Motivation Monday

  We all need a little motivation on Monday!  Regardless of that cup of coffee.

That long weekend!

Or if the kids actually slept in!

Take some time for you! 

Workout!

Paint your nails!

Grab a treat!

Catch a movie!

Or just take a walk!

Just do something for yourself.  It doesn't have to cost money it just needs to give you a break to unwind.  No thinking necessary.  You have 6 more days to do something.  Make it happen and then sit back and appreciate.

Maymount Adventure in Richmond Virginia

  Richmond is a few hours away from me so when the kids and I travel there we take advantage of the sights unique to the area.  One of my favorite places to visit although this only makes my second visit is Maymont.

  Maymont is a large estate that includes gardens, a mansion and winding trails showcasing a variety of animals.  You cross bridges, walk past streams and waterfalls and even climb stairs as you stroll the 100 acres.

There are several garden arrangements. The Japanese garden was our favorite. 

 I spy with my little eye a waterfall! It was so unexpected that it was really neat to see.

On the trail we saw the regal Bald Eagle!

American Bison were visible from the trail!

A barn showcases the transportation of the past.

The kids got a kick out of the other kids!

Maymont is definitely a must see in Richmond, VA.  In addition to all of this, they also offer activities and several special events for an additional fee throughout the year.

All Aboard Ferry Rides

  Every once and awhile we take a trip on a ferry.  We leave the car behind and walk aboard the ferry to cross the Elizabeth River and explore downtown Norfolk.

  The kids enjoy the ride because they can pick where they sit.  Upstairs is open to the wind in their hair and all the sights and sounds. Downstairs is enclosed and a bit quieter.  They also enjoy watching the water wheel propel us across the water.

They also enjoy catching the sight of other boats.

  The ferry runs every 30 minutes and makes two stops in Portsmouth but only one stop in Norfolk.  During the summer it runs every 15 minutes with the help of another ferry and also runs a ferry to Harbor Park for the games.

  The opportunities are endless for family fun in Norfolk.  Waterside has plenty of games and a splash pad to keep you or small travelers entertained.  This area is immediately where you get off the ferry! We stop after our adventures because one the kids don't want to leave and two it helps motivate them to head towards the home.

Adults there are plenty of chairs for you to rest in while the kids play.

When your ready to leave Norfolk head back to Waterside for the quick ride across the water!

The ferry is free for kids with a paying adult. Adult fares are $1.75 one way and exact fare is required.  So next time your looking for a different mode of transportation and want a little more fresh air grab a ferry and head over to Norfolk.  

A different perspective is always a nice change of pace.

Wordless Wednesday from Williamsburg

  Last week I popped over to Williamsburg, VA and walked the streets of Colonial Williamsburg.  A trip to Colonial Williamsburg is never boring no matter the time of day or the season.

Ice skating rink open daily for a fee.

 Some building are illuminated with candles or spot lights.


My favorite thing to look at during the winter months are the wreaths.  The adorn most doors and no one is alike.

 Some have swag in addition to the wreaths and others are strictly just wreaths.

Two doors why not two wreaths?

All of the wreaths in keeping with the traditions and customs of the time frame are natural, easily accessible items. So definitely  evergreens, fruit and even feathers.

To see the doors does not cost an admission fee but, you may just want to pay to see how the inside is decorated too.  

For more about Colonial Williamsburg check it out here.

A Peek at our Walk

  So today we the kids and I went on our second hike with hikeitbaby.  It is such a nice feeling to be strolling with others.  It had been the kids and I for so long.  You almost feel safer with others with you.  I like how my kids are able to experience nature with other kids.

  Other kids may point out something one of us missed.  They pick up sticks, poke things and always look in the leaves and in the dirt.

  This group just proves that you can find a group of mom's anywhere and everywhere with a common goal!  To meet up and socialize, grab some fresh air and exercise in a more relaxing environment.

 

  Today was a very child friendly led walk.  The kids are able to walk at their own pace.  This allows them to explore and become more comfortable with nature.

  Moms came out with babies on backs as well.  Some trails are not stroller friendly so having this accessory is nice.

A nice 1.5 or 2 mile hike just before lunchtime makes for a nice intro to naptime.

In nature you never know what you will see.  Today we saw a red bird (not a Cardinal but, not sure what it was) and a squirrel!

I'm excited as I am going to start leading my own hikes.  This will be great for our outdoor adventures!  

A day at the Park

  Last year I visited a park where I saw a challenge to visit 5 parks to receive a annual pass to visit all the state parks.  I had so much fun at one park I wanted in on this challenge.  At my first park we went initially for fishing but then found our self exploring the park. I had no idea that one place could hold so many possibilities and beauty.  That day after our fishing, we took a hike on a trail and ventured down by the water and was met with more beauty.  This all started me wanting more.

  After the first 5 state park visits I did submit for my pass.  I received it shortly thereafter and a parking pass as well. That was all I needed to encourage me to see more.  After that I visited a couple parks here and there and just recently visited a few more this past weekend.  In case you thought state parks were boring, or there was nothing to see behold the beauty of nature!

    Parks have a variety to offer you no matter the season.  Snow sometimes adds a compliment to an already beautiful scene.  Catch a sunrise or sunset.  Most parks are open dawn till dusk.

http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/

Day 15 with Elf part 2 Be Kind

  We the children had fun if I do say so myself.   The elf not only taught them two new words but also encouraged them to be kind to each other and others.  My youngest daughter would even randomly say be kind throughout her day as if she liked the sound of it, or maybe it was a great concept.  She would remind her brother to act on it as well.

  For our be kind movement we choose different areas to act on, explore and learn from.  There should be a who, what, why in everything and end in observing how the recipient felt as well as yourself.  If you feel good you will continue (hopefully).

  We chose for our be kind mission:

1.  The firestation.  The mission bring cookies. To make them happy and know they are thought of.

2.  Toys for tots event.  The mission to donate a toy for a child to have something on Christmas.  To make a child happy with a toy.

3.  Help an animal shelter.  The mission to provide a donation to the shelter.  To provide something of use or fun to the animals.

4.  Nature.  To provide substance to the birds.  Even though the ground is not covered over providing them some food will hopefully entice them to visit us more and make them happy.

  It took us all day but it was a nice day even if busy.  We started out by making cookies.

Of course while I was in the other room the kids needed supervision so Elf was happy to help.  He was pretty strict.  Not a finger went in the bowl, muscles were however made during this stirring session .

Chocolate had to be retrieved for one batch of cookies and Elf knows about kids and chocolate so he watched very closely.  (Hint: if you bribe with chocolate nothing will get eaten)

Finished product

delivered safely.

Next stop was our toy donation. We had trouble locating a box.  I guess they were all picked up but after I sent a Facebook message I was pointed to 1 location and we headed there to drop off our toy.

The kids choose a toy yesterday for this event and it was neat to have the dialog with them.  She never once questioned why.  She picked out a gift and was happy to make another child happy.

Last stop on our day was to give some donations to the animal shelter.  There are a lot in the area but I choose one that I have gone to several times.  I looked online to see what they were looking for.  We selected peanut butter dog treats and a couple shoe boxes for the cats.

We ended our day with making bird seed ornaments.  They do need to dry so hopefully they will be ready to hang up tomorrow.