Spring Days are Made for Bumming at the Beach
When we were stationed at NS Mayport, we went to the beach all the time. It was right up the road. Since moving to NAS Jacksonville, our beach trips have become much less frequent. It’s a big drive, plus it’s a pain dragging around wet, sandy kids. However, today was simply too gorgeous not to spend it at the beach. We packed into the Armada with lots of sand toys, towels, and a change of clothes and drove the hour to Maport to spend the morning frolicking in the waves and sand. I’m really glad we did. I was reminded just how much we love, love, love the ocean.
Our beach trip had several rules. First, don’t go in the water past your ankles. Why? There’s one of me and four of them. I told them that if something happened, I’d have to rescue my favorite. That really got them thinking. Two: Sunscreen is a must. We’re Scandinavian, for heavens sake. We burn. Three: burn off lots of energy! They did just that. I don’t think Derek stopped running for a second. I got lots of exercise too chasing him.
Isabella was not a fan of the ocean. She clung to me for dear life. I tried to set her down and she clung harder, screaming, “Eeeeeew! No! Wet! Ucky!” She liked playing in the dry sand and once her friend arrived she was happier. By the end of our visit, she was in the water along with her siblings. We stayed at the beach enjoying the warm water and glorious sun rays for several hours. My car is about as sandy as the beach and has nearly as many shells. 
Post-beach cleanup is always interesting. We used the outdoor showers, then I changed one kid at a time and dried them, putting on fresh, dry clothes and loading them into the car. This was a challenge, but we did it. When everyone was dressed up, we headed to Bogey’s restaurant on the golf course for a nice lunch. I love their Cuban sandwiches!
Today’s walk to the beach brought back so many memories. The Mayport beach was the first place we visited when we moved to Jacksonville in winter 2008. We stayed at the Navy Lodge right on the beach and I remember tiny, barely-three-year-old Alex posing next to the palm trees. Alex is now 7. She’s a long, lanky kid who doesn’t look twice at a palm tree because she’s seen them for as long as she can remember. I remember I was barely pregnant with Derek at that time. Now he’s almost four and as crazy as can be. It’s amazing how things change. Yet the beach remains the same. Profound, really. I wonder where we’ll be in another four years. I can’t even begin to imagine.
I think every kid should spend some of their childhood days bumming on the beach. I remember my own childhood beach trips vividly. I loved them! My kids love it too. I can’t think of a better way to spend a warm spring day. Of course, not having to scoop sand out of the truck would be a plus… but the memories we made are so great that they make up for the mess.
I Spy a Cardinal! Bird Walks and Forest Adventures in the Florida Wilderness
It was unusually warm outside today, even for Florida. At 9 am, the temperature was already above 70 degrees. It is technically still winter, right? We began our school day with a “bird walk.” Drawing pads and pencils in hand, we headed out to the NAS Jacksonville nature trails.
As we neared the trails, we spotted a jolly red cardinal! The bigger kids began drawing to the best of their abilities. Derek scribbled a bit, then threw his drawing pad under the stroller. I told them to stand quietly a moment and listen to the different bird songs. There were many varieties!
We saw surprisingly few birds out and about, probably because Derek was so darn loud. I reminded him that if he was loud, he would frighten the wildlife away. There were plenty of butterflies, though! They really liked Alex’s hair flower and flittered and fluttered about her head.
Alex and Ethan drew lots of birds, plants, and butterflies throughout our walk. After about 20 minutes or so, all the drawing pads were stored under the stroller and the kids ran, explored, and frolicked along the trail. They got a lot of exercise!
Our forest adventure lasted an hour and a half. The kids got in some great science time, a bit of art, and lot of physical fitness time too. They were all quite tired by the time we meandered home, ready to focus on some school work. Bella was ready for a good, long nap.
We love exploring and spending time together in the great outdoors. Perhaps eventually I can even convince them to tone down the volume and we’ll see some interesting Florida wildlife. Besides for gators… I really don’t want to see any gators. A cardinal or two will always do.
Early Morning Adventures! Donuts, Daring Escapades, and Chilly Nature Walks Too!
My kids have always been early risers, and while I would like to sleep past 7 am once in a while their laughter and loud running and jumping wakes me even on Saturdays. Today was no different. The early morning sun peered through my window and Derek’s loud songs involving pirates and monsters filled the air. Another day, another adventure, right?
I was determined that this morning should be special, not just another Saturday morning doing nothing. How about crack open that Entertainment Book we desperately need to use before we move? Derek confirmed my thoughts, dancing into my room, “I have an idea! I have an idea! Daddy won’t be home till tonight, right? How about we go to Dunkin Donuts right now and I can eat 5 donuts?” He’s so crazy, I love him so much. I agreed that we could go out for breakfast, but that he could not eat 5 donuts because that wouldn’t be healthy.
The kids scrambled to get dressed and head out for an adventure. We loaded into the Armada, pulled out the Dunkin Donuts coupon, and fetched a box of chocolate-frosted donuts. Clarke House Park was practically deserted so early in the morning (8:30 or so) and we had our choice of picnic tables for our breakfast-on-the-town. I’m glad I remembered baby wipes for frosting-coated faces!
