Old Alton Bridge Part Deux

Our family loves going on hikes, camping together, and fun adventures. Every so often we revisit some of the more local spots for a few hours (or a couple days) of excitement and family time. In fact, this last Saturday we did just that revisiting the Pilot Knoll trail near the Old Alton Bridge (Goatman’s Bridge) in far north Copper Canyon with our eldest son’s cub scout troop. Legend has it that this bridge is haunted by The Goatman, so you know I had to tell the cub scouts and their siblings the scary tale–in keeping with my favorite holiday, Halloween.

Of course, this bridge is also the subject of less haunting historical accounts. It was first constructed in 1884 and served foot and cattle traffic of the now nonexistent town of Alton. Alton was once the seat of Denton County, but was deemed unfavorable due to frequent local flooding.  It is also the spot of a shoot out between Texas Rangers and the infamous outlaw, Sam Bass. Legend has it that Sam Bass buried stolen money here and never recovered it.

Some of the things that I love so much about hikes have a lot to do with the mystery and unknown. I find hikes and other outdoor activities highly unpredictable, which is why you probably won’t find me at a big city museum unless someone else is buying and driving. Quite contrary when you consider that I am an artist myself. For me, the great outdoors is magical and awe-inspiring, yet also unpredictably ever-changing. I may hike one trail and come back a few days later and find the scenery changed, the sounds completely different, and the weather 180-degree turn around.

With proper preparation and a little know-how, hiking can be a fun adventure for the entire family. The Pilot Knoll trail is a great starter trail, because the portion we hike is short and easy for children or beginners. We ensure we bring a backpack filled with drinks and granola bars. It is always a good idea to bring a cell phone with you just in case (and in this case it works, because we’re still close to cell towers).

To get to the Pilot Knoll trail, you will need to follow these easy directions from Flower Mound: Take FM 407 (Justin Road) west to Chinn Chapel Road; turn right (north). Travel a few miles down the road where the road will make a split at the railroad tracks. You will need to merge to the right and go over the railroad tracks (you will be now on Old Alton Road). The road will go into a low area and you’ll travel for a short ways until you see a concrete bridge ahead. Next to this bridge you’ll also see the Old Alton Bridge, a red colored steel truss bridge. Go over the concrete bridge and immediately turn right into the gravel parking lot and park. MAP

There are a few fun things that you can do at the Old Alton Bridge:

1. Fish in the Hickory Creek below the bridge or downstream. There are several fishing spots. You will need a fishing license and follow regulations. I once saw an alligator gar in there.
2. Hike the first trail (Elm Fork Trail) that goes past the benches and is straight ahead. This is a short hike, and in my opinion not as pretty as the the next one.
3. Hike across the Old Alton Bridge which will become the Pilot Knoll trail. Watch ahead for interesting spiders like this garden orb spider

and this ornate orb:

Look below for the nonvenomous rough green snake:

Keep looking below, because like most woods in North Texas it is also home to venomous water mocassins and copperheads. If you don’t know what kind of snake it is, don’t touch it. Be careful of fallen leaves on the sides of the trails as copperheads blend in well with them. I DO NOT RECOMMEND PICKING UP SNAKES. It is possible you may also come upon a rattlesnake, although I have never seen one out here before.

Now that I’ve scared all the city folk away:

If you do decide to visit the Old Alton Bridge at the right time of the year, you may also have the opportunity to taste one of nature’s treats: the wild mustang (muscadine) grape. Mustang grapes typically ripen from July to October in North Texas with the majority ripening from mid July to late August depending on weather conditions. They taste sour on their own, but make a great jelly and as my grandmother can attest a great moonshine as well. Reminder: Only pick plants and eat that you are certain of being edible. You get sick or die–not my fault.

Usually where I like to end my hike with children is at the farm fence the trail runs into and follows. At this point, the property owner’s donkey’s usually meet us for a quick pet. We’ve seen wild turkeys in the pasture and occasional deer nearby. You do have the option of continuing your hike from here, but be forewarned the total hike from the end of the trail to the beginning is nearly eight miles long. Stopping at the fence line is smart if you have young children with you.

