O's.

O'sssssssssssssssss.
Feel the magic. A night at the ballpark.

p.s. We lost...score not needed. Yes, it was bad.

Little Builders.

Lowes offers a Build and Grow clinic for kids.
I had been saying for the longest time (in my head of course) that I should take my little one to one of the clinics.

A year later...
Like two weeks ago, while making a trip to Lowes, I finally signed my son up for two of the clinics.
The first clinic we didn't make. However, the second was last weekend. We made that one.

The build clinic was a bit different than I expected. I thought a store associate would be talking and interacting with the kids. Not the case. Turns out parents and guardians were doing all the work and providing guidance.
The store associate just handed out the supplies and went on her merry way.

I'm not really sure how I'd rate the clinic. I'd say for the sake of the kids it was a good experience. For the sake of parents, it would have been nice if there was an introduction to the project and a bit of interaction between teacher, student, and parents (the ones without any patience).

And being a designer, I have to note that I wasn't pleased about receiving a handwritten certificate at the end. That sort of stuff ruffles my edges.

All in all, if you have kids try it out for yourself.

Project: Toy Story RC 

Getting the Sillies Out.

Do you watch Nick Jr.?

Have young kids or young family members?

Have you heard the name Brobee, Mono? Wait...DJ Lance Rock?

If I've lost you, I'm referring to Yo Gabba Gabba - the television show. I have to admit when I first saw the television show I was a bit freaked out. But over time I've grown to love this television show and so has my son (the original reason I watch). 

This month Yo Gabba Gabba came to town...and we went to see them. Actually, the real story, I promised my son last year I'd take him when he saw the commercial and I totally snoozed on the tickets - they were sold out in one (1) day. I felt like a horrible parent (yep, it's that easy). So last Fall when I heard they'd be in town, I set every calendar reminder I could to remind me to buy tickets...and I did. Yes, I'm awesome - this year.

The show was A-MAZ-ING...and that's being honest! I don't think one could ask for much more than double entertainment - 1. for the child and, 2. the parent/guardian.  The show was very colorful, engaging & loud, and to top it off we had great seats! 

So really what I'm trying to say is, if you ever get the chance to check out Yo Gabba Gabba live in concert it would be worth your time.

Field Notes: Massanutten, VA

Here's the view from our vacation house:

and here's a small list of how we spent our time:

1. hanging out at the pool(s)
2. taking small walks during the day and taking cover at dusk (avoiding the deer and bears)
3. water park adventures
4. riding bicycles
5. laughter and good conversation
6. eye poking, minor scrapes, and boo boos
7. viewing sunsets and the morning dew
8. zip lining
9. tubing
10. the playground
11. a visit to the caverns
12. enjoying large family meals 
13. crossing historic markers
14. wine (and beer)
15. staying up past 1AM (this upcoming week will be a killer)
16. a small picnic
17. kids cheating at Candy Land (my child in particular)
18. pedicures and manicures
19. ice cream
20. riding go-karts
21. ...and more

P.S. Wish you were there.

Concord Point Lighthouse.

Concord Point Lighthouse

Authorized by the Federal Government for construction in 1825, 

sits at the mouth of the Susquehanna River

I have a secret obsession with Lighthouses. I am not sure why but ever since I was a little girl, I promised myself I would make an effort to get out in the world and visit every lighthouse known to man. Sooo, that hasn't happened to date! Crazy thing is, I've come across a couple in my travels but of course I didn't have my camera. So when my dad talked up visiting the Concord Point Lighthouse on a lovely Sunday after church,  I totally was up for the trip. 

As you can imagine the view was breath taking and conversation with the lighthouse keeper was delightful. Unfortunately, I didn't get to take my son to the top of the lighthouse. He fit the height restriction but as we starting climbing the somewhat narrow spiral stairwell we both looked at each other and kind of decided that him coming back down the spiral stairwell wouldn't go over well! Honestly, I was glad he opted out. 

While there we also walked around the site and along the pedestrian path onto the pier and chatted with a few folks that were fishing - they were delighted to show us the fish that they caught. To say the least...it was the perfect day!

One Fall Weekend.

10AM - Morning Melodies @ the library

12PM - Pumpkin picking, admiring the display of decorative holiday trees, and chatting with old friends  

2PM - Lunch at our favorite spot, making wishes at the Town Centers fountain & people watching

4 PM - back home relaxing

I couldn't have asked for a better fall weekend.

+++++

How have you been enjoying your Fall weekends?