Houston's Presidents Heads and Other Fun Statues

How can you combine art and history for kids in Houston? Houston has some really interesting statues but some are more fun for young kids than others. Yesterday, Little K, her daddy and I went to visit the Presidents Heads, as I fondly call them. For those of you who frequently take I-45 into downtown, you likely see a sampling of the Presidents Heads that I'm referencing. Each time we drive by this small section on I-45, Little K and I shout "Hi, Presidents Heads!" I'm not even sure how that started but it's funny so I keep doing it.

Years ago, Little K and I made this same trip to artist David Adickes' outdoor studio, but there were significantly less statues and my daughter now doesn't remember that. (I think she was only three years old.) 

The studio location is just south of the Target store on Taylor Street (near I10) and very close to downtown Houston but you have to search a bit. You may recall a warehouse area near there. That's where you'll aim. You only need 10 minutes to browse the statues, although you could spend much more, if you want. Little K thought these statues were really cool, especially when we examined how the eyes were constructed. It looks like instead of coloring the irises, Adickes and his team carved that area deep into the structure so that the dark shadow would give the appearance of a darker color. Clever.

This visit also presents a history lesson since few kids would know who all these individuals are. Not only did we tell Little K about who they were, but also what great things they did. The statue at left of Little K and President Bush was perhaps only their first meeting. (wink). The larger than life size of these statues seems to emphasize the importance of the individuals. It also grabs your attention, no matter what your age.

There were a handful of these large statues for close-up viewing as soon as we pulled into the studio yard (as shown at left). Numerous other statues would cordoned off behind a metal fence. I'm not sure why that was and there wasn't anyone available to ask. There were a few "other" statues, of course, like the "We Love Houston" sign and the statues of the Beatles rocking out on guitars. There's something for everyone.

One of the best things about this trip is that you can easily weave it into a trip to Target, the bank or a restaurant on nearby Washington Avenue. I know many parents feel like their schedules are already so jam packed but this is easy to incorporate and break up the monotony of routines. Why not take your kids and see how many statues they'll recognize? Surely, they'll at least recognize the newest addition, President Barack Obama. Let me know what your kids say. 

Do you have other statues in town that your family likes to visit? Share it here.

Until the next nap time...

Lessons in Childhood Friendships

Do you remember your first friends? How about your best friends from early elementary school? I do.
First grade brings new friends for many kids, myself included. It's amazing the lessons you learn about friendship as early as first grade. Luckily, I still keep in touch with a few of my best friends from first grade (Carrie & Cathy), although we don't chat nearly enough. Two of us still live in Houston so that makes it easier, I suppose. Many like my mom never lived long enough in one city to maintain those friendships.

C & K Prepare for Class

The situation is a bit different for the two girls pictured at left. They actually met when they were about 3 months old at nursery school. This week, they donned matching uniforms down to the white socks and white and navy saddle shoes. The grins almost match, too. First grade never felt so good.

It's interesting to watch your kids grow up, make friends, have their squabbles and then make up. It'll be a great ride watching K & C grow up. With one school that starts in nursery school and continues through middle school, it should be easier for these two to remain friends. While I encourage my daughter to make more friends and to be a good friend to everyone, I can't help but to appreciate the strong relationships she's already developed. Here's to looking back on photos like these in 20 years and talking about everything they've accomplished together.

Until the next nap time...

If you're trying to squeeze in some fun, yet educational opportunities for your kids this summer, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston just made it easier. Check out these events and start penciling in activities on your calendar.

All Summer Long Breakfasts and Boxed Lunches, MFAH-Style
Bring the kids and enjoy a meal in the museum’s Cafe Express, located in the MFAH Beck Building, Lower Level, or enjoy a picnic in the sculpture garden with its delightful café seating.

MFAH Family Packs (MFAH Law and Beck Buildings)
Family Packs are filled with hands-on activities, looking games, and books. These interactive resources are available at the Membership Services desks in the Beck and Law buildings during museum hours and at the Kinder Foundation Education Center Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Borrow them free of charge during your museum visit.

o Buildings and Beyond Family Pack: Explore your inner architect with this blue pack. Use the laminated guide that’s designed like a blueprint to guide your visit throughout the museum. Recommended for children ages 4+


o People and Personalities Family Pack: Meet a variety of people that are featured in paintings and sculptures at the museum using the family guide in the green pack to guide your visit. Recommended for children ages 4+


o Let’s Play! Gallery Games with Mwamba and Naki Family Pack: This purple pack is filled with puzzles, sketching activities, and looking games that will help everyone have fun while learning about art from all over the world. Recommended for children ages 4+


o Five Paintings to See With Your Little One: Designed just for the younger child, with an emphasis on colors and shapes, this resource helps families have great experiences with little ones in the galleries. Recommended for children ages 2+


