One of the things on my bucket list was to visit the American Museum of Natural History. I had been teased with it by the Kratt Brothers on their television show, seen it in movies like The Day After Tomorrow and just knew I belonged inside it. I knew it would be Nirvana. Guess What? I was correct! The American Museum of Natural History has a hall of Gems, the size of the top floor of my house that has radioactive gems, gems that glowed in the dark, and rare gem statues. Plus gold from the California Gold Rush, at least 15 different pieces of sulfur, and a large mineral hunk at the center of the main room. And of course, the hall of meteors was RIGHT NEXT DOOR, so yeah, it was like heaven! The Hall of Biodiversity was the one place I wanted to go in there. When I entered the Museum, if someone asked me where I wanted to go first, I would have said Hall of Biodiversity. Of course, they moved the Dodo bird to one of the showcases and the Tasmanian tiger, who knows where, … [Read more...]
Tenement Museum Sheds Light on Immigrant’s Lives
Can you imagine being only 6 years old and having to take care of your 3 younger siblings and one of them is sick? How about being a parent of 4 and your husband disappears? Maybe you have to figure out a way to help your family and you weren't a legal resident of the United States? All these scenarios came to life for us during the Hard Times tour of the Tenement Museum on the lower east side of New York City. Home to over 7,000 people, the building that has been partially restored and turned into a museum, was an incredible insight for family lives of those newly arrived to our country 100 years ago plus. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Lower East Side Tenement Museum Where a row of houses originally stood, and had been divided up so 3-5 families could live in each one, became a series of tenements. These newer buildings took up the same space as the old houses but could easily house 20+ families in a series of 3 room "apartments. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Lower East … [Read more...]
How Superior is Superior Wisconsin? LOTS!!!
WOW! From Wisconsin Point to Billings Park to Sweeden Sweets candy shop, the city of Superior Wisconsin lives up to its name.I was able to visit that lovely area because we went there on a family mission trip sponsored by YouthWorks. We stayed at Zion Lutheran Church. (I admit, even I couldn't resist the fact that Culver's was RIGHT NEXT DOOR!) During the day, we helped at Catholic Charities where we weeded and planted flowers for one of their residential sites. We also visited the Golden Living Senior Center. There we passed out snacks, played piano for the residents, and helped with the weekly Yahtzee tournament. (the winner gets a whole dollar!) Anyway, it was really fun. At Zion took turns with general chores and even we made our meals, including spaghetti, pulled pork, and mac `n cheese. In the evenings he had Family devotion time at Wisconsin Point one night and dinner at Billings park another. That was a time for us to focus on why we were serving others and our … [Read more...]
Make Your Twin Cities Trip Memorable for the Kids!
Living just outside of Madison Wisconsin means a Twin Cities trip is a simple drive for us -- and road trips can be incredibly fun if you take a little bit of time to do it. Our Twin Cities Trip: On the way to Minnesota, you might want to stop in the Wisconsin Dells and spend a night at the Kalihari...everyone loves a water park, and it is a great way to unwind. The next morning, as you head back out on the Interstate, make sure you time it right so you end up at Osseo's Norski Nook for their delicious soups and yummy pie! I personally am a fan of their seasonal Fresh Strawberry Pie. Soon, you are crossing the border over into Minnesota and working your way to the Raddison Blu hotel in Bloomington. It's super easy to find as it is attached to the Mall of America by a walkway. The Mall of America is about so much more than shopping! Any kid would be beyond excited to spend some time in the Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park. Parents and kiddos alike will enjoy Fly … [Read more...]
Summer Planning – CAMP!
My Mom is awesome -- she finds so many cool things for me to do and is very creative about it! This summer shapes up to be incredible --she has outdone herself. It's time to talk about Summer Planning - CAMP! We planned on being fairly low key as we were bringing back (and paying to do so) the girl who we had two years ago from the Ukraine in the Circle of Love project through our church. Diana is 2 years older than me and just like a big sister! SO....the rest of the summer plans were a total surprise until we reviewed the family calendar: Final Exams are over for me on May 18th...but I am going to still be in elementary school for 3 more weeks...if my Mom's trip to Cuba works out, then I only have 2 weeks of school because I would get to skip one for traveling! The week after school is out, we have Camp Invention. My Mom is the camp parent and working NOW so I can attend FREE! (More on Camp Invention HERE!) The day after camp ends, it is my birthday AND Diana arrives … [Read more...]
Why You Should Travel With Your Home-schooled Child
There are so many advantages to homeschooling your children but my favorite perk would probably have to be the fact that because you are homeschooling them, they don't need to be in one spot at all time. Why You Should Travel With Your Home-schooled Child? This opens up opportunities beyond belief. I personally believe that you should take advantage of this and see the world. I think that every person in the world should have the opportunity to see new places and learn about the rest of the world, and I personally believe that seeing all of these sights as you are in school and learning about these things is the best time to do so! Today I will be sharing with you a few reasons that traveling with your home schooled children can really benefit them. Now, before y'all say anything - I know. Miss Sarah goes to public school. I am a firm believer that PARENTS are in charge of their child's education and we PARTNER with their teachers/schools. Traveling can be fun AND educational, … [Read more...]
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