The Pumpkin Express – Argyle

Every fall we do the pumpkin patch tour. There are 3 patches within 8 miles of my house in Flower Mound. It starts with the excitement of driving by and seeing the pumpkins being delivered, seeing the inflatables go up, watching the crowds gather and then stopping by to join in on the fun.

Our favorite pumpkin patch is The Pumpkin Express in Argyle.  It is a few miles further than some of the others, but the entire family loves the peaceful surroundings and of course, the train.

Tickets to the Pumpkin Express are $5 each and include a train ride and entry into the pumpkin patch.  You enter through the station and then take the train on a ride through fields, over bridges, under trees and then arrive at the pumpkin patch.

The pumpkin patch is stocked with little red wagons for pumpkin “picking” along with a bunch of things to do with kids.  There is a large tent that sells a variety of pumpkins and fall decor along with a concession stand.

There is a hay maze, play train, a variety of playhouses, jump houses, hay “stack” and of course, the train.

I follow my kids around snapping pictures just like every other mother present – it is our motherly pumpkin patch duty.

There is a really neat tree trunk tunnel, but by far the most popular among my boys was the teeter totter…

…except, of course, for the train.

Wafflepalooza

I don’t cook much.

OK, I really don’t cook at all.

BUT I can make a mean waffle.  Waffles at our house are a major food group.  They take special priority and can occasionally be found at the dinner table.

*gasp!*

It isn’t all bad.  The boys enjoy applesauce or a fruit topping on the first one and then the syrup comes out for all to enjoy.  They really are good.

A few Christmases ago a family member gave us the fancy barnyard waffle maker.  I figure that protein is implied when the kids are eating cows and chickens.  The gift is well used.  It probably is used more than my oven.

The waffle recipe I use is originally from the Oster Belgian Waffle maker I received for my wedding 17 years ago.  I have tried a lot of other recipes, but this is by far my favorite:

LIGHT ‘N CRISP WAFFLES

2 egg yolks

2 cups milk

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup oil

2 egg whites, stiffly beaten

Preheat the waffle maker.  I separate the eggs placing the whites into a small mixing bowl and the yolks into a large mixing bowl.  I add all the other ingredients to the large mixing bowl.  I pull out my hand mixer and first whip up the eggs until fluffy.  Then mix the other ingredients with the hand mixer until they are combined.  I then fold in the egg whites with a spatula.

That is it!  Pour the batter into the waffle maker…

Mmmmmm.

Dinner? is served.*

*also works well for breakfast!

More yummy recipes can be found by visiting Rachel at A Southern Fairy Tale where she hosts Mouthwatering Monday .

When Holly isn’t trying to pass off breakfast food as dinner to her family, she is at June Cleaver Nirvana.

Dallas Zoo

Last Friday we had good intentions.  A friend and I agreed to meet at the Science Museum with our collective 5 boys for a morning of fun.

I was 1/2 the way to Dallas when my husband called and said, “Where is this museum?”

“Fair Park.”

“You CAN’T GO THERE TODAY!  It is the Cotton Bowl!”

About that time my friend called to report her husband had just called her with the same information and she was already in a traffic jam on I-30.

We had 5 anxious boys, 1 grandma and 2 very uninformed mommies!

We made a snap decision to go to the Dallas Zoo instead.  The weather was great and we already had sandwiches packed…

The boys were excited to get out of the car and run around.  The zoo was a perfect place for expending child energy.

There is an area where you can buy either worms or birdseed sticks to feed the birds for $1.  All our boys chose the birdseed sticks.  The birds were still on their “winter schedule” so eating wasn’t a high priority, but we had some fun encounters.  Several of the birds kept trying to climb into my purse or up my mom’s coat sleeves.  They were not shy and the kids loved it.

