Day 2: Stone Mountain, Georgia! The RV Adventure Continues!
After some running around to tire out the kids, some cleaning and storing stuff in the rv, and prepping for the road, we got back on the freeway around 10 am. Bella was sleepy and ready for her morning snooze (perfect!), Ethan quickly became absorbed in his coloring book, Alex played with a doodle pad, and Derek enjoyed his learning games on the iPad. We made good time and covered about 100 miles before Hubby made the mistake of mentioning food. You can’t tell a 1-year-old that we’re getting food “soon.” She doesn’t understand the passage of time and started crying for snacks. Thanks a ton. We drove past Macon (rhymes with bacon!) searching for someplace with parking big enough for RV’s and busses. That is really not an easy task. Anything too small and we can’t turn the behemoth around and get out. We finally spotted a Denny’s sign with “RV Islands” on the sign. Score! Unfortunately it was another 30 minutes down the road.. making it about 45 minutes after Hubby mentioned food. Bella screeched for snacks the entire time, which I kept feeding her, and the others complained they were “starving.” Maybe Hubby learned not to mention food until we physically see somewhere we can pull off? Let’s hope!
The terrain changed dramatically as we neared Atlanta, transforming from flat land covered in thin pines to rolling hills thick with firs. By the time we reached Stone Mountain, we were climbing hills so steep, I really didn’t think we’d make it with 5000 pounds attached to our rear. A vibrant lake peeked through the trees and Stone Mountain rose majestically overhead. We slowly climbed the hills and made it to the campground with about 1/4 tank of gas left (we had to refill in Metter… expensive!). The campground was gorgeous and nearly every lane was filled with RV’ers! Our site was a back-in next to the forest and within walking distance of a lake. Backing in was not fun and we almost hit a few trees but with a lot of patience and pulling forward and back we made it.
The kids immediately took off to explore the forest behind our spot, down a hill and next to a creek leading to the lake. It’s the perfect spot for a little exploration and imaginative play. Hubby and I hooked everything up (power, water, sewer), leveled the RV, and got out toys. We all walked to the lake, then plopped Bella into the stroller for some exploration. The hills were sure a challenge! We checked out the playground and went hiking. The kids ran themselves ragged but didn’t want to go in even when it was getting dark! Bella was so tired, Daddy carried her all the way back and Derek rode in the stroller to keep him from running off like a crazy man.
Campground Playground
Bella loved the slides!
Fun!
Mommy and Bella
Look how pretty the campground is!
Sassy Little Explorer
Hubby and I
The kids love running and playing outside!
We had hotdogs, beans, and corn for dinner in the RV and got ready for bed a bit early. Only Derek and Bella took naps on the drive and Ethan was quickly losing it. Hubby and Alex headed into town to get gas and pillows (we packed 4 and needed 6). I was happy to rest for a while too, going through pictures and reading a new book. A box of review books arrived in the mail the day before we left! Woohoo!
We’re excited to explore this great park. There looks like there’s so much to do! We’re going to have a blast playing in the Snow! Alex hasn’t seen snow since she was a baby and we lived in Kansas. The boys and Bella have never seen snow. This will be a real adventure!
Day 1: Beaver Run Campground in Metter, Georgia!
Our kids are pretty rotten when it comes to road trips. Everything starts our fine and dandy. They’re happy, engaged with their books and activities, and talking merrily amongst themselves. After 2 hours, they begin to get restless. After three hours, they are beasts. The crying and screaming are annoying. The toys fly throughout the Armada and the tempers flare (ours and theirs). Our RV trips thus far have been close enough that we drive 3 hours max. Hubby wanted to take a trip to Stone Mountain, north of Atlanta, Georgia, this winter and I was skeptical. Stone Mountain sounded amazing, but it’s over 6 hours away from home. 6 hours! Ak! Bella screams in the car for a trip to the grocery store. The thought of 6 hours of her screaming really didn’t put me in the mood for camping.
We made a compromise: We would make a trip to Stone Mountain during Hubby’s Christmas leave AND drive 3 hours a day. How? We chose an overnight campgorund stop halfway through the trip in Metter, Georgia. It took exactly 3 hours to get from Jacksonville to Beaver Run Campground, a small but cozy campground in the middle of nowhere. There was a cotton field across the street and a dilapidated 1800s farm house on the property. The park was sparsly populated and was situated around a lovely pond. The kids and I enjoyed exploring and playing on the small playground. We chose the park because it got good reviews online, because it had a playground, and because of the open space to walk and stretch our legs. We were not disappointed.
Cutie Pie Plays With Mom' s Empty Coffee Cup on the Ride
Are we there yet? Are we there yet?
The kids were so happy to be out of the car, they could have ran and played anywhere. Derek was absolutely bursting with energy. We played and went on lots of walks that evening, then again in the morning before driving to Atlanta. Those kids have boundless energy! I also went for a nice run first thing in the morning, then took the kids on a walk. My legs get restless after sitting long as well.
Life is hilarious!
Who knew tires could be so fun?
Hubby at the pond
Happy Campers!
This RV trip is unique not only because of its final destination, but because we’ve never attempted a staggered trip before. We usually chose a campground, hookup, and stay there. This time we’re camping in Beaver Run for one night, heading up to Stone Mountain for 5 nights, and then returning to Beaver Run for 2 more nights so that we can visit Savannah. Our next two nights there will be free because Beaver Run participates in Tents for Troops, an awesome program offering free camping to military families. Woohoo! Considering the RV parks near Savannah got terrible reviews and Beaver Run is only 45 minutes from Savannah, it’ll be just fine. It was clean, friendly, and had great wi-fi!
