blast!

We began our evening at Zombie Burger. If you have not been, you definitely need to check it out! They have awesome, crazy burgers and even crazier, spiked milkshakes. I enjoyed a Cinnamon Toast Crunch shake spiked with Rum Chata … delish!

Travis ordered the Undead Elvis … which includes peanut butter, fried bananas, bacon, american cheese, egg, mayo, and somewhere on there … a hamburger patty!

(Image Source)

After dinner, we made our way to the Science Center of Iowa! They opened the Dinosaur Exhibit during Family Night. Family Night is the second Friday of every month 5 pm – 8 pm and it’s only $5. It’s a great thing, when you cannot make it to the Science Center during the day and it’s an awesome family night activity. As a Science Center member you can enter in at 4 pm to see the exhibit early, before the crowd hits. Also, as a member, the $5 entrance fee is waived. You also get free registration on monthly member family workshops. You can view upcoming workshops here.

We started out exploring in the Small Discoveries area. Monte loves this area and it’s perfect for toddlers. He loves the fruit and vegetable activity AND the bubble activity.

The dinosaur exhibit was pretty awesome. There is something for everyone, it does not matter your age! Monte was pretty much only interested in the large dinosaurs and hands on things.

The exhibit does a great job explaining everything with videos, pictures, and large dinosaurs! If there are questions there is someone available to ask.  There are a lot of hands on things for the kiddos.

Monte’s favorite were the stamps. At the beginning of the tour there are sheets of paper with six squares to fill. Each square is a different type of dinosaur. When you walk through the exhibit you look for that type of dinosaur and somewhere near by is a stamp to stamp your sheet. Each stamp is white and looks more like a fossil then a stamp.  It helps keep the kids involved and interested.

There were also smaller, toy dinosaurs you could play with!

After we toured the exhibit, we made our way upstairs to check out the When Things Get Moving area. You could spend hours in this area. You can build cars with legos and have races, build rockets and launch them, wrap an “egg” and drop it to see if it will break, dominoes, and much more!

If you have young kiddos and are not a member of the Science Center of Iowa, I definitely recommend becoming a member! I love taking Monte when it is cold and dreary out. We can spend a good 3 hours or more keeping busy with all the activities. It definitely pays for itself quickly! You get a discount on IMAX films, discount in the store, discount at the Food Chain Cafe, and more!

There are also events that happen which are included with your membership. One event that is coming up on October 25th is Spooky Science. A perfect event for your kiddos to get dressed up in their costumes and check out the Science Center of Iowa.

For more information about becoming a member, check it out here!

What is your favorite thing to do at the Science Center of Iowa?

2014 Fall & Halloween Activities

Here are some 2014 Fall & Halloween Activities to mark on the calendar for this year!

1. Deals Orchard Fall Festival

Saturday & Sunday October 11th & 12th

This is one event we are for sure checking out this fall! Located in Jefferson, Iowa this apple orchard will not only have apples to offer! They will have a jumping pillow, horse-drawn hayrides, giant slides, sand art, corn pool, corn maze, petting zoo, yummy goodies and much more! Check out Deals Orchard’s website for more details!

2. Night Eyes at Blank Park Zoo

October 16th – 19th & 23rd – 26th

Even though we went to Night Eyes last year, we WILL be attending again! Night Eyes is a wonderful, kid-friendly event where your kiddos dress up in their costumes and trick or treat their way through the zoo. Some of the animals are out, train rides are available, and there are always some kid friendly characters making an appearance.

3. Great Pumpkin Party at Valley Church

October 21st – 23rd

I have always heard great things about this event and I am excited to take Monte this year! There are inflatables, pony rides, petting zoo, carnival games, food, and more! Tuesday, the 21st, is specifically for families with special needs to enjoy. For more information and to keep track of the event, “like” their Facebook page.

4. Spooky Science at the Science Center of Iowa

October 25th

Dress up in your costume and come out to the Science Center! Enjoy spooky flashlight tours of the dinosaur exhibit, participate in the costume contest, meet creepy crawly critters, experience live science experiments such as a pumpkin explosion, and get candy of course! Check out the Science Center of Iowa website for more details!

5. Pumpkin Walk at Valley Junction

October 26th

Trick or treat through Valley Junction in your costumes, enjoy fun children’s activities at Green Grounds Cafe, and get a free pumpkin at the Swander Gazebo. Chillin’ in the Junction will also be going on where you can sample great chili’s and play Bingo! Check out their website for more details and times.

