• Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Medium
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Little Miss Martha

Decorate & Celebrate

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Adopt A Fairy Co.
  • Contact

A Trip to Newfields… Part 1

10 Sep
Spread the love
Tweet

I took my kid out of school to visit the Newfields musuem.
I am that mom.
You can judge me later.
Or now, I really don’t care.
As Rachel Hollis‘ therapist says… “Someone else’s opinion of you is none of your business.”

So yes… I let my daughter skip school on a Friday a couple weeks ago now.  Yes, S K I P SCHOOL.
Ella wasn’t sick.  She wasn’t indisposed.  Ells was totally fine.
She didn’t even really ask to skip.
Actually, she’s been really into school this year which has been a major change and treat for our household.
BUT, she had been asking to go to the Art Museum for going on a year now and we knew an exhibit was leaving.  In order to get to it before it was gone, a day of skipping school was necessary.

NEWFIELDS

“Sorry Mrs. Lash, Ella was out (that) Friday because we had to get to SUMMER WONDERLAND at Newfields before it left.  No offense, but I’m pretty sure she had a more learning-filled day taking in the artworks and the surroundings than she would have gotten in school that day anyway.”
*Side note – I would N E V E R say anything like this to the teacher even if I really really really wanted to.*

In this {Part One} of our visit to Newfields I’m sharing the amazingly magical and whimsy exhibit of
Summer Wonderland: Spectacular Creatures.
And they were just that, spectacular.

***Note — This exhibit ended at Newfields on August 26th.***

SUMMER WONDERLAND

Driving up to Newfields (formerly the Indianapolis Museum of Art) you are taken in by it’s wonderful GREEN surroundings… Such deep greens… I mean you feel like you are almost transported somewhere else because of it’s beautiful setting.

Upon arrival, you were (because they are now gone) immediately greeted by the spectacular creatures.  Infused into every part of the museum, the creatures were everywhere, usually unexpected…  which made for even more fun.

After purchasing admission, we headed right outside because we were fearful it was going to rain.  We did stop to grab a photo with the adorable snails, specifically this Giant Blue Snail – AKA Scooter, who was the first of the over 500 creatures to make their way to the land of Newfields.  The girls couldn’t wait to check out more once they saw these guys!

BRIGHT COLORFUL CREATURES

No matter how many times I told them not to run, they just couldn’t contain their excitement!

Everywhere we went, they were running… And running…
Apparently, it’s hard to contain yourself when there are magical creatures all around and TONS of room to just GO!
Obviously, as a child, when you see wide open spaces, you must take advantage and run as fast and as much as you can!

THE LILLY HOUSE

All the creatures are made of recyclable plastic and represent, to the artists, a way of telling stories about the environmental issues that face our planet.  Everywhere you turned there were more creatures…

And different creatures…

And more creatures…

I mean what is not to like about giant, bright colored animals and bugs!!??

They were clearly friendly 😉

These foxes were a major hit…
They ran back and forth through them at least 10x.

Make sure to check out all there shenanigans over on IG stories!  I’m reposting them and saving them as a highlight too!

And the elephant provided a place for rest with shade.

KIDS + ART

Then (while we explored more outside, that’ll be in Part two) we headed back inside for a quick lunch.  We grabbed the museums grab and go options, but still opted to sit down.  We actually sat at a table right next to an actual artist who was working on something.  Sitting next to him was really amazing…because I don’t know that Ella has every really seen anyone, let alone an actual artist with his different sharpened pencils and papers, sitting and drawing like that before – taking his time, working on one spot, then another, then going back to the first spot, blending with his fingers and such…  She was really able to see how an artist works and how long it can take to make ONE piece!

*Can’t get that in elementary art class either*

Inside the creatures were still everywhere.
The penguins were probably the girls favorite and Ella realized you could move a little bit.

I think their height had something to do with it…

And even when you weren’t expecting the creatures, there they were…

We said goodbye with a kiss or two when we left because we knew that when we go back next time, they will not be there…

An awesome exhibit with the Italian art collective Cracking Art.  So glad we were able to see it before it left… even if we didn’t see all the animals!  We missed the bears and the birds but we got to see a whole lot and learn about art and nature at the same time!