My Little Explorers
Daddy and His Boys
Beaver Run Campground wasn’t the fanciest campground we’ve visited. Nor was it the largest, the most activity-filled, or and coolest. It did, however, meet our needs as a quick stop. It was well maintained and inexpensive and we felt safe staying there. There weren’t any creepy campers and it was quiet. We’d definitely recommend Beaver Run Campground if you need a quick stopover and are passing through Georgia.
The adventure to Stone Mountain, Georgia, continues!
Did You Know That Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are Homeschoolers?
Did you know that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie homeschool their 6 children?
Image via Wikipedia
According to a recent article on TheCelebrityCafe.com, they do! How cool is that? Check it out for yourself:
Criticized for letting her kids globe-trot with her rather than attend traditional schools, Jolie says her kids are much better off being homeschooled. She says the modern-day education system is a mess. She enlists the helps of private tutors and claims her methods are far more educational than anything the kids could get in the public school system: She says the kids get school done quickly so they can all head out and explore. “Instead of tomfoolery in the classroom,” Jolie says, “I’d rather them go to a musuem and learn to play guitar and read and pick a book they love.”
Check it out: http://www.christianpost.com/news/angelina-jolie-brad-pitt-snub-modern-education-opt-to-home-school-50901/
I 100% agree with Angelina Jolie and am so excited that such an influential celebrity is homeschooling her kids! That is awesome when it comes to gaining acceptance for homeschoolers. I think this story is really inspirational. Hopefully it can inspire parents who are considering homechooling but are hesitant to take the leap to test the waters. Parents really can give their children a top-notch education.
What do you think of Jolie and Pitt’s decision to homeschool their 6 children?
Learning About Hanukkah with Jacksonville Homeschool Kids!
After two and a half hours of book time this morning, the kids and I met our homeschool group, Jacksonville Homeschool Kids, at a local park for a fun learning activity and some socialization. My friend Elyse offered to teach the kids about Hanukkah today and we gathered for some fun learning activities. It was a windy, drizzly day but the kids couldn’t wait to get out and play, visit, and try something new!
Alex and Derek learn all about Hanukkah
Lots of friends turned out for today's activities!
Bella snacks on gingerbread cookies
Miss Elyse taught the kids all about Hanukkah and handed out some handy worksheets to bring home as well. The older kids each read a portion of the worksheet to the others. Reading-aloud practice is so great for building reading skills and Alex rocked it! She also answered lots of questions correctly, applying knowledge she’s acquired from our own holiday celebrations. I was very proud of her!
Alex Reads to the Group
Ethan reads along too
We made edible dreidels out of pretzels, marshmallows, Hershey’s kisses, and a bit of frosting. How adorable! Ethan and Alex really enjoyed this project and couldn’t wait to eat their masterpieces. Derek crammed his supplies into his mouth as soon as he got them and ran off to play. Baby steps. 
The kids busily work on their dreidels
Miss Elyse is such a great teacher!
Alex's Edible Dreidel!
Learning to play dreidel was a super-fun part of the day. We played last night too, so my kids had a pretty good idea what was going on. Alex loved sharing her newfound vocabulary words! That girl knows her dreidel game. The kids all gathered into a big group, then broke into several smaller groups for games. Alex and her friends played for such a long time! They probably could have played all afternoon long. The kids were really proud to bring home their chocolate gelt coins and colorful dreidels to play with. Elyse went all out preparing for this event and we’re really thankful! We had such a great time.
Alex and some friends play Dreidel
We had an excellent morning out, full of fun, friends, and learning too. That’s the best kind of morning, isn’t it? We love being part of an active community of homeschoolers who are so ready to share their knowledge and plan exciting activities. Our school year has been rich and decked out with all sorts of great learning experiences. May 2012 bring lots more to do and see.
Related articles
- Happy Hanukkah! Learning About the Past Through Latkes, Literature, and Dreidel Matches for Chocolate Coins (homeschoolinghelicoptermama.wordpress.com)
- Day Four of the Miracle! (ceceliafutch.wordpress.com)
- Skulls, Fur, and Creative Kid Scientists (homeschoolinghelicoptermama.wordpress.com)
- Our New Adventure: Homeschooling! (homeschoolinghelicoptermama.wordpress.com)
- But…. What About Socialization? (homeschoolinghelicoptermama.wordpress.com)
- 12 Most Festive Chanukah Favorites By Lily Zajc (12most.com)
- New Concordia University Study Confirms the Benefits of Homeschooling (homeschoolinghelicoptermama.wordpress.com)
Happy Hanukkah! Learning About the Past Through Latkes, Literature, and Dreidel Matches for Chocolate Coins
Happy Hanukkah!
This is our second year learning about and celebrating Hanukkah as part of our holiday season. Michael is a quarter Jewish, and I think it’s neat to learn about Hanukkah for that reason. Not to mention it builds tolerance and respect for other cultures and customs if children learn about them. We light our Menorah just as proudly as we trim our tree. It’s a beautiful season to celebrate for everyone, no matter what religion.
American Girl Rebecca celebrates Hanukkah!
We began reading “Candlelight for Rebecca” from the American Girl Series at the start of Hanukkah last week. Rebecca is an immigrant Jew living in New York (in the early 1900s I believe). The story is a great tale of learning about a new culture while staying true to one’s own beliefs. Rebecca and her family celebrate Hanukkah in the book, and it was a perfect tie-in. Not to mention Little Miss had a Rebecca doll waiting for her under the tree for Christmas morning. We truly enjoyed the story and had some great conversations. I LOVE the American Girl book collections! Alex is learning so much about American history. I loved them as a young girl too.
Alex was excited to get to light the Menorah each night of Hanukkah. She doesn’t usually get to light candles! We also read lots of books about the holiday and its meaning from the library.
Tonight, I fried up some homemade Latkes for dinner and the family loved them. They turned out really good and were very authentic!
Homemade Latkes!