Next time I will encourage buying the worms.  Some of the birds only eat worms and they seem to be a less popular purchase among the zoo visitors.  You don’t actually touch the worms, the birds will eat them out of a small cup that is provided.

The zoo has a huge play area.  It has equipment for kids of all ages.  This spider web was my 5 y/o’s favorite:

There is also slides and tunnels and large eggs to climb into…just a bunch of fun stuff.  Surrounding the play area are several smaller learning centers and the Nature Exchange Center.

All the boys thought this was great.  You can bring in up to 5 items (you collected at home) and trade them for other nature treasures.  There is a point system assigned so it is like a nature store.  There are many things to see and touch even if you (like us) don’t have anything to trade.

This Nature Exchange Center is one of the main reasons we will be returning to the zoo this year–and next time we will be prepared with treasures to trade.

The underground learning area is really unique.  It is dark (and quiet) and has all sorts of animals that live underground.

There is also a tunnel to crawl through to fully experience underground living.

There are also lots of animals at the zoo…

Overall it was a great experience.  We were glad we had missed the craziness at Fair Park and gone to the Dallas Zoo.  It took us about 45 minutes (without traffic) to get there from Flower Mound.  We spent 4 hours, but could have easily spent another hour or two if everyone had the energy!

If you have written about your experience at the Dallas Zoo, please mention the link in the comments.

When Holly isn’t planning trips in the middle of major events, she can be found at June Cleaver Nirvana where being a mommy and blogging is not in the middle of traffic.

Parent Advocates for Argyle Schools

There’s a new web site in Argyle.  It’s called Parent Advocates for Argyle Schools.  It’s run by parents, for parents.  It’s mission is to inform.

The site offers resources [many great sites to keep your kids learning this summer!], tips, advice, and pertinent links to help parents navigate through the Argyle ISD educational system [though the majority of the site’s content is applicable to any school district or system!].   As renaissance philosopher Sir Francis Bacon said, “Knowledge is power”.   The site is run by two educators: a principal, and a former middle/high school teacher.  They value and welcome community input in making this site a valuable resource for our schools, so stop by, visit, pose a question, or leave a comment!

If you have a specific question, need help or an advocate, or simply need to voice a concern  or get advice in a safe environment, visit the Ask An Educator Page and post your question.

Be sure to check back regularly as more and more links and topics will be added.  Current topics include:

Policy Topics:

• What is the role of the Board of Trustees?

• What is the Complaint/Grievance Process?

Argyle ISD Topics:

• How do Argyle schools rank compared to similar schools?

Learning and/or Teaching Topics:

• Inspired Teaching

• Discovery Learning

• Dual Credit vs. AP

• Texting and Cheating in the Classroom

General Education and Hot Button Topics:

• Top Performing Public High Schools: Dallas Ranks with # 1 and # 2

• The Importance of Social Responsibility

• Service Learning vs. Community Service

Upcoming informational blog topics will include:

• How do you address an academic concern with your child’s teacher?

• What are the TEKS and how do you know your children are being taught the TEKS throughout the school year?

• How are teachers and administrators evaluated?

Summer Activities for Kids in Denton County

Burbmom.net has been scouring the Dallas-Fort-Worth Metroplex to find summer activities for children.  Luckily there are TONS of options for summer family fun in DFW.  Here is what we have found for the areas in and around Denton County.  The list is long, but I am sure I missed some of the great things that Denton County has to offer.  If you know of anything I missed, please add it to the comments below or email me the information at holly@burbmom.net and I will continue to update!

