Summer Bucket List

We've made summer "bucket lists" in years past, though I think it's been a summer or two since we really tracked it. We have some really simple things- like swimming on our list to big things like going to the aquarium in Chattanooga. I don't know how much we'll get done, but with a list to check off, I'm much more likely to take the kids to these things than just hang around the house all day. I figured why not jump right in and check off some bucket list items!

First up, Cannonsburgh Village in Murfreesboro, yesterday. Guess who put this in the list? :) I've been here many times and thought it's a great way for the kids to see what early pioneer life was like in America. I know, *gasp* educational stuff in the summer, but I always enjoyed visiting. I used to think it was a real village, but it's a reproduction of early Tennessee life from approx 1830s-1930s.

Then it turns out a church was doing some sort of community event and gave us ice cream! It was a nice treat for a hot day. The kids really enjoyed themselves, especially the ice cream. I'm pretty sure that was their favorite part. :) 

Today, in between Maggie's ABM lessons, we had a picnic at Centennial Park- that's two items off our list, ha! I really do enjoy these moments with the kids. Fulfilling bucket list items and checking off is an added bonus. 

Summer is off to a great start!! Love you guys and enjoy fun, exploring days like this with you!

The St. Louis Arch

My oldest child is 10 years old and in the past decade we've made numerous trips to St. Louis for birthday parties, graduations, weddings, etc. In all these years during all our trips, I've wanted to take my kids to see St. Louis, esp places I visited growing up. However, we're usually in for a short period of time and a specific reason- like a wedding- not often time to run off and do touristy stuff. I've old Daniel for years I wanted to make a separate, non-family-reason trip to St. Louis just to show my kids around but it hasn't happened. 

Sooooo, when we were invited to a graduation party over Memorial Day weekend I told Daniel we had to do something St. Louis-y. Will and Maggie actually did go to the zoo once we he was 4 and she was 1, but that's it. My plan was to stop at the arch on the way into town- we literally drive right by it on our way to see my family. I also recommended we stay in a hotel near the zoo and hit that up in the morning before the party which wasn't until 2pm. We could see a lot of the zoo before then. We did, in fact, stop at the arch on our way into town, the kids loved it!!

After the arch, we grabbed dinner at Imo's (of course) and then let the kids burn some energy at a park literally across the street from Imo's. Daniel did not want to stay at a hotel so we did not make it to the zoo. I knew we wouldn't get up early enough, everyone get ready, head back out to the zoo and then back again for the party. Daniel really didn't want to go to the zoo that bad anyway because it was so hot. And it was his birthday, so I didn't want to push it. We thought maybe we'd stop at the City Museum on our way out Sunday, but we just didn't have the time. Maybe next trip!

Obstacle Course

My friend, Lindy and I, along with our kids have talked multiple times about getting together for homeschool field trips. So far we've gone to the science center together. And that was awhile ago. Until today. She told me about Soar Adventure Tower, an outdoor obstacle course with several levels and it sounded super cool, especially for our older boys. 

They have a homeschool day on Tuesday afternoons, which is great, because the cost is way lower than normal during those hours. This place was so cool and had Will's name all over it. Unfortunately, this is not something Maggie can do and tennis shoes are required so Jake could not participate in his flip flops but Allie said she wanted to try and this girl did awesome! I'm so proud of this little girl. There was a lower course for littler kids and the older kids/adults could go on the higher course. I stayed below with the littles and Lindy went up with the big kids. It was a great day!

After awhile, Will & Gavin came down to the lower course and ran through it with the younger kids. They could go much faster than up high, so they loved that. And they all enjoyed doing it together. Hopefully Jake can join in next time! It was a hot day, of course, so we discussed coming back in the fall. We'll have to hit that one week of fall we get just right. ;)