Home again, home again.

Before too much time passes, I should probably update my blog, yes?  We found ourselves, yes, all three of us (momma, daddy, and Diggory) in Iowa again.  And although the circumstances were less than ideal, it was such a pleasure to spend more time with our family.  But, we're back in DC now, and getting back into our daily grind...and hopefully more regular blog posts from me.  During our second trip back to Iowa, we did visit one more cultural institution, not a museum per se, but a respected gallery space and arts venue nonetheless.  

The Octagon Center for the Arts is a non-profit institution in downtown Ames, Iowa, offering a variety of educational arts programs, a dedicated gallery space, and a retail museum shop filled with goodies from local artists in a variety of media.  We visited out of a sense of desperation...Diggory was cranky, really wanted to go outside (but Grandpa Doug, his outdoor companion, wasn't home yet!), and I needed gifts for our kitties' sitters.  What better place to fill the void?!  Plus, it helps that the Octagon is only three blocks from Nana's house!  So, Nana and the doggie Zoe joined us too!

We found what we were looking for...awesome goodies for our kitties' sitters in the shop...and also stopped by the Ames British Foods store next door (the former, smaller Octagon space) for some Iowa wine.  Yes, Iowa wine at the British foods store.  The street-level gallery space is currently hosting the exhibition Box, Book and Board: Svec, Anders-Bond, and Garcia through October 27, 2012.  I was particularly enthralled because I've recently taken an interest in creating my own stationary and even purchased some hand-marbled paper form the Octagon shop during our first trip back to Iowa about three weeks ago, so I loved the paper-based shadow boxes and book arts on display.  It's a small gallery, but beautiful, and easy to access from the shop.  Restrooms are located in the back of the gallery.  There are no changing tables, but they are plenty spacious and very clean.

After our quick trip through the gallery, we strolled over to the nearby Bandshell Park.  Daddy used to play the trumpet with the Ames Municipal Band here, so we thought it would be a fun place to visit, for old time's sake. Diggory didn't really like the stage, but he loved swinging with Daddy!  

Tiny human on a big stage.

Diggory loves swings!

All in all, it was an excellent afternoon, even if it was 100 degrees outside!  We'll definitely be back...we love Iowa, and Diggory loves those swings!