6. Valley West Mall Trick or Treating

October 28th, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Who knows how cold it will be the week of beggars night? This is a great opportunity to trick or treat, indoors and get lots of candy! Not only is there candy, but free inflatables to bounce on, crafts, balloon animals, and more! This is the last family fun night of the season, so make sure not to miss it!

7. Living History Farms Family Halloween

October 18th – 19th, 23rd – 26th, & 30th – 31st

We attended this event last year and had so much fun! Trick or treat through the old town, enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, storytellers, pumpkin bowling, roast marshmallows (Monte’s favorite part), and more! Check out the Living History Farms website for more details.

What fun events will you be attending this Halloween?

Pumpkins Patches, Apples, Crafts and More!

It’s cooling off, the leaves are changing colors, and everything smells like pumpkin!

That means it’s FALL! My favorite time of year!!

This time of year means pumpkin patches open, apples are ready for picking, farms open with lots of fun activities, corn mazes, and it’s time to do fun crafts! I thought I would share some previous posts from Midwest Mom and Wife to give you ideas of what to do in the Des Moines area to celebrate this fun time of year!

1. Check out my Top 10 Pumpkin Patches & Orchards post!

2. Center Grove Orchard is one, of the many listed, pumpkin patches and orchards we visit every year. We already made our visit early this year. Check out last years post on all of the fun they have to offer. They are also offering season passes if you think you will visit multiple times this year!

3. Monte and I checked out Wills Orchard last year and had lots of fun picking apples. Make sure you visit when they have Apple Pumpkin Fest going on. This years dates are September 27 & 28, October 4 & 5, and October 11 & 12. Check out their website for even more information.

4. Looking for fun snacks and activities to do with your kiddos at home? Last year I made a fun Halloween goody box and festive treats!

5. If you don’t want to make a Halloween box, here are some ideas of creating a Fall Sensory Bin! You can continue to use this beyond Halloween!

Keep your eyes open as we check out some new pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and new crafts for this fall!

What is your favorite fall activity?

 

Ironwood Park

I have to tell you about a REALLY fun park located in the Des Moines area, Altoona to be exact!

Ironwood Park or also know as the Pirate Park!

Ironwood Park

If you have kiddos Monte’s age or older, you know how popular Jake and the Neverland Pirates is! Monte loves acting like a pirate and this is the perfect place for him to be even more like Jake!

You can even walk the plank!

This is a newer park located on the very southwest edge of Altoona. We actually accidentally found it last summer when we were looking to meet for a play group. We ended up staying here to play because it’s so much fun!

There are two playgrounds. The pirate ship shown above, and a much larger wooden playground off to the left side. The wooden playground also has slides, a bridge, and climbing walls.

This park is perfect for a half-day outing. Pack some snacks and even a sack lunch and spend the morning running and playing. There is even a HUGE green hill that kids love to run/roll up and down! This park can definitely entertain for hours.

I would recommend checking out this park now, while it’s cooler out, instead of in the middle of the summer. Since it’s a new area of town, they are still building in the surrounding area and there are not much trees for shade. It can get super hot, super quick!

Have you been to Ironwood Park before? What is your favorite park in the Des Moines area?

DSM Activities & Events 12/12 – 12/18

 

 

1. Nutcracker at Hoyt Sherman

When: Thursday, December 12th – Sunday, December 15th

What: Make sure to purchase soon if you are wanting to see this Holiday classic! Go to Hoyt Sherman Place for information on show times and ticket prices.

2. Winter Market 

When: Friday 11 am – 2 pm & Saturday 9 am – 1 pm

Where and What: Miss the weekly downtown farmers market? You do not want to miss this then! This market will be located at Capital Square and there will be more then 120 vendors to shop from. Wine, jams, honey, turkeys, crafts and much more will be available for purchase. Check out the Downtown Farmers Market for more information and scheduled entertainment!

3. Cloth Diaper Garage Sale 

When: Saturday 10 am – 12 pm

Where and What: Whether you want to sell or buy cloth diapers, this event is for you! Check out the Little Padded Seats page for information on how to sell or buy!

4. Reiman Gardens Breakfast at the North Pole

When: Saturday 9 am or 11 am

What: There are two sittings available one at 9 am and 11 am. This event is for the whole family where you will enjoy a healthy breakfast in the Winter Wonderland, activity station, and carolers. You must register! For more information, prices, and to register check out Reiman Gardens website!