Kick-off and Finale Events FREE Summer Programs Kickoff Performance at the MFAH (MFAH Beck Building)
Thursday, June 9:  Kick off the summer on Thursday, June 9 at 2 p.m. in Gallery 214. No admission for Free Thursdays. Experience the original performance by Houston’s most unusual string ensemble, Two Star Symphony. The group aims to create new and diverse music that speaks to the collective conscience of a broad audience offering a unique and powerful sound, as each instrument reverberates off the others and fills the audio spectrum with a deep, dark, melodic blend.

Thursday, August 11 FREE Summer Programs Finale Performance (MFAH Beck Building)
A chamber group from the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra will fill the museum with beautiful music during a concert in the galleries that will delight guests, Thursday, August 11 at 2:00 p.m. in the Beck Building.

Tuesdays-Saturdays Detective Days at Bayou Bend
May 31- August 26: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. There’s mystery afoot at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens this summer! Located a few blocks away from Memorial Park, Bayou Bend has 14 acres of woodlands and gardens for summer sleuths age 6 and older to explore. Beginning May 31, go on a self-guided outdoor detective adventure. Educational themes range from plants and trees to sculpture and architecture. And, starting August 2, you can also go on an indoor detective adventure. Tour the historic mansion which is filled with antique treasures from the 18th and 19th centuries. Every Bayou Bend detective gets an “Investigator’s Kit” to help them with their sleuthing, and a bottle of water to keep cool during the hunt. Children 12 and under are free; $5 for everyone else. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Bayou Bend Collections and Gardens is located at 6003 Memorial Drive @ Westcott St.
Beginning May 31, 2011:

• The Case of the Missing Trees – Searching for 10 special trees hiding amidst a thousand is kind of like trying to find a needle in a haystack! Locate and identify the trees using special clues we will provide the detective--images of their leaves and rhyming clues. Recommended for children ages 6+
• On the Trail of the Evolving Plant – Take a trip through time as you track woodland and garden vegetation back to the age of the dinosaurs! One problem – those pesky plants are masters of disguise and adaptability, so you’ll have to use your top-notch detective skills to keep up with them. Recommended for children ages 10+

Beginning July 12, 2011:

• The Architect’s Evidence – The 1920s era mansion at Bayou Bend was carefully planned and thought out – clearly, this was no accident. Explore all of the details of the house’s exterior and sort out the rhyme and reason behind its design and construction. Recommended for children ages 10+
• Mysterious Messages – The statues located throughout the gardens have messages for you – but what are they trying to say? Using informational clues, our summer sleuths will learn how to interpret art through history. Recommended for children ages 7+

Beginning August 2, 2011:

• By the Numbers – A riddle has been discovered in the gardens this morning, and the secret to solving it lies within the two-story historic mansion, filled with antique treasures from the 18th and 19th centuries. You’ll have to have a pretty sharp eye to find all of the clues, but we are counting on you to figure it out! Recommended for children ages 10+

Wednesdays (June & July) from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m: Storytime Tours at Rienzi
Summer time is story time at Rienzi every Wednesday in June and July. Introduce children to the magic of art and literature in an intimate house museum setting. Rienzi’s Storytime Tour is a fun and interactive activity featuring stories related to themes highlighted in Rienzi’s collection. Admission is free. Reservations are suggested and space is limited, please call (713) 639-7800 for reservations. Recommended for children ages 3+ Rienzi is located at 1406 Kirby Drive.


11 a.m. REEL Kids Summer Movies (Brown Theater Auditorium, MFAH Law Building)
Free Summer Movie Matinees with paid museum admission are fun for the entire family. This incredible line up of films, several with Oscar® connections, screen on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. in the Brown Theater Auditorium and are free with museum admission and free to members of the museum’s Film Buffs patron group. And here's the line-up:

