Well, it looks like my Georgia project will be short lived. We are moving to Washington State in the next few months. This is a good thing though. I am from WA and I love it there!!! It is exactly where I want to raise my boys.
So, my Georgia project will soon be my Washington project. I will have so much more success with that one because I already know so many of the sites and kid-friendly places in the Tacoma-Olympia area....and the majority of the state for that matter.
August 10, 2010
August 6, 2010
Park & Playground Etiquette
We go to the park quite often. I have made some general observations at the various parks we go to that really make me wonder about people sometimes. This has led me to make a list of park etiquette that I wish more people would observe.
1. Interact with your children. I don't know how many times I have seen parents just sitting off to the side or talking on their cell phones. Sure, some of the older children do not want to play with their parents if there are other kids to play with but when there are no other children around I think parents should interact more. I recently took my toddler to the park to play and when we arrived there was a mom sitting at a picnic table and her girls were standing there. The mom was yelling at the top of her lungs at the girls telling them to go play or they were going to leave. I took my son to a small jungle gym and a few minutes later the little girls came over to play there too. The older of the two (they were probably 5yrs & 2 yrs) said she wanted to play a game with her mom but her mom didn't want to. The little girl had tears on her face. I felt bad for her.
2. Don't dump you pop or juice anywhere near the play ground. News flash -- sweets attract ants, roaches, and bees. These are the last thing I want to see crawling on my son. I don't think people realize when they are sitting in a picnic gazebo that if they pour out the rest of their pop in the grass that it is going to draw ants or other pests. Here in the south I constantly see little ant hills on the edge of picnic gazebo's because people pour out the rest of their drink. Also, make sure to wrap all food items in plastic bags before throwing them in the on-site garbage cans. Otherwise flies will get in and lay eggs....hatching maggots and well, I am sure you can figure out the rest!
3. Pick up trash. Seems like a no brainer right? The parks around my area are usually always clean. Sometimes we find a juice bottle or a pop can that someone probably just forgot. My husband and I try to pick those up if we see them laying around....even though they weren't ours. We like to take pride in the community, even if just a little effort such as picking up a pop can at the park.
4. If you must smoke around the kids PLEASE (I beg of you) put your butts in the garbage. As a former smoker, I know it is not that hard.
5. Don't let your kids be a bully or a brat. Teach them to be nice and play fair early otherwise your kid will not have friends later in life. No one likes a bully or a brat.
Does anyone else have any park pet peeves?
1. Interact with your children. I don't know how many times I have seen parents just sitting off to the side or talking on their cell phones. Sure, some of the older children do not want to play with their parents if there are other kids to play with but when there are no other children around I think parents should interact more. I recently took my toddler to the park to play and when we arrived there was a mom sitting at a picnic table and her girls were standing there. The mom was yelling at the top of her lungs at the girls telling them to go play or they were going to leave. I took my son to a small jungle gym and a few minutes later the little girls came over to play there too. The older of the two (they were probably 5yrs & 2 yrs) said she wanted to play a game with her mom but her mom didn't want to. The little girl had tears on her face. I felt bad for her.
2. Don't dump you pop or juice anywhere near the play ground. News flash -- sweets attract ants, roaches, and bees. These are the last thing I want to see crawling on my son. I don't think people realize when they are sitting in a picnic gazebo that if they pour out the rest of their pop in the grass that it is going to draw ants or other pests. Here in the south I constantly see little ant hills on the edge of picnic gazebo's because people pour out the rest of their drink. Also, make sure to wrap all food items in plastic bags before throwing them in the on-site garbage cans. Otherwise flies will get in and lay eggs....hatching maggots and well, I am sure you can figure out the rest!
3. Pick up trash. Seems like a no brainer right? The parks around my area are usually always clean. Sometimes we find a juice bottle or a pop can that someone probably just forgot. My husband and I try to pick those up if we see them laying around....even though they weren't ours. We like to take pride in the community, even if just a little effort such as picking up a pop can at the park.
4. If you must smoke around the kids PLEASE (I beg of you) put your butts in the garbage. As a former smoker, I know it is not that hard.
5. Don't let your kids be a bully or a brat. Teach them to be nice and play fair early otherwise your kid will not have friends later in life. No one likes a bully or a brat.
Does anyone else have any park pet peeves?
