👋 Hey neighbor—

This week’s picks are all about the power of community—whether it’s a playground where toddlers find their footing, neighbors showing up big for Nana Wanda, or kids learning that kindness can start with a lemonade stand.

Here’s what’s in store

• One Place to Play — President’s Park!

• 3 Events to Check Out — Trick or Treat, Gabby’s Doll House, Lily’s Lemonade Stand!

• One Place to Eat — The Log Cabin Inn!

• One at Home Activity — DIY Lemonade Stand Play!

• One thoughtful moment — Silver Linings in Stuffy Noses

🌳 President’s Park
📍 283 Dudley Road, Edgewood, KY

If you’re looking for a park that packs a lot into 20 acres, President’s Park is worth a visit. From ballfields to band pavilions, it’s got plenty of space for big kids to spread out and cozy spots that work for toddlers who are still finding their footing.

✨ Why Families Love It
– Two Playgrounds – The larger one is great for older kids, though it can feel a little hectic for toddlers. Luckily, there’s a smaller sensory play area tucked near the sand volleyball court, and it’s perfect for little explorers.
– Sand + Sensory Fun – The sandbox is a toddler magnet. Our 15-month-old had a blast digging and poking around with new friends.
– Lots to Do Beyond Playgrounds – Full basketball court, tennis courts, baseball fields, volleyball, pavilions, and even a presidential walkway—there’s something for everyone.
– New Equipment Coming – We spotted fresh play structures in progress near the volleyball court, and it looks like more toddler-friendly updates are on the way.

👶 My Take
We originally went to fetch a forgotten pair of shoes for my nephew, but ended up making an evening of it. The big playground was too crowded for our little guy, but the smaller sensory spot saved the day. He loved playing in the sand and checking out all the nooks and crannies. I do wish the toddler areas were fenced in for extra peace of mind, but fingers crossed that’s part of the upgrades still underway.

🧡 Parent Tip: If you’ve got kids of different ages, start at the smaller playground to give your toddler space to play, then wander over to the bigger equipment when the crowds thin out. Bring sand toys if you’ve got them—it’s an easy win.

🔥Events to Check Out:

🎃 A Special Trick-or-Treat for Nana Wanda

Pull out the costumes a little early this year and join us in making one very special Halloween happen!

🗓 Sunday, Sept 21
⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 1194 Gatewood Lane, Independence, KY

Nana Wanda, who has always loved handing out candy to little princesses and superheroes, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic lung cancer. Her family is celebrating the holidays early, and they’re inviting friends, neighbors, and our whole community to stop by in costume and bring the kids for Halloween treats.

This is more than just candy—it’s about surrounding Nana Wanda with joy, laughter, and the simple delight of seeing kiddos in costume. Let’s show up big and remind her family what this community is capable of.

🧡 Parent Tip: Even if your costume isn’t ready yet, grab a superhero cape, funny hat, or mismatched socks—Nana Wanda will love every bit of it.

🎨 Paint with Gabby’s Dollhouse at Color Me Mine
📅 All September
📍 Color Me Mine (2874 Town Center Blvd, Crestview Hills)

Calling all Gabby’s Dollhouse fans! 🐱✨ Stop by Color Me Mine this month to paint your favorite characters—there are so many to choose from, and every piece becomes a keepsake your kiddo can treasure. Perfect for a rainy-day activity or a special parent-kid outing, then see the movie on the 25th!

🧡 Parent Tip: Plan for at least an hour of painting time (snacks for little hands are never a bad idea). Pieces stay behind for glazing, so the excitement continues when you come back to pick them up!

🍋 Lily’s Lemonade Stand
📅 Sunday, Sept 28 | ⏰ 2–4 PM
📍 136 Man-O-War Court, Crestview Hills

Sometimes the smallest stands make the biggest difference. Every year, Lily sets up her lemonade stand—not just for fun, but to raise money for the Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

Why this cause? Because Lily knows it firsthand. She was diagnosed with brain cancer at age two and again at age three. She’s been through surgeries, rounds of chemo, and proton radiation treatments—all at the hospital she now wants to give back to.

💛 Today, Lily is turning her journey into hope. Every cup of lemonade helps support the hospital that saved her life and helps other kids still fighting their battles.

🧡 Parent Tip: Bring your kiddos with some pocket change—they’ll get to sip lemonade, learn about kindness, and see how even kids can change the world.

