Oh my.
For future reference, when you take 2 months off of keeping up on the blog, you suddenly wake up one morning and have 13 things to share.
Soooooo.... let's just jump right in, shall we?
#1: Pella Tulip Festival
-It's probably best if you don't go on Saturday.
-Do NOT, under any circumstances, park out of the city and take a bus in. DON'T DO IT!!
-It's fun, but don't have your hopes too high.
-Bring your camera.
-Eat at the bakery.
-The parade may be 2 hours later than it's scheduled for.
-Pack a lunch unless you like paying $8 for a sandwich.
-Do it at least once while you live in Iowa.
#2: Garage Sale
We're having a garage sale on Sat. May 5th at 8:00am at the Maple Grove Townhomes out on the street (Westown Pkwy.) If you want in, let me know.
#3: Monkey Joe's
I think everyone is aware that we have
Monkey Joe's and that Monkey Joe's is awesome. You may not know, however, that Money Joe's is only $5 after 5:00 Monday thru Thursday.
Um, yes please.
#4: Family Night at the Valley West Mall
This Tuesday, the 24th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm you can enjoy inflatable rides, do a free craft, get free balloons, temporary tattoos, join the coloring contest for FREE prizes, and meet some special friends from the Blank Park Zoo at the
Valley West Mall.
For best results, get there early to avoid the crowds.
#5: Spring Cleaning
If you are new to the WDM area, you will probably think this is crazy.
And you'd be right.
Every summer, they have
Spring Cleaning.
It's basically a city-wide garage-sale-free-for-all. People put their
junk out on their lawns and other people (you) drive around and pick it
up (for FREE!). This sounds disturbing, but one year we got: a darling
sand box, a playset, a BBQ that we still use, a huge canvas that I redid
and is currently hanging in my bedroom, and other stuff.
It's awesome. Just trust me.
#6: Farmer's Markets
The Downton Farmer's Market starts May 5th! (Info. is
here.)
The Valley Junction Farmer's Market starts May 3rd! (Info. is
here.)
The West Glen Farmer's Market starts May 21st!
#7: Cinco De Mayo Festival at Valley Junction
May 5th from noon to 10pm in Valley Junction there will be Mexican food, artwork, live music, dancing, and family activities.
#8: Red Rosa Pizza
I ate here. And I totally regret it.
Because it was the best pizza I've ever had and for the next 4 years when we're not living in Iowa I know I will crave it every single day.
I had the BBQ Chicken Pizza and the Wedge Salad.
Di.vine.
#9: Pool Passes
Pretty sure pool passes are here. If you live in West Des Moines then you need to get one. I'm not going to type out all the info., so if you don't know about this, talk to me. You'll be glad you did.
#10: Sky Zone
Sky Zone in Grimes is now open. Someone please go here with me!!
It's a little pricy, but I think a 30 min. session would be more than sufficient.
#11: YESS Duck Derby
May 5th at the Jordan Creek Town Center, they're having the annual
Duck Derby.
Basically, you buy a plastic duck, write your name on it, float it down a river, and try to win.
True Story.
They also have live music, inflatables, balloons, scavenger hunts, face painting, games, crafts, and food sampling.
Supposedly it's FREE. We shall see...
In the not-too-distant-future:
#12: The Indianola Hot Air Balloon Festival
That's pretty much all you need to know.
July 27th - Aug. 1st
Go there.
#13: The Iowa State Fair
I've never been, but if you like fried butter, this is your place.
And, the Band Perry will be there this year.
(Of course they would come on the year I leave. Of. Course.)
