Summer fun part two - Arcadia adventure

Okay, so you read last week's blog and managed to hit every family hotspot Edmond has to offer. Right? No really, you did, didn't you? Well, I'm not going to give you the third degree, but I do hope you put some time and energy into constructing the perfect Edmond playdate, because this city is pretty great.

But maybe you're ready for an adventure. Not an "eight hours in my car while my kids scream for McDonald's" adventure, but something quite a bit closer to home. In fact, it's just a hop, skip, and a jump over I-35. Technically, a good part of the area is still Edmond, in case you were wondering.

That's right. I'm talking about Arcadia Lake and the surrounding sites. Maybe you've visited them, and maybe you're certain you've had all the fun there is to be had. But if I were a betting woman, I'd say at least one item on this next list would go down in your "haven't done it yet" column.

So check it out...

Morning activity...The question is, what can't you do at Arcadia Lake? Actually, the answer depends on what you have at your disposal. For some activities you will need a boat or watercraft of some sort. However, if you don't have a water-worthy vessel on hand, don't despair. Paddle boats are available for rental, and fishing and hiking are free (once you pay the lake entry fee). Horseshoes, volleyball nets, and tents can also be rented.

Picnic lunch...Well, you are already at the lake, so you might as well take advantage of the numerous pavilions available for rental. Take your favorite eats and enjoy the shade, and bring some colored chalk, bubbles, or a T-ball set to occupy little ones who finish eating early. Oh, and as I always like to remind picnickers, don't forget those paperweights! Oklahoma wind plus baggies equals mass littering.

Afternoon cool down...Spend you afternoon at the Arcadia Round Barn, a historic site certain to give those rambunctious children something of interest for an hour or so (and make for some ah-mazing photos). The town of Arcadia has several historic sites, but chances are, if the kiddos are under 10, viewing old buildings won't be high on the to-do list. Instead, check out the nearby Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch, which offers a petting zoo, pony rides, and activity fort. (open Thursdays through Sundays)


Family-friendly eats...There is one place you are not going to want to miss, whether it's for lunch, dinner, or a quick afternoon snack. POPS is a landmark in Arcadia, with it's giant sixty-six foot tall soda bottle. The restaurant offers an old-school fountain service, hand-dipped ice cream, and a gift shop that will definitely having you using the word "no" every few seconds. But the bright colors and personality of this friendly place make it one of Arcadia's must-dos.

 

 

It takes one to know to know one – Saving your sanity through parenting groups

It’s hard being a parent. There are days when the crying/whining/yelling is enough to drive you to crazy land. And in that moment, when you start threatening your kids with early bedtimes, no dessert, or a Wii-free week, it’s all you can do to not lock yourself in the bathroom and sing “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” at the top of your lungs.

Guess what? You’re not alone.

I don’t know why I’m always surprised to discover that other parents’ kids drive them just as nuts. We love our kids fiercely, but potty training is the devil, temper tantrums are frequent, and problems with sharing (from birth to the teen years!) are par for the course. If I didn’t take the time to connect with other parents, I wouldn’t know how similar my experience is to everyone else’s. And I’ll tell you what, realizing I’m not suffering alone is really, really, really great.

In fact, many mental health professionals endorse the process of building friendships with other parents. I talked to Carla McAuliffe, a licensed professional counselor for Edmond Family Counseling, and she told me parenting groups are helpful because “They can give parents a gauge on what is normal behavior in children and teens.”

So, in an attempt to show you how quickly you can connect with other parents, I’ll even offer some possibilities to help you get started (see links here).

Online – Of course, you must be careful out there in cyberland, but sites like Meetup.com have a variety of groups for every kind of parent, from stroller joggers to uptown shoppers!

Your friendly neighborhood church – Whether it’s Sunday school for parents, an evening Bible study, or a moms-only group, many churches in the area, both large and small, offer opportunities for parents to connect.

Neighborhood facebook, workout classes, workplace lunches, etc. – Sometimes, the best way to meet parents like you is to find ones with similar geography, hobbies, or careers. Often, if you want to form a group of parents who can lean on one another, you have to initiate it. But you’d be surprised at the positive response—I promise.

So go forth and make friends. Yes, I may sound like your mom on your first day of kindergarten, but that’s because she knew what she was talking about.

As C.S. Lewis said, “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’”

Links to Local Parenting Groups

Crossings Community Church MOM's Group

Edmond Mothers of Multiples

First Presbyterian Church of Edmond (MOPS - Moms of Preschoolers)

Meetup.com

Moms Club of Edmond - East

Moms Club of Edmond - West

Parents Helping Parents

See Mommy Run - Edmond, OK


If you feel your service or business fits this list and would like it to be added, or you would like to be removed from this list, please email mmcoxbooks@live.com.