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Let’s hang out

How’s your fall calendar shaping up?

If it’s anything like mine, it’s already full and a little intimidating. We’re going to ignore the impending doom you might feel as the days get shorter and busier, and I’m going to ask you to pencil in just a few more things.

*AHEM* That means grab your pencil. Don’t just sit there.

Thank you. Now we can begin.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019
It’s our monthly book club meeting! Since we closed the office, we moved our meeting to the local library. It’s at 6:30 at the New Palestine branch of the Hancock County Public Library. You can RSVP (it’s free!) or ask questions here. This month we’re reading Breaking Free: How I Escaped Polygamy, the FLDS Cult, and My Father, Warren Jeff by Rachel Jeffs. Jeffs’ story of growing up at the religious compound and then leaving her family behind is so good. Grab a copy and join us for the discussion.

Saturday, October 5, 2019
I’m hosting another writer’s workshop. If you’re near Indy, I’d love for you to join us! You can visit the link here for event details.

If you’re not near Indy or it doesn’t fit your schedule, there is an online course option also! On October 5th, I’ll send you the workshop (teaching, handouts, notes, resources, etc.) to your inbox where you can do it at your leisure. There are only 25 spots open for this so don’t wait too long. (Eventually, I will create an evergreen writing course you can buy anytime, but I’m limiting this as a small trial run.)

Sunday, October 20, 2019
I’m joining the Flourish Gathering for a panel discussion at their conference this year. My friend Shannan Martin (author of Falling Free: Rescued from the Life I Always Wanted and The Ministry of Ordinary Places: Waking Up to God’s Goodness Around You) is the keynote speaker, and it’s going to be a full day of being encouraged, challenged, and loved. The Flourish Gathering “exists to inspire women to live freely and love who God created them to be.” I’d love to see you there. Grab your ticket before they sell out!

And finally (you don’t have to write this on your calendar unless you really want to), the Not Terrible podcast is back on Monday, September 23rd. My friend Jess and I host a podcast about mental health, personal growth, and whatever else we feel like talking about. We laugh a lot and cry a little. We tell stories and share learning–if you enjoy my writing, I think you’ll like the podcast. If you can’t wait until the 23rd, there are 49 episodes you can listen to in the mean time.

It’s going to be a busy fall. I can’t wait.

DISCLOSURE: affiliate links used.

What we’re taking with us.

It went away the same way it came: with our families and our cars and our sweat.

Yesterday marked the end of our current Front Room Studio location. We signed a lease and were handed the keys a little over one year ago. We had big plans for creativity, learning, growing, and gathering.

We did almost everything we envisioned, except for the part where we stayed longer than a year. We didn’t see that coming last year. We didn’t see it coming in January.

But here we are.

I don’t want to spend my time writing out a list of the reasons it was time to go, but a pretty disappointing landlord and obedience would top the list.

In March, Jessi and I were both gone from the office for a few weeks because of spring break. She was in Florida, and I was at home trying to manage the kids and finish a kitchen remodel. I took the two week we were away from the office to pray. I needed to know how to keep the office open, generate the revenue we needed to, and find the space to do it all.

I needed ideas, inspiration, and answers.

What I got instead was a pretty clear response that it was time to go.

But I can make this work, God. I know how to hustle. I have ideas. I have people and workshops and meetings lined up and connections.

I can make this sustainable.

And in a million little ways, He told me no.
No more.
Stop.
You’re good at making things work, but this isn’t what I’m calling you to do right now.

I didn’t accept this for a while. I had lunch with trusted friends, talked to my mom, prayed more.

Everything in my nature wants to rebel from what I’m told to do. I did it when I was a toddler, I do it now. Everyone *knows* what they should do, maturity is actually doing it.

For me, I’ll do it, but I want to do it my own way.

This has, on many, many occasions, backfired on me. But I have yet to learn.

