Family Outings
Travel & Vacation: Heading Back to Bangalore
Look at all that scaffolding around the local water tower….
One of the best parts about driving through a chunk of India is we got to see a lot! Even though it has been several months since our last trip I still think about it often. Driving through India really made me appreciate all the many blessings I have in my life, including, food, shelter, and so much more. I really have more than I really need and somehow that is ok (and even expected) in our culture, yet it bothers me. I hope that I never take all the amazing blessings for granted and learn to share what I do have with others.
Look out shelter high up in the tree. It is used mostly to keep an eye out for wild animals and alert the people in the small villages of danger. As you may remember from an earlier post there are tigers and leopards that roam the jungle near them, see our boat safari and jeep safari.
Loaded down jeep….people hanging off of it and items stacked up high on it.
Large irrigation and water canal coming from the Kabini River and going to the local villages.
Kids playing on their bicycle
Brightly colored house in a nearby village. Many of the homes we seen were painted very bright and bold colors.
Colt walking on the street with all the cars, Mama horse was right in front of this little guy.
On the back of the truck we were following…”PLEASE SOUND HORN PLEASE” One thing about India is you hear a lot of horn honking!
A group of people waiting near the gas station for the public bus to arrive.
Mom and four kids waiting by the side of the road.
Jake relaxing on our ride back to Bangalore.
Now that’s a load full of goods.
People literally find spots on the sidewalk, benches or random places on the side of the road to sleep.
Recently, I read an article in the Bloomberg magazine about a group of people in India taking the food that was given to the poor and reselling it so they could pocket the money. This happened over several years and was several billion dollars worth of food. They had warehouses full of food that literally went moldy and was eaten by animals even though only a couple miles down the street people were starving. This article probably would have never had the impact if I had not gone to India. Several days after reading that article I was still thinking about it. We are very blessed to be living in the United States and have a home, food, and so much more.
Man sleeping on a cement slab outside a vacant building.
Standing room only in this auto rickshaw!
Multitasking…..talking on the phone while riding his bike.
Construction site in India, the wooden poles help hold up the levels of the building.
I was amazed at the amount of liter on the side of the road.
Tarp tents set up on the side of the road.
Family riding together on their motorcycle. It was common to see families on their motorcycles riding through town with a bunch of goods from the market on their laps.
Our trip to India was amazing, shocking, and life changing all wrapped up into one package. I hope I never forget some of the things that made such an impact on me during my time in India. May I appreciate the blessings in my life more and learn to be more generous with those around me.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
A Spooktacular Halloween
Monster bags, note, and goodies on their bar stools at breakfast. They were excited to see a little treat waiting for them at breakfast. These bags were too cute, the package came with a variety of eyes and mouths that you could put together in any combination.
Here is a picture of one of the pancake, sausage and bacon Halloween monsters the girls ate for breakfast.
Jake even got festive Halloween sprinkles on his toast!
Karlie’s goody bags to share with her class are all packed and ready to distribute!
Brina’s Halloween class goodies are packed and ready to go!
Teacher Halloween Gifts
A monster and note waiting on Karlie’s seat when I picked her up from school.
Brina had an orange monster and note waiting on her seat in the van when I picked her up from school.
Our little Dancer and Superwoman!
The girls were super excited to have the opportunity to meet up with their cousins (we were able to capture a picture of the adorable blue crayon….there was also a cute little monkey that joined us that evening)!
Every day for the month of October the girls got a little treat in their pumpkins (if they did well at school, after school activities, and at home). On Halloween Day they got their last little goodies. Some of the items they received were Halloween socks, Halloween Underwear, books, glow sticks, crafts, and more!
Family Activities: Fall Festivals
Jake on the spinning teacup with the girls! The last time I went on this ride it made me so sick and dizzy I thought I was going to throw up in one of the girls pumpkins full of Halloween candy!
One of the fun activities our family enjoys participating in every Fall is the local festivals! The girls love getting a chance to go for a ride on carnival rides, hayrides, bouncy castles, check out ambulances, firetrucks, helicopters, pet farm animals and more (for free)! They always have a blast at this event!
Here are a few pictures from one of our favorite fall festivals that we try to go to every year at a local church in our area. Although you do get a bag of candy the highlight is the fun activities (not candy). If you are looking for a safe place to trick or treat for Halloween check to see if any of your local churches do a “Trunk or Treat” event.
Off they go on another ride!
Going UP……..
Jake and the girls flying by me on a chair swing!
Brina flying down the slide!
Karlie zooming down the giant slide!
All of us went on the Thomas the Train ride together!
Checking out the inside of the ambulance!
They had a lot more activities going on that I didn’t get pictures of like face painting, hair glitter, carnival games and more! Do you have fall festivals in your area that your family always looks forward to attending? What type of activities do they have at the festival?