ARTSY

Listen, I don’t encourage pulling your kids out of school for no reason, but I do feel like pulling them out to do things like this is TOTALLY OK!  I’m sure I’ll get backlash for this, but I think this exhibit we were trying to hit made perfect sense for my kids… It was whimsy, it was outdoors, it was artsy, it was creative, it was fun… And anytime you are taking your kids to get a little extra culture, that’s a good thing!  And I’m pretty sure almost any teacher would be ok with this absence.

In Part two {tomorrow} of our visit to Newfields, we’ll check out what was going on INSIDE the museum on top of Summer Wonderland.  But since we visited specifically for this (and you could spend days at the museum) I decided to split the posting up!  You would really be on photo overload!

See you tomorrow!

Tweet

Comments:
Leave a Comment
Categories:
2018, Around Town, Blog, Kids + Art, Museums, Museums
Tags:
around indy, Around Town, Indianapolis Museums, newfields, Things to do in Indy

Find the Good!

Join the LMM Newsletter and Good Things will be sent to your mailbox bi-weekly.
It's a good thing and you'll think so too!

Share the Good!

« Top Golf — Fishers, Indiana
A Trip to Newfields…Part 2 »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

A little about me…

Hey There! I'm Abby. Some people started calling me "Little Miss Martha" a few years back and this blog followed. I started it to share my DIY wedding progress, but it's now evolved to include other good things. Read More…

Lastest on Instagram

lmmblog

Abby || Lifestyle Blogger
Oh man, do I miss my playhouse... I mean, the girl Oh man, do I miss my playhouse... I mean, the girls playhouse! Do you all dress up your kids play zones for the holidays? One of my favorite things to do was "dress up" our old playhouse! 

Here's a quick one I threw together that first easter during Covid... With limited resources, we made birdseed eggs and a cute little doormat! The girls helped with that! It's always fun to decorate when they are involved! 
.
.
.
#throwback #playhousedecor #kidkraft #kidkraftplayhouse #easterdecor #easterkids #decorateforeaster #easterbunnies #outdoorplayhouse #decorateoutdoors #easterfun
For whatever reasons a cute place setting really m For whatever reasons a cute place setting really makes me smile. And I cannot pass up anything cute from the paper goods aisle at home goods!  So when these carrot plates made their way home, they were sure to be used! 
.
.
.
#carrotdecor #easterdecor #placesetting #tablesettings #mixandmatchstyle #mixoldandnew #whimsy #easterdecoration #eastertable #eastertablescape #setthetable #tablescapes #tablestyling #carrots🥕
What’s your fave part of setting the table?! Pla What’s your fave part of setting the table?! Place settings are one of my favorite things to pull together!  It’s fun to mix old and new, different textures and colors, whimsy and classic pieces.  And it really can set the tone for a table!  I usually create this very first and everything else comes together after! ✨🥕✨

Plus, this is something that your kids can get involved with too!  Have them set it up once you’ve picked out the pieces! 
.
.
.
#tablesettings #eastertable #eastertablescape #eastertabledecor #eastertablesetting #carrots🥕 #tabletexture #setthetable #placesetting
When you travel what are some of your must haves?! When you travel what are some of your must haves?! Getting ready for spring break and thinking about all of the cozy rooms we’ll be visiting!  Makes me hope that our guest room is equally cozy and inviting for our guests when they visit!
.
.
.
#guestrooms #guesthospitality #hospitalitydesign #cozyroom #inviting #guestbedroom #beourguest #getcozy #ammenities
This year I wanted to create a fun tablescape for This year I wanted to create a fun tablescape for Easter, and while I love bunnies, I thought a carrot theme would be fun to try!  Everything on this tablescape was 🥕carrot-fully 🤪 selected for its color or carrot looks! 

What’s your favorite thing?! I loved using the fresh carrots 🥕around the flowers 🌷and the carrot paper plates! 

