Overnight at the Museum
Posted on March 23, 2026 by Ching under Things to Do.
Brian and I had our first Overnight at the Museum experience at Exploration Place last month. It was a lot of fun but in some ways not quite what I expected. Brian and I weren’t sure we would know anyone. Seeing Jake, Christina, and Melody there definitely made it more fun.
Here’s a snap of the schedule:
The night started with a pep rally before we were fed boxed meals from Firehouse Subs for dinner. After dinner, there were three activities to choose from — capture the flag, skeeball tournament, and scavenger hunt. You could participate in some or all or none of these activities. Brian and I skipped the capture the flag (he didn’t want to do any running) and scavenger hunt but we did play some skeeball before roaming around the the museum — partly to check out the exhibits but mostly to scope out a good spot to pitch our tent. However, we now understand why they give you earplugs and sleep masks in your welcome bag.
Prior to the event, Exploration Place sent us an email of what to bring and what to expect and they told us it would be pitch dark so we should bring a flashlight (false – we didn’t need a flashlight at all) and that it would be cold in the museum overnight (also false but probably not the museum’s fault because we had an extraordinarily warm day).
After considering several areas, Brian and I decided we would camp in Explore Kansas area because (a) it was part of the areas marked “quietest sleeping area” and (b) we felt it would have the better view because of the glass wall next to the river. Anyway, this map was also false. None of the exhibits were turned off and many of the lights remained on all night. It was still very bright. Thus, no need for the flashlights they told us to bring. I’m not sure if someone forgot a step or what. LOL.
At one point in the middle of the night, I asked Brian if “those people” outside our tent were ever going to quit talking and go to bed. He explained to me it was the freaking TV that was part of one of the exhibits. I also kept thinking surely they’ll turn the lights and exhibits off at some point. Nope. Even the simulated tornado thing, which doesn’t seem loud when people are buzzing about the museum but is quite loud in the backdrop of silence, remained on all night long.
The next morning, we were served muffins for breakfast and coffee out of a super slow Keurig coffee machine which Brian wanted none of so we actually stopped by the Mokas next door on the way home. Anyway, the experience was fun overall but I’m not likely to get Brian to do it again. What are some other events or activities that you all think we should try?
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First Roadtrip with Rue
Posted on March 23, 2026 by Ching under Food and Drink.
Brian and I took Rue on his first roadtrip last month. We drove down to Oklahoma to visit his parents. His dad got a Bambu 3D printer for Christmas and had been making all sorts of stuff so he had several things he had made for us.
While there, they took us to brunch at Granny’s Kitchen. The restaurant recently opened and they really liked it so they decided to take us there when we came to visit. The place is very popular and was quite busy that day.
Since it was our first time there, they gave us a free cinnamon roll.
Here are some pictures of our food.
Brunch was delicious. We visit with Brian’s parents a while and, after they sent us off with a bunch of 3D printed goodies, Brian and I stopped by the Greens Country Club to catch some pickleball tournament action. I watched a bit of Jen Tiano and Deana Holman’s final match.
It was a super productive trip and Rue did fabulous. I look forward to more roadtrips with Rue in the future.
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First Time at Twelve
Posted on March 17, 2026 by Ching under Food and Drink.
Locals, specially West-siders, rave about this restaurant called Twelve which has been around for several years but Brian and I have never been. It’s just soo far. Well, we finally had a chance to check it out when I went to meet him for lunch one Friday. Since we were already on the West side out town, we figured it wouldn’t be that much more to go there. However, it really is waay out there.
Brian and I both love crab cakes so we decided to try theirs. It wasn’t as good as the one we had at Bonefish recently, unfortunately.
Brian had the French dip while I had the Cuban.
The food was good but it wasn’t spectacular. Nothing to write home about. Honestly, Brian and I agreed it’s not really worth driving out there because we have many restaurants on our side of town that are equally good, if not better. We didn’t see ourselves making the trek back out there. Specially not coming from our house.
I did enjoy spending time with Brian at lunch, though. That was the best part of the whole experience.
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Checking Out Goldfinch
Posted on March 11, 2026 by Ching under Food and Drink.
Last month Chris and I went to check out one of the newest coffee shops to open in Wichita. Since it was our very first time there, I naturally had to take a bunch of photos. This is another one of those places that are coffee shops by day and bar/lounge by night.
You can’t really tell much from the building’s exterior but the interior decor is super cute. The furnishings kind of remind of the Belmont.
I love the chandeliers, both in the green room and above the bar.
I took some pics of the menu so you all will know what to expect when you go. Although, they probably have a more extensive menu now. These pics were taken when they first opened.
Besides the cute interior, they also have a nice big patio.
I took advantage of the wonderful natural light and took some photos of Chris and me, and also my pretty coffee.
The coffee shop is super cute inside but their coffee is just okay. Definitely not our fave. I think if you are meeting someone for a coffee date or a hangout, this is a great place; but if you’re after good coffee at a reasonable price, this place isn’t it. Chris’ coffee which normally costs him around $7 or $8 at most places cost $10 because they charge extra for every little thing you add or substitute.
Anyway, I only had an iced vanilla latte so maybe I need to go back and try something else. What about you all? Have you been? What did you get and did you like it? What did you think of Goldfinch?
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Full Day at Chicken N Pickle
Posted on March 9, 2026 by Ching under Community.
I invited my Leadership Wichita classmates to a gathering at Chicken N Pickle last month for our first Leadership Wichita get together of 2026. Our class met in 2014 and, believe it or not, we are still in tough and getting together twelve years later.
Huge thanks to Chicken N Pickle for hosting our group and providing sliders and drinks for everyone. They even gave us a bunch of BOGO Sunday brunch coupons.
It was nice catching up with everyone.
We also had our first Court Side Crew social of 2026 that same day so we decided to just hang around. Court Side Social is an opportunity for Chicken N Pickle staff, ambassadors, Kids Crew, and NET-work members to get together. No one else signed up except for mom and dad so it turned into a family affair.
Huge thanks to Debbi Wright for playing with us.
We made good use of the our free court all things considered.
We have not yet set a date for the next Leadership Wichita gathering but the next Court Side Crew Social is next week, on March 16. I hate seeing courts go to waste so I am hoping for a much better turnout. Anyone want to join us?
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