After supper, we played a fun-filled game of Dreidel! We re-read the rules and got out the Chocolate Gelt (money) from the Harry and David store. Alex and Ethan were both excited to play for candy! We played for quite some time and had a blast. In the end, I had 7 pieces, Ethan had 2, and Alex had 1. I gave Alex one of mine to even things out between her and Ethan and saved most of the rest for tomorrow. So fun!
Dreidel! Dreidel! Dreidel
Alex loves to play too!
Ethan was very good at the game
We learned about the past through latkes, literature, and dreidel matches for chocolate coins and had so much fun doing so. The kids learned a lot about Hanukkah, as well as about Christmas and holidays in other religions and cultures around the world. It was a brilliant light in our holiday celebrations and one we look forward to again next year.
How do you teach your kids about holidays and Christmas celebrations around the world?
Related articles
- Five reasons for celebrating Hanukkah (omniumgatherumblog.wordpress.com)
- 12 Most Festive Chanukah Favorites By Lily Zajc (12most.com)
- Hanukkah Celebrations (elementsofelliott.wordpress.com)
We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Waiting for Christmas!
Merry Christmas! While we’ve been celebrating the holiday season all month, today was the day the kids have been anxiously awaiting all year long. Christmas! Christmas Day means they could finally open the pile of presents waiting for them under the tree. It’s the highlight of a month of holiday cheer. I was just as excited as they were for them to open their surprises!
Yesterday, Alex worked hard to frost and decorate a batch of sugar cookies with red and green sprinkles and make some homemade snowman ornaments for her friends in our neighborhood. We wrapped them up in little bags with bright red paper and we set out on a walk. She was so happy to deliver her gifts and was really touched by how much her friends appreciated her gesture. Christmas is about so much more than getting presents. You’d never know that by watching TV commercials nowadays (shop more, spend more, get more). The season is about giving.
Last night, we went to a Christmas Eve service at a church in Argyle and learned all about the virtue of generosity. This tied in well with our Christmas lesson perfectly. It’s important to think of others and to give to our friends, family, and even strangers. I want my kids to realize this.. and the church service really helped. It was a song-filled, colorful, funny performance that had all of them laughing and sometimes dancing. It also reinforced our lessons on the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Christ. We read the story of Jesus’ birth before bed on Christmas Eve as well, along with the homemade apple pie. I was happy when Ethan (Finally!!) answered correctly my question why we celebrate Christmas. I’ve been quizzing him all month and time after time he’s gotten it wrong. “Presents?” He’d guess. “Cookies?” No. Last night I asked him the million-dollar question, “Ethan, why do we celebrate Christmas?” His eyes lit up and he replied, “To celebrate the birth of Jesus!” Hooray! It only took a month, but I think the lesson may have finally sunk in! Too few of today’s children realize that there’s a deep, wonderful meaning to Christmas, much more special than Santa and his sleigh full of toys and dozens of expensive gifts under the tree. I hope these lessons resonate in my children’s for the rest of their lives. If not, I can cram them into their heads again next year. 
All Four Kids On Christmas Eve 2011
It’s way too easy to get swept into the spirit of more, more, more. I love to shop and the endless hours of commercials advertising great buys on clothes, toys, and electronics that have been infiltrating our house since September make it awfully hard not to go overboard. The kids’ wish lists got longer with each passing day and we quickly broached (and passed) our $50 per kid limit. We had to consciously stop and say we wouldn’t buy any more presents. It was hard. There were small slip-ups. Christmas morning arrived with more toys per child than we should have gotten. They did love their presents, though! Perhaps next year we’ll stick to our guns a bit more successfully.
Bella loves her new ballet bear!
Look at Bella about to steal his toy!
Ethan really enjoyed his new coloring book
Alex was so thrilled to get her much-sought-after Silvermist Fairy Doll
While we do still do Santa, we try and make that a very minor part of our holiday. The main presents are from mom and dad, grandpa and grandma, aunts and uncles, etc. Not Santa. We talked about the Nativity story and thankfulness again today, amongst the hours of play time. The kids had such a grand time with their presents as well as comparing presents with their friends and neighbors outside. Each of them received gifts they’d been pining for. Alex was overjoyed to get a Silvermist Fairy Doll and a scooter. Derek was in heaven with his pirate play set and locking treasure box. He played with it all day. Bella was so excited about her baby doll, she could barely wait to get it out of its package and played with her dolly and stroller all day long. Tomorrow we’ll start Thank You Notes for every relative who was kind enough to send them a Christmas gift. Showing gratitude for what we’re given is so important, and also lacking in our culture. They may not enjoy it now, but I hope they learn the importance of Thank You notes and continue to go out of their way to tell others how thankful they are for what they’re given. A mother can hope, right?
Pure Joy
Bella loves her dolly!
My lil' pirate is all decked out now!
I hope that next year we spend less and that the children are thankful for fewer gifts. We do say this each year and maybe one day we’ll reach that goal. It’s not the price or the number of presents that matters, but the thought and generosity behind the gift. We’ve got a ways to go. We’re not perfect though and some Target sales are just too much for my weak willpower… but we’ll try and learn from our mistakes as we grow older and gain more experience. I know the kids had a phenomanal Christmas. I did too. I think it was the best in years. May they continue to be more special and full of wonderful memories in years to come.
We wish each and every one of you a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May 2012 be full of wonders and joy. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
The Life and Adventures of Sparkle the Elf on the Shelf
Every year, the kids anxiously await the arrival of a special visitor. He shows up shortly after Thanksgiving and sticks around until Christmas Eve. Who would want a houseguest lounging around that long? We don’t mind. Our family has been happy to know Sparkle the Elf since Christmas 2008. The kids love finding him each morning almost as much as they love reminding each other that Sparkle’s telling Santa about their misdeeds.
