A Trip to The Mariner's Museum

We recently took a trip to The Mariner's Museum. This museum has been around for a while, in fact I remember a 6th grade field trip, and it was not our first family visit, but wow, was I impressed. The museum sits in a beautiful 550 acre park next to the James River.

Unfortunately it was a rainy day, so we didn't explore outdoors. But the museum itself is amazing. The exhibits are vast and interactive. Even our 20 month old enjoyed himself and didn't complain.

We have recently studied the Titanic and the kids enjoyed the huge Titanic exhibit and especially the replica of the life boat that they were able to climb aboard.

One of the most impressive exhibits on display, however, is that of the ironclads. The design of these ships is truly unique and the rich history the museum provides really brings to life the reality of living on one. The Monitor Center provides a fascinating look at the story of this ship and the Battle of Hampton Roads.

It was a great day. The kids enjoyed it and learned a little along the way. I got some great photos and decided to create a slide show since there are many I wanted to share to give you a peek inside the museum. If you ever get the chance to visit, I highly recommend it! Also, check out their website for lesson plan resources, online exhibits and even a USS Monitor oragami exercise to print out.

We've Had A Visitor At Our Place

Yesterday, I woke up and made my Starbucks, as usual, but when I looked out the window, what to my wondering eyes should appear? A Great Blue Heron! Right in our back yard. If you read my blue crab post, you'll know that we live not far from the Elizabeth River, so we have seen them before. But, never in our own back yard. And never have we had such an up close and personal encounter. He was just hanging out back there. Cool as a cucumber. We watched him for a long while before he eventually flew off.

When I woke up this morning, he was back. I think he likes us :D And I have to say, he has brought a little more enjoyment to my morning rituals. I hope he keeps stopping by.



If you are interested in learning more about Blue Herons look here or here.

Bloggy Award

Over the weekend I was honored by Veggie Mom with this lovely award. I recently found her blog and she has some great tips and resources for helping your kids enjoy their veggies! Pop over to see her site. I'm sure you will enjoy the visit (and you might even enjoy dinner time a little more too!)

This bloggy award is all about making new friends in the blogosphere and I am certainly thankful for all the friends I have made, old and new. I here by bequeath this award to the following lovely bloggers:

Seeryus Mama

Sweet and Sassy Girls

Homeschool Image

Little People Wealth

Mama Kenz Studio

Ma Vie Folle

Through Hazel Eyes

Beautiful Blog Designs

Heathen Homeschoolers

Womb at the Innsane

Scary Mommy

Nodin's Nest

Go! Graham Go!

The Mom Buzz

A Daily Dose of Toni

There you have it. Congratulations to all you fabulous bloggers ;) Now it's your turn to pass on the luv.

Victoria Day

Today is Victoria Day which is a Canadian holiday. Still, I'll use any excuse for a celebration, lol, and a way to get my kids interested in a little history. Find lots of kid friendly Victoria pages here. You can also find Canadian crafts here.

You can find more info on Queen Victoria here.

If you've ever been to Canada, or celebrated Victoria Day, please leave a comment and let us know! We'd love to find out more. Thanks!

Dad the Grad ~ Photos from Saturday's Commencement

Photos:
1. The Fan Club
2. Awaiting the big moment
3. Mrs. and Mr. Grad
4. With the proud parents

Quotable Sunday

Welcome to this edition of Quotable Sunday!

This week, in honor of hubbie's graduation yesterday, my quotes are about education. We had a great day and I have lots to share, but we still have out of town visitors and a busy day planned so it will have to wait until tonight. But for now...

An education isn't how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It's being able to differentiate between what you know and what you don't.
Anatole France

Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army.
Edward Everett

Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.
Will Durant

Education is a social process. Education is growth. Education is, not a preparation for life; education is life itself.
John Dewey

Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.
Oscar Wilde

Education is learning what you didn't even know you didn't know.
Daniel J. Boorstin

Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.
John Dewey


Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.
William Butler Yeats ~my favorite ;)

Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another.
Gilbert K. Chesterton

Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.
Robert Frost

Have a fabulous Sunday!

For more Quotable Sunday fun visit:
.