For months, Jessi and I had been going back and forth about what to do when the lease came up for renewal. We both wanted the same things, but were also concerned about the same issues.

Basically, we had made no decision.

So in April from the top of the St. Louis Arch, I texted Jessi I thought we should talk about leaving the space. Texting from 630 feet up in the air felt like bad timing, but some other things were happening too, and it couldn’t wait.

I’m on board, and it’s for the best, Jessi replied. But it’s bittersweet.

Yes, that. One word for the road: bittersweet.

So we spent the last few months doing all the things we had dreamed about but hadn’t done yet. More workshops and gatherings. Doing a live show for the podcast, holding meetings with creatives and dreamers. Suddenly with a deadline, things became clearer.

As Chris climbed the ladder and took down lights yesterday, I stood in the empty space and said thank you. The walls at 33 E. Main Street held lots of emotions for us. They held tears, laughter, pain, forgiveness, excitement, friendship, hard conversations, growth, and death.

Jessi and I are not the same people we were when we walked into this space last June, full of dreams and design ideas. We lost some things here. We gained a lot more.

I didn’t expect the best thing to come from our office to be the conversations we had there. Who knew what Jessi and I really needed was a safe place to land when home and families and friends felt too shaky.

For me, the last part of letting our studio go was pride. Pride that I did something that felt incomplete. My therapist would say this is my perfectionism peeking through. I would say it’s just that we could have made it work. We could have kept going. We could have stayed.

But it would have, probably, ended badly. Ended messy. Ended with emotions other than bittersweet smiles and tears.

And so we left with fondness and hopefulness and obedience and our friendship.

The Front Room Studio lives on. It lives on in the place we’ll continue to record The Not Terrible Podcast wherever that is. The Front Room Studio lives on in the book club that’s moving to the local library, the Bible study moving to a nearby coffee shop, and the workshops we’ll still put on, just in other locations

We had to leave the space, but we’re not leaving all the things it gave us, which if I’m being really honest, is each other.

Mark your calendars, please and thank you.

Get out your old school paper planner. If you use an app on your phone, I guess get that out too, but please notice my mild annoyance in this decision. Paper planners are the best way to go in this situation. It’s just a fact.

Okay, now I need you to write some important things down:

Saturday, June 22nd
I’m teaching a writing course at the Front Room Studio. I think you’ll enjoy it, and you should definitely come. It will be a small gathering and if you’re like me, someone who gets a *little* nervous about these types of things, I promise it will be low key and enjoyable. Get a spot for yourself (and a friend!) here.

((Also, if you’re an email subscriber, I’m giving away a free ticket on Monday, so keep an eye out!))

Tuesday, June 25th
I’ve mentioned it in my Monday newsletter but not on the blog. My friend Jess and I host a monthly book club because we love reading and talking about what we’re reading. It’s at the Front Room Studio too, and this month we’re reading Shauna Niequist’s Present Over Perfect, a timely summer read about slowing down and living more intentionally. It’s free to join us, just RSVP here so we have a seat for you. We do this every month, so following along on the Front Room Studio’s Facebook page will keep you in the loop for what’s ahead.

Friday, June 28th
The Not Terrible Podcast is recording a live episode, and we want you to join us! Come hang out at the studio for the evening as we record an upcoming episode and laugh and learn together. We’ve got some surprises up our sleeves too–you don’t want to miss this fun night. You can grab a ticket here.

Sunday, October 20th
The Flourish Gathering is back for another year, and I want you to come! Flourish Gathering “exists to inspire women to live freely and love who God created them to be.” I attended Flourish last year and felt so encouraged. I’m heading back this year to see my friend Shannan Martin speak. And maybe talk a little myself? Guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens. ANYWHO. Tickets go on sale very soon–get one before they sell out (because they will!).

Alright, I think that’s it for now. You can put your planner away now. Thanks for being such a good listener. I hope to see you out and about soon!

DISCLOSURE: Affiliate links used.

