Little Adventures

 "Play is our brain's favorite way of learning"

- Diane Ackerman

One of the many sculptures at a local park.

Carousel at the mall.

One of the fun things about moving to a new area is finding out what fun activities are at your disposal.  We loved our day at Monahans National Monument and hope to find more family activities like that one.  We're well on our way to finding some really great things to do as a family.

Recently we explored the weekly local flee market which will full of hundreds of unique items.  We left with a few drinks and a bow for Zoey's hair.  I wasn't looking for much due to our small living space, but it was fun; though, I think I would do better there if I learned more Spanish.  While searching for the local Farmer's Market, we ended up at the local fair for the Midland Arts Counsel, which had hundreds of displays to tempt any art lover. After hours of walking we decided to reserve the Farmers Market for another day.

Zoey and Babs

  Most of my activities  involve the entertainment of my little girl.  At first we found ourselves filling our time at the public parks in the area or at the ponds feeding the birds and ducks, and we still do, but we also found some additional activities to fill a little girl's days with adventure.
One of those places is the Odessa Mall.  It' s a short 15 minute drive from our home and this mall definitely caters to families. There is an indoor ice skating rink at center court; but I have yet to take Zoey out since I sustained a knee injury as a teen and am unsure of it on ice, yet I'm sure we'll figure out how to get that kid on ice soon enough. There are two play areas throughout the corridors complete with slides and tubes to climb through, which Zoey makes full use of both of them.  There is also a carousel and a small train for the kids to ride (for a price). On Saturday they have someone creating balloon animals of each child's choice (free of charge), and these are pretty elaborate animals by most standards, you just have to be willing to wait in line.  Of course Zoey chose the pink Babs Bunny.

Since our arrival in the area, we have noticed carnival rides at every turn.  Sometimes in Odessa and sometimes in Midland, but they never seem to leave the, yet.  After realizing the rides set up at the Midland Mall didn't require admission (I hate paying admission to something I'm going to spend more money at), we decided to take Zoey to the rides.  Pulling up she saw the drop ride and the Kamikaze, she declared that she was going on those rides and "Don't worry Mom, I'm not scared."  Although she didn't meet the height requirements for those rides, I'd have to say I was pretty proud of her bravery. We bought her an unlimited pass and a few tickets for Mom and Dad to join her on the kiddie rides that required a parent to accompany her.  She rode every ride without hesitation and loved it.  Her favorites were the giant slides (we got some air on those) and the caterpillar roller-coaster. John and I kept putting a hand of comfort on her as parents do, but she defiantly pushed our hands away, because she can do it herself (she's getting so big).  Hearing her little squeals of delight whenever zoomed at higher speeds or flew through the air on the slides was priceless. 

The last days, weeks and months have been a blast.  I'm sure there is still so much more we can enjoy in this area and I can't wait to find the next adventure for my little girl.

On the rides with Daddy

I don't need hands for this ride!!

I can steer this thing!!!