5. Santa at the Blank Park Zoo

When: Saturday 10 am –  2 pm

What: This event is for the whole family! Take a picture with Santa and his reindeer, write a letter to the North Pole, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and explore the zoo! For scheduled events going on through out the day, check out the Blank Park Zoo website!

6. Brunch with Santa

When: Saturday 10 am – 2 pm

Where and What: Located at the Urbandale Senior Center … bring your kiddos, camera, and wish list! Join Santa for donuts, juice, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, and so much more! $10 per child. For more information and to register check out the Urbandale website!

7. Brunch with Santa at Center Grove

When: Saturday 9 am – 12 pm & Sunday 11 am – 2 pm

What: Eat breakfast, do crafts, and visit with Santa & Rudolph! There will also be a coloring contest! Cost $7.95 per adult and $5.95 per child Check out the Center Grove flyer for more details!

8. Holiday Tea at Terrace Hill

When: Monday and Tuesday times vary!

What: This is an adult event! So make it a date day/night with your significant other! Enjoy the Terrace Hill decked out in holiday lights and decor, enjoy tea, desserts, sandwiches, and entertainment! For more information, times, and to purchase tickets check out the Holiday Tea at Terrace Hill event!

9. Rainforest Romp at the Science Center of Iowa

When: Tuesday 1 pm – 2 pm

What: For ages 3-5 and their families! General admission to the Science Center is included. Discover one of the world’s biggest and most incredible mysteries as we uncover life in the rainforest! Where are rainforests located? What animals live there? Find out all about this amazing ecosystem, the animals that live there and the amazing explorers who help us to understand it better.

10. Cloth Diaper 101 

When: Tuesday 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Where and What: Are you wanting to learn more about cloth diapers? Not sure what to purchase or how to care for them? This class is PERFECT for you! Located at the local Little Padded Seats, you will learn everything you need to know. Check out Little Padded Seats website for more information.

11. Children’s Craft Days at Center Grove Orchard

When: Wednesday 10 am – 12 pm

What: Bring the children out and create a kids holiday craft, eat some sweet treats, do a scavenger hunt, and story time! There will also be some lunch items available for purchase. $4.95 per child. Check out the Center Grove flyer for more details!

12. Ladies Night at Center Grove

When: Wednesday 6 pm – 8 pm

What: Make it a fun night out with friends at Center Grove Orchard! Enjoy appetizers, soup, bread, dessert and create a special holiday Pinterest craft. There will also be a drawing for a gift basket giveaway! $9.95 per person and reservations are required! Check out the Center Grove flyer for more information!

 

DSM Activities & Events 12/5 – 12/11

 

Make sure to check out the event calendar on the right hand side of the page! Also, for a list of places and times to visit Santa, check out my list I created “Places to visit Santa”.

1. Windsor Polar Express Movie Night

When: Friday 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Where and What: Located at the Windsor Heights Community Center in Colby Park, bring the family to see the classic holiday movie Polar Express! There will also be several activities and toy train on display. There will also be hot chocolate, popcorn, and hot dogs. $3 per person or $10 per family.

2. Peter Pan 

When: Friday, December 6th – Sunday, December 29th

Where and What: Bring the family to see a Disney classic at the Des Moines Playhouse. Showtimes vary on days and times. To purchase tickets and view the details check out the Des Moines Playhouse website.

3. Snowball Express to Santa 

When: Saturday 10 am – 2 pm

Where and What: Located at Jester Park, your children will take a ride, on a pony through a Winter Wonderland to Santa! They will get their picture with Santa, drink some hot cocoa and eat cookies! $20 per child and reservations are not required. For more information check out the Jester Park Equestrian website.

4. Santa at the Blank Park Zoo

When: Saturday 10 am – 2 pm

What: This event is for the whole family! Take a picture with Santa and his reindeer, write a letter to the North Pole, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and explore the zoo! For scheduled events going on through out the day, check out the Blank Park Zoo website.

5. A Flynn Family Christmas 

When: Saturday 4 pm – 8 pm

Where and What: Celebrate Christmas at Living History Farms in beautiful decorated Victorian house! Frost cookies, make ornaments, dancing, music, horse-drawn wagon rides, and so much more! For more information and admission prices check out the Living History Farms website!