Welcome to the Front Room Studio

A few weeks ago I shared what I’m doing instead of teaching this year, now I want to show you where I’m at instead of the classroom.

Let me introduce you to the Front Room Studio:

Jessi and I have been friends since elementary school, she’s part of the First Thursday group, and we host the Not Terrible podcast together. Last spring when we started whispering about finding a workspace to share, it felt like such a scary, unrealistic dream. But we signed a lease in June and spent July getting it ready so we could be up and running when the kids went back to school.

We record our podcast here. I write and manage social media accounts at the desk with the little pink dog. Jessi manages local comedians from her desk. We have lots of joint projects in the works, but we also have our own things. This is a good home base for us. We get to encourage and support each other while pursuing lots of different business opportunities.

It’s scary and wonderful like all new things are.

We are so excited to show off our new space. We have big dreams of hosting workshops, book clubs, and classes here. Our kids like to hang out here (within reason…and as long as we have internet), and we love inviting people to stop by.

With that said, if you’re local and you’ll be attending the New Palestine fall festival, we’d love for you to stop by our open house after the parade–we’ll show you around the new space, feed you some treats, and Jessi will be singing some songs! Just kidding. She’s going to kill me when she sees this. But I mostly write to make myself laugh, so here we are.

How did this happen? How did this dream of writing and not teaching become a reality? Sometimes I ask myself the same question. It’s not lost on me that one year ago this very day I was preparing for the end of my marriage, refusing to talk to my alcoholic husband, and wondering how we would recover from the chaos he was creating in our lives. Little did I know it would get so much worse. But even littler (go with it…) did I know it would get so, so much better too.

God has been faithful. I’m not sure I’ll ever get over that I get to wake up each morning and come to this office and sit in this desk and write. It still seems like an absolute dream. Please don’t pinch me if I’m dreaming right now. I’m too afraid to wake up.

If you want to come see us at the open house, you can go here for the details. Or if you want to keep up with happenings at the Front Room Studio, you can like our Facebook page to not miss the next event (or get more information about hosting your own event here!).

Pictures by Huff Photography

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The Lucky Few + Gigi’s Playhouse

“Down syndrome (also called Trisomy 21) occurs when a person is born with a third copy of the twenty-first chromosome. That’s it. Doesn’t seem like a big deal, right? This extra chromosome is responsible for some of the characteristics that are common amount people with Down syndrome, including low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a flat nasal bridge. In addition, people with Trisomy 21 have an increased risk for certain medical conditions, including thyroid conditions, congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, and Alzheimer’s disease. These characteristics appear to varying degrees, sometimes not at all. It’s extremely important to note that every person with Down syndrome is a unique individual. Most babies and young children require early intervention in the form of occupational therapy (to strengthen fine-motor and eating skills), physical therapy (to strengthen gross-motor skills), and speech therapy.

Most of humanity reads such a list and concludes that Down syndrome is a bad thing, as I was tempted to do when considering whether to adopt our first child. It’s not ‘normal,’ it’s not familiar; it’s uncomfortable. This conclusion is most often made by those who have limited or no connection to an actual living, breathing person with Down syndrome. This is a problem. In my experience, those who take the time to develop such relationships quickly realize that Down syndrome is nothing to be afraid of. Many individuals who have Down syndrome are attending and graduating from college, living independently, and pursuing full-time careers. People with Trisomy 21 and those of us who love them are speaking up more and more about their beauty, abilities, and personhood.” -Heather Avis, The Lucky Few publishing March 21, 2017.

Many things converged recently so that I, too, get the privilege of speaking up for the beauty, ability, and personhood of people with Down syndrome, and I know without a single doubt it’s not by chance.

The past few years, I’ve been purposely following a handful of families on Instagram who show their audiences a beautiful, raw, real picture of what growing up with Down syndrome looks like. As someone who doesn’t have much experience with Down syndrome, I felt a very real whisper from God to understand his heart and his absolute love and adoration for his creation, specifically people born with Down syndrome.