Local Activities: “Dine Out for Mom” Event on Thursday, October 25, 2012
There is a special event going on tomorrow, Thursday, October 25, 2012 called Dine Out For Mom which is a part of the Let There Be Mom organization. As a Mom with small children it is important for me to remember that life is precious, sweet, and short. We never know what joys and trials life will bring our way. You may know of a friend or family member that has gone through serious illness and given only a short amount of time to live. This event is to remind us to celebrate life, create memories, cherish our family, and help others because our life here on earth is not forever.
What is Let There Be Mom? It is an organization that provides help to Moms when they or their spouse is diagnosed with a serious illness. How was it started? “Let There Be Mom” comes along side the family going through this difficult time to preserve memories. They do this through a variety of services tailored to meet the needs and wishes of the individual families. Some examples of ways you can get involved – photography, scrapbooks, journals, videos, meals, errands, special events, care packages, family cookbooks, and many more wonderful activities. The Dine Out For Mom event tomorrow is designed to help raise funds for this great organization. When you eat at one of the participating restaurants they will donate a portion of the proceeds to “Let There Be Mom” so they can continue to help families that are losing a loved one.
Take some time out of your busy day to meet a friend for lunch or take the family out for dinner. What a great way to spend time with those you love while helping a wonderful organization that is committed to preserving family memories.
For more information about the “Let There Be Mom” organization, their services, and how to get involved please visit their website.
Travel & Vacation: Beautiful Orange County Kabini, India
Brilliant bright orange -red flowers found near our hut at the Orange County Kabini Resort
Orange County Kabini captivated my attention with the all the beauty around us. Even though there were a number of families staying on the resort it always seemed peaceful and relaxing. Whether you were walking along the cobblestone paths lined with beautiful flowers, going for a swim, or mesmerized by the colorful sunsets there was plenty to see.
At Kabini there was a kid pool and an adult pool! The adult pool was right next to a huge tree and it looked out over the Kabini River.
View from the other side of the pool. It was a peaceful place to swim.
Funky tree stump by the Kabini River.
Massive ant hill! Now that is one you don’t want to step into, although it was fascinating to see!
Want to relax in a hammock under a huge tree? You can relax in the hammock as you watch the kids swimming in the pool.
Pretty lavender colored flower at Kabini. Not sure what it is called but it reminds me of a small thistle.
Swimming in the pool and watching the boats cruise by on the Kabini River.
Sunset at Kabini
Calm, peaceful and beautiful sunset
Enjoying the last few minutes of the sunset at Kabini
Orange County Kabini was a beautiful place. There were plenty of fun activities as well as ways to relax. It was great having a chance to soak in all the amazing things at Kabini from a relaxing swim to a brilliant colored flower to an amazing sunset. What a wonderful place to visit on our trip to India.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
FREE Military stay at Bed & Breakfasts in North America on November 11, 2012
Inns and Bed & Breakfast’s throughout North America will open their doors to active and retired military and vets plus one guest on Sunday, November 11, 2012. As a way to say thank you for your service 217 (and counting) Inns and Bed & Breakfast’s are offering a free room to those who’ve served in the military.
The rooms are offered on a space available basis, and there are far more deserving vets than B&B space allows. Offers are updated daily and may be sorted by state (or province), so check back often and scroll down for participating inns and Bed &Breakfast’s.
Click here to learn more about how to find a participating inn or B&B and more details about the requirements to participate.
Click here to learn about Canadian B&Bs for Vets offers from BBCanada. Look what’s in store.
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
One of the best parts about writing down my goals is it gives me a chance to review them weekly, however, it can be quite convicting if it is a rough week. I was able to get some of the items on my list done this week. Hopefully this week I will be able to tackle more items on my list!
Last week’s goals:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily – there were a couple nights late nights that I didn’t have a chance to read to the girls
Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforeDaily School Activities & Homework CompletedAttend After School ActivitiesPlan one special Activity with the FamilyGo on a Field Trip with the Girls Classes– went with Karlie’s class to the Fire Station
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week – almost made it, did 4 days out of the 5
Drink 8 glasses of water each day- Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read) – working on it
- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – reading through it
Home Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekStart tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule– making some progress on itPay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention- Get caught up on 5 blog items – got caught up some items
Complete the Website Blog Update
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchWrite and Send Out Community Group Email- Work out the details of our Community Group Camping Adventure – need to work out the last few details
- A Friend Challenged me to read through my Bible – since I am already through the majority of the year I am working on a plan where you can read through the Bible in 90 days by YouVersion – working faithfully through it
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4 – went over this week
- Payoff the Van – working on it
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.) – moving forward slowly
My goals for the upcoming week:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
- Attend After School Activities
- Plan one special Activity with the Family
- Spend extra time with Grandma, Great Grandma, and extended family
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read)
- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule
- Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Get caught up on 5 blog items
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Write and Send Out Community Group Email
- Write and Send Out Alms & Legs Ministry Team Email
- Work out the details of our Community Group Camping Adventure
- A Friend Challenged me to read through my Bible – since I am already through the majority of the year I am working on a plan where you can read through the Bible in 90 days by YouVersion
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
- Payoff the Van
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.)