August 4, 2010
Yahoola Creek Trails and Park
Yahoola Creek Trails Conservancy
I have known about Yahoola Creek Park for quite a few months. I have even driven down to the park several times but I never stopped. The other day I decided to take the kids to the park and since we have not been to Yahoola Creek Park we decided to give it a try....and what a wonderful decision that was!
Yahoola Creek Park is located in the heart of Dahlonega. The facility has several baseballs fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, two playground areas, restrooms, picnics areas, walking trails, and a greenspace conservatory. Yahoola Creek runs through the park (hence the name) and makes for an enjoyable and beautiful backdrop.
The greenspace is the hidden gem in this park. After playing in the main playground area for an hour or so we decided to check out the other playground that can be seen from the main play area. The second playground is at the edge of the conservatory.
First of all, the air is soooo fresh and smells soooo good near the conservation area. The grass was freshly cut the day we went and the air had that sweet country smell to it. It is my understanding that people are encouraged to help with the upkeep of the area (you can formally volunteer by filling out a form on the park website). There is a small pond area for turtles, salamanders, and other water creatures. Dozens of varieties of flowers, trees, and bushes. Fruit trees, herbs, and a vegetable garden are also included!
There are quite a few birdhouses posted throughout the area as well. I was amazed at the number of beautiful butterflies lofting around....especially near the flower area. To add to all of this, there is a little building area with informational posters and points-of-interest stands posted throughout the area.
My 12 year old loved the informational posters and the points-of-interest stands. My toddler loved walking throughout the area, picking up rocks, and chasing butterflies. We did not walk up the trails, because we didn't have proper shoes on, but we are going to do that soon.
This park was so much fun. It is a great place to teach your children about agriculture, the environment, wildlife protection, gardening, and community involvement. Not to mention you can get some exercise there, play sports, watch the children play, or bring a picnic.
The website (link listed above) provides detailed directions, more information on the park, and details on volunteering.
I have known about Yahoola Creek Park for quite a few months. I have even driven down to the park several times but I never stopped. The other day I decided to take the kids to the park and since we have not been to Yahoola Creek Park we decided to give it a try....and what a wonderful decision that was!
Yahoola Creek Park is located in the heart of Dahlonega. The facility has several baseballs fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, two playground areas, restrooms, picnics areas, walking trails, and a greenspace conservatory. Yahoola Creek runs through the park (hence the name) and makes for an enjoyable and beautiful backdrop.
The greenspace is the hidden gem in this park. After playing in the main playground area for an hour or so we decided to check out the other playground that can be seen from the main play area. The second playground is at the edge of the conservatory.
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| Vegetable garden |
There are quite a few birdhouses posted throughout the area as well. I was amazed at the number of beautiful butterflies lofting around....especially near the flower area. To add to all of this, there is a little building area with informational posters and points-of-interest stands posted throughout the area.
My 12 year old loved the informational posters and the points-of-interest stands. My toddler loved walking throughout the area, picking up rocks, and chasing butterflies. We did not walk up the trails, because we didn't have proper shoes on, but we are going to do that soon.
 |
| At one of the points-of-interest posts |
This park was so much fun. It is a great place to teach your children about agriculture, the environment, wildlife protection, gardening, and community involvement. Not to mention you can get some exercise there, play sports, watch the children play, or bring a picnic.
 |
| He was chasing a butterfly |
The website (link listed above) provides detailed directions, more information on the park, and details on volunteering.
August 2, 2010
Tons of Information!!
I requested a few brochures from the State of Georgia. I was pleasantly surprised as the amount of information they sent me! I have tons of brochures, magazines, and maps. I am working on listing the kid-friendly items.
We also found a another park in Dahlonega that is sooo cool! I took a lot of pictures and I will get all that information posted soon as well.
In the meantime, check out North Georgia Kids. This site has some information specifically for North Georgia. They are hoping to add more in the near future!
We also found a another park in Dahlonega that is sooo cool! I took a lot of pictures and I will get all that information posted soon as well.
In the meantime, check out North Georgia Kids. This site has some information specifically for North Georgia. They are hoping to add more in the near future!
