The Children's Museum? Costco? Unless you're a pro at chatting up strangers, connecting with other gay families can be a challenge, and seeing the ones you might already know is another kind of challenge, what with work and T-ball practice and trips to Costco and all. Minneapolis-based Rainbow Families' annual conference, then, is a must. Rainbow Families works year-round as a recourse and advocate for LGBT families, and their annual gathering, celebrating its 11th anniversary in '06, draws gay families and prospective parents from all over the region. The daylong event features workshops, a keynote address, games and sports activities for kids, and lots of opportunities to meet new friends. If you're reading this issue when it's hot off the presses, you're timing couldn't be better: This year's conference takes place Saturday, April 29 at Anwatin/Bryn Mawr School. If you missed the boat this year, Rainbow Families puts together various smaller community events, and has more networking opportunities and tips than you probably have time for.