• June 1 The Karate Kid* (Directed by John Avildsen, USA, 1984, 126 min)
• June 8 The Kid (Directed by Charlie Chaplin, USA, 1928, 72 min., silent with musical soundtrack)
• June 15 The Parent Trap* (Directed by David Swift, USA, 1961, 129 min.)
• June 22 Bugsy Malone* (Directed by Alan Parker, UK, 1976, 93 min.)
• June 29 E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial** (Directed by Steven Spielberg, USA, 1982, 115 min.)
• July 6 My Bodyguard (Directed by Tony Bill, USA, 1980, 96 min.)
• July 13 It Came from Outer Space 3D (Directed by Jack Arnold, USA, 1953, 81 min.)
• July 20 Howl’s Moving Castle* (Director by Hayao Miyazaki, Japan, 2004, 119 min.)
• July 27 Secret of the Kells* (Directed by Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey, France/Belgium/Ireland, 2009 75 min.)
• August 3 National Velvet** (Directed by Clarence Brown, USA, 1944, 123 min.)
• August 10 Fantastic Mr. Fox * (Directed by Wes Anderson, USA, 2009, 87 min.)

Thursdays Creation Station (Beck Building): (June, July & August) 11a.m. – 2 p.m. Guests are invited to create art with an MFAH teaching artist and explore the galleries. Each week, explore a different work of art and learn a new art-making technique. Recommended for children ages 4+


Gallery Investigations (MFAH Law and Beck Buildings)
This summer, kids and families can become Art Detectives, investigating a new work of art each week in the galleries—looking carefully, uncovering details, and thinking about the intriguing things discovered. As each case is completed, investigators will earn a clue for their “Clue Book,” which will be used to guess the mystery work of art to be unveiled at the end of the summer. There are two chances to participate each week – Thursdays, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Sundays, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. All Art Detectives are eligible for a special prize-drawing at the end of the summer. Participation in the MFAH Art Detectives program is free with admission. Recommended for children ages 4+

A Book and a Look (Kinder Foundation Education Center, Law Building)
NEW PROGRAM! At this storybook check-out program, families can check out a storybook and take it into the galleries to read together in front of a work of art that that they will also “read” with the help of hands-on materials and looking questions. MFAH staff will match up each family’s interests and favorite things with a storybook and art pairing. Recommended for children ages 2+

Artful Thursdays (MFAH Brown Theater Auditorium)
Explore the museum June 16th, July 14nd and August 18th beginning at 6:30 p.m. for a themed evening with the MFAH. Mythological Subjects and Titian and the Golden Age of Venetian Painting in June, The Music of Cole Porter; Presented by Michael Lasser in July and Aesthetics of the Everyday Presented by Tacey Rosolowski in August.


Sketching in the Galleries (MFAH Law and Beck Buildings) Sundays in June - August
An MFAH teaching artist guides adults and children of all drawing levels during sketching
1 p.m. – 4 p.m. in the galleries. Sundays from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Recommended for children ages 4+

Creation Station (MFAH Law and Beck Buildings)
Guests are invited to create art with an MFAH teaching artist and explore the galleries. Each week, explore a different work of art and learn a new art-making technique. Recommended for children ages 4+

July Family Art Workshops at Rienzi
Family Art Workshops encourage families to come together to create art, write stories and poems, and watch performances inspired by Rienzi’s collection. Admission is free. Reservations are suggested and space is limited, please call (713) 639-7800 for reservations. Recommended for children ages 4+ Rienzi is located at 1406 Kirby Drive.

• Sunday, July 10, 2011: Cinderella Stories from Around the World -- Instructions from the Rice Literacy and Culture Project will explore the many Cinderella stories written from the point of view of different cultures and countries. Families will enjoy hearing these international tales, write their own Cinderella story, and have the opportunity to make puppets for an impromptu performance.
• Sunday, July 17, 2011: Portrait Miniatures; Love Tokens before the Digital Age -- Discover what was used before photography to represent portraits. Learn about Rienzi’s Caroline A. Ross Collection, which includes portrait miniatures by European and American artists between c. 1710 and 1900. Families will explore this unique artistic tradition and create their own version for family and friends.
• Sunday, July 24, 2011: “The Fantastic Fables of La Fontaine”, a musical recital for children -- Early Music Southwest presents “The Fantastic Fables of La Fontaine,” a musical tale of wise and foolish animals from 17th century France. The narration with accompanying chamber ensemble will delight kids of all ages. The musical recital will be followed by a cookies and lemonade reception. The recital will begin promptly at 1:15pm.

