The Corn Maze

Believe it or not, wandering around lost in a cornfield can be quite fun! It was a beautiful day last Saturday when we went to Long and Scott Farms to experience their corn mazes. The theme of this year's mazes is agriculture, so the larger maze resembled a tractor and the smaller maze was made to look like the John Deere symbol. We probably walked for at least three hours total, but I'm pretty sure it could be done in less time. It was a really fun activity for a fall day and a pretty good substitute for the pumpking patches I loved to visit up north each fall. I think we may be making this an annual tradition.

My "corny" kids.

reading the secret maze map

a cheery colored tractor and a hay bale tractor

Delightful Day at Disney

We joined some friends of ours who were visiting from Arizona for a day at DisneyWorld. It was the best day we have ever had there. Typically, I dread the crowds, the heat, and the stress of trying to remain "centered" in such an overstimulating environment.

This time, though, the crowds were manageable. The weather was delightful, and my kids are old enough to not need a stroller. It was relatively easy to get around. I couldn't believe that we actually got to see everything we wanted, and even went on several rides more than once! I may even consider going to a theme park again. :)

Angelica's first time on Splash Mountain. She also conquered Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain all in one day, which is a pretty big deal for someone who previously feared the "kiddie coasters". ( There is much to be said for allowing our children to try things in their own time and their own way, but that could be a whole 'nother post!)

Joseph in his Goofy hat, waiting to see Monsters, Inc. show. We didn't end up seeing the show because Joseph changed his mind. He much preferred to go on rides with his friend. He had a blast blasting aliens on the Buzz Lightyear ride. It's like being inside a video game, where you ride a spaceship through and use your laser-gun to shoot at all the targets. I really liked it too, until my trigger thumb got tired. ;PAngelica and her friend with their faces painted, Genie and a butterfly.

While nature certainly isn't the main attraction at Disney, we were happy to see quite a few birds that enjoy all the commotion there. This little guy and his friends flew into the bushes right behind where I was sitting for a few moments. They were making all kinds of noise and jumping around like the groups of children throughout the park who couldn't wait to get to the next attraction. Then there were the great white egrets who kept eyeing our lunch as we watched the passengers on Splash Mountain come down the chute. We also got to see a group of sweet baby ducklings with their momma. Those sightings were just the dose of "reality" I needed to enjoy the day as much as I did.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

The giant slide and bumper car madness at the county fair.

So far, we've been able to attend the Hobe Sound Art Festival , the ArtsFest of Stuart, and the Martin County Fair. Another arts fair, "Artigras" is going on this weekend in Jupiter, but three weekends in a row of art fairs would just be too much for my kids. ;P I contemplated going to the Florida Renaissance Festival this weekend, but honestly all these fun activities are cutting into the budget.


The Stuart ArtsFest and the Hobe Sound Art Fest.


So now we may have to eliminate a few of the future outings I had hoped to take. Our choices are the Ren Fest, the Hatsume Festival at Morikami Japanese Gardens and Museum, and a day trip to Orlando to visit a theme park. It will most likely be Orlando, since my Aunt Cathy will be there visiting from Maine.

Will somebody please remind to save some money from the holidays next year, so that I will be financially prepared for Florida's Festive February? And if YOU ever want to visit Florida, I highyly recommend coming in February. The flowers are blooming and the outdoor festivities are abundant!

Sand-angels and Soap-angels

I love this time of year in Florida. Who am I kidding? I love Florida all year, the main reason being that there is rarely a time when we cannot enjoy being outdoors. My children may not make snow-angels in the winter, but they have been know to make sand-angels at the beach. *g* And, just the other day, they had fun creating soap-angels.

It all started when my daughter and friends where in our backyard on our new climbing dome. Then, one of the neighborhood dogs wandered into the yard by going through the nearby creek. Of course he was all muddy, so the girls decided to give him a bath. Well, one thing led to another, and before I knew it there were four wet and soapy girls on our trampoline having a blast, and making soap-angels. That's just the kind of thing that happens around here in February. ;) So, what do you do for winter fun?

Why I Love Mondays, and My Dear Husband

So many people dread Mondays, that I may seem a little odd for loving them so much. But when Monday is one of your spouse's only days off each week, it becomes something to really look forward to, for many reasons. Since we unschool, my children and I are able to enjoy the whole day on Monday with my husband. Our Mondays tend to be wonderful family days.

A few weeks ago we went to play laser tag together. It is so much fun, and I deplore shooting type games. There is so much laughter and squeals of excitement that I don't think I stop smiling the whole time we play. Plus, it can be a pretty good workout! Because we are able to go on Monday, during the time when most children are at school, we usually get the benefit of having the whole place to ourselves, wherever we go. An added benefit that we found out about last time we played is that Monday is $1.oo day where we went to play, that includes games of laser tag, miniature golf, and bowling - all only $1.oo per game!!! That makes it much easier on our wallets. ;)

Last week, we took advantage of the beautiful weather and went out on my parents' boat to "the sandbar". There are so many boats around here, that they really could use traffic control on the water during sunny weekends. However, when we went out, the seagulls were our only lunch companions. My husband had saved a bag of bread crusts from the last time he made bread pudding (which is sooooooo good!), and it didn't take long for the seagulls to flock around the boat! Here's a few pictures of our day.

(A view looking down the length of the sandbar, a view of how far you can walk out in the shallow water - See my brave 8 year old waaaaay out there, past my daughter? )

So far today, my youngest two went with my husband to help plate meals for a fundraiser and now my husband is helping my oldest son refinish his skateboard ramp. Tonight he will be making us a special dinner of crabmeat and pasta.

My husband may not get much time off from work, but he sure knows how to make the most of it, and any time we have together! That's why I love Mondays, and one of the many reasons I love my dear husband.

The Colors of Fall

Yes, I know these are not the "typical" pictures of autumn that you're used to seeing, but in our area of Florida, these are the colors of fall. Thanks to an abundance of rain recently, everything is green and luscious and blooming. Butterflies are everywhere. Our kumquat tree is bursting with fruit, and we even had TWO tomatoes from our little plant pictured above.

Just wanted to share some of our "fall foliage" with y'all! Hope you're enjoying the view where you are too.