We very rarely eat pastries, so this was a real treat for the kids. I can’t seem to eat them without gaining 5 lbs. Our coupon was for 6 donuts for $3, just enough for us to split between us without going overboard. The kids finished quickly and were anxious to run into the park. Derek calls it the “Pirate Park” because there’s a large wooden pirate ship inside. Alex was so sweet as she finished up her treat, “You’re the best mom ever! You plan the most funnest trips!”
Only 10 minutes from NAS Jacksonville, the Clarke House Park on Kingsley Rd is one of our favorite hang-outs. It has been a few months since we’ve been there, but as soon as we pulled up Derek hollered, “I know this place! This is my most funnest park!” I love how much energy the kids expend, climbing, running, and swinging. It was surprisingly cold out and I’m glad we remembered our jackets. It must have rained last night too, as the slides were damp. Derek ran and zoomed down the big slide, then ran around yelling “My butt is wet! My butt is wet!” He worries me with his constant, daring escapades: running full speed ahead at all times, diving down slides head first, and jumping from too-high places. It is amazing that child has never broken any bones. Life is never dull.
Eeeew! They have dirt here!
After an hour of play time, we hit up the nature trails behind the play area. The trail is pretty short, so we did it twice. I love seeing the kids run and explore, walking along logs like balance beams and finding “treasures” among the pine cones and leaves.
“Why we need so much nature-y walking?” Derek asked. “I want to climb and play.”
“It’s good to walk and get some exercise,” I replied.
“Why you needing so much walking?” he asked, famous for his constant “why” questions.
“Mommies need exercise,” I told him. “Lots of exercise.”
He accepted that and ran after his sister. Alex and Derek get along so well. They are very much alike, constantly curious and up for anything. Ethan kept close to the stroller. He doesn’t like things that are new. Bella ran and had fun too. She kept tripping on her little feet, though, and ended up back in the stroller. We definitely got in some steps today!
Derek and Alex are great buddies
Exploration
We love nature walks!
We walked through the butterfly garden and explored the early spring roses and peonies. They were gorgeous! Alex picked up plenty of flowers from the ground and brought a couple of them home.
We spent another 15-20 minutes at the play park before calling it a morning and heading home for Bella’s nap. Our adventure lasted a good 2 hours! I’m tired and could use a nap now. Why is it that Derek still has tons of reserve energy and is running around like a wild man? That boy is C-R-A-Z-Y! And I love him every day for it.
Fabulous Fall Family Fun at the Park
The kids were all up ridiculously early today (thanks daylight savings time!), and by 8 am they’d already been wrecking havoc on the house for nearly 2 hours. Daddy and I decided there was only one thing to do to remedy the situation: bundle them up, pack ‘em into the van, and take them to the park to run and play until they dropped.
Daddy had never been to the Clarke House Park with us before and we were anxious to share our favorite play-spot with him. Since it was so early (and a Sunday, and chilly), we were the only ones there. The kids quickly started a game of “pirates” and ran around like little maniacs for well over an hour. Bella had so much fun trying out all of the various surfaces and I enjoyed having someone else other than me to chase her.
We played and played until Bella was exhausted and grumpy (nap time!). The bigger kids didn’t want to leave. It was a fabulous fall day for some family fun in the park. I loved watching the kids play creatively and burn energy. The house will thank them… and it’s so much more exciting than spending the morning watching cartoons! Plus it’s always great fun to spend some quality time together as a family. This November day, we’re extra thankful to be together as a family and to be able to enjoy some time playing in the great outdoors.
Alex the Adventurer
Sassy-Pants Guards the "Pirate Ship"
Pirate Bella explores her surroundings
Mommy and Alex
Daddy caught an escaping Bella!
Pirate Derek guards the bridge... Arg!
Ethan
Daddy and his clone
Derek the pilot!
The Boys
Daddy and Alex Are Goofy in the Castle
Related articles
- Orange Park’s Hidden Treasure: Clarke House Park (homeschoolinghelicoptermama.wordpress.com)
Fun and Games at the NAS Jax Military Family Carnival
Once a year, NAS Jacksonville hosts its Military Family Carnival and offers families a day of free family fun. Although small, all the rides, games, and concessions are free and the carnival is exceedingly popular.
Last year we went toward closing and were one of the few people there. This year, the lines were packed until closing. We drove by once after a lunch on the town and decided to try again later (it was insanely busy!) Daddy took the oldest two kids back around 4 pm and it was still jam-packed. They made their way through the crowds and enjoyed some rides.
The rides were fun, although the hordes of unsupervised, pushy, and screaming kids were disappointing. Where are parents nowadays? The carnival was fun, but could be a whole lot better. First, parents could watch their kids and keep some semblance of control to avoid the madness. Secondly, the carnival could be held at one of the larger fields on base to avoid such crowding. The Military Family Carnival is fun, but not something I’d drive across town for.