And I reused a lot of things too!  Old plates for the place settings, Christmas greenery fills out the middle, and orange tapers I had on hand helped!  You don’t have to buy new all the time!  Most times I’m using things I have on hand from other holidays or previous years!  I created the carrot bunting with help of my @cricut but you can easily cut carrots out of felt by hand if you don’t have a cricut! Then we made some homemade carrot cookies with cookie cutters I found at @target and a carrot cake! The Bunny Bait Easter tablescape  came together pretty easy and I love the brightness of it all!  And we won’t even be around for Easter to use but if you come by, you will still see it all sitting on my table!  hahah. 
.
.
.
#eastertablescape #eastertable #carrots🥕 #carrotsandflowers #carrotdecor #easterdecoration #springdecor #tablescapes #tablescapestyling #tablesettings #holidaydecorations
When Ella came downstairs on Friday she asked wher When Ella came downstairs on Friday she asked where all the green was and why there were no leprechaun traps…Apparently she has St Patrick’s Day expectations. I blame myself. I’m usually more into it…
So about 11am I kicked it into gear and headed to @partycity for a little help!  Thankfully they had these green pots for $5 and grass for $1!  Plus, green candy and gold coins!  And Olive found the surprise at the end of the rainbow when she came home! 
.
:
.
#greensuprise #greengoodies #greencandy #everythinggreen #luckoftheirish #potofgold #potofgreen #stpatricksdaybasket #stpaddysday #stpatricksday🍀 #leprechaunloot #shamrocks #irishmusic #endoftherainbow #makingmagic
There’s still time to share St Paddy’s Day Ins There’s still time to share St Paddy’s Day Inspo so here i go and you can do it tomorrow or save it for next year!  Here’s a quick and easy St. Patrick’s Breakfast-scape as Olive called! 

Make your own green waffles and surround them with green fruit, your favorite waffle toppings, green m&ms and of course, lucky charms! 

Easily@recreatable!  Like I said, celebrate tomorrow or save for next year!  Happy St Patrick’s Day! 
.
.
.
#breakfastfood #breakfastfordinner #stpatricksday #stpatricksdayfood #tablescape #rainbows #greenfood #greenfoods #stpaddysday  #luckoftheirish #topofthemorning #breakfastboard #yumyumyum
This week the plan was to share a few last minute This week the plan was to share a few last minute St. Paddy’s Day ideas for you!  But i’m coming to realize nothing I plan happens these days 🤣 So, with one day left and plenty of time to get to the store, here are three breakfast ideas that’ll make some magic for those little nuggets in your home! 

(1) Rainbow Donuts - Grab your favorite plain cake donuts, some white icing, and fruity pebbles. Cut the do the donuts in half, dip in the icing and go to town adding the fruity pebbles in rainbow style!  Your kids will love this one! (swipe for more)
(2) Golden Coin Donuts - Same(ish) thing. You’ll need a cake donut, chocolate icing, and  gold sprinkles. Dip into the icing, then the sprinkles and you have gold for your pots of gold!
(3) Clover Cinnamon rolls. 

Do you plan on making something special for tomorrow?!
.
.
.
#stpaddysday #stpatricksday #greenbreakfast #rainbowdonuts #goldcoins #clovercinnamonrolls #clovers #leprechauntrap #greenfortheday #leprechaunbreakfast
This is your reminder that a visit to @childrensmu This is your reminder that a visit to @childrensmuseum is always a good idea!  We recently visited @childrensmuseum with some cousins and, as usual, I saw things I’d never seen before!  Big crowd pleasers we’re the outfit design area of the #POPexhibit, retro video games on the top floor and if you visit now, you can visit the #minecraftexhibit! 
.
.
.
#childrensmuseum #visitindy #familyfun #childrensmuseums #attcm #aroundindy #playallday #makememoriestogether
Anyone else {almost} always waiting on their {firs Anyone else {almost} always waiting on their {first} husband to get out the door?!? 🙋🏻‍♀️. We are heading to IKEA for a dresser for Ella and another part of a small project!  What are your Friday plans?
.
.
.
#waitingonhusband #almostalways #fridayselfie #wishinghopingpraying #letsgochamp #firstwivesclub #happyfriday #loveandmarriage #myfirsthusband
On this International Womens Day, we celebrated by On this International Womens Day, we celebrated by reading from one of our favorite books!  Do you have this one?!? One page stories about rebel girls… It’s super inspiring and my kids love it! 
.
.
.
#inspiringwomen #rebelgal #rebelgirls #raisestrongwomen #raisinggirls #momofdaughters #internationalwomensday
Happy International Women’s Day! You are strong Happy International Women’s Day!  You are strong. You are beautiful. You deserve great things!  Take a moment for yourself today - make a cup of tea, go for a walk, or if you are like me, watch for eagles out the back window! ✨ You are magical! ✨
@inspiringwomenfh 
.
.
.
#internationalwomensday2022 #womenrock #inspiringwomenfh #womenmaketheworldgoround #inspireothersbybeingyou #takesomemetime #taketimeforyou #sponsored
While I should really be sharing about styling for While I should really be sharing about styling for St. Patrick's Day, Spring, & Easter, instead I'm going to take a minute to brag on these little girls of ours...
 