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Travel & Vacation: Elephant Ride (Orange County Kabini, India)
Jake & I on our first elephant ride
Elephants are amazing creatures! If you would have told me at the beginning of 2012 that I would be traveling to India and taking a ride on an elephant I am not sure I would have believed you. Boy, how a few busy months can change and new adventures happen right before our very own eyes.
It was an awesome opportunity to travel to India earlier this year. Jake and I not only got to see elephants up close our both of our Boat Safari and Jeep Safari, we got to touch one, take a ride on an elephant, and give an elephant a bath! How COOL IS THAT?!!!
The kids and Matt going for a ride on the elephant.
Taking the elephant to the water for her bath. Bathing an elephant is a new experience for all of us.
Whose ready to help give the elephant a bath?
How often do you see a sitting elephant?
The workers are getting the elephant to sit then lay down in the water so we can help give her a bath.
Splashing water on the elephant to rinse her off. She seemed to really enjoy the bath. I bet it felt great to have the cool water splashed on her after giving everyone a ride.
This was the best part of the bath! The workers asked to see if anyone wanted to get up on the elephant one last time at the end of her bath. Of course the kids volunteered! Right after they got onto the elephant she reached her trunk down into the water and flung it up over her head spraying them with water. The first time it took all of us by surprise, but before long everyone was wanting a turn. This picture of Erica and Michael getting sprayed by the elephant
Rachel & David getting sprayed by the elephant
It was so neat being able to touch, ride, and interact with an elephant up close. The elephant was big, gentle, and well behaved. I wonder what it would be like to have a “pet” elephant (I know the girls would love it)! Thanks Matt and Jen for showing us amazing place and sharing this experience with us. Hopefully, we’ll get a chance to take the girls for a ride on an elephant someday.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Charleston History & Sites to See (part 2)
Checking out a more modern one….some serious discussions are taking place.
This post is in addition from our post earlier today on Travel & Vacation: Charleston History & Sites to See. At least one night every time we go with Jake to Charleston we spend some time in walking through Battery Park looking at all the monuments, reading them and talking about history. You would think by now the girls have this park memorized and would be tired of it, but they request to go here every time we are in the Charleston area. The pictures of Battery Park are a little darker because we went at night. Plus you’ll see some other great items to look out for on your road trip to Charleston (at least if you are heading to Charleston from the same direction we go).
The girls always request a trip to battery park when we are in Charleston
A large monument in Battery Park, the girls want us to read the monument then they have fun seeing how many different states they can find etched on the stones.
Exploring the cannons at Battery Park
This tree’s looking a little spooky at night in battery park. Still haven’t figured out the meaning behind the white feathers from an earlier trip Travel & Vacation: Fun in Charleston. If you know the reason I would love to find out!
Mommy and girls in the giant gazebo at Battery Park
Karlie especially gets excited when we pass the “rocket” because she loves rockets. Brina gets excited because she knows that we are almost to Daniel’s Island! 🙂
Another favorite sight on our trip to and from Charleston! The girls always love seeing the USA Flag and on the other side of the road is a huge smiley face!
While Battery Park is one of the kids favorite places to visit it is only one of the many great historical sites to see while in Charleston. You can take a tour of Fort Sumter or Fort Moultrie or take a ride on a horse drawn carriage through Charleston as they share history and facts with you or many more wonderful activities. Battery Park is an easy one because it is free (as long as you can find parking). What are some other great historical or fun places to visit in the Charleston area?
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Charleston History & Sites to See
Karlie and Brina standing at the pier with Patriots Point and USS Yorktown in the background.
Brina and Karlie love going to Charleston with us. One of their favorite things to do in Charleston is to explore and learn tidbits of history. Charleston has a lot of history so it has provided many opportunities for us to learn and appreciate our country’s history. We always visit Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant whenever we go to Charleston. Near the pier is an area with a fountain, monuments, and plaques honoring our military. You can also see the USS Yorktown from that area too (see picture above). There are other areas in Mount Pleasant, Daniel’s Island and Charleston with a lot of history as well. Here is a few we enjoy visiting when we are in the area.
A sign near the monument
Monument….”on behalf of a grateful nation”
Department of Army (1775) monument
Throwing their coins into the fountain.
United States Coast Guard (1790)
South Carolina state flag flying in the wind next to the monuments
United States Air Force
Fountain near waterfront park
Department of the Navy – United State of America
This one is on Daniel’s Island and says “By 1680, Charleston had moved to its present location and was growing rapidly. It attracted French Huguenots and others drawn by the promise of religious tolerance and available land.”
Department of Navy – United States Marine Corps
In Peace and War – United States Merchant Marine (1775)
The neat part about reading these monuments with the girls is that it gives us an opportunity to discuss our country, its history, and show appreciation for the men and women who have served and those who are currently serving. We have many amazing blessings living in the United States. No country is perfect, but we have a lot of great things to celebrate in our history.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