*drum roll*

Let’s bring on the summer fun:

Abrakadoodle - Remarkable Art Education – classes and camps – Multiple locations in/close to Denton County including Coppell, Flower Mound, and Lewisville

Argyle Young Writers - Various camps from June 27 to August 14 covering topics:  Villainous Viewpoints, Fairy Tale Plots, and Mythologies – grades 3 through 7 – instructor is author Misa Ramirez

Adventure Kids Playcare – Weekly themed summer camps at all locations – June 8 to August 17 – ages 2 1/2 and up – Monday through Friday 10-2 – drop-in care also available

Actors Conservatory Theatre – productions and ACT Summer Camps – grades 1 through 6 – weekly camps include “Who’s behind the Mask?”, “Party with a Puppet”, “Theatre of Trash” and “Whose Line is it? It’s Mine!” – Summer production of THE KING AND I July 10-19 with auditions on May 23, 2009

Applewood Learning Center – themed summer camps and programs that include story time, games, learning activities, crafts and snacks – ages: infants up to age 10 – morning, afternoon, all day and extended day sessions available

Art House – classes and camps – ages 6 and up – camps include: The Land Before Time, Walk like an Egyptian, Back to the Future, Summer of Love, Oil Painting-Impressionist Landscape, Fly Me to Florence 1455, Passport to Paris 1888, Cartooning-American vs. Japan, Fashion Design-Design and Sew American Girl Clothes, Fashion Design-American Designers, and more – weekly half day camps

Austin Ranch – trail rides – Tuesday through Sunday 10 am to 6 pm – starting at $30 – located near Grapevine Mills Mall – call 817-410-6860 for information

Boomer’s Summer Camp by Boomerangs Party and Play - 3 days a week 9 to 2 pm – ages 5 to 10 – featuring Mad Science – activities include: Unlimited Jump, Mad Science Projects, Arts & Crafts, Magicians, Puppeteers, Police Officers, Fire Department and many more – Multiple in/near Denton County locations including Flower Mound, Plano and Hurst locations

CAC – Flower Mound – aquatic program – ages 6 months through adult – multi-level swimming classes, WSI, Lifeguard, Jr. Lifeguard, Aquatic Boot Camp, Kid’s Night Out, Scuba, Dive-in Movies

CAC – Flower Mound – childcare classes - ages 11 through adult – American Red Cross Kid Care Babysitting Class, VBAC, Baby Care Basics, Lamaze Childbirth Education

CAC – Flower Mound – Martial Arts Programs - ages 3 to adult – Lil’ Red Tiger Pre-School, Red Tiger Karate for Juniors, Red Tiger Karate for Adults

CAC – Flower Mound – Music and Art Classes – ages newborn through adult – Kindermusik, Young Rembrandts, Basic Guitar, Ballet/Tap

Castle Montessori Schools - ages 18 months to 9 years – “Magical School Bus” summer adventures – field trips to: The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, The Children’s Theater, Elm Fork Nature Preserve and many more

CAC – Flower Mound – Summer Camps - ages 4 to 13 (check sessions) – Summer Adventure Camp, Garden Art Camp, Summer Day Camp with field trips, Rocket Science Camp including Early Learning, Simple Machines, Science & Technology and Beginning Robotics

Children’s Courtyard – summer care and camps – ages 0 through school age – themed activities, events and field trips: Storybook Summer for preschoolers, Rock ‘n Roll Summer for School age children – multiple locations throughout the metroplex including Lewisville and Flower Mound

Color Me Mine – Summer camps and classes – ages 6 and up – each camp is 9 to 4 with provided snack – camps from June through August – themes include: Fun in the Sun, Birthday Plate, Name Plaque, BFF Plate, Texas, Nature, Christmas in July, Movie Day, Princess for a Week, Bible, Alien and Space and Back to School – Flower Mound location

Coppell Montessori Academy – Summer activities – Daily Dose of Montessori, Calisthenics, Water Mania, Art Studio, Greenhouse, Music, Train Ride, Spanish Classes, Tea Time, Wild About Books, Board Game Mania, Puzzle Mania, Magic Shows and Story Telling

Cornerstone Learning Centers – Ultimate Summer Adventure Camp and Vacation Bible Week – care and curriculum for ages 6 weeks to third grade

Dance Reflections – classes and camps – ages 3 to adult – Ballet, Creative Movement, Tap and Ballet w/ Intro to Jazz, Mini Hip Hop, Beginner/Intermediate/Just for Teens Hip Hop, and other teen-only classes

