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Friday, February 24, 2017

Fun in the Sun Top 10 Summer Field Trips

We, here at Integritas Academy, are set up on a year round school. We take a summer break, but it is a little shorter than most...only about 6 weeks. This allows us a more flexible schedule throughout the year and longer holiday breaks. That being said, I have to admit...my favorite kind of summer learnin is the kind that takes place out of the classroom.

Its so much easier to get our crew out the door and to a field trip when Im not worried about the daily schedule. And who really worries about a schedule in the summer anyway?!

So, without further ado, I present to you our Top 10 Summer Field Trips...

10. Willy Wonka Chocolate Tour

A few summers ago we participated in a field trip to a local fondue restaurant. You can read more about it here, but basically this restaurant hosted Willy Wonka themed field trips, teaching the kids about the history of chocolate and letting them do taste tests. I dont think I really need to tell you why this one was a fav...I mean seriously, it was yummy!!

9. Aquarium

Summer is the perfect time to head to an aquarium. The closest one to us is a little over an hour away, but a summer was made for day trips! I dont need to convince you of the educational value here. Your kids are going to learn without even realizing it an aquarium.

8. Zoos and Wildlife Centers

Now, I have to admit, I am not one of those year-long-family-zoo-pass kind of mamas. One zoo trip a year is really kind of enough for me. Toddlers are really the best to take to the zoo. I love watching their faces light up when they are seeing those big, strange animals for the first time. However, if you have a wildlife center in your area than you have a real treasure. The one near us is free, has a great education center, and is rarely crowded.

7. Confectionery Tour

Im aware of two different candy shoppes within driving distance of us that offer tours that teach about the candy making process. And then of course you get samples as well! Another great idea for summer is to tour an ice cream shoppe that makes their own ice cream. We have a Graeters shop that does this near us.

6. Boating and Fishing

Now, we have not always been the best at this but seriously, summer should not be complete without a boating and fishing trip. And why not add this cool, free Fish and Fishing Unit Lapbook from Homeschoolshare to your Summer fun studies?

5. Childrens Museums

Take a break from the heat and head inside a childrens museum or science center. Try this site to find one near you.

4. Walking Tour of your City

Last year we had the awesome opportunity to participate in a walking tour of our city. We joined with some other homeschool families who were setting up this field trip, so Im not really sure who you contact to get this done. But it would so be worth the investment of your time to find out how to do this. We were blessed with an awesome guide who shared all sorts of history and explanations of the architecture of the buildings, etc.

3. Living History Museum?

We never miss a summer without heading to Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana to enjoy their living history museum. Its a long drive for us, but no one in the family complains.

2. State Fair

Oh yes, the State Fair is always a favorite of the summer. Last year, our daughter entered several sewing projects into competition. It was great to see her work and she earned several ribbons. Plus, we got discounted tickets! Woo-hoo!

1. Hiking

Its free. Its awesome exercise. All ages love it. We could hike every single weekend of the summer without complaints. Need I say more?

Not convinced walking in the woods is educational? Well, than you should definitely check out the nature study resources at http://www.shiningdawnbooks.com/ .

So what are you waiting for? Grab some sunscreen and head out the door!

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Fun in the Sun Weekend Recap Im back!

I think I am finally back to normal. I feel like myself again, so more weird blog posts or writings. Well, who knows about that as I am a weird person at times. Ha. This weekend I basically had a "snap out of moment", which almost instantly brought me back into being my usual self. I was so sick and tired of feeling sad all of the time. Thats not me, that is not how I live my life, and the last thing I want to do is derail off of my hard work- be it my blog, the gym, anything. I have really worked hard over the past 9 months and I want to keep going. I just want to be more mindful and not burn myself out like I did a few weeks ago.
Friday after a busy day at work, I went to the gym as normal. I busted through my plateau and now I am at 60 pounds lost since November 25th. It was my favorite workout - legs! Since Saturday was to be a rest day, I really wanted to push hard and I definitely did.

After the gym, I came home to feed Marty and take a shower, then I took off to Greensboro for an impromptu trip to stay with my grandmother. She is taking a trip to Florida this week so I will not be able to see her until the end of the month, plus she had an idea for Saturday, so she asked me to come. Of course I obliged. Once I arrived to her house, we spent the evening chatting in the outdoor room and I was able to get in some good reading time. I am currently reading "The Happiness Project". I absolutely love going to grandparents, that is my home. I sleep the best and relax the best there, which felt like paradise for me after the last few weeks I have had.