It’s taken me over a week to write this post without just sounding like a creepy creeper right now. I’m still not sure I am achieving that goal. I just can’t seem to find the right words to tell you I asked God to make me love people I wasn’t loving very well because of fear, and God said let me show you something I am so proud of.

And here I am: reading an advanced reading copy of The Lucky Few by Heather Avis all about her and her husband’s journey through infertility and being lead to adopt three amazing kids, two of whom were born with Down syndrome when I get an invitation from a friend to visit Gigi’s Playhouse, a Down syndrome achievement center, located in Indianapolis.

All these related-but-not-related things coming in at one time, and I knew God was telling me to use the resources He’s given me to help show off His beautiful children.

So a few weeks ago, I got to spend the evening with a Little Fingers, Big Plans class at Gigi’s Playhouse. The group meets once a week to help smaller children with Down syndrome develop early handwriting skills. Many kids born with Trisomy 21 lack fine motor skills so this class helps them practice gripping, maneuvering, and controlling their fingers and hands so they can be more successful at writing and coloring as they get older. The teachers and volunteers in the class were full of creative ideas that helped the kids get work done in the framework of play and fun. As an educator, it was so great to see kids learning needed skills in the form or hands-on play and art. For any kid, that’s the best way to learn, and the amazing kids I got to witness were so happy and engaged with their activities.

I loved getting to learn about Gigi’s Playhouse and all they’re doing to support the Down syndrome community in Indiana. Gigi’s is a nationwide network of learning centers focusing on educating and equipping people with Down syndrome and their families to be the best and most successful versions of themselves. The resources Gigi’s Playhouse offers to families are free of charge which is such a blessing to families already paying for endless doctor’s appointments, therapies, and programs.

For families in Indiana, Gigi’s Playhouse is it. They’ve only been around for a few years but have already outgrown their physical space, are filling their class rosters, and impacting lives throughout the state. Some families travel hours to attend classes and receive support from the Indianapolis location. Every parent wants to connect with people in the same season of life as them and when you’re parenting a child with Down syndrome there are so many unknowns. Finding people in the same boat as you is absolutely life giving. Gigi’s Playhouse does that for over 300 families in central Indiana.

To keep growing and to reach more families, they need our help. Whether you’re a local or you live on the other side of the world, I’d love to partner with you to encourage and support Gigi’s Playhouse with our resources. Can you help me spread the word about Gigi’s Playhouse? Can you help support them?

There are many ways to get involved:

-Send them something off their Amazon Wishlist! You know you’re probably buying something on Prime today; spend a few dollars more and take care of a need the school has. Make sure you check out the categories on the left side–there are many things on each list.

–Support them with a one-time gift. How about $21 as a one-time donation? Skip dinner out one night this week and help Gigi’s take care of a family.

-Host a supply drive with your friends, scout group, church, or club. Just like any educational classroom, Gigi’s Playhouse has lots of school-related needs and are always accepting more supplies to better serve their families.

-If you’re local, they could use more volunteers!

-Plan on joining them this fall for their annual 3.21 run or one mile walk. This event takes place Saturday, September 9th in Carmel, Indiana and I would love to have you join me as we support the amazing families of Gigi’s Playhouse.

-Schedule a recurring monthly donation to support classes, resources, and families at Gigi’s Playhouse.

You can also check out their website for more ideas.

Sometimes I struggle with my platform and the responsibility that comes with this space and influence I’ve been given. What if I say the wrong thing? What if I make a wrong choice and others follow my lead? Sometimes I am frozen with the weight of my responsibility.

But right now, I’m not. I get to share about something bigger than me, something bigger than this space, and support others who are working hard to level an un-level playing field. There’s no question about my voice right now–I get the pleasure to introduce you to Gigi’s Playhouse and what they’re doing for families in Indiana, and I am honored with that privilege.