The first few days after Thanksgiving and Sparkle’s arrival, the kids were particularly well behaved because they didn’t want to get put on Santa’s naughty list. This lasted for a while. One day recently, though, Derek was being a real stinker and fighting with his siblings (this happens a lot). “Sparkle’s going to tell Santa on you and you won’t get any presents!” Alex reminded Derek. Derek got an evil twinkle in his brilliant blue eyes and he ran to the playroom, where he tried knocking Sparkle down from his perch with his blanket! “He can’t tell on me if he’s deaded!,” my little beast proclaimed. What a rotten little booger! Coal?
The Elf on the Shelf is such a cute tradition! The kids race each morning to be the first to spot him. There have been many mornings when Sparkle has to quickly move when the kids aren’t looking because Mom forgot to help him along the night before. Drat. I hope they have fond memories of our Christmas Elf when they grow up. I think I will. Their bright smiles, joyful laughter, and frantic morning searches followed by exclamations of success warm my heart every single morning.
Alex was a little sad today when she realized tomorrow is Christmas Eve. “Sparkle is going home, then,” she said, her eyes getting a little teary. “I’ll miss him so much.” She cried last Christmas Eve too. Christmas is a joyous morning full of love, presents, and a celebration for the birth of Christ. It’s also hard for the kids to say bye to their little friend. I’m excited for our little tradition to continue next year. May the magic continue for a long time to come.
Sparkle is very fond of hanging from the curtain rods!
Chillin' On The Solar System Mobile
Readin' and Watchin' for Naughty Kids
Ahoy, Matey!
Crazy Elf!
Sparkle Likes Camping Almost as Much As We Do
Sparkle's Excited for the Menorah Lighting Too
Squeezin' Into the Doll House...
Until Next Year!
Related articles
- ‘Elf on the Shelf’ a holiday hit (mysanantonio.com)
- ‘Elf on the Shelf’ Christmas tattletale grows in popularity (pennlive.com)
- ‘Elf on the Shelf’ a holiday hit (sfgate.com)
The Twelve Crafting Days of Christmas!
We’ve been celebrating Christmas all month long, and here’s an overview of the fun, wintery crafts and activities we’ve done. I haven’t had a chance to post many projects this month, so here the are all at once. There probably won’t be twelve, but here is how we’ve spent our Crafting Days of Christmas!
3-D Heart Ornaments for the Tree
Our 3-D star ornaments were fun and challenging for little hands. We printed templates from www.enchantedlearning.com and each child colored his or hers, then cut it out. I helped Derek cut his. The gluing and folding as a bit tricky, but when they were done they made adorable ornaments!
Derek's Hand-and-Foot-Print Reindeer
I loved Derek’s hand-and-foot-print reindeer! It’s a cute keepsake. He loves to be covered in paint!
St. Lucia's Crown
Our Beautiful St. Lucia's Rolls
Alex Helps Make the St. Lucia's Rolls
We learned all about Christmas in Sweden, and in celebration crafted our own St. Lucia’s Crown and St. Lucia’s Rolls. They took most of the afternoon to make but were such a great experience!
This is the closest to snow we'll get in Jacksonville!
What would Christmas be without snow? Considering it’s been close to 80 degrees here, paper snowflakes are the closest we’re going to get to snow this season. Alexandria and I had a blast making delicate paper snowflakes for the front window. She was so delighted each time she unfolded a new snowflake and saw how interesting and unique it was. I remember making paper snowflakes as a young girl and love creating these memories with my own lil’ miss.
Ginger bread girl
Our Gingerbread Chain
Another fun cutting and creativity craft was making a gingerbread chain. I cut gingerbread shapes out of a brown paper bag and each kid got 4, two girl shapes and two boy shapes. They colored and decorated them to their hearts content, then we strung them all together to make a garland. They’ve really enjoyed making fun of the other children’s’ creations.
Derek's Hand-Print Wreath
Each of the children made a handprint wreath early this month, and we’ve been enjoying them ever since. Isn’t Derek’s wreath adorable?
Derek's Santa!
This little guy was created out of a paper bag, construction paper, glue, and lots of cotton balls. I cut a large half-circle out of a paper bag and Derek painted it red. It was so painted that it took a day to dry! We finished Santa up today, making him a face, beard, and belt. Now Santa is sitting proudly on our dining room table.
Derek's Sugar Cookie Christmas Tree
Derek was so proud of his masterpiece!
Who doesn’t love a messy, gooey Christmas tree made of cookies and frosting? Derek had an absolute blast making his tree, smearing it with an entire container of green frosting, and decorating it with sprinkles. He was covered with just about as much frosting as his tree and has been trying to eat it ever since. It looks rather like the Leaning Tower of Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.
Alex works hard on some snowman ornaments
Voila!
We got a snowman crafting kid at Target and made lots of adorable snowman ornaments to share with friends and neighbors! They were so easy to make and the kids just loved them.
Our Christingle
Our Yule Log!
While learning about Christmas in England, we made a delicious Yule Log for dessert and a traditional Christingle too. The Yule Log was a huge hit and we’d love to make it again. We’d never heard of Christingles before, but learning about all they symbolize was very meaningful. We also ready lots of British Christmas literature and listened to the Queen’s speeches on You Tube while enjoying a spot of tea.
Alexandria has been creating a Christmas Around the World Lap Book all month and it looks fabulous! We started with American Christmas Traditions and the Nativity Story, then moved on to the history of Santa Clause, Christmas in Sweden, Christmas in England, and Hanukkah. It has been a busy and rewarding project. We’ve all learned so much and had a ton of fun along the way.
So there you have it. Our windows, walls, tables, and counter top are all decorated with kid-crafts. It’s festive and merry in our house and I love it. I hope your Christmas is just as bright and joyful. Construction paper, glue, and a little imagination go a long way toward making Christmas memorable.
Related articles
- God Jul! Celebrating the Holidays Swedish Style! (homeschoolinghelicoptermama.wordpress.com)
- 10 Ornaments Kids Can Make (makingtimeformommy.com)
God Jul! Celebrating the Holidays Swedish Style!