 🍗 The Log Cabin Inn: Comfort Food with a Side of Cozy
📍 Covington, KY

If “grandma’s cooking” could be bottled up in a restaurant, the Log Cabin Inn might be it. This beloved Covington spot has been serving up hearty American comfort food for generations—think fried chicken, ribs, catfish, frog legs, and all-day country breakfasts that leave you wishing you wore stretchy pants.

✨ Why Families Love It
– Plates That Feel Like Hugs – Fried chicken that crackles, catfish that locals rave about, and ribs that are finger-lickin’ good. And yes, the portions are huge.
– Kid-Friendly Classics – Grilled cheese, chicken tenders, and fries—sometimes that’s all a kid really wants, and the Log Cabin delivers.
– Rustic + Relaxed Vibes – With its cozy cabin walls and casual atmosphere, it’s a “no judgment if your toddler drops fries on the floor” kind of place.
– Generations of Fans – Reviewers mention eating here as kids, and now bringing their own children along. It’s a true family tradition.
– Friendly Faces – The staff is quick, kind, and patient—exactly what you need when dining out with little ones.

🧡 Parent Tip: Don’t be afraid to bring the grandparents along—this is the kind of spot where every generation can find their favorite dish. Plus, the portion sizes mean leftovers are basically guaranteed (hello, tomorrow’s lunch).

🥤 Craft Spotlight: DIY Lemonade Stand Play

Who needs a corner lot when you can open your own café right in the living room? This week, your kids can create their very own drink stand using simple supplies from around the house. It’s part art project, part sensory bin, and 100% adorable.

✨ Set the Stage
– Cardboard Café: Grab a big box, cut out a “window,” and let your little one decorate with crayons, paint, or stickers. Drape a sheet over the top for an awning and boom—you’ve got yourself a café.
– Sensory Lemonade Bin: Fill a tub with a shallow splash of water + a few drops of dye-free yellow food coloring. Add plastic cups, a pitcher, toy lemon slices, and tongs. Toddlers love pouring, scooping, and serving up “fresh lemonade.”
– Mini Drink Station: For bigger kids, set up a low table with a child-sized pitcher, unbreakable cups, and maybe even a water dispenser with a spigot. Toss a towel nearby so they can practice pouring like pros.

🍍 Add Some Flavor
– Tropical Vibes: Decorate with leis, cut-out pineapples, or paper umbrellas for “smoothie stand” mode.
– Playdough Café: Yellow dough = lemonade, brown dough = coffee. Small cups + lids = barista-in-training.
– Color Lab: For older kids, use droppers and clear cups with colored water. Let them mix up their own “signature drinks.”

🧡 Parent Tip: Add aprons, a toy cash register, or a kid-drawn menu to stretch the play. This one’s great for building fine motor skills and sparking imagination—but mostly, it’s just a recipe for giggles.

Silver Linings in Stuffy Noses

This week has been rough.

We're all fighting the same cold that's been making the rounds, and our house sounds like a symphony of sniffles and coughs. Little E's nose has been running constantly, and my wife and I are operating on that foggy, medicine-head feeling that comes with being under the weather. But even in the midst of feeling miserable, Little E has managed to surprise us with bursts of pure joy. Over the weekend, despite his congestion, he picked up three new words like he was collecting treasures. "light!" as he gazed up at the ceiling fan, fascinated by the way it illuminated the room. Then came "Shoes!" he announced proudly, pointing to my sneakers by the gate. And finally "nose!" – which felt particularly relevant given our current circumstances.

What's struck me most, though, is how compassionate he's becoming. When he sees my wife sitting on the floor exhausted, he toddles over with his arms outstretched, offering one of his generous bear hugs. His kisses have evolved too – soft little pecks that somehow manage to be both gentle and enthusiastically loud at the same time. Yesterday, when I was having a particularly rough nose trumpet, he climbed into my lap and said in his little congested voice, “Nose?”, poking his nose with his little finger. It was as if he understood that sometimes the best medicine is simply being present with someone who's hurting.

Being sick with a toddler is challenging under the best circumstances, but Little E has been our unexpected bright spot this week. His sweet gestures remind me that even at fifteen months, he's already developing empathy and the instinct to comfort those he loves. Some weeks test your resilience, but they also reveal the beautiful heart growing in your little person.

~ Otto

Until Next Week…

May your sandcastles stand tall, your lemonade be sweet, and your kids’ costumes stay intact at least until the candy runs out.

If you enjoyed this week’s issue, please pass it on to another parent who could use a small dose of community!

With carpet burned elbows,
Otto Neff
Creator of Hopscotch Highlights and Collector of toddler “treasures”