DISCLOSURE: THIS IS A SPONSORED POST BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MINE.

how to do Indy like a local while attending the Influence Conference

(Not going to The Influence Conference this year or have no idea what I’m talking about? Stick with me, there’s plenty of things for you in today’s post too!)

Later this week, I’ll be attending my favorite conference of the year. The Influence Conference is a place for women to be encouraged to make their online presence for God and his glory. While not specifically a blogging conference, there are many bloggers and social media folks that attend and I love meeting new people, learning from other women, and coming home overflowing with ideas and motivation. It’s kind of like summer camp for women without the bugs and yucky boys (although there are some husbands in attendance, but thankfully they’re not yucky).

The first year I went to Influence, I did not know a single soul. I had been writing this blog for a few years and didn’t really know other people that blogged or that there were whole communities of people doing what I was doing and talking about it. So that first year was overwhelming and eye-opening and wonderful. I met women that became friends, bloggers that became mentors, and people that I would end up collaborating with. I think back to how nervous and anxious I was–how out of place I felt that first night–and I know that God used that weekend to start some big things. So as long as it stays close by (and maybe even if it moves away), I’ll do everything in my power to be a part of The Influence Conference every fall.

So if you happen to be heading downtown this weekend for the conference, here are some things you should check out to complete your Indianapolis experience. And while this list could get extremely long, I’m sticking to places you can get to easily from the hotel since you might not have any other mode of transportation besides your feet.

What to eat and drink

Acapulco Joe’s (365 N. Illinois St.) This is my favorite Mexican restaurant ever. People of Indy have strong opinions about it, they either love it or they hate it. I LOVE IT. Get the Mexican pizza and a margarita, you won’t regret it.

Bee Coffee Roasters (201 S. Capital Ave. #110) This amazing small batch coffee roaster is low on frills, but big on coffee. Don’t come in with your fancy Starbucks order, this place is for people that like quality coffee and know what good beans taste like.

Champions Sports Bar (350 W. Maryland St.) Located right next door to the Influence Conference hotel, this classic sports-themed restaurant serves delicious Americana cuisine. It would be a great place to eat if you’ve got a big group and want to get loud, since they’re used to sports fans and lots of cheering.

Patachou (225 W. Washington St.) Need a relaxing, filling breakfast Sunday morning before your flight or long drive home? There might be a wait, but it’s always worth it. If breakfast is your favorite meal of the day, this is your spot.

Where to shop

Circle Centre Mall (49 W. Maryland St.) You can easily access this two-level mall from the conference hotel without even stepping outside. There’s a food court, plenty of shopping (H & M, Forever 21, Also, Banana Republic, Express, Gap, and tons more), and a movie theater on the top level. Plus, there are numerous restaurants surrounding the two-city-blocks structure that would be great for a meal in between conference breakouts. Go here for the full list of shops and food choices.

Mass Ave If you’re up for a longer walk, Mass Ave is where you need to be to really experience downtown Indy. The restaurants are mostly local and proudly serve local products. And the shopping! Go to Silver in the City for a unique gift to take home for yourself or a friend. Grab a coffee, frozen yogurt, a drink, or some to-die-for guacamole at Bakersfield. Or grab a gift for the kid in your life at the wonderful Mass Ave Toys. You could spend all day on Mass Ave and not experience everything.

The City Market (222 E. Market St.) This place is Indiana. So many local artisans, vendors, brewers, and artists fill this one-of-a-kind space. Stop in for a snack or make a meal out of trying all the booths. If you have a foodie at home that wants a souvenir from Indy, this would be the place to pick up a treat.

What to do

Bike Share (all over the city) You’ll find 250 bikes at the 25 bike stations around the city meant for short-term rentals. Touring the city on a short evening bike ride is a perfect way to get moving after a day of sitting in sessions.