God Jul! That’s “Merry Christmas” in Swedish. Our journey through Christmas Around the World continues this week with a stop in Sweden. The kids have had such a blast so far and this Christmas has been more fun than ever. We now have a British Christingle next to our Jewish Menorah, Christian Nativity Set, and now Swedish St. Lucia’s Crown on our counter top. Tis the season to be merry, no matter your faith or country!
We began our day by creating a St. Lucia‘s Crown from garland and candles. St.Lucia’s Day marks the beginning of Christmas celebrations in Sweden on December 13th. Traditionally, the eldest daughter wears a crown of candles and brings her parents breakfast (coffee and St. Lucia rolls) in bed early in the morning, inviting them and everyone else in the house to breakfast. Lucia bears light, representing hope and warmth during the long, dark Swedish winter. It’s a neat tradition, and one that’s taken very seriously in Sweden. Did you know there is intense competition to be a town Lucia, and even more competition to be the national Lucia? That’s pretty intense.
Alex was thrilled to be our family’s Lucia and was eager to get dressed up. She thought it was pretty awesome to wear a crown of candles, even though I only let her wear it for about 10 seconds while I took a picture. She can wear the garland all she wants but the candles make me nervous. We made our Lucia crown into a lovely table centerpiece and enjoyed the festive spirit all day long.
My Beautiful Lucia
Our St. Lucia Crown now graces our table
We love the American Girl book series, and they had the perfect book for our celebration. “Kirsten’s Surprise” is about a Swedish immigrant girl who brightens her family’s first American Christmas with a St. Lucia procession. I remember reading this book and loving it as a young girl and couldn’t wait to share it with my own daughter. She loved it too and we finished the entire novel in one afternoon! It was a great way to put all we’ve learned into perspective!
One can’t possibly study Christmas in Sweden without making St. Lucia’s rolls. We spent our afternoon mixing ingredients, kneading dough, allowing said dough to rise several times, and creating adorable curly rolls sprinkled with sugar. We read as they baked and couldn’t wait to try one! The house smelled heavenly. The St. Lucia’s rolls took a long time to make, but they’re so good! I remember eating them as a young girl… memories!
My helper
Alex sprinkles sugar on our rolls before baking
St. Lucia's Rolls ready to bake
A platter of rolls
When it comes to learning and having fun, today was a definite success. We watched several short videos on Christmas in Sweden and listened to Swedish Christmas carols. We researched Swedish Christmas traditions online and watched several St. Lucia’s Day celebrations too. We read a novel on the topic, created a St. Lucia’s crown, and tried out a traditional Swedish recipe. Our “Christmas Around the World” lap book is coming along splendidly. The kids are having such a great time and going to bed mentally exhausted, yet rearing to go again the next day. What kind of Christmas fun can Mom come up with next? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Alex's Christmas Lap Book is Coming Along Nicely!
Our St. Lucia
Text
Learning Science is Way More Fun as a Family
Hubby is one of the smartest guys I know, a real mine of scientific information. He blows me away with the random and detailed things he knows on a regular basis. He’ll talk about the great scientific conversations he’ll have with the kids when they’re teenagers. Teens? Really? I didn’t listen to my parents when I was a teen. Maybe I was just rotten, but I think that’s pretty normal. These conversations need to start young if he wants them to listen to him (possibly) when they’re older. I halted his train Friday. “Babe… you need to be having these conversations now! Bring it down to an elementary level and engage your kids. We’re a homeschooling family. You’ve got to start now!”
He did. Alex and Hubby had an awesome hour-long discussion about space Friday night. They were both exhilarated afterwards! Alex knocked my socks off by talking about nebulas and black holes without any guidance. That kid is a smart cookie and retains so much of what she learns! To continue the fun, we headed to MOSH Saturday morning. Hubby hadn’t yet seen their Matter and Motion exhibit and I thought he’d have a blast doing the experiments with the kids. I was right! The kids love having Hubby around and learning with him.
A big surprise was the impromptu lesson on dams and water flow Alex and Hubby had at the water table in the kids play area. He taught her so much, things I never would have thought of. It was so awesome watching them bond and learn. Learning about science is way more fun as a family!
The Giant Tree House in the Kids Area is So Cool!
Here comes trouble!
Hubby helps Bella down from the tree house
Learning science with Daddy!
All the kids had a blast exploring the exhibits. The museum was very empty, so Bella got to walk and I think she touched every single thing she passed at least twice. Thank goodness for hand sanitizer! She was soaking wet too, after having found the water table. She refused the water coat and kept pouring it all over herself, despite numerous scoldings. Oh well. She didn’t even seem phased that she was all wet. Next time I need to remember a change of toddler clothes!
Bella the Explorer
Bella wants to do experiments too!
So big!
We treated the kids to Sesame Street‘s One World, One Sky in the Planetarium. It was much more age-appropriate and engaging than the last show. The characters were old favorites and the songs were great. The basis of the show is that Elmo and Big Bird meet Hu Hu Zhu from China. Although they live far apart, they see the same stars and can look up at the night sky and remember each other. My kids loved the trip to the moon the most. All 4 of them were actively engaged. With our membership, it was only $10 for all of us. Totally worth it!
Waiting for the planetarium show!
Mommy and Bella
We stopped by Friendship Fountain to watch the music show synchronized to Christmas music. It was a gorgeous, sunny day. At 75 degrees, it didn’t feel much like Christmas but it was a heavenly morning to be outside. The kids love the fountain and the view of downtown Jacksonville no matter how many times we go. I do too.
Downtown Jacksonville
After 8 Years of Marriage, We Still Love Spending Time Together!
How'd my baby get so big?