Discover & Share – camps for grades K-5th – Discover: Green thumb gardening, music melodies and art application; Learn: Spanish, Chinese; Share: Interactive Story Time, Dance/Movement and Cooking – Choose your own adventure day camp – call 972-304-1818

Excite Gym – classes and summer day camps – ages 2 and up – Flower Mound and Highland Village locations – flexible times – themed camps include: splash days, Wall-E Week, Olympics Days, Trampoline Camp, Sweet Treats Days, Sweet and Sassy Days or Sports Week, Kung Fu Days, Small Fry Camp, gymnastics and dance camps

Explorations Preparatory School – Summer Science Camps – grades 1 through 5 – Weekly themed camps that include: Solar Science, Diggin’ Dirt, Oozing and Glowing Worlds, Go Green, Getting Physical, World of Ponds – morning, afternoon or both – June 15 to July 30

Faith Lutheran Day School – Let’s Get Buggy summer camp – ages 3 through 2nd grade – June 22 to 26

Flower Mound Library Book Bingo! – ages teen through adults – Choose from a wide variety of listed books and cross off squares as you read them – prizes!

Flower Mound Library Story Time - continues through the summer with programs for ages 0 through family – check out schedule for details

Flower Mound Library Summer Reading Program – pick up a reading log beginning June 4 and keep track of your reading time. Receive rewards for every 7 days that you read at least 20 minutes a day!

Flower Mound Library Theater on Thursdays - afternoon events for readers – ages 4 (FIRM) and up – shows are at 2 pm and 3:15 pm – tickets are required for admission – FREE – tickets are first come/first serve starting at 9 am the day of the show – there will be activities in the library for kids under 4 to do with their parents during the show

Flower Mound Library Wild About Wednesdays – Wednesday night at 7 pm family story time – check the schedule for age recommendations and program announcements

FM Boys and Girls Soccer Camp – grades 1 to 8 – located at Flower Mound High School – three weekly morning camps – for information email doyled@lisd.net or jacobsonl@lisd.net

FMHS Drill Team Rosettes Mini Dance Camp – K through 8th grade – June 15 through June 19th – Contact Michelle Adams for more information: (972) 724-7808

FM Jaguars Baseball Camp – ages 6 to 14 – weekly camps for different age groups – June 15 to 19

Footlights Dance Studio – summer classes and camps – Flower Mound location

Lewisville YMCA – Camp Yipiyuk & Camp Tikihama – weekly themed day camps – ages 4 to 16 – games, swimming, crafts, indoor and outdoor activities, archery, bb guns, field trips and competitions – June 8 through August 17 – contact Greater Lewisville Family YMCA at 972-539-9622

Flower Mound Taekwondo - classes – ages 4 to adult – Flower Mound location

Hilton DFW Lakes Summer Camps - ages 5-18 – Tennis and weekly themed camps: extreme sports, splash, western, creature feature – swimming, horseback riding, karate, arts and crafts, team building, sports and general recreation games – for registration and information call 817-410-6828 or email Jonathan Shaw at jonathan.shaw@hilton.com

Kidz Art - summer art classes – ages 6 through 12- located in Highland Village – Certified Art Instructor/Small Classes – Contact Cindy Hodge: 972-317-2080 or 214-636-5833

Kindermusik - summer classes – ages newborn to 7 – Flower Mound and Bartonville locations – classes include: busy days, Marvelous Me, Let’s Play, Jazz Kitchen and Giggles

Lewisville Parks and Recreation Summer Tennis – day camps – Jr. Beginner Tennis & Swim Camp, Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Tennis Camp, Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Tennis & Swim Camp, Pee Wee Tennis Camp, Adult Beginner & Advanced Beginner Tennis Clinics

Lewisville YMCA - Summer Aquatics & Sports – swimming lessons, teams and Lifeguard Classes – ages 6 months through adult – baseball, basketball, soccer, flag football, mini-multi sports, lacrosse, FIT girls, volleyball, small fry and buddy sports – ages 3 through 8th grade – Contact Greater Lewisville Family YMCA at 972-539-9622