Monument Circle (100 Monument Circle) Whether you want some great photo opportunities of the city or to just people watch, the Circle is where to be. It’s a nice spot to hang out on a crisp evening and with restaurants, ice cream shops, a chocolate shop, a old school candy shop, and a Starbucks, there is something for everyone.

The Canal (entrances all over the city) Use that bike you rented to ride up and down the Canal (or just walk, lots of people will be out doing the same thing if it’s a nice day), you’ll get a beautiful view of the city and its people. This would also be a good spot for blog pictures if you’re into that sort of thing.

The gals at Influence have worked out a nice mix of conference stuff and down time for attendees because a lot of us come to conferences to learn but also to build relationship and community. So grab a group of friends (or soon-to-be friends!) and explore Indy while you’re here for the conference. I know you’ll fall in love with this place, it’s almost impossible not to.

visit Indy: 431 Gallery at the Indiana State Museum

Having been a lifetime resident of Indianapolis, it’s really fun to learn about my city’s history and also see where we’re headed. Which is why I love hanging out in the hustle and bustle on Mass Ave., a cultural district downtown, only about ten minutes from our house. There is something for everyone with the great restaurants, breweries, shops, pubs, tattoo parlors, businesses, and art galleries that line the streets.

To honor that history, the Indiana State Museum is opening an exhibit tomorrow that showcases the 431 Cooperative Gallery originally located on Mass Ave in the eighties and nineties. The cooperative was founded by Herron Art School graduates and became part of Indianapolis’ first arts district and drew people downtown when that area wasn’t the place most people wanted to be.

431 Gallery: Art and Impact runs from June 27 to September 14 and will recreate parts of the gallery for visitors as well as showcase two and three dimensional art by the group.

Knowing what downtown Indianapolis was in the late eighties and early nineties and seeing what an amazing place it has turned into, I can’t wait to visit the exhibit and learn about how these artists were investing in a part of our city that, at the time, was overlooked and avoided, but has now become a rich, cultural experience.

Kinda makes me proud to be a Hoosier.

visit Indy: Blaze Pizza

Last night we got to have dinner at the grand opening of Blaze Pizza downtown. Touting custom-built artisanal pizzas at freakishly fast speeds, they offer an endless variety of 11 inch pies fast fire’d in just 180 seconds.

Which sounds awesome. Even more awesome? Me not having to cook.

Elliott loved being able to direct employees in making her perfect pizza (lots of cheese!) while Harper just pointed (pepperoni!) and, really, loved the chocolate milk more than anything. (Two-year-olds are easy to please.) But the menu has something for everyone, from their signature pizzas and one-top pizzas, to their build-your-own pizzas.

Chris went with the meat eater while my brother and I built our own pizzas. I couldn’t decide what to choose, there were just too many good options, but I went with chicken, bacon, red onions, and olives. Then they threw it in their fire pit, roasted it perfectly, and served it up, cut and ready to eat, three minutes later. It was almost magical how fast it was ready.

It was delicious. Like really delicious. And with each pizza $6.95 or less, it’s a great family dinner out or date night stop. There’s something for every palette and they’ve got gluten-free and vegan options too.

And the best part is if you’re local, today and tomorrow, Blaze Pizza is giving away free fast-fire’d pizza! Just like them on Facebook and show them at checkout. And while you’re at the checkout, make sure you grab one of their fast-fire’d s’more cookies. You can thank me later.

Have you ever been to a Blaze Pizza before? Do they have them in your area? What’s your favorite pizza? We’ll be heading back soon and I need someone to tell me what to order since there are just too many delicious options!

DISCLOSURE: SPONSORED POST BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MINE.

visit Indy: Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum

As a stickler for only celebrating one holiday at a time (insert evil eye directed at everyone on Instagram), I’m really looking forward to Thanksgiving this week.

