Ft. Leavenworth

February's KARL experience was definitely unforgettable.  We spent an afternoon at the Leavenworth Detention Center - sorry, but no pictures allowed from this destination.  I could not even take my water bottle into the building!  We spent a morning at Lansing Correctional Facility.  Again, no pictures permitted.

So, the picture that you will get to enjoy from this month's session was a class pic at Ft. Leavenworth.  The KARL board President snapped the shot, thank you Carolyn, and the weather could not have been more beautiful for February!  We participated in a short tour, and listened to a panel of leadership class participants.  Quite impressive, and the group came from all branches of military duty, and all corners of the United States.

Ft. Leavenworth is a small installation, but it was evident that the community is quite tight knit.  It still had that small town feel, which was comforting in this metropolis so close to Kansas City!

The inmate facilities that we toured certainly made you think.  It became evident to me that the youth work I do for my career, makes a huge difference.  The inmate panelists that we chatted with did not have the role models or mentors that we work so hard to provide youth program participants.  I can't help but wonder if we had them as kids, how their world might be different today.

Green Pinked Out for Purple

It is interesting the various hats that we wear as youth development professionals.  Recently, a committee of cohorts and I planned, organized and hosted a 4-H Day with Wildcat Women's Basketball.  This was our 4th year for the function.  I do enjoy this activity, as it is a family fun 4-H endeavor.

My main role is to coordinate t-shirt orders.  You see, each ticket purchaser receives a shirt.  There is quite the collection of sizes from youth small to 4 X adult, we cover all ages of fans.  The best thing about this event, is that families and friends get to hang together, enjoy each other's company, experience a college basketball game, and celebrate the program that they are all a part of - Kansas 4-H.

Our shirts were pink this year, as this game was recognizing breast cancer survivors and supporting breast cancer research.  So, not only did we support 4-H, cheer on some hard working athletes, but we also contributed toward a fantastic research cause.  So, even though the February winter weather may be cold, this event definitely puts a nice sunny spot in mine!

Eleven Months

I think I must officially start renaming Baby "K" to Toddler "K!"  He certainly is taking on more little boy characteristics, and quickly becoming more independent too.  So, for your enjoyment - here are some highlights from this past month:

*Baby "K" is walking, and getting quite good at it too!
*I taught him how to drink from a straw.
*He is completely on table food, and pretty much done with bottles.
*He learned the words "oh-o" and "book."
*He loves to be chased.
*He prefers using his left hand.

We started brushing his 8 teeth each night, and my goal is to try to do a morning brush too.  He loves the toothpaste (apple/banana flavored) and definitely tries to take over this nightly routine.  Less than one month until the official first birthday!

Kansas Museum of History

The January destination for my leadership class was Topeka, our state capital.  One of our stops included the Kansas Museum of History.  The museum is organized chronologically through our great state's past 150 year's of existence.  There was quite a collection of pieces from various decades to view!

One of my favorite items was the Native American section.  Of course, there was a teepee and many other historical artifacts.  This grass hut was what really caught my eye.  I can picture the plentiful prairies filled with tall, native grasses.  How creative to construct a residence out of them.  I am not sure what the lifespan of a grass hut is, but it is rather magnificent to view.  Put this location on your family's vacation destination bucket list - I guarantee that you will not be disappointed!

On another note - February has been eating my lunch!  I have been working every weekend - and Mr. Fixit has been working too.  So, the blog has been neglected.  I am simply too tired on the weeknights to post, so I apologize!  I hope to get caught up this weekend.  Thank you for your patience!

Chief Justice Vista

One of our January visits was the Supreme Court - or the judicial branch of our state government.  I had not been to the "new" court location.  The old spot is still located in the Statehouse, and serves as a relatively, newly, renovated destination for large committee meetings.

We did get the chance, while viewing the courtroom, to be invited by the Chief Justice to visit his office.  His office is home to numerous historical artifacts, one of which is a cool map showcasing the courthouses of all the counties in Kansas!  I did not photograph any of the artifacts, but I thought I would snap a view for you out of the Chief Justice's chamber window.  The "old" Supreme Courtroom is the first window, directly to the right of the flag.  Quite amazing isn't it?

Kansas Senate

From the gallery level of the Kansas Senate chambers, one can really appreciate the grandeur and history of this historical place!  The chambers were renovated in 2003, I believe, and all ambiance was restored to the original 1800's motif.  Even the paint shade mirrors the original room coloration.

Each Senator has his/her own microphone, and voting occurs by voice.  Pages are seated at the front, on a bench, directly below the large desk.  Special guests are seated towards the front left and right wings.  On the day we (KARL class) visited, six bills were introduced - and the Senate was in session for a total of about 14 minutes!

Kansas House

I was amazed by the magnitude of the House chandeliers!  The House was recently renovated - completed in 2008 - including new desks.  The room represents what the original House rendition was.  Marble, paint and wood are the original representation of the first construction.

Today though, technology has a presence in the House.  A electronic voting board is at the front left and right of each room.  Representatives sign in by clicking a light on their desk.  Different light colors represent a vote of "yes", a vote of "no", the necessity of a page, the desire to debate a bill and the desire to debate an amendment of a bill.  It is rather spectacular, well - and chaotic - to witness the activity!