Liberty Christian School – Summertime at Liberty – ages 4 to 13 – June 8 through July 31st – full-scale summer program:  preschool and lower school camps available – sports, physical fitness, computer, arts and crafts, and other activities to fit the emotional, physical, spiritual and mental needs of your child – Argyle location

LISD – Science Camps – ages 5 to 12 (depending on session) – Weekly themed camps morning or afternoon sessions – Themes include: Rocket Ride to Space, Earth, bubbles, Super Sleuth, Oceans Away 1 and 2, Metamorphosis, Going Buggy, Fun Fossils, Science in the Forest, Robot Mania and Welcome to the Garden

LISD – Music Camps – ages 4 to 12 – Weekly themed camps morning or afternoon sessions – Dough-Re-Mi and Boomwackers

LISD – Drama Camps - ages 6 to 14 – Weekly themed camps – Wizard of Oz, Cinderella, Blame it on the Wolf, Kids Komedy Show and Merely Monologues

LISD – Art Camps – ages 5 to 13 – Weekly themed camps – Adventures in Art, Masters Pastel Art Workshop, Drawing and Reading with Eric Carle, Discover Polymer Clay, Austrailian Summer Art Workshop, Mastering Multimedia Workshop, Junior Monster Cartoon Workshop, Cub Scouts Art Badge, Junior Girl Scouts Art Badge

LISD – Lego Camps - ages 5 to 14 – Weekly sessions – Lego Mania, Lego Logo, Lego Science Explorers, Lego Robotics

LISD – Game Camps – ages 5-16 – Game Builder video Game Creation Camp, USA Chess Camp, TGA Golf Camp

LISD – Cooking Camp – ages 4-7 – Camp Kids Cook – morning or afternoon sessions

LISD – Photography Camp – ages 6 to 8 – Fred’s Photo Camp

LISD – School help – Kindergarten Prep, Reading and Writing Skills, Me, My Friends, Munchie Math Time and Read NOW!

LISD – Charm School – ages 4 to 11 – Twi-lite Retreats, Charming Children, Model Bootcamp, Manners Bootcamp

LISD – Fashion Camps – ages 5 and up – Model Makeover, Summer Camp with Barbie, Fashion Designer

Mad Science – hands-on Science Summer Camps – ages 3 to 12 – weekly themed camps: Earth, Bubbles, Super Sleuth, Rocket Ride to Space, Robot Mania – 12 locations in Denton, Collin and Dallas Counties

Marcus Marauder Tennis Camp - ages 6 to 17 – 1/2 day camps with coaches from Marcus – for more information call Coach Langdon at 817-481-2726

Marcus Marquettes Summer Dance Camp – hosted by Alice Dack – grades 1 through 8 – check out website for details and dates

Reading Friends – Summer Enrichment Day Camps – ages 2 through 8 – Lewisville location – camps include: developmental camp, primary and preK camp, Elementary Camp, with weekly themes such as Bugs, Fun with Bubbles, Let’s Cook, Summer is here, Under the Sea, Flowers and Feathers, Bats, Recycling, On the Farm and many more

Soccer Camps by Bobby Moffat – Denton County locations in Lewisville and The Colony for boys and girls 4-16 years old.

Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch -exotic animal care, outdoor survival, games, art projects, restraint and handling, first aid, conservation and more.  Summer Safari (June 8-12 with optional overnight on the 11th) for ages 8-10 and Wild Encounters (June 15-19 with optional overnight on the 18th) for ages 11-13.