Learning is so much fun when we do it as a family. I hope the kids have some phenomenal memories when they grow up. I don’t know too many kids who get to do and see as much as they do. I hope that our next duty station has as much to offer. I think I may finally have fallen in love with Jacksonville. It’s going to be hard to leave next year. At least the memories and friendships we’ve made will last a lifetime.
St. Augustine Nights of Lights– NE Florida’s Can’t-Miss-It Christmas Attraction!
Centuries ago, the first Spanish settlers lit their windows with candles to bring some holiday cheer to the New World. Today, America’s Oldest City goes all out when it comes to celebrating Christmas. With more than 2 million lights decorating St. Augustine‘s historic buildings, majestic oaks, and beachy palms, St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights is something you absolutely must see if you’re in NE Florida during the holiday season.
I wanted to do something Christmasy this evening, and we’ve already seen the lights in our own neighborhood many times. I remembered a friend mentioning that St. Augustine really decks out for the holidays. A quick Internet search revealed Ripley’s Big Red Christmas Train, the best way to take in all the Christmas spectaculaire (http://www.sightseeingtrains.com/). Not only was it inexpensive ($7 for adults and $4 for kids 2 and up), but it was going on tonight! I talked Hubby into going, fed the kids dinner, and loaded into the Armada. Road trip! If we didn’t go now, we probably wouldn’t get a chance to go at all and this was something we definitely didn’t want to miss!
We arrived in St. Augustine just after 6 pm and the streets were packed. The trains didn’t even start till 6, but already there was a very large line. We waited outside of Ripley’s Believe it Or Not Museum for about half an hour before boarding. The lines were dense with merry tourists. By the time our train loaded and pulled out, the line stretched out to the street! The kids waited very nicely and were entertained by a balloon artist who made them balloon swords and a magic wand. Once we got up to the front of the line we got magic glasses that transformed lights into images of Santa. Pretty cool! That kept the kids happily occupied while we waited… and waited.
Bella wasn't too happy to wait in line
Waiting for the Christmas Train!
Derek and Mommy
The kids and their balloon creations
When our train arrived, we snabbed the front row and took up all the seats with our large, merry brood. The Christmas carols were joyful and our spirits were high. The kids were super excited not only for the lights, but also to ride the train. Who doesn’t love a Christmas train?
Christmas Train!
St. Augustine’s Christmas lights were truly magical! The tour was pretty thorough and we saw lots of shops we never even knew existed! It was a unique and fun-filled way to check out one of our favorite cities! More than 2 million lights accentuated the city’s beauty and reflected brilliantly off the water. Wow!
We're Riding the Christmas Train!
Alex Loved the Journey!
The ride lasted about 45 minutes and all the kids truly enjoyed it. We took a shuttle to overflow parking to fetch the Armada. It continued on to Santa’s Village, but the kids were tired and the crowds were fierce so we opted not to go there. St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights (Nov 19th-Jan 31st) was a real Christmas treat and I’m really glad we went! If you’re in NE Florida during the holidays, you really should check it out.
Christmas Lights!
I’m Dreaming of A British Christmas
Our school theme this week was one close to my heart: Christmas in the United Kingdom. I love everything British and was thrilled to share this joy with the kids. There’s no better way I can think of to get into the Christmas spirit than Father Christmas, ancient carols, Yule Logs, and some Charles Dickens. No journey through Christmas Around the World would be complete without some time in Jolly Old England.
Alex and I learned all about British symbols of Christmas like holly, ivy, and the Christingle, as well as symbols we’re more familiar with like the Christmas tree, cross, and stars. We read Charles Dickens’ short story “The Christmas Tree” and made up stories about our own ornaments and delved into an old-time favorite, “A Christmas Carol.” We also watched the Disney version and worked on study questions. She learned a good deal about British history and can easily locate the UK on a map and point out its major features. You’d be surprised how many awesome videos there are on You-Tube about British Christmas customs and history!
Alexandria really enjoyed comparing and contrasting Father Christmas and Santa Clause. We both learned a lot about how Christmas has morphed and changed over the centuries. We listened to British Christmas Carols and read “A Child’s Christmas in Wales.” Alex commemorated everything she learned in her Christmas Lap Book. It’s getting thicker and more interesting by the day and I think she’ll really enjoy looking back on it years from now. To finish our week, we prepared a great traditional British feast complete with a yule log. Yum! We also made a Christingle, a traditional British decoration full of symbolism.
Alex's Christingle
Evidentially quite popular in the UK, a Christingle is a symbol of the Christian faith and of Christmas. The orange represents the earth and the candle represents Christ, the light of the world. The four stakes represent the four seasons and the raisins represent the fruit of the earth. The red ribbon represents Christ’s blood, which he shed to save mankind. Not only did we have all the supplies on hand, but the Christingle offered a perfect opportunity to talk about the deeper meanings of the holidays and to broach the concept of symbolism. Alex was so proud of her Christingle! It served as a festive centerpiece until she plucked out the raisin sticks and ate the fruits! (For more information on the Christingle, check out: http://www.bbc.co.uk/tees/content/articles/2007/12/05/christingle_feature.shtml).
We had so much fun learning about Christmas in England this week. This unit could easily go on for a month! Alas, it’s time to move on and journey to another country. Next week… Sweden! Does anyone have a crown of candles for our Lucia, or Queen of Light?
Our Yule Log!
Merry Christmas!
MOSH Homeschool Classes and Starry Winter Skies– First Planetarium Trip Ever!
MOSH is one of favorite educational facilities on the First Coast and we go there frequently. There is one place in the museum we’ve never gone, however: the planetarium. The thought of trying to keep 19-month-old Bella occupied for a 45 minute show makes me run in fear. She won’t even watch Sesame Street for more than three seconds. It’s always been a “one day” scenario. We headed out this morning for December’s MOSH Homeschool Class. “So, what are we learning about today?” I asked the front-desk clerk as I handed her my membership card. “It’s planetarium day!” she responded merrily. Planetarium day? Oh, crud. The kids were super excited for class. All 4 of them. Turning back would really upset their day. So… this was it. For good or bad, it was our first trip to the planetarium!