We got the sweetest voicemail from Olive's teacher that was a total proud parent moment.  Her class has gotten a new little girl who doesn't speak any English and somehow Olive communicates just fine with her, makes sure she has someone to play with at recess and has basically taken the new little girl under her wing.  Her teacher was sending kudos to Olls for just "being the kindest kiddo" which is what we all want to hear about our kids, right?! She also thanked us for all we are doing to have made her that way and let's be honest, I have no clue what that is, but I'll take it! 

And Ella... Ella!  She's been rocking her “new” schedule.  In the last couple months, we've realized busier is better for her and so going from not much of anything to 3 busy nights a week, which one this week included lots of squats and major quad soreness, she's done with no complaints!  Minus for her sore quads... She's been taking on new activities and challenges with style and we are so proud of her for being so mature and committed! 

Ok, so proud momma moment over. I don’t do this often, but felt this one was worth a share!  And seriously... It's been a good week for them and I love watching them grow and take on whatever life throws at them.  Do you have any proud momma moments to share from this week?! 
.
.
.
#justmykids #proudmommamoment #justbekind #mybeautifuldaughters #ellaandolive #changeisgoodforthesoul #kellermeyerchronicles #soproudofyou #loveyousomuch❤️
Happy Saturday! Do you ever feel like you’ve go Happy Saturday!  Do you ever feel like you’ve gotten to the end of the week and done nothing for yourself?! That’s me. This is basically every week anymore – clean, cook, get steps in, take care of kids, drive here, drive there, etc. 

Where does all the time go!? Seriously, before Covid, I would do 10,000 things AND take the girls to and fro non-stop AND drive home every weekend sometimes… basically I was doing sooo much more, maybe too much!  But now, I feel like I can’t keep up.  I can’t find a groove where I can still do all the things for my family AND myself.  Were we really doing too much?  It didn’t feel like it in the moment. Yes, there were exhausting days, but somehow, they were usually fulfilling.  Or maybe I’m dreaming?  Now, most days just feel like groundhog day. 

But at the beginning of the year I set goals and I’m still working towards them.  Health & Wellness goals, home goals, family goals and more.  I am working to keep my WHY in mind and find my daily inspiration. I just hope that I can find a groove where even if I don’t complete all the goals, at least I feel like I’ve made progress on them.  And I hope that throughout this super weird, busy, boring, what feels like an uneventful time in my life, I can find fulfillment in it and stay motivated. 

Working to stay inspired can be the hardest part!  So long post short, if you’ve read this far, I’m sorry I haven’t been sharing as much.  I’m working on it and things to share but finding time to sit down and actually give you something enjoyable has been the hardest part lately!  Stick along as I’m sure things will continue to be shared in an untimely fashion! 
.
.
.
@inspiringwomenfh 
#inspired #neverenoughtime #selfcare #franciscanhealth #inspiringwomenfh #howdowedoit #canthaveitall #busydays #momlifeishard #justkeepgoing #findyourinspiration #rememberyourwhy
Taking in my Friday like yea! Lunch with friends, Taking in my Friday like yea!  Lunch with friends, etsy listings, sewing, and more - all with snow flurries outside!  What are you up to today?!
.
.
.
#friyayvibes #fridayishere #enjoyyourday #youtime #weekendvibes✌️ #itscoldagain #indianaweather #iputmakeupon
How did you celebrate Valentine’s day?! I set up How did you celebrate Valentine’s day?! I set up a quick little Valentine’s Day table for the girls and a quick and sweet activity!  I grabbed some peach rings and gummie lifesavers for the girls to add to some strips of fabric I had laying around!  A pretty simple setup but a nice suprise for them! 

Other than that, cut felt hearts for the place settings, added small heart boxes under conversation hearts, and used vintage floral tea plates for the necklaces!  The runner was found at @homegoods and was the basis for the whole setup!
.
.
.
#valentinesday2023 #valentinetable #valentinestablescape #kidstable #funforthekids #valentineactivities #candynecklace #sweethearts #conversationhearts #heartdecor #happyvalentinesday❤️ #loveyday
Yesterday was Ella’s birthday celebration with f Yesterday was Ella’s birthday celebration with friends!  It was a great time and while it was to be considered small with just a couple friends and no decorations, I told her there would be a tablescape!  More details on the blog soon, but here’s a quick recap of our little homemade (minus bowling alley) “Let’s Ro11” birthday party! 