But I would be lying if I didn’t mention that our calendar is already starting to fill up with all the fun Christmas-related activities that we love. One of those activities is Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum. This season-long exhibit has a little Christmas magic for everyone, no matter your age. Kids will love visiting Santa, the winter wonderland, and riding on the Santa Claus Express. Adults will get a kick out of the recreated L.S. Ayres store windows, seeing the museum decked out in its holiday best, and grabbing a bite at the L.S. Ayres Tea Room. Introducing those old school traditions to your younger family members is something that shouldn’t be missed.

On Friday, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by helicopter to the museum (the reindeer are resting up for their big night, obviously) and that starts the month-long Celebration Crossing event. If you’re thinking about going (and you should be, by the way), here’s some of the events the museum is planning that you shouldn’t miss:

Santa’s Holiday Breakfast/Brunch presented by Macy’s
During the first, second and fourth weekends in December, guests will get to start their mornings off with delicious holiday breakfast as Mrs. Claus, Raggedy Ann and other holiday characters entertain the young ones before they visit Santa Claus and ride the Santa Claus Express. On Sunday, Dec. 15, adults and kids alike will join in the fun during this holiday brunch featuring traditional brunch dishes and festive holiday mimosas. Brunch also includes a visit with Santa and access to the rest of the Celebration Crossing activities.(reservations required for both events)

Santa’s Playground
Throughout the month of December, guests will be treated to Santa’s (Imagination) playground in the Earl Goode Education Center on level 2. In addition to the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)-based activity area, there will also be crafts and a place for caregivers to sit and relax while their children play.

Hoosier Radio Hour: A 1940’s Christmas
During the first, second, fourth and fifth weekends, guests will get to join the Indiana State Museum Legacy Theater Troupe as they celebrate the holidays with “Hoosier Radio Hour: A 1940’s Christmas.” Original skits and familiar carols are part of this heart-warming production, suitable for all ages. Audience members will be invited to join the fun onstage as members of the sound effects staff.

Family New Year’s Eve
End the year with a bang with a family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration in the Governor Frank O’Bannon Great Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 6 to 9 p.m. Activities include face-painting, arts and craft, games, door prizes and a special musical performance by Indianapolis band The Tides. A balloon drop at 8 p.m. allows little ones to celebrate the New Year in style. (reservations recommended)

To make reservations or for more information, visit the Indiana State Museum website or call 317.232.1637. Be sure to make the Indiana State Museum part of your holiday tradition.

visit Indy: Ice Age Giants at the Indiana State Museum

On Saturday we ventured to the Indiana State Museum in downtown Indy for the opening of their Ice Age Giants: The Mystery of Mammoths and Mastodons exhibit sponsored by IMI. I hadn’t been to the museum in a long time and was shocked by how amazing it is; world-class exhibits, family-friendly activities, and room after room of Indiana-related goodness. It made me all warm and fuzzy for my state.

The Ice Age exhibit focuses on all the mammoths and mastodons found in Indiana soil. I was shocked to learn that most of Indiana’s 92 counties have produced mastodon bones, including some near my hometown. We saw a recreation of a dig site, the girls tried out some bone excavation, and they got to practice their spear hunting which was nice because that’s been on our to-do list for weeks.

Outside the exhibit, a fossil festival was going on and it was a major hit. Anything hands-on will entertain my kids for hours and they would’ve spent all day here if we let them. Searching for bones in sand, fossil hunting in pebbles, putting together a giant fossil puzzle, and making cement paperweights while checking out real-life, large scale fossils were some of the activities that had them enthralled. Plus, I think they walked away with some candy; someone knows the trick to getting kids learning, bribe them with sugar.

The exhibit runs from now until August 2014 and is included with your general admission ticket. For dates and times open, visit indianamuseum.org. We had a blast and the girls were worn out by the time we were finished the Ice Age exhibit which was a bummer since there was so much more of the museum we wanted to explore. If you’re local to Indy or making a trip here soon, make sure you stop by the Indiana State Museum, you’ll be amazed.

DISCLOSURE: I was gifted admission to the museum in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own.

Pictures by Huff Photography

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