History Museum at Levi Jackson State Park, KY

Old Tractor

The museum includes a collection of old cabins and tools/ supplies that were used by early settlers. The friendly staff was welcoming. It was an extremely child friendly atmosphere, a great way for families to explore and learn together about how our ancestors lived.

Parker is standing in front of a small graveyard that is the site of an Indian massacre. Pioneers were camping on sacred ground- there were only 2 known survivors including a woman who gave birth to a child during the night while hiding from the indians. Another story is that one of the pioneer men ran and threw his bag of gold under some tree roots in the area. My children will always remember that story after looking for that treasure!

The picture on the left is part of a tree trunk where Daniel Boone carved his initials- on the right is an old stone morter and pestal that was found way back in a cave. To be able to put our hands on these things was an amazing experience! Can you even imagine the families before us who may have used the stone to grind up their corn?

Finding a museum of this quality where the family felt free to roam around and actually touch these rare treasures was truly a great find! It provided a terrific history lesson for the boys- and one they will always remember.

Camping Cumberland Gap

The bridge at Cumberland Gap

Cumberland Gap State Park waterfalls and trails. Home of the "Moonbow" - which can be seen on a full moon.

The most beautiful bouquets of flowers aren't always the most expensive ones but the ones that come from the heart (and from my dirty face little boys who take time out when they are playing to pick flowers for mommy)

Camping is not only an affordable get-a-way, but also a wonderful family time making memories that will last a lifetime. It also provides an amazing teaching opportunity out in nature.

Huber's Farm- Kentuckiana Tradition

The Birthplace of Abe Lincoln

The field where Abe Lincoln used to plant corn, pumpkins, and more......

The creek bed where Abe fell in as a child and almost drowned- He was rescued by his friend Austin who pulled him out.

The cabin which belonged to Lincoln family friends (Austin's family) - It was very similar to the cabin Abe grew up in!!!

Larger view of the one room cabin- great example of pioneer and early settler cabins.

Monument to Abe Lincoln- We climbed and counted the 56 steps which represent the age of Abe Lincoln when he was assasinated by John Wilks Boothe at the Ford Theatre.

The birthplace of Abraham Lincoln was a fun and educational place to visit. The visitor center includes a 30 minute movie that tells of the early years of young Abe and the history of his family. As a pioneer family and early settlers, they lived mostly off the land. His parents belonged to a local church that preached against slavery and it was in this place that young Abe first witnessed groups of slaves being taken to market to be sold. These things greatly influenced him and helped to form his strong opinions on the subject of slavery.

Walking along the creek bed where he fell in as a boy, standing in the field where he worked growing food for his family, it was easy to get a feel for the life of the little boy who grew up to be a great man. The things we learned that day will not soon be forgotten.

Most interesting was the opportunity for a conversation with my 8 year old boy about how things that we see and our various experiences, some good and some bad, during childhood can shape who we become as adults. We decided that it is indeed important what we put into our heads and what we expose and surround ourselves with. (Great parenting moment!!)

All in all- our 1 hour and 15 minute drive to the south of Louisville was well worth the time and effort. It was a wonderful family day and a terrific "hands on" learning experience.

Brown County State Park - Indiana

Our cozy cabin at Abe Martin Lodge in Brown County State Park

Running, jumping, and hiking the trails in Indiana's largest state park

Plenty of spots for a picnic with a view!

Horseback riding and pony rides at extremely affordable rates! The $2.00 pony rides are parent-led around a large field track, not your usual short trip around a small ring!!

The picture of the boys on the bridge was taken near one of the many trail and picnic areas that included a children's playground.

Whether you choose a roomy, yet cozy family cabin in the woods or get a room in the comfortable Abe Martin Lodge - your room rate will include wrist bracelets for the indoor water park. The new pool area includes an exciting water slide (pictured here), a lazy river, shallow water spray area, zero entry (perfect for little ones), a volleyball/ sport area, and a hot tub for the parents to sit back and relax! There are free life vests available for those who don't yet "swim like fish" and several lifeguards on duty to back up the parents!

Begin your day with breakfast at the Lodge's quaint restaurant, or cook in your cabin's full kitchen. Our cabin was a two bedroom that would easily sleep eight people. We could eat at the family size kitchen table or sit outside on the wooden deck.

We hiked the trails (of course), enjoyed the pony rides, the nature center, and had a hard time pulling the kids away from the indoor water park! It was a wonderful family time.

One day we rode into town and shopped in the village of Nashville, Indiana. We took a horse and carriage ride, and ate ice cream from one of the "mom & pop" stores.

Back at the park, we played frisbee and had a picnic lunch at one of the many scenic areas in the park. We walked along the creek bed examining the various rocks and critters we came across. If we had more time, we would have taken a hay ride and joined in on a late night bon-fire to eat marshmallow's and sing camp fire songs.

There are plenty of mountain bike trails to explore and hiking trails for hikers of all skill levels.

The park is located in Southern Indiana, about 1 1/2 hours north of Louisville, Kentucky. It makes a terrific get-a-way for couples or families who live nearby, but would be worth the trip from any location. You can find an adventure or enjoy the peace and quiet at Brown County State Park! We will definitely go back there for another Becton family adventure!

Family Photo

The forest is an educational playground-

Secret Cave in the Forest!
Moss
Counting the rings

We hiked for about 3 1/2 miles through the Bernheim Forest- it was such a beautiful day that even the 3 year old was able to keep up and never even thought about complaining! A hike in the woods is a terrific way to spend family time and makes a fabulous field trip for homeschoolers.

The kids brought their cameras- we all played photographer. The assignment was to take pictures of interesting things (plants, animals) and then later we can print them, google them, and put together an educational photo journal.

Nature journals and lapbooks are a terrific way to do unit studies on any topic of interest. It works especially well for outdoor experiences in nature but can work just as well to study history. - It provides the opportunity for research, illustration, creativity, and writing.

A glorious walk in the woods- just another great day in the life of a homeschool family!

Bernheim Colors in the Fall

Bernheim Trees! Beautiful glowing orange!



Tall and majestic colorful trees!


Golden yellow



The colors of fall !!!

Bernheim Forest is one of the most beautiful places on the earth at any time of year, but right now it happens to be in full color -and the range and depth of that color is absolutely breathtaking. I had all but forgotten how vibrant and amazing the leaves could be as the green fades away and is replaced with gold, autumn, rust, red, yellow, deep maroon, and an array of the tones which are associated with Fall.