1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday Storytime (MFAH Law and Beck Buildings)
Family-friendly Sunday Storytime introduces young learners to the world of art through hands-on gallery activities, close looking, and the reading of a storybook in MFAH galleries. Recommended for children ages 2+

2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Gallery Investigations (MFAH Law and Beck Buildings)
Join the MFAH Art Detective program. Each Art Detective case takes kids into the galleries to investigate a work of art. Each investigation is different, but all ask Art Detectives to look carefully, uncover details, and think about what cool stuff can be discovered. Recommended for children ages 4+


Locations: Caroline Wiess Law Building, 1001 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005
Audrey Jones Beck Building, 5601 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, 6003 Westcott @ Memorial, Houston, TX 77007
Rienzi, 1406 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77019


MFAH Parking: All-day parking is only $6.00 at the Visitor Center Garage or free across the street from the Caroline Wiess Law Building.

For m
Until the next nap time...

Militant Mom or Flexible Mommy?

So where should I start? It's been a couple interesting weeks and a great start to the New Year. First, as my daughter returned to nursery school this week, I fell into the routine that I experienced growing up. You see, whenever we returned to school from summer or holiday vacation, my mom thought it best to act extra strict to kick-start us back into the routine. She said that we had gotten use to sleeping in, being spoiled by extended family (who, me?) and unaccustomed to the regimen. So, my mom would act a bit like a sergeant and get us up early, not budge a single bit on rules or responsibilities and kept a stern face. I guess as an adult, I just fell into her way of thinking.

However, I'm reading a book called This is How We Do It about working mothers. One part of the book talks about easing new parents back into the workforce after having/adopting children. What's the relevance? No, I'm not expecting! As I read the book, I wondered if the same principles and rewards could be achieved if I simply eased Little K back into her school routine. Instead of rushing to school in search of jumpstarting my own work day and getting back on track, what if I took Little K in a bit later? What if I made sure that after school we played the same games that Little K loved during Christmas break? I'd try it.

The first day, Monday, seemed fruitful as Little K was excited to return to school. Tuesday and Wednesday were a bit more of a struggle as I had early morning meetings combined with temper tantums both days. It's hard to allow 30 minutes of TV time in the morning when you're watching the clock, hoping to make a 7:45 am meeting. Some days, it's harder to ease into the day than others. Wednesday night, we discussed not having temper tantums, but rather picking out her outfit and a toy to take in the car (before walking out the door!), eating a good breakfast and leaving the house when Mommy said.

Thursday morning arrived. Again, I had an early morning networking meeting but I'd agreed to go a bit late so that we could balance my work needs with our family needs. Little K appeared at about 6:30 am with her selected shirt in hand. When I offered to help her get dressed, she giggled and ran back to bed saying she wanted to sleep more. Upon entering her room and sitting on her bed, I quickly discovered she wanted to be tickled. Cool. It's a good way to start the day on a happy note. She got dressed, went downstairs for breakfast while I did her hair and responded to my 5-minute-before-departure warning (even though Curious George was on TV). At departure time, I turned off the TV and watched Little K put up her dishes (remember: she's 3.5 years old), get her babydoll and head for the front door. I was amazed at how she got in the car and minutes later walked into class. Something was working. I'm not sure if it was my change from militant mom or the fact that we discussed each step and it's Thursday so Little K is getting back into things. BUT, I have to say that I feel better about easing back and not being THE ENFORCER. I like my role as Mommy much better.

How has your first week back from the holidays been?

Until the next nap time...

Acorns A Many

I forgot to check the pockets on my daughter's clothes before doing a load of laundry. No big deal, you think? Well, I just found the 29th acorn and am betting I'm not done. Apparently, Little K collected acorns the other day at school and put them in her pocket. She carefully sealed the pocket snap closed so the acorns wouldn't fall out during nap time.

I whiz through the laundry and discover 1 acorn, 2 acorns... Not only have the 29 acorns appeared in the laundry basket, but also on my bedroom floor and in the laundry room. "So that's what was making that sound in the dryer," my husband said.

"At least it wasn't frogs," my neighbor said. Her nephew rescued several baby frogs by putting them in his pant pocket. When his mother was later folding his clean clothes, she discovered his collection of frogs. Groce.

I'll be sure to check Little K's pockets from now on. Who knows what she could collect?

Until the next nap time...

Baby Watch 2008 Continues

When you are pregnant and you go past your due date, it's a big deal... literally and figuratively. I went one day over my due date with Little K and was out of my mind. I just couldn't wait to meet my daughter.

My sister's baby was due last Friday... yes, that's 3 extra days as of today. Colyn went to the doc today and schedule an appointment to be induced this upcoming Friday, July 25. Apparently, her insurance requires her to wait an entire week after her due date before inducing. Do they have any idea how excited I am to meet this little girl? Colyn continues to wait, of course, as does her husband Victor. Come on, Friday!