We Love Jet Noise! NAS Jacksonville Blue Angels Airshow 2011
No matter how many times we’ve seen them, the US Navy‘s Blue Angels performance team always fills us with excitement! Today was the start of the three-day NAS Jacksonville Air Show 2011. We watched aerial performances throughout the day and then drove to Hubby’s Squadron for some front-row seats when it was time for the Blue Angels to fly. They didn’t fail to amaze!
Our original plan was to park at the squadron and walk to the flight line, but it turned out that Mr. Brave Pirate (aka Derek) was terrified of the planes! This is the same child who runs around the house yelling “Boom!” and who loved the airshow last year. Who would have thought that he’d be afraid of jets, considering he’s lived on air bases for his entire life, right? A particularly noisy jet was performing a particularly intricate routine when we arrived, and Derek screamed his head off. He was shaking uncontrollably and wanted to go home. Oh bother. We got him to calm down a bit, got his ear protection on, and set up shop in front of the squadron. It wasn’t crowded back there at least! The next plane was very quiet and Derek thought it was funny. Yeah!
Bella watches the show
Hubby and Ethan at the Airshow
Derek and Mommy
Hubby and Alex
The kids waited patiently through several performances before the Blue Angels flew. As Derek got a little braver, we moved a little closer. We didn’t go anywhere near the flight line, though. Bella began to get fussy and fell asleep just before the Blue Angels took off. Derek was not thrilled when the jet engines started, but felt safe in mommy’s sweater and with daddy’s ear protection on. He snuggled in my lap a good portion of the time too.
Waiting for the Blue Angels!
Bella falls asleep on Mommy
And they’re off! Ethan sat on the chair without any outward reactions. Alex jumped and squealed, pointing excitedly at the sky every time she spotted one. Bella snoozed happily with her ear protection on. Derek alternated between screaming and shrieking, “Wow! That is cool!”
Derek held my hand tightly when things got scary. Bella slept and slept. By the very end, Derek was brave enough to get up and let daddy hold him. They watched the last of the performance together.
Mommy and Derek
Daddy and Derek
As we walked to the car, Derek was a bundle of excitement. “Wow!” he exclaimed. “I like noisy jets!”
“No, you don’t,” I replied. “You screamed your head off!”
“Yeah, but now I like them,” he said. “Now they is cool. When I grow up, I is gunna be a pilot. I is gunna be a noisy jet pilot. I is gunna get the noisiest kind and I is gunna fly it fast.”
The rest of his afternoon consisted of crazy airplane stunts with his fleet of toy planes. I think he’ll really enjoy watching the rest of the airshow this weekend.. from a distance. Fortunately we can see most of it from base housing, and along the river. That works for me too. Last year’s crowds were suffocating and back here in our cozy corner of the world the view is nearly as good.
This was our third airshow at NAS Jacksonville, and our fifth since moving to Florida. We take Naval aviation pretty seriously. Who knows where we’ll be next year, but I hope the Blue Angels come to visit!
Related articles
- Local Spotlight: The Blue Angels (pensacolavacationguide.com)
Orange Park’s Hidden Treasure: Clarke House Park
When you picture the ideal childhood park, what does it look like? For me at least, it is a wooden castle full of nooks and crannies to explore, lots of slides, and endless adventures. It looks a lot like our favorite park, Benny Russel, in Milton, FL, where we lived before relocating to Jacksonville in early 2008. Who would have thought that there was a kid’s fort just like it in Orange Park, Florida, a mere 3 miles from NAS Jacksonville?
Two different friends mentioned the Clarke House Park over the last year, so I figured we should give it a try. I packed up the SUV and met some friends there this morning for some playtime and a picnic. You should have seen the kids’ eyes when they saw the play area! They were jumping at the bit to get out there and explore. They’d never seen anything like it!
Located at 1047 Kingsley Ave in Orange Park, Florida, the Clarke House Park is an extensive wooden castle full of fun and adventure. There’s even a wooden pirate ship, an airplane, and a fenced-off little kids area with a giant sand pit and tons of toys. There are walking trails through the wooded area, a pond, picnic areas, vending machines, a volleyball court, a butterfly garden, and the historic Clarke House too. The Clarke House is a 100+ year-old farmhouse that is open several times a year for tours. It’s a cool piece of history and a great photo-location! A big plus for any parent was that there were also drinking fountains and clean bathrooms at this park.
The kids played hard for over an hour, running through the castle halls and flying down the slides, swinging merrily through the 80–degree Florida breeze and tackling the various climbing obstacles. There was also plenty of shade and benches too. They would have stayed all day if I’d let them. We walked part of the nature trail before heading to the gazebo for a picnic lunch. By the time we left, every picnic table was full and the parking lot was packed. This must be a popular hangout for families with little kids!
Who knew there was such a treasure hidden so close to home. The park was absolutely gorgeous. I wish we’d gone sooner and look forward to many more visits in the coming months! If you live in or visit Jacksonville, Clarke House Park is definitely worth a visit.
Derek loved zooming down the slides
Pirate ship! My little pirates loved climbing it
Bella combat crawls across a bridge. She had so much fun!
Brotherly Love
Exploration and Discovery
Derek played until he could play no more... then passed out at home for a nap!
The kids and their pals
Alex on the nature trail
Best buds since pre-school