🎉Happy Birthday Ells!🎉

Cake topper: @avalonsunshine 
Vintage Bag: Thrifted
Cookies: Me (not perfect, first try at cookies!)
Printables: Me
Cake: Meijer with my addition of chocolate covered donut holes 
.
.
#letsroll #eleventhbirthday #turning11 #birthdaytable #bowlingparty #birthdayideas #tweengirl #tweenparty #tweenbirthday #happiestbirthday #februaryfun #februarybirthdays #bohobowling #birthdaypartydecor #birthdaypartyideas
Taking time for ourselves can be REALLY HARD. The Taking time for ourselves can be REALLY HARD.  The other night I was ready to go upstairs and read my book…the one I’ve been working on forever… and noticed the basket(s) of laundry needing folded so I decided to do that instead of taking a moment for myself.  By the time I was done, I was so tired that I just went to bed.  So LAST night I decided not to skimp on the “me” time and knew I needed to get out of the house and enjoy some laughs with the neighborhood girls!  It was good for the soul!

I have a hard time doing things for myself.  I feel like I’m being selfish.  But it’s not selfish to take care of yourself!  It’s NECESSARY!  You can’t take care of others if you aren’t taking care of yourself. I’m really loving my weekly emails from @inspiringwomenfh and how they are a reminder that I need to take a moment for myself!  So do something for yourself today.  Take a walk around the block, unless you live in Indiana, I suggest you stay inside because the winds are CRAY!  Read a book on your lunch break, take a nap with your kids, or maybe even listen to a podcast or practice 10 min of mediation!

If you haven’t already, check out inspiringwomen.org for some awesome inspiration, motivation and great resources for overall health and wellness.  There are also some GREAT recipes!  The program is free and you will even get their bi-annual inspiring magazine!  It’s just the right amount of inspiration that your week could use! 
.
.
.
#inspiringwomenfh #inspiringwomen #sponsored #takecareofyourself #taketimeforyou #franciscanhealth #inspirationforwomen #inspirationalwomen #itsnotselfish #dosomethingforyourself #taketimeforyou #findyourinspiration #yougotthismama
Packed up some fun things to make their way to @ch Packed up some fun things to make their way to @chicmercantile this week!  These fairies are soooo excited to make their way into new home and take on new adventures!  Fairies will be available soon in the @adoptafairyco etsy shop too! 
.
.
.
#fairiesarereal #fairiesofinstagram #fairieslivehere #magicallife #magicallaround #shopsmall #shoplocal #packingorders #localboutique #adoptafairy #fairyflags
I’ve been trying to produce Valentine’s Day co I’ve been trying to produce Valentine’s Day content for at 2 weeks! I made mood boards, gathered goodies, and can’t find the time to create.  Did I not used to sleep?!? 

Hopefully this week I’ll be able to get something out, but at least for now, I’ve got these decorations going 😆! Swipe to see why I get nothing done 😂🤷🏻‍♀️🤦‍♀️
.
.
.
#valentinesdaydecor #momlifeunfiltered #valentinesdayiscoming #neverenoughtime #mantledecor #tryingmybest #sleepnomore
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Stay Updated

LATEST FROM THE BLOG

  • Five Reasons to Give The Gift of Swimming This Year
  • A Boho Bowling Birthday
  • Dear Ella : An 11th Birthday Message
  • This Year’s Project List
  • Resolutions & Recaps – 22/23 Edition
Join Bluprint For Just $100 & Get a Free Project Box! Valid at myBluprint.com through 1/31/19.
Design, edit and store projects with PicMonkey

Categories

Archives

Popular Posts

Five Reasons to Give The Gift of Swimming This Year

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL BUT ALL THOUGHTS ARE MY OWN. With the new year comes ... View Post

A Boho Bowling Birthday

When Ella told me she wanted to go bowling with friends for her birthday I was like ok, that's cool. ... View Post

[show_ltk_widget_version_two rows="3" cols="3" show_frame="true" user_id="429876" padding="4" app_id="197653962" profileid="4e73f9d7-f491-11eb-8f77-2db9fcd65f25"]
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Join our Mailing List

4d07bfb4455d2035936a4bf32c5f5393

Copyright © 2023 · Bloom theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 · Bloom Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in