Science Centers Rock

Walker and Parker - literally 'rockin' out at the science center! We went to GWiz with some local HS (home School) friends and had a great time. The trick is to find one of your local museums - ie: historic, art, or science - that is listed with the national affiliates. Go to http://www.astc.org/ to check out the list. Call around to find out which ones have the least expensive membership fees and go join! We spent $35 on a family membership to a local history museum and now we have access to tons of them located across the Nation. (and have the satisfaction of supporting another local non-profit!) Worth every penny. We happen to have quite a few within easy driving distance.

Nature Walk

Last Sunday we decided to do a little family hiking because the weather was so beautiful we just HAD to get outside. I love watching my children learning about nature from their daddy. He is a great teacher. I am a lucky woman. Did I mention that I'm happy? (check out my profile) Very happy. No matter what is going on in the economy or within our government- (stress) I will stop each and every day to be thankful for what I have and to look around me to see what I can do to make things better for someone else. Don't get me wrong- those beautiful, angelic little boys can sometimes push me to (beyond) my limits- and right about the time I think I might spontaneously combust- I must take a step back, a couple of deep breaths and look to see what that little person really needs from me in that moment. In stepping back for a moment, I have the opportunity to "regroup" and "reassess" the situation. Things become clear, and I know - I am a very lucky woman indeed.

Handmade Halloween

Two wild indians and a super "ninja" ! Instead of going to the walmart and spending money on costumes that probably wouldn't last - I did it like we did when I was a kid- I made them! The ninja was easy with a shirt and tights from my closet (I sewed him into the shirt so the neck wouldn't be too loose). I made the indian outfits with a yard of $3.00 fabric and a small container of beads. With a quick trip to the dollar store (I'm a fan) for a few accessories- the transformations were complete. What a blast! They were so cute- and we had lots of compliments on the costumes.

Pumpkin Patch

A day on the farm! Field trip to the pumpkin patch- last week was a big hit with the kids. We went for a hayride, looked for pumpkins in the "haystack", had a picnic, toured the farm, and most of all- played with friends. We met several other HS families with similar interests! Great time!

Nature School is Cool- Camping Pictures

Egrets feeding on little critters left behind when the tide went out

The boys had a ball on our "impromptu" camping trip- and so did their mother! Nature school is cool! What a great opportunity for a lesson in Marine biology and our critically important eco-system!

Spontaneous Camping Adventure

These pics were taken a couple of weeks ago (october 08) just prior to Halloween. We went for a little boat ride with "daddy" and came upon a great little spot on a small island in the Gulf. SOOOOO.... we ran home to grab the tent and supplies- threw everything in the boat and set off for a camping adventure. It was great! Not at all like the last time -when we had to call 911 in the middle of the night and try to explain where we were. (wilderness camping) "yes, 911? we are aboute of nowhere, with no roads, and we need an ambulance!" (another blog for another day) This time however, went quite well. The sky was clear and the stars were out so the boys got an astronomy lesson from their dad. (he's full of useless information) KIDDING! We roasted marshmellows on the fire. The boys had the important task of gathering firewood. The next morning the tide went out so far that we could walk out on the bottom of the ocean floor. All kinds of birds came to feast on the creatures that were left crawling around. It was a great school day with hands on marine biology!