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Spotlight Families
2008 Families
June: Hill
May: Woody
April: Bibbs
March: Gifford
February: Hover
January: McLaughlin
The Gilliam Family, July
 Ana, parent to Jenna, 8, & Colton, 5
Best Kept Secret in Des Moines: Heritage Carousel in Union Park. My daughter had her birthday party there, and the kids loved it.
Parenting Tip: Don't sweat the small stuff. No one is a perfect parent, and your kids grow up too quickly. Enjoy them, and don't spend too much time and energy worrying about the little things.
What We're Looking Forward to in Des Moines: All the wonderful events summer has to offer: Downtown Farmer's Market, Adventureland, swimming, playing at the park, and the Iowa State Fair.
The Hill Family, June
 Adam & Krisit, parents to Morgan, 18 mo.
Best Kept Secret in Des Moines: Going to the Science Center Saturday morning when they open. You have the entire place to yourself for the first hour (great for the toddler room).
Parenting Tip: Remember to make time for yourselves. Take a day off work to spend with your spouse. Shop, lunch and movie or no agenda. These "quiet" times are sometimes just what you need.
What We're Looking Forward to in Des Moines: Spending time with friends and family outside and taking Morgan to the zoo, now that she's at an age she will appreciate it.
The Woody Family, May
 Andrew & Melinda, parents to Jacob, 20 mo.
Best Kept Secret in Des Moines: The people. We have lived here for a month and have already found friends.
Parenting Tip: Educate yourself. Don't just believe what people tell you. Do your homework.
What We're Looking Forward to in Des Moines: Spring, warmer temperatures. This has been a huge adjustment from Phoenix, but we are really looking forward to the spring & summer weather here!
The Bibbs Family, April
 Tony & Kate, parents to Maia, 6, Lauryn, 3, & Ava, 2
Best Kept Secret in Des Moines: Half-price bookstore
Parenting Tip: First and foremost is teaching the children respect. We also believe teaching empathy to our girls is a great way for them to learn how to treat other people.
What We're Looking Forward to in Des Moines:Sitting on the restaurant patios... and the I-Cubs games, especially now because Ava is getting old enough to enjoy it.
The Gifford Family, March
 Tim & Jody, parents to Sadie, 20 months, & twins (a boy & girl) due this month!
Best Kept Secret in Des Moines:
How family-friendly the city actually is if you dare to try.
Parenting Tip:
Practice structure and discipline but remember that you're raising an individual. Nurture their independent and creative spirit and let them grow up to be someone you will be proud of.
What We're Looking Forward to in Des Moines:
Definitely warmer weather. Summer brings such a great array of outdoor events, and we're tired of losing family time because the driveway needs to be shoveled.
The Hover Family, February
 Misty & Lincoln, parents to Gavin, 2
Best Kept Secret in Des Moines: Oakmoore Racquet Ball Club. It's a fantastic place to take the kids and let them run.
Parenting Tip: Listen and listen well! Treat your child how you want them to treat you. Be respectful, kind and patient.
What We're Looking Forward to in Des Moines: Summer and visiting the Blank Park Zoo. The zoo has so many wonderful things to offer, as well as being close enough to go just for the day. There are also many wonderful parks in Des Moines to take our son swimming and playing.
The McLaughlin Family, January
 BJ & Kevin, parents to JJ, 2, & Jack, 7 mo.
Best Kept Secret in Des Moines: Jimmy's American Cafe. It's kid-friendly, you can always get right in, and you get to feel like an adult for 20 minutes.
Parenting Tip: Be flexible... and have great girlfriends!
What We're Looking Forward to in Des Moines: Love the snow, but we can't wait for springtime.
2007 Families
December: Snuffin
November: Montgomery
October: Belling
September: Sammler
June: Tiedens
May: Whitsitt
April: Gillmoore
The Snuffin Family, December
 Ed & Amy, parents to David, 11, Joshua, 18 mo., and Hannah, 7 mo. (Not pictured: Christopher, 25, & Tiffany, 22)
Best Kept Secret in Des Moines: Lilac and Waterworks parks.
Parenting Tip: Less sugar, less screen time, no "3rd chances," more hugs and lots of actual interaction.
What We're Looking Forward to in Des Moines: It's exciting to see the urban renewal. This city is cleaning up nicely and promises to be one of the coolest places to live.
The Montgomery Family, November
 Bridget & Tony, parents to Stella, 3 1/2, & Violet, 1
Best Kept Secret in Des Moines: Hiland Bakery at 6th & Euclid
Parenting Tip: Consistency in discipline
Looking Forward To:
Santa Express at the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. We've heard fabulous reviews, so we're excited to take our 3 1/2-year-old after Thanksgiving.
The Belling Family, October
Bruce & Randi, parents to Tad, 18, Doug, 15, Bryan, 11, & Matt, 9
Best Kept Secret in Des Moines: The people.
Parenting Tip: Find the right balance of love and discipline.
Looking Forward To: The cool weather.
The Sammler Family, September
 Nathan & Kim, parents to Haley, 1
Best Kept Secret in Des Moines: Fun activites for our family to do without spending money.
Parenting Tip: No such thing as too much praise.
Looking Forward To: The weather cooling off so we can go outside without having to get the sprinkers out!
The Tiedens Family, June
Matt & Adriane, parents to Alexander, 4, Autumn, 3 & Meredith, 1
Best Kept Secret in Des Moines: Backyard Adventures. You come excited, leave exhausted and happy.
Parenting Tip: Pick your battles. Our kids pick their outfits... who are we to say they don't match?
Looking Forward To: The pork fritters, corn on the cob, Sky Ride, tractors & combines at the Iowa State Fair.
The Whitsitt Family, May
 Mark & Jodi, parents to Bailey, 11, Lauren, 20 months, & #3 on the way!
Best Kept Secret in Des Moines: Meetup groups for local SAHMs are life-savers.
Parenting Tip: Give yourself a break, and don't feel guilty about doing so!
Looking Forward To: Summer activities, like the Clive pool, free concerts, outdoor movies & 4th of July in Urbandale.
The Gillmore Family, April
 Michalee & Nathan, parents to Skyler, 5, Taysen, 2, & Shaylee, 1
Best Kept Secret in Des Moines: The restaurants; dining out is our family's "bad" habit.
Parenting Tip: See every situation from your child's point of view; it's scary being little.
Looking Forward To: Spring; walking around lakes & rivers.
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