This Oz Life

I will admit that part of this visit was therapy for my daughter, who hates bugs. Like...full-on panic mode if she sees anything resembling an insect. So, this trip could have gone either way. I braced for the worst but hoped for the best. We got a little of each. Franklin Park is so easy to access from 71, and I think that stretch of Broad Street is getting to be so beautiful!  Parking was a cinch (veer to the left when you come to the Y in the driveway to "Main Entrance". … Read more

My girl had a rough day today. Like, woke up in tears and cried approximately 17 more times throughout the day. It was time for an intervention: dinner with mommy. A few weeks ago, the kind people at Piada gave us the opportunity to sample some meals, so we redeemed those entree cards tonight. It was an absolutely gorgeous night tonight, and the Worthington location (on the exterior of Worthington Mall) has an impressive, shaded patio. The mall has really brought their A-game with lan… Read more

Pairing restaurants with activities for the summer. The newest pairing I can’t wait to try will be Hungry Soul Café with the Topiary Garden or Museum of Art . These shortbread cookies from Pistacia Vera   My Mother in Law loves them and the kids weren't into the macarons (their loss), so we got a few bags of these. Buttery, sugar-topped, melt in your mouth, adorably-packaged? Get some. Now.  Knotted headbands . I am going to pretend that I am just interested in getting them for Larkyn,… Read more

After our train adventure , we decided to eat at Dewey's in Old Worthington . Because it was right at the end of the Farmer's Market , parking was a little tricky. But during most hours, I have seen ample parking at their lot in the back or across the street by Graeters. We went around noon with our friend Mo and her 2 year old. So, 2 moms and 3 wild and crazy kids!  There server was friendly, but his eyes got huge a few times (in other words, we kept him on his toes). The kids w… Read more

I am bringing together activities I loved as a Columbus child, combined with events we have never tried and hope that it is useful to you as you plan for a fun-filled summer with your kids! Art with Anna , Gahanna We have not been here yet, but it looks so unique and peaceful. I would love try it for some mommy-daughter reward time. Berry picking at  Hann Farms  or  Jacquemin Farms , Obetz and Plain City We've been to and loved both for strawberry picking. This is a fun activity even for m… Read more

My kids can kind of go either way on strawberries (or any food that isn't cheese or sugar-filled), but picking them is lots of fun for everyone! Last year, we went to Jacquemin Farms , which was great. This year, I wanted to try someplace new. Hann U-Pick farm opened a week earlier than the other farms, so the decision was easy. Coming from Old Worthington, it was a simple drive down 71 to 270 to 23. Then take Rathmell road to Lockbourne road.  When you see the farm, pull in the f… Read more

I had been to MTM a few times before; as a large group for my birthday and with a friend for brunch more than once. I was always impressed with their brunch quality and the price, so when it came to Mothers Day, I decided this would be a good place to try brunching with the whole family. The menu would have enough variety for age 4-89! I made reservations about a month in advance so we wouldn't be closed out on the special occasion. Each time I go (to the Grandview location ), it l… Read more