6. Windsor Wonderland Breakfast with Santa 

When: Saturday 8:30 am – 12 pm

Where and What: Located at the Windsor Heights Community Center in Colby Park, bring the whole family for a pancake breakfast, music, and a child/pet photo with Santa (for FREE)!$6 per ticket which includes the Santa picture and pancake breakfast. Check out the Windsor Heights website information and to purchase tickets!

7. Brunch with Santa at Center Grove Orchard

When: Saturday 9 am – 12 pm & Sunday 11 am – 2 pm

What: Eat breakfast, do crafts, and visit with Santa & Rudolph! There will also be a coloring contest! For more information about the brunch and other events going on at Center Grove Orchard, check out their holiday flyer!

8. Nada Silent Night 

When: Saturday at 7 pm

Where and What: The Nadas are putting on their 11th annual Nada Silent Night at the Scottish Rite Temple! This could be made into a “date night” OR and event for the entire family. The admission to this event is one ticket and at least one unwrapped toy per person attending. The toys will be donated to U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots. A ticket is $20 and children 10 year and younger are FREE. You can purchase tickets here!

9. Jingle Bell Rock ‘n Run 

When: Sunday at 9 am

Where and What: This is another fun holiday run hosted by the Science Center of Iowa! Get dressed up in your festive attire and dash through downtown Des Moines and end at the Science Center. After the run there will be live music, and food catered by Hy-Vee. To register and more information check out the Science Center of Iowa event page.

10. Pajama Party with Santa 

When: Tuesday 6 pm – 8 pm

Where and What: Bring your children to Jordan Creek Town Center, in the photo area. They can bring a blanket and/or a stuffed toy. You can also take a picture with Santa! Bring a toy donation for Toys for Tots, and you can also donate $3 and received a personalized letter from Santa!

11. Pathways Connect – Discussion Group

When: Tuesday 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Where and What: Pathways Connect uses the Pathways to Family Wellness magazine as a launching point for discussions on living a conscious, holistic lifestyle. We take articles from the current issue to spring board the conversation and help educate each other on the path to conscious and holistic living. We hope you will join us, and bring a guest! This meeting’s topics will include: “All Your Health Solutions…As Simple As I Can Put It “How do we lose health? One main answer is STRESS. Stress comes in the form of physical, chemical or psychological.Conscious Path – “Fear or Freedom” We will all experience fears in life, and the way to live in freedom from being controlled by fear is to see fear as a sign of growth and challenging yourself beyond your comfort zone. All gatherings are FREE and located at Little Padded Seats in Valley West Mall.

 

DSM Activities & Events 11/28 – 12/4

 

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgivings! Now, the fun begins 🙂 Lots of holiday events are going on through out the Des Moines area. Here are some events and activities, but do not forget to check out my event calendar on the right hand of the page!

1. Frosty Returns with the Grinch 

When: Friday 6pm – 8 pm

Where and What: Meet Frosty, The Grinch, Flip the Penguin and Santa! Get your picture taken with one, and there will be special skating exhibitions! $5 to skate and FREE skate rentals! For more information check out the Southridge Mall event page.

2. Disney on Ice: Passport to Adventure 

When: Wednesday, November 27th – Sunday, December 1st

Where and What: Is your kiddo a fan of the Disney gang? Or are you even a fan of the Disney gang? You have to see everyone at Disney on Ice at the Wells Fargo Arena. This is a fun event for the whole family! To purchase tickets and to see show times check out the Iowa Events Center website.

 3. Festival of Trees and Lights

When: Wednesday, November 27th – Sunday, December 1st

Where and What: This is an event that has been going on in the Des Moines area since 1984! You do not want to miss the decorated trees, children’s area, food, shopping and entertainment. The revenue from this festival helps support the Blank Children’s Hospital. For more information about this events, times, and ticket prices check out the Iowa Events Center website.

4. Jolly Holiday Lights

When: Tuesday, November 26th – Wednesday, January 1st: 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Where and What: A classic Des Moines event, that goes on everyday until the New Year. Grab your family, jump in a car and drive through to check out all the holiday light displays! All proceeds go to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation! $10 per car load,$20 per limo load, $45 per bus load.

5. Little Padded Seats 1-Year Anniversary

When: Saturday 10 am – 12 pm

Where and What: Come out to Little Padded Seats, located in Valley West Mall to celebrate their 1-year anniversary being located at Valley West Mall! There will be cake, prizes, specials, and much more! Get a little Christmas shopping done and stop by!