July 30, 2010
Veterans Memorial Park - Dawsonville Georgia
Yesterday my husband and I took Colt, our toddler, to Veterans Memorial Park in Dawsonville. We have been passing by this park on a fairly regular basis for more than a year but we have never stopped in. The reason we have never stopped is because we just thought this was the Dawsonville pool. We never really looked at the sign and we never really looked beyond the pool. We came across the park because we were driving on GA-400 and saw one of those brown road signs that point you in the direction of a place of interest. The signs led us to Veterans Memorial Park.
This park is definitely a kid-friendly establishment. As mentioned, there is a pool - which is of decent size for the community. The park has several baseball fields and two football fields, one of which has a surrounding track. There are two playground areas and another set of swings at the track. One of the playground areas is designed for 2-3 year old children in mind, but my 15-month old enjoyed it too. The park includes a really nice covered gazebo area that can be reserved for potlucks, family gatherings, birthday parties, or whatever. The gazebo is equipped with a really nice stone kitchenette, grill, and sink with running water, restrooms, chairs, and plenty of picnic tables.
Another feature to the park which I really liked, and which looks to be relatively new, is a 8/10 mile paved walking/biking trail. The trail travels through the entire park so you can park in any one of the half a dozen parking lots and walk the trail back to your car! Near the gazebo, which the trail passes by, are several fitness stations. Each station works on a different muscle group and provides complete instructions on how to conduct each exercise. These fitness stationed would be appropriate for older children to senior citizens.
Lastly, the memorial set up to remember Veteran's is small but very attractive and well kept.
In all I was very impressed with this park and I am glad we "discovered" it.
This park is definitely a kid-friendly establishment. As mentioned, there is a pool - which is of decent size for the community. The park has several baseball fields and two football fields, one of which has a surrounding track. There are two playground areas and another set of swings at the track. One of the playground areas is designed for 2-3 year old children in mind, but my 15-month old enjoyed it too. The park includes a really nice covered gazebo area that can be reserved for potlucks, family gatherings, birthday parties, or whatever. The gazebo is equipped with a really nice stone kitchenette, grill, and sink with running water, restrooms, chairs, and plenty of picnic tables.
Another feature to the park which I really liked, and which looks to be relatively new, is a 8/10 mile paved walking/biking trail. The trail travels through the entire park so you can park in any one of the half a dozen parking lots and walk the trail back to your car! Near the gazebo, which the trail passes by, are several fitness stations. Each station works on a different muscle group and provides complete instructions on how to conduct each exercise. These fitness stationed would be appropriate for older children to senior citizens.
Lastly, the memorial set up to remember Veteran's is small but very attractive and well kept.
In all I was very impressed with this park and I am glad we "discovered" it.
July 28, 2010
Thomas the Train is coming to Georgia
My toddler loves Thomas the Tank Engine. I was excited to hear that Thomas is coming to Georgia....but quickly disappointed to learn he is coming to Cordele....which is in Southern Georgia. However, I may still consider making the trip...but we will see.
HERE is the link to Thomas the Tank Engine coming to Georgia.
HERE is the link to Thomas the Tank Engine coming to Georgia.
Corn Chip Chewies - Coffee and Camera
Recently I have been making my 12 year old plan one meal a week. His responsibilities are to find a recipe that he wants to make, check to see which ingredients we need to buy, make a list for the store (and search for coupons or sales if available), gather materials, and make the meal or whatever he has chosen. A few days ago he made homemade pepperoni pizza and he wanted to make a dessert to go along with it but we ran out of time. So, two night ago he made his dessert. I was a little concerned about how the dessert was going to turn out because it called for corn chips (Fritos) but let me tell you - these are really good!! Peanutty, sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewie. This is definitely a treat we will make again....the best part -- your older kids can make it with assistance. The only part the parent needs to do it boiling the sugar and syrup!!
10 ounces corn chips, crushed
1 cup roasted peanuts, divided & optional -- (My son used honey-roasted)
1 cup corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Put half of the corn chips and half of the peanuts into a greased 13x9x2-in pan. In a saucepan, combine corn syrup and sugar, bring to a boil then remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter. Drizzle half of the syrup mixture onto the corn chips. Mix remaining corn chips and peanuts into the syrup mixture. Pour mixture into pan and lightly press down. Sprinkle chocolate chips over warm mixture. Cool. Yield: 2 dozen
I wish I would have taken pictures but my toddler put my camera into a cup of coffee. My son is currently searching out his next recipe.