Waiting to Go In The Planetarium
The Big Kids Wait for the Show
Derek checks out the dome
We filed into the dark, domed room with some other homeschooling families and waited for the show to begin. The kids and I found a seat near the exit so that we could make a mad dash if necessary. Bella immediately climbed out of her stroller and began roaming the rows of seats. She refused to let me hold her, shrieking. Holy cow. I blocked her into our row with the stroller and occupied her with party beads. Derek was unusually quiet, scanning his surroundings warily. He turned to me with a whispery voice and eyes full of concern, “Mama, an astronaut is going to come in here. He is going to take the roof off and let in the sky, and I is gunna fly away into space! Then he’s gunna put the roof back on and I won’t be in it! We need to leave!” Poor guy. I assured him he could hold my hand if he got scared and that everthing would be fine. I’m not sure he believed me it was just a projector show.
The show began and Bella leaned back against me, “Ooooohhhhhh.” She remained mostly quiet through the show. The other kids were completely engaged. It really felt like we were outside! We learned all about constellations and the moon, planets and more. The show went by really quickly. Before we knew it, the lights were brighter and Bella was up again wrecking havoc. The kids talked excitedly about their planetarium visit for the rest of the day. We survived!
MOSH currently hosts a room full of fun, hands-on science experiments right next to the planetarium. We spent the next hour or so trying them all out. The kids had a fabulous morning full of learning and exploration!
Tiny Girl Befriends an Astronaut
My Little Scientist
Textile Exploration!
Bella Wanted to Learn Too!
Derek Tries An Experiment
We had an awesome morning out and were all really tired. We stopped by the gift shop to check out the must-have science experiments and ended up going home with an excavate-it-yourself-stegasaurus-head. Interesting times ahead! We also found two MOSH magnets to commemorate our time there. We recently started collecting magnets of places we visit. We go to MOSH so frequently I never thought to get one from there… but our time in Jacksonville is quickly winding down. Our MOSH magnets are proudly hanging on the fridge and the children are buzzing about their scientific discoveries of the day. We love learning together. It’s just so much darn fun. We can’t wait to go back!
We love MOSH!
HSM-74 First Annual Children’s Christmas Party
Each December, Hubby’s squadron hosts a Children’s Christmas Party. Santa arrives on a fire truck and hands out gifts, the children gorge themselves on sweet treats, and fun booths and craft tables abound. I’ve coordinated the party for the past two years, both times with great friends. This year’s party was different in several ways. First, the squadron has been renamed HSM-74, so it’s technically the squadron’s first Christmas party. Second, rather than many squadrons joining together to put on the party it was only us. This was fun, but also expensive and a whole lot of work to come up with numerous booths and tables rather than just two. The kids had a blast and the party went off very well Saturday.
The hard work and long hours paid off. Saturday’s party went off without a hitch. The games and activity tables were all very popular and we had so many great volunteers. Our OSC really came together and did so much! It wouldn’t have been posisble without all the wonderful ladies who helped out! The desert table was heaping with homemade treats and all of our guests seemed to have a great time. We transformed that huge, empty hanger into a Christmas wonderland! My kids had an absolute blast. I was so thrilled with the results that I smiled all day… and went home after clean-up to take a nap. HSM-74′s First Annual Children’s Christmas Party was a huge success. It was our last Christmas party with this squadron and one to remember.
It’s also really great to be done. My house is clean once more and yesterday was a blissful, uninterrupted day of school for the kids. I can’t wait to hear how next year’s party goes and wonder where we’ll be for ours. I love our party keepsakes and the kids love their party memories. I came away with even more, I think. I made some great new friends.
So.. that’s what we’ve been up to and why we’ve been out of the picture lately. Friends and family, you’ll no longer be ignored. The perfectly perfect Christmas party is over and it’s time for life to go on.
My Handmade Entrance Sign
Alex and I made helicopter-shaped gingerbread cookies!
The MWR donated a bounce house!
What's a party without Santa on a Helicopter?
The picture frame craft was a hit!
Face painting!
Derek and his prizes
Hubby and the Kids at the Children's Christmas Party
Derek Hangs Out With the Winter Blow-ups
Hubby and kids at Sugar Cookie Station
Hubby and Bella
Bella and I
Here comes Santa!
The kids and Santa (Bella would have nothing to do with that)
Merry Christmas!
I’ve Got Georgia on My Mind… Discovering Georgia’s Hidden Gem, Jekyll Island
It’s been a while since we’ve been RV‘ing, and what’s the point of paying for a camper if you’re not going to use it? Our last trip was cancelled due to inclement weather and I swear this fall has flown by at record speed. We almost cancelled again this weekend because of events but decided we really needed to get away. Our family needed some together time and a break from our every-day life. It’s too easy to get caught up in the hectic race of life and forget to stop and enjoy the small moments!
We packed the kids, lots of food and clothes, tons of toys and baby treats for Bella, and a good dose of sanity and hit the road Friday at lunch time for our 1 1/2 hour trek up the coast. Apart from the names of a few small attractions, I knew very little about Jekyll Island, Georgia. We weren’t really sure what to expect.
The Armada’s maiden RV-pulling voyage went smoothly and we arrived at our get-a-way quickly. As we neared the island, the fancy entrance sign, fountains, and pillars hinted that it might be a well-kept destination. Turns out, Jekyll Island is a very high-end destination. Expensive hotels and multi-million dollar homes dot its pristine shoreline. Everything was clean and beautiful. It was kind of like we paid the toll to enter a whole different world! It turns out that Jekyll Island was once a vacation retreat for America‘s most wealthy citizens. The State of Georgia purchased the island in 1947 and opened it for all. Still, the island retains a lot of its upper-class and exclusive feel.