Skyhawks Camps - Sports day camps – ages 3 to 15 – basketball, flag football, baseball, mini hawk, beginning golf, volleyball – Flower Mound location: Community Activity Center (CAC)

SoccerTots – summer classes – ages 18 months to 10 years – Child Physical Development Program – Over 80 fun games and activities – 19 indoor facilities

Spanish Schoolhouse – multiple locations in/near Denton County including the NEW Flower Mound location – summer Spanish immersion summer camps – ages 3 to 10 – art, music, games, science, cooking all in Spanish

Studio B Performing Arts Center - classes, workshops, performance opportunities and camps – ages 4 and up – located in Highland Village – Upcoming shows: Alice in Wonderland, Pirates!, Sweeney Todd, The Wizard of Oz, High School Musical 2 – Summer camps: E-I-E-I-Opps!, Sweeney Todd, 101 Dalmations, Pirates!

The Peanut Gallery – summer camps – infants through school age – Programs include:  Baby Signs, Zoo-phonics, Math their Way, Fun with Fitness, Gymnastics, Kindergarten Club, Computers, Spanish, and music

Turning Pointe Dance Studio – classes and camps – located across from Lantana in Bartonville Town Center – ages 3 to 12 – themed camps: Disney, Pop Star, Music Video, Create your own, Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Modern

WinKids – summer classes and camps – themed camps, martial arts, swimming, dance, gymnastics, sports and music

Young Rembrandts - summer classes and workshops – ages 3 1/2 to 13 – classes: preschool drawing, elementary drawing, cartooning – workshops: Art and Reading with Eric Carle, Australian Summer Art, Junior Under the Sea, Masters Pastel – Lewisville and Flower Mound locations

Art Lab at Irving Arts Center

A few Sundays ago, the Irving Arts Center hosted an Art Lab for children & young adults.

Jessie & I took Reese to see what exactly an “Art Lab” was, and what a neat surprise!

The Arts Center had a large room set aside for the children, & our guide gave us a short introduction to the artist on display in the Museum, Arie Van Selm.

He uses stencils to create his very large paintings, so our guide showed us how to use the stencils & sponges to create our own works of art. Van Selm uses lots of head, bird, & “blob” shaped stencils, and so did we!

Jessie’s Favorite Painting

Reese’s Favorite Painting

My Favorite Painting

Teacher Appreciation Week Gifts ASAP!

Here are a few suggestions that can cross “Gifts for teacher” right off your to-do list.  I tried to find things that were a little unique, reasonably priced and convenient so it can be picked up in conjunction with other errands…

Here is what I found:

Teacher gifts are sometimes hard to find…

You don’t want to spend too much, but you want something nice.

You don’t want to get something that he/she will have 28 of by the end of the week, but you want something that he/she will like.

I added the items priced at $20 because I often find myself buying something for the teacher from the class.

Happy Teacher Gift Shopping!

Old Alton Tree Tunnel

I love the road between Argyle and eastern civilization….Old Alton.

What makes it so magical is the intense forest that hugs the road, the old fences that run along both sides and the peeks of sunlight that filter through to the pavement.

photo by Holly Homer

Shhhh...don’t tell anyone, but I will go out of my way to drive this road.

It has always been this way. Ryan was not quite two years old when we moved to Argyle. We had a frequent play date in Hickory Creek which took us down Old Alton on a regular basis. Ryan seemed to enjoy the drive. It was confirmed one day when he put his first two words together…

Tree Tunnel.

Scarborough Faire Renassance Festival!

The very first thing we saw as we entered the gates was a Camel Ride station. Reese, Sir No Fear, was all about riding the camel! It gave me a feeling for the day though…and just how expensive EVERYTHING would be. $4 each for the camel ride? Yikes!

Ye Old Crusty Wench on a Jazzy…classic…
Reese and Mommy with matching face paint. Reese wanted to be a knight…this was the closest thing Mommy could find. And Reese decided I needed the purple Princess face paint. The face paint gal was actually really talented. My face art took all of 30 seconds to do, and looked really pretty!

Looking high and low for a Knight Hat. No luck though…

The Turtle Show. Avoid this if it comes to a fair near you. Although Reese was entertained, the show lasted 25 minutes, and it was semi-funny comedy with the actual turtle race the last 30 seconds! We could have done more at the Faire if we had skipped this! Oh well…

Next Page »