6. Spirit of the Season at the Science Center of Iowa

When: Saturday 5 pm – 8 pm

What: Join others at the Science Center of Iowa to kick off their holiday events, every weekend up to the New Year! FREE general admission 5 – 8 pm. Tree lighting. FREE cocoa and cookie decorating. Holiday crafts. Discounted admission to see The Polar Express at the IMAX for $5. Fireworks to end the evening! Check out the Science Center of Iowa event page for more details!

7. Cloth Diaper 101 at Little Padded Seats 

When: Sunday 2 pm – 4 pm

What: Are you wanting to learn more about cloth diapers? Not sure what to purchase or how to care for them? This class is PERFECT for you! Located at the local Little Padded Seats, you will learn everything you need to know. Check out Little Padded Seats website for more information.

8. Pet Photos with Santa at Jordan Creek Town Center 

When: Monday 6 pm – 8 pm

What: This is the perfect opportunity for your furry, four-legged friend to see Santa. Cats AND dogs! Bring your pet out to Jordan Creek Towncenter in the photo area. There will be several packages of pictures to choose from.

9. Southridge Mall Tree Lighting and Santa

When: Tuesday 5 pm – 8 pm

What: Bring the whole family to check out the beautiful lit tree and handmade ornaments. There will be entertainment, shopping and hot cocoa & cookies available! You can also receive a FREE picture with Santa! For more details check out the Southridge Mall event page.

10. Rainforest Romp and the Science Center of Iowa

When: Wednesday 10 am – 11 am

What: For ages 3-5 and their families! Genercal admission to the Sciece Center is included. Discover one of the world’s biggest and most incredible mysteries as we uncover life in the rainforest! Where are rainforests located? What animals live there? Find out all about this amazing ecosystem, the animals that live there and the amazing explorers who help us to understand it better.

11. Children’s Craft Days and Center Grove Orchard

When: Wednesday 10 am – 12 pm 

What: Bring the children out and create a kids holiday craft, eat some sweet treats, do a scavenger hunt, and story time! There will also be some lunch items available for purchase. $4.95 per child. Check out the Center Grove flyer for more details!

 

DSM Activities & Events 11/21 – 11/27

 

There are lots of holiday events going on this weekend! Make sure to check everything out, by clicking on the calendar on the right hand side of the page! Have a wonderful weekend!

1. East Village Promenade

When: Friday 5 – 9 pm

Where and What: Come kick off the Holiday season in the East Village! Visit Santa at the Historical building and at Brenton Plaza. There will be caroling, ice skating, holiday lights, lots of restaurants to eat at, free horse drawn hay rack ride, and much more!

2. Winter Market 

When: Friday 11 am – 2 pm & Saturday 9 am – 1 pm

Where and What: Miss the weekly downtown farmers market? You do not want to miss this then! This market will be located at Capital Square and there will be more then 120 vendors to shop from. Wine, jams, honey, turkeys, crafts and much more will be available for purchase. Check out the Downtown Farmers Market for more information and scheduled entertainment!

3. Tour De Lights

When: Family Night – Saturday at 4:30 pm & Fitness Night – Sunday at 4:30 pm

Where and What: This 2-day event is a chance to preview the Jolly Holiday Lights before it is open to the general public! Saturday evening is family night where you can walk, run, bike, or stroll! Sunday evening is fitness night where you can run or ride 1.5 or 3.5 miles from Water Works Park OR a 11 mile round trip route from El Bait Shop! Check out the event page for more information!

4. Jordan Creek Town Center Tree Lighting 

When: Friday 6 pm – 7 pm

What: Bring the whole family to the Jordan Creek Town Center where Santa will arrive, they will light the large tree and sing songs! There will also be a fire works show! Check out the Jordan Creek Town Center Events Page for more information!

5. Elf on the Shelf Pajama Party 

When: Friday at 7 pm

Where and What: If you will be celebrating Santa’s arrival at Jordan Creek Town Center, you need to check out this event also! Do you do the Elf on the Shelf every holiday season? This is the perfect event for your kiddos to get dressed in their pj’s and join others for the Elf on the Shelf story time. There will be activities and refreshments provided! For ages 3-10. FREE for all!!! For more information check out Barnes & Noble website.

6. Ugly Sweater Run 5k 

When: Saturday at 11 am

Where and What: The original Ugly Sweater Run 5k held at Principal Park. You can walk and/or run! Find your ugliest sweater and join thousands of others for this fun race! Enjoy hot chocolate and/or some beers after the run. There will be some fun festivities after the race also! $44 for a solo runner, children ages 8 and under are FREE! Register ahead of time at Ugly Sweater Run.