In the meantime, I guess I will research cameras.
Corn Chip Chewies
10 ounces corn chips, crushed
1 cup roasted peanuts, divided & optional -- (My son used honey-roasted)
1 cup corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Put half of the corn chips and half of the peanuts into a greased 13x9x2-in pan. In a saucepan, combine corn syrup and sugar, bring to a boil then remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter. Drizzle half of the syrup mixture onto the corn chips. Mix remaining corn chips and peanuts into the syrup mixture. Pour mixture into pan and lightly press down. Sprinkle chocolate chips over warm mixture. Cool. Yield: 2 dozen
I wish I would have taken pictures but my toddler put my camera into a cup of coffee. My son is currently searching out his next recipe.
In the meantime, I guess I will research cameras.
Free Entrance to More Than 100 National Parks
We love to take the kids hiking in National Parks. State and national parks always seem to be cleaner and safer than wondering through any random forest. Not to mention that state and national forests often times have a visitor's center with restrooms, picnic areas, maps, and other areas of interest. Typically there is a small fee to enter state and national parks.
Here in Northern Georgia we have visited several national/state park areas -- our favorite so far being Amicalola Fall State Park.
More than 100 National Parks will be offering fee-free days in August, September, and November. These are the Georgia parks that are participating:
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area***
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park ***
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Fort Frederica National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument
The websites provide maps, links for things to do, background on the park, and a variety of other information.
*** = Northern Georgia/Southern Tennessee
Here in Northern Georgia we have visited several national/state park areas -- our favorite so far being Amicalola Fall State Park.
More than 100 National Parks will be offering fee-free days in August, September, and November. These are the Georgia parks that are participating:
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area***
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park ***
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Fort Frederica National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument
The websites provide maps, links for things to do, background on the park, and a variety of other information.
*** = Northern Georgia/Southern Tennessee
July 26, 2010
Planning a Day Trip to Blue Ridge GA
Planning a trip - even day trips - is difficult with my husband's job. His hours vary each day. So I don't know exactly what day we are going to take this trip and I might not even wait for him. I don't know that he will be that interested anyways.
The Destination: Blue Ridge, GA. It looks to be about an hours drive north of us - on the Tennessee border.
The Purpose: Peaches and apples
The Place: Mercier Orchards
The Plan: To make peach jam and apple butter with the produce I buy
I am not exactly sure how kid-friendly the orchard is but from what I have read it is worth a shot. If nothing else, my toddler can run around and expend some energy!
I am hoping to make the trip sometime next week.
In the meantime, I need to get my canning stuff together.
The Destination: Blue Ridge, GA. It looks to be about an hours drive north of us - on the Tennessee border.
The Purpose: Peaches and apples
The Place: Mercier Orchards
The Plan: To make peach jam and apple butter with the produce I buy
I am not exactly sure how kid-friendly the orchard is but from what I have read it is worth a shot. If nothing else, my toddler can run around and expend some energy!
I am hoping to make the trip sometime next week.
In the meantime, I need to get my canning stuff together.
Making a list....checking it twice....
I am currently making a list of kid-friendly things that we have done, or plan to do, in Northern Georgia. The link is at the top of this blog. As I get this blog established I plan to write some better reviews of the places we have gone.
Work in progress....
Work in progress....
July 25, 2010
Dare I?
Dare I start another project? Isn't enough to be a wife, mother, student, and dog owner. I am quite certain that I do not have the time or energy for another project. Yet, something is telling me to go for it.
My original goal was to use this as a way to gather up all of the things to do (or lack thereof) here in Northern Georgia. I am constantly searching for things to do with my kids. Things that they both might enough (12 yr old & 1 yr old).
I figured though since I am putting time and energy into this that perhaps I would include other topics as well. So here goes...another project.
In the meantime, I really need to find places to take my kids to get out of the house.
My original goal was to use this as a way to gather up all of the things to do (or lack thereof) here in Northern Georgia. I am constantly searching for things to do with my kids. Things that they both might enough (12 yr old & 1 yr old).
I figured though since I am putting time and energy into this that perhaps I would include other topics as well. So here goes...another project.
In the meantime, I really need to find places to take my kids to get out of the house.
