June, 2013 | The Angel Forever

Monthly Archives June 2013

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Museums and Planetariums

Posted on June 21, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

We recently became members of our local science museum. I have to admit, this was the best investment we have made in a long time. Not only is it a great place for our family to visit together, we can all learn while we are there.

The boys have learned about optical illusions, magnetism, medical science, and many other items thanks to displays changing at the Museum of Innovation and Science in Schenectady. Recently, the Notion of Motion exhibit arrived from San Francisco’s Exploratorium. Learning about Physics has never been so much fun! We have also gone to all three of the current planetarium shows. The boys are now fascinated with stargazing and hope to check out more constellations and planets in our sky this summer.

The variety of exhibits, rotating Hands-On Science Classes (the Nano Technology one was fantastic), and alternating planetarium shows make our museum membership even more exciting. Then, something even more gigantic is coming on June 29. DINOSAURS! will be in Schenectady until the end of September and we are going to visit with them a little early next week. Yes, we were invited to the members preview and the kids are SO excited. We promise to take lots of photos and share more once we are done visiting the T-Rex and other dinosaur friends.

So my question to you this week:

Have you ever had a museum membership with your family? If you have, I would love to hear about it. If you have not, what museum have you been to with your family that you enjoyed? Interested to hear about new places to explore since our membership allows us to go to a lot of places for free!

It's Me

___________________________________________________________________________ Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this Friday fun. These days, Pamela at A Renaissance Woman is reviving the fun Friday Meme. Head over there to link up and join in the fun.

Aloha #243

Categories:
Educational family Local Business

Goodbye to Kindergarten

Posted on June 20, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

It seems like it was just September. I remember the morning when I brought my baby to kindergarten for the first time. It was something new for us in this school, and I was nervous. Of course, I knew that JSL was ready to read, write, and learn more. Still, having both boys in school for the entire day was a major milestone.

Kindergarten 2012

The year has been absolutely amazing for my little guy. He has grown, flourished, learned a lot, and is really coming out of his shell. While he still tells me he is nervous in the morning (I think he wants extra hugs and kissing hand moments), the huge smile on his face at the end of the day tells me he is fine. Oh, and the other thing that tugs at my heart – every day he gives his teacher a hug on the way out the door.

Last week, JSL had his Kindergarten Celebration at school. TechyDad, Nana, Mimi, Aunt S, and I all went to be with him on this special day. The teachers and other support staff in the building did an amazing job. The focus was on the kids and celebrating their accomplishments. Each of the classes performed a song. Then, we watched a slide show of kindergarten memories. I have to admit, I wiped away a few tears. It hit me that my kids are really growing up. My little guy is going into first grade and my big kid has only a year before he heads off to middle school. Once this was over, the classes marched across the stage and back to their classrooms for some refreshments with family and friends.

I can honestly say, our kindergarten experience this year was beyond amazing. There was never a moment that I doubted his teachers, worried about my son’s well being, or questioned anything that the school could control. The truth is, I am sad to see it end. While I know JSL is ready for first grade, I am not ready to let go of this amazing year that he had because I know in my heart that this was something so special.

Categories:
milestone school

Disney Days of Summer

Posted on June 19, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

The summer time in Orlando can be down right hot and humid. As someone that spent most of the late June honeymoon in 90+ degree temperatures and recalls August adventures, you have to think about things to help the Disney Days of Summer when you visit during those hot and steamy days. Here are some possibilities to help keep cool and go along with the theme for this week.

Be sure to stop by Focused on the Magic by clicking on the button above to join in the Disney magic this week.

Categories:
Disney travel vacation

Tuesday Tales – Summer 2013 Reading

Posted on June 18, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

The boys are participating in a summer reading program at our local library again. As I have mentioned in the past, it really helps to motivate kids to take time and read during the two months away from school. Of course, they are not the only ones that like to read. I have a lot of books that I want to read and only wish I had more hours in the day.

This summer there are a few books that I hope to read about Autism and related items. My goal is to come up with more information that will help my son, his teachers, and our family to make the transition from elementary school to middle school in a little over a year easier. I also like to preview some books that the boys may read before they get to them. Of course, I also want to play catch up on Ridley Pearson’s Kingdom Keepers series. I am now two books behind and would love to catch up before the last in the series is released. My Kindle is also stocked with several Net Galleys of books that will be coming out soon. It is always fun to get a sneak peek of books coming soon. To say that my to-read list on GoodReads is large would be an understatement.

In addition to this, I will be reading books with the boys. NHL and I have all of the Splurch Academy for Disruptive Boys books to complete. Last summer, JSL and I voraciously read through practically all of the Magic Tree House books and are waiting for the next releases. No doubt he and I will find something to read together, plus he will be reading books to me this year. Now to make a plan and get ready to start next week.

So what is on your list of books to read with your children or solo this summer? I would love to hear about more titles that other people are reading. As always, Tuesday Tales is all about sharing our love of books. Please let me know what you have read recently. Be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else.

Categories:
books Tuesday Tales

Some Time with Vine

Posted on June 17, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

For quite some time, I watched as friends were using an app with their iPhone called Vine. Simply put, Vine is a social media platform that allows you to be creative and share 6 second videos. I stayed away from it for a while and then got a little nudge from my fellow Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers that were trying it out with their Apple and Android devices.

My first Vine was introducing my new Windows Phone just to get used to using it. After that, I was a little more creative. Why not showcase how I am going to have to debate between two different types of smartphones.

Then I had a bit more fun. I made a Vine to share with my boys. Yes, I had some explaining to do when they got home from school and saw their TMNT items had been used.

I have had fun sharing the non-stop rain in our area and a few other items while waiting for the boys outside of school. I do believe my favorite use of Vine was at when we went to the miSci Museum over the weekend. I could quickly showcase a few of the fun items that we explored in a more authentic way that a simple photo can not capture.

Of course, a great example was when the boys were completely fascinated with one of the new items in the Notions of Motions Exhibit. I think they would have stayed testing this out a lot longer if we had allowed it.

So are you on Vine yet? If you are I would love to know how you are utilizing it. For me, it will be a great way to showcase educational fun and learning as we travel.

Disclosure: As a member of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers, I receive different devices to check out in my life. There is no other compensation. I am a long time Verizon customer, and all opinions are my own.