7. Disney On Ice: Passport to Adventure

When: Wednesday, November 27th – Sunday, December 1st

Where and What: Is your kiddo a fan of the Disney gang? Or are you even a fan of the Disney gang? You have to see everyone at Disney on Ice at the Wells Fargo Arena. This is a fun event for the whole family! To purchase tickets and to see show times check out the Iowa Events Center site.

8. Jolly Holiday Lights 

When: Tuesday, November 26th – Wednesday, December 4th

Where and What: Get a picture with Santa and enjoy a cookie & hot cocoa at Santa’s Wish Shop until December 4th.  A classic Des Moines event, that goes on everyday until the New Year. Grab your family, jump in a car and drive through to check out all the holiday light displays! All proceeds go to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation!$10 per car load,$20 per limo load, $45 per bus load.

 

2013 Holiday Bucket List

I have added all of the events in the Des Moines Metro area where Santa may be this holiday season! Let me tell you, he is going to be one busy guy! There are a lot of events this holiday season for the whole family and even a few date night opportunities. Make sure to check out my events calendar on the right hand side of the page for EVERYTHING!

I posted my DIY 2013 Holiday Planner, now I just need to share our 2013 Holiday Bucket List!

2013 Holiday Bucket List 

1. East Village Holiday Promenade

2. Visit Santa

3. Drink Hot Cocoa

4. Bake and decorate cookies

5. Decorate Christmas tree and house

6. Watch Elf

7. Donate toys

8. Make a homemade craft

9. Watch Frosty the Snowman & Rudolph

10. Make a Gingerbread house

11. Make Epping Family Toffee & Dateballs

Make sure to check out the Bucket List tab on the top of my page. This is where I will keep track of everything we accomplish!

What items are on your Holiday Bucket List? 

DSM Activities & Events 11/14 – 11/20

Make sure to check out the events calendar on the right hand side of the page! Have a great weekend everyone!

1. Little Big Fest 

When: Friday at 5 pm

Where and What: This is an annual one day event located in the East Village. This is one of many events that help support the Des Moines Music Coalition. There will be 17 acts including headliner Soul Rebels. The music acts feature roots, bluegrass, jam, blues, soul music, and more! Advance tickets are $20 for a full fest pass. Tickets are $25 at the door. You can purchase individual show tickets. The bands will be playing at various places in the East Village including: House of Bricks, Wooly’s, and Beechwood Lounge. Check out the Little Big Fest website for more details!

2. Santa’s Arrival at Valley West Mall 

When: Friday 6 pm – 8 pm

Where and What: Santa is making is arrival at the Valley West Mall for the holiday season! There will be FREE train rides, animal balloons, crafts, treats and entertainment! For more information check out Valley West Mall’s event page!

3. Beaverdale Holiday Boutique 

When: Friday 6 – 8:30 pm & Saturday 8 am – 3 pm

Where and What: Get a head start on your holiday shopping at Holy Trinity School! There will be food available and lots of vendors to take a look at. Admission is $4.

4. Stam Chocolate Charity Run

When: Saturday at 9 am

Where and What: Who LOVES chocolate?!? This is a fun, yummy run and also benefits John Stoddard Cancer Center! Does not get any better then that? The 5k run/walk starts at 9 am and the Kids Fun Run will begin at 10 am. Afterwards the State Historical Society of Iowa will offer FREE tours. Check out Chocoalterie Stams website for more information!

5. Magic Workshop

When: Saturday 2 pm – 3 pm

Where and What: Magician, Jonathan May will host a magic show at the Clive Public Library. Not only will he show children magic tricks, but also teach them how to do magic tricks at home! This is a FREE event!

6. Breaking Bread Together

When: Sunday 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Where and What: This FREE event is for the whole family! Breaking Bread Together is held by the Gateway Dance Theatre. Come together with several other people to learn about dance, make fall ornaments, and sample bread. Bring some homemade bread or bread from a local bakery to share! There will also be soup and dessert available.

7. Cloth Diaper 101

When: Tuesday 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Where and What: Little Padded Seats, located in Valley West Mall offers a great class for those interested in cloth diapering. In class they go over what diapers to buy, how to care for them, how many you need, and more! This is also a great class for those who may already by cloth diapering, but just need a refresher! Check out Little Padded Seats: Cloth Diaper 101 Information page for more information.