Jekyll Island Campground is home to lots of snowbirds, or northern retirees who spend the cold winter months in the south. I think we may have been the only campers under the age of 65. No problem, though. Everyone was super nice and the campground was very well-kept, flush with hiking trails, lots of trees, a handy general store, and even a bird preserve. Our neighbors were snowbirds from Upper New York and were as nice as could be. I sure hoped the kids would be on their best manners!
As soon as “RV” was unloaded, we went for a walk to explore the park. The kids and I were itching to stretch our legs! We checked out the general store and grabbed a free Land and Home real estate brochure to gasp at prices of homes on the island. Hubby and I love checking out real estate wherever we go, kind of like a game. The houses on Jekyll Island were lovely but so expensive! We walked through the park and stopped a while at the lovely bird preserve. I was overjoyed to see so many cardinals in one place! I’ve loved them since I was a little girl.
The kids enjoy the bird preserve
A beautiful cardinal
Bella loves to be outdoors... and free from the carseat!
By the time we were settled, the sun set in the distance and our tummies were rumbling. Rather than make dirty dishes, we headed to The Driftwood Bistro, Jekyll Island’s top-rated eatery. Located in the Villas by the Sea Resort, The Driftwood Bistro is well known for its Georgia Shrimp and Grits and that’s exactly what I had. Topped off with a bottle of sweet wine from the Columbia River Gorge (my home sweet home), I was in heaven. Hubby loved his squash casserole and my side of fried green tomatoes was divine.
Saturday was a busy day. The kids slept well and were up bright and early. After a quick breakfast, we headed to the beach. It was really cold and windy, so we were bundled up quite a lot. The beach was lovely, though. Alex found not one.. not two.. but three sand dollars! We also found various other shells, seaweed, lots of hermit crabs, and several large horseshoe crabs as well.
I loved the shadowing in this picture! Sharing!
A Family of Adventurers!
Awwwww! A baby sea turtle
Mommy and Derek
The beach was cement-hard beneath our feet and the chilly air nipped at our cheeks. That didn’t stop my trove of treasure-hunters from scouring every nook and cranny for interesting shells, though! Bella was bound and determined to run straight into the ocean. Heaven help us! We have to save that child from herself. The rest of the kids played, ran, skipped, and searched for an hour and a half. They would have stayed on the nearly empty expanse of heaven all day if Hubby hadn’t told them time was up.
Next, we visited Jekyll Island’s Historic District, a walking-only village with cobblestone streets, towering ancient oaks dripping with silky spanish moss, and quaint old-time stores just begging to be explored. Visitors can tour historic millionaire’s cottages. The architecture is breathtaking! One can take a horse-drawn buddy tour or a trolley to learn all about the island’s history. We chose to walk it and explore the shops. The little commissary was brimming with all kinds of local wares and Santa’s Christmas Shop proved to be just the right place to find a unique ornament. The Sweet Shop offered lots of candy choices. Hubby chose some mint chocolate fudge and each child chose a candy stick. The grand hotels and cottages were so beautiful. This was one of the best, walkable downtown areas we’ve visited! After a picnic lunch at the campground, we hiked to some historic ruins not far from the campground. We explored the ruins of a 250-year-old Colonial house and walked part of the extensive bike trails that lace throughout the island. The kids ran themselves ragged while Hubby and I enjoyed the scenery. We all passed out for a little nap.
Next, we visited the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, where sick and injured sea turtles are nursed back to health and released in the Atlantic Ocean. We saw grown turtles being fed and baby turtles too. We learned all about the lives of sea turtles as well as sea turtles native to our area. It was fun and educational! Even Bella was involved. When our guide showed the kids the sea turtle skull, Bella was adamant about getting to touch it too. She’s turning into such a person!The Sea Turtle Center was very small, but we learned a lot. These volunteers are doing such amazing work!
The kids and I were itching for some more beach time, and convinced Hubby to drive back toward the coast (he wanted to sleep instead). We saw a pull-off much closer than our previous beach and gave it a try. Wow! We inadvertently discovered Driftwood Beach, a rocky beach scattered with towering driftwood trees. It was like something out of a dream or a fairy tale, a child’s wonderland. The kids could barely contain their excitement. They ran and explored until the sun set and even then didn’t want to leave!
The kids seriously didn’t want to leave the beach even though it was getting dark. We told them we’d try to come back the next day… and bribed them with pizza. Local Red Bug pizza was rumored to be great and we thought we’d try them out. They also are located next to a giant, well-lit playground! The pizza was great and the kids burned off yet more energy. I couldn’t believe they were still running. Perhaps it was just so weird to be playing outside at night! Whatever it was, they loved the playground and had an absolute blast. Needless to say, they passed out hard once we got back to the rv!
Red Bug Pizza was delicious!
Sunday morning dawned bright and early. We ate breakfast and headed back to Driftwood Beach for a good 2 hours of exploration and play time. The kids climbed rocks and trees, found shells and discovered sea creatures in tide pools. The tide was out this time, so we climbed over lots of rocks to visit the sandy beach. What an amazing beach! It ranks my top 5 favorite beaches ever. When I think of the ultimate outside play land for kids to explore, this is it.
We did a bit more hiking and playing in the dirt before hauling RV back home to Jacksonville. This weekend was an amazing adventure and I’m so glad we ventured away from home. I can’t believe how much we crammed into one weekend. We all had the time of our lives and could sleep for a week!
Jekyll Island is truly one of the most beautiful little islands in America. A tiny piece of Old Southern Charm, a dash of history, and loads of adventures just waiting to be had equal one fabulous get-a-way. I don’t know when we’ll be back, but I hope one day we will. I think Jekyll Island stole a little piece of my heart.