Saturday morning we woke up and she took me to a vinegar and oil store. This place was great! I am trying to veer away from using oils when I cook or marinate meats and vegetables. I consume my essential fats through nuts so I dont need oils. This store was so awesome because one could make their own natural vinaigrette or oils! The ingredients are real, raw, fresh, and organic. You know exactly what you are making and purchasing. I opted for a light vinaigrette with pineapple. It is unbelievably delicious, I swear I could drink it. My grandmother made a dark cherry vinaigrette.

After our fabulous trip at the vinegar store, I drove back to Charlotte. My legs were sore from my workout, and all of that driving did not help my energy or soreness. Driving makes me so tired too. I spent most of the afternoon writing. I am happy to say that I am making great progress with my book. I had plans for the evening, but they fell apart. Which was probably the best thing that has happened to me because it woke me up. It was a light bulb moment that really needed to happen. After that, I decided to call it a night early and get a good amount of sleep.
I woke up Sunday still feeling sore but I wanted to spend the day out. I decided I wanted to be happy. Its that simple. I decided to let go of the negative feelings I have been pouring myself into and be "me" again. I made myself a protein packed breakfast, packed my back pack, then drove to the mountains to go hiking. It has been a month since I have hiked! I cant believe it. Since I started hiking 6 months ago, I rarely ever miss a weekend-- but due to my state of mind lately, the weather, and a lot of travel it has been hard.

The weather was very hot, but beautiful. Once I started on my 10-mile strenuous trail, I immediately felt rejuvenated and energetic. It was a strong hike. Though I have not hiked in a few weeks, I have still been training hard at the gym. Pushing myself on the StairMill 5 days a week has really helped with hiking. I climbed the mountain in record time, both up and down. It was awesome!

After my hike, I drove back home to take a shower and get cleaned up for church.

I attend a church called Elevation occasionally. When I was younger, I detested going to church, but when I moved to Charlotte a few years ago, I really felt it on my heart to try this place, so I did. I am definitely not a "holier than thou" person, but this church lifts my spirits and heals my soul so much. I love the loud music, the lights, the band, and the pastor, Steven Furtick (who is a New York Times best selling author) makes me understand the Bible and use Gods word in my everyday life.

I knew I needed to go. I probably need it more than ever right now. As expected, the service was wonderful. Next week the church is starting a 6 week series called #DeathToSelfie, which I am equally curious and nervous about because I am definitely in trouble. Ha!
After church was finished, I ran by the grocery store then went to the movies. I had a free ticket so I decided to use it and see "Jersey Boys". I have to admit I was disappointed. I liked the story and it was a "good" movie, but it was a bit boring. Maybe I felt this way because I do not appreciate "The Four Seasons" like someone who was a die hard fan.

I was off of work today since I am working summer hours-- three day weekend and four 10-hour work days throughout the week. When I woke up this morning, I was the sorest I have been in months. I never want to go a month without hiking again; my legs are paying for it.
I pushed myself to clean my apartment then I laid out by the pool all afternoon. Today was actually the first pool day I have had all summer. Now I cant wait to have more. It was so much fun. I made a delicious cocktail, which I call "The Fitness Blondie Cu-Come On Over Summer Cocktail". It is 1 1/2 shots of Skinnygirl cucumber vodka, fresh sliced cucumber, 1/4 cup of lemon seltzer water, a dash of lime juice, ice and then blended together! Its refreshing, light, and keeps you hydrated. I sipped on my drink, read on my Kindle, played in the pool, got some good sun, and made a new girlfriend. (Hi Alyssa, cant wait to hang out more girl!)

The Hump Day blog hop will be back Wednesday along with the magazine giveaway winners, plus my Weekly Training and Nutrition Plan. Thanks for sticking with me through this time guys!
Try Quest Protein Bars!

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Friday, February 24, 2017

Fun in the Sun Top 10 Summer Field Trips

Fun in the Sun Top 10 Summer Field Trips

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Fun in the Sun Weekend Recap Im back!

Fun in the Sun Weekend Recap Im back!