65. Art Walk in Hays

Our adventure the weekend of April 29th started with the Art Walk in Hays.  We did not know exactly what to expect, but the Art Walk was a lot of fun with an exciting variety of art.  Of course there were exhibits of paintings, but there were also exhibits of guord art, musicians, photography, models, quilting, etc.  What a great variety of art.  This is an excellent way to teach children about all the different forms of art and creativity.  What a great way for them to find an art form they may want to try. 

Some of the art is not accessible to wheelchair users.  Angel was disappointed she could not get in everywhere, including to see her friend's quilt (which was put on display in a non-accessible basement.)  We all enjoyed listening to the musicians as we walked around Hays.  Our son thought the trolley car would have been fun to ride if we had the time.  Both kiddos enjoyed sitting and watching a hula hoop demonstration. 

We enjoyed the exhibit by the Ellis County 4H.  It was fun to see all the samples of their work and learn about the program.  Our daughter left wanting to get involved in 4H.  I think we will make that happen next year.  She was excited to see that they get involved in science and art (not to mention have ties to KSU).  Angel was most excited about the green punch (lime sherbert and lemon-lime soda...yum).  That has always been her favorite.

Our only advice for visiting the art show is if you have children, go early and plan to leave early.  It got a little crazy downtown as the night got later...too many samplings of the wine we think.  One thing we all noticed were the smokers (and cigarettes) everywhere.  I thought Kansas has a law about no-smoking within 10 feet of a doorway/window at a public gathering.  I do not think that was enforced and even walking through smokers that may not have been in doorways had us all coughing.

The Art Walk was a great sample of the various types of art.  Our children, of course, thought it was cool that there were different snacks offered in all the buildings. This car reminded us to make sure to brush our teeth...it is called the "ChewBaru." Click the picture and try to find all the teeth related items...gross!!!

Our kiddos thought this looked like it belonged in Lucas, KS.

64. Ms. Wheelchair Kansas

 

This blog is harder to write than I (Angel) imagined it would be.  We have been a part of the Ms. Wheelchair Kansas program since 2006 and have been at the crowning ceremony every year.  I (Angel) look forward to this weekend every year and seeing all the amazing, confident, women in wheelchairs.  I always leave feeling empowered and ready to take on the world.  I think it is difficult to write because I want to do it justice and hope everyone who reads this will know how amazing this program is.  



Eric was an escort for the 2010 Ms. Wheelchair Kansas



Our daughter loves the silent auction most of all and is always excited when she can win something.  :)  Angel loves seeing her friends that she can look forward to checking in with at least this one time a year.

The contestants this year were amazing and beautiful as always.  Angel was excited the winner is a mom.  She calls herself a "mom on a mission."  Angel believes very much in showing the world that being in a wheelchair does not have to limit your ability as a parent.  How exciting that Ms. Wheelchair will get to spend the year showing that all over the state, everywhere she goes.  We can just be "mom."  The chair is just an accessory that does create some unique challenges.  It never keeps you from being the mom you want to be.  It just creates a need for unique and creative adaptations some times. 

The current and former Ms. Wheelchair queens  :)
Check out http://www.mswheelchairkansas.org/

CHECK OUT THEIR SITE!!!
http://www.mswheelchairkansas.org/

63. Tulip Time in Topeka

We happened to be in Topeka during Tulip Time.  Most of the tulips we saw were at Old Prairie Town, but there were tulips at other places around town.  There were even tulips in front of the Capital Plaza hotel when we went for the Ms. Wheelchair Crowning Ceremony.  They were absolutely gorgeous and making it feel like spring is finally here.

Check out the purple surprise in the sea of yellow

62. Old Prairie Town

Our next adventure took us to Old Prairie Town in Topeka.  If you have never been there, take the time to stop by the next time you are in Topeka.  It's amazing to find a prairie town and botanical garden in the middle of the city.  You definitely do not feel like you are in the middle of a city.  When you go, we highly recommend taking the tour.  It is definitely worth the money to hear all about the history of this place.

Old Prairie Town showcases the log cabin and later mansion of the Ward family (original settlers of Topeka).  It was interesting to find out you can make reservations for your group to have dinner cooked over the fireplace in the log cabin or prepared Victorian style and served in the mansion.



Decoration made with human hair



 





The Town Square had a schoolhouse with outhouse; 1880 Everest Church; General Store; Drug Store; Physician's Office; Dentist's Office; Livery Stable; Tack Shop; Depot and Caboose; and Barber Shop.   It was awfully fun to get to tour and learn about all these buildings.  The church has a wheelchair ramp built in the back to make it accessible and takes you right by sweet smelling lilacs.  Angel could have stayed out there all day. 

Our daughter thinks Angel

should have a chair like this

There is also an amazing Botanical Garden at Old Prairie Town.  Right now, it is Tulip Time in Topeka, so there were lots of tulips, but there are also other amazing plants, trails, water features, etc.  Angel could have stayed there all day.  Our daughter says the only thing she liked was getting sherbet at the drug store, but she was enthralled with the Reading Garden too.

 

Enlarge this photo to check out the quote under the book.

Old Prairie Town is an oasis in the city.  You can hold your wedding there, either in the church or the gardens.  It is also a great place for any type of party.  We wish we lived closer so our son could have a birthday party there this summer.  If you are in the area, definitely take your family to visit.