Closer to home, Little K was adorable last night. She spent the entire weekend with my parents Grand & PaPa so she was extra snuggly last night. Trent & I let her stay up late since we hadn't seen her all weekend. We went swimming after dinner, then headed up for bedtime stories. Little K and I cuddled in her big girl bed, while Daddy read us stories. (Knuffle Bunny is hillarious.) When it was time for Trent & I to leave, Little K begged for me to sleep in her bed with her. I explained that I have my own bed.

Then, she turned to Trent and asked: "Please can Mommy sleep with me tonight?"

Funny, really. I promised to lay with her for 5 minutes but we both had to close our eyes. I awoke an HOUR later. Little K was still awake but resting nicely. I kissed her good night, promising to paint artwork with her after school on Monday.

When I went downstairs to tell my husband that I fell asleep in Little K's room, he simply responded with a smile: "I figured."

I have to admit: I loved the cuddling. There's just nothing like being snuggle bunnies with your little ones.

Until the next nap time...

There's A Stranger in My House

Yesterday, I came home for lunch but still had my mind on my work. I ran into the kitchen, put my work bag down and started pulling together some lunch. Suddenly, I heard a man's voice in my house but his voice was a bit garbled. I knew my husband was not home so I was struck still with fear. Although I stood one step from a drawer full of knives, I was paralyzed and couldn't figure out how to get to a knife to protect myself.

"Garble, garble," he said again.

What in the world is he saying, I thought with my brain racing.

"M is for Map," my daughter's talking puzzle said again from the living room sofa.

M is for MADDENING, I thought as my fear subsided. Little K had started her talking alphabet puzzle that morning, hadn't finished it before leaving for school so Mr. Puzzle continued to talk. He spoke every 10 seconds until I put all 26 alphabet pieces correctly in place. And I thought I knew my alphabet! Lyrics from country singer Ronnie Milsap's song "There's A Stranger in My House" have comically run through my head ever since.

Until the next nap time...

Catching Up After the Holidays

Okay so I haven't been blogging lately and it's only because my world has been spinning a bit. The holidays presented my Grandfather-in-law's funeral, followed by my sister's engagement announcement. Wow!

Also, I'm excited to say that Little K gave all of her pacifiers to her cousin because she is a "big girl." Yes, my 2.5 year old no longer has a paci. I can't believe it's taken this long. She's had a few problems soothing herself when she wakes up from a nap. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised considering she's comforted herself one way for SOOOO long. The funny thing is that Little K has not taken a pacifier at school since she was a year old. Go figure.

Big progress was also made this weekend on the potty training front. We're not all the way there but the fact that Little K will sit on the pot and give herself a chance is good. Yeah!

Little K is back at nursery school this week full time so Mommy can get caught up on work. Hmmm... that's what I should be doing now. Gotta run.

Until the next nap time...

Lap Sit Story Time in November

Babies – ages 3 months to 24 months – and their caregivers will enjoy the November Lap Sit Story Time session at the West University Library. Each Wednesday – starting November 7 through November 28 – at 10:30 AM, we will sing songs, chant nursery rhymes, bounce and clap for about 20 minutes. Afterward, there will be playtime with the soft toys. That’s a good time to meet new people, visit and possibly set up play dates.

Call the West University Branch Library at 713 668-8273 for more information. The Library is located at 6108 Auden.

Until the next nap time...

Groovy Baby!

I haven't checked this out yet, but here's a fun family activity that is now in Houston!

Baby Loves Disco transforms Houston's hottest club into a child-proof disco as children (6 months to 7 years) and parents looking for a break from the routine playground circuit let loose for an afternoon dance party featuring real music spun by real DJs blending classic disco. Plus, families will find bubble machines, a chill-out area, diaper changing stations, a full spread of healthy snacks AND optional cocktails for non-driving parents. Saturday afternoon is the new Saturday night.

Purchase tickets at http://www.babylovesdisco.com/. Check it out September 29* & October 27 from 2-5 pm at Rich's Houston located in midtown at 2401 San Jacinto Street. Tickets are $12 for all walking humans (non-walkers free!).
*BLD USA Dance Contest - Best Little Dancer in America Contest!

Until the next nap time...

Proud to Wave My Flag

June 14 is Flag Day, a day for Americans to celebrate what the American flag stands for. Do you kids know the history of the American flag? What do the stars & stripes stand for?




Here are a few sites to help you jumpstart this discussion with your kids.

• Wikipedia
• Holiday Insights
• The Kaboose Family Network

If nothing else, hang up your flag or help your child color a patriotic picture. Be a proud American.
Until the next nap time...