Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Thrill or Chill... Winter Lights at the Los Angeles Zoo

One of the blessings of parenting teens
is the opportunity to witness their transition

from childhood into adulthood

Our oldest

recently surprised us by planning
a winter evening Family Adventure

and I was over the moon
(pun intended)

remembering

our first visit...

planned so that I could see the
look of awe and wonder on his little face

while cherishing

our recent visit...

planned so that he could see the
look of gratitude and joy on mine
------------------------------------

"The Family w/ Teens"


TIME IS LIMITED!!

Grab your boots, sweaters, hats, gloves,
and scarves for a Winter Wonderland

"Thrill or Chill" Adventure


at the

Los Angeles Zoo
LA Zoo Lights


LA Zoo Lights occurs "after hours", and
most of the animals will be unavailable...

(exception being those in the LAIR) 

Living Amphibians
Invertebrates, and Reptiles


You'll observe him, and he'll
observe you (observing him)


then exit the LAIR to stop
and observe the amazing

Water Light Show
(recurring every 5 min.)




Tip:

My son used the AAA discount code
for $$ off each ticket admission

(such a proud mommy moment)

Selfie Spot

There will be a perfect opportunity to stop for
a selfie (or two) before strolling through the


Twinkle Tunnel


because...

"You may not know exactly where the path will lead,
but you know without doubt who is lighting the way"



Churros, Cocoa, and a Los Angeles "snow flurry"
makes for a magical experience at any age!



Want to see more?

Check out the hashtag!

Hurry to catch these other seasonal
Southern CA Light Adventures

"Enchanted"

"Moonlight Forest"


(find more Thrill or Chill Adventures here)

Saturday, December 28, 2019

In Search of Winter (at Home and Abroad)

Whether you're... 

searching for

"a Winter Wonderland" 
(or seeking to escape one)

travel far enough, and you're sure 
to find exactly what you need

because...

at least six months of the year,
it's Winter somewhere!

-----------------------------------





Thrill or Chill...




(find more Family Adventures here)

Monday, December 16, 2019

Preparing Children For World Travel Before Ever Leaving Home

There's no greater 
teaching experience 

than

traveling abroad
meeting new people
seeing the world

(the gift we strive to give our children)

but before ever

stepping into an airport
getting their passport(s) stamped
or boarding an airplane

we can prepare them
to value and appreciate 

the lifestyle
the customs
the cultural norms

of people 

everywhere

Here are five things to help
prepare children for world travel...
------------------------------------------

Music

Although our approach to music may vary...

Music is universal! 

steel drums
harmonicas
wind chimes
banjoes

the instruments
the instrumentation

the way we use (and enjoy) music often reflects
the diversity in the ways in which we approach life

easy...
laid back...
fast-paced...
heart pounding...

Music helps tell our stories!

as well as...

------------------------------------

Books
"World Snack Series" by Amy Wilson Sanger


Stories of truth and resilience

places
people
history

captured between the pages
passed down through oral tradition

provide an introduction

as you prepare...

------------------------------------------

Activities

(Children learn best through hands-on play
w/ meaningful interactions and conversations)

"My Granny Went to Market"
by Stella Blackstone and Christopher Corr


"travel" with Granny

(or Grammie)
(or Grandma)

as she shops in...

Istanbul
Thailand
Mexico
China

(and a few other "exotic" locations)


encourage children to duplicate granny's magic
carpet by creating their own unique patterns

Dhurrie Rug- Paper Piecing Activity


then visit the marketplace

to engage the senses
by introducing

scents
spices
flavors



-provide a mortar and pestle
-make spice smelling jars
-add cumin to play dough

allowing children to acquaint themselves
with the fragrance of spices

before adding them to...

-------------------------------------

Food

Introduce your child's palate to global flavors
through the use of seasonings, spices, and herbs

by...

incorporating new flavor profiles into
foods your child already eats and enjoys

Watermelon, Cucumber, Jicama
w/ chili salt, and a splash of lime
(Chile)


Need ideas?


"Around the World in 80 Purees"
by Leena Saini

is an excellent introduction of flavor
for infants as young as 6 months

start early
start young
start at home

The best part?

Recipes are categorized by region so that you can
"travel the world" without ever leaving your kitchen!


Roasted potatoes and rainbow carrots
(North Africa)
-------------------------------------

and finally...

Field Trips

fairs
festivals
parades

museums
and

cultural art exhibits

get out of the house
see an exhibit
meet someone

as a fun way to introduce the beauty
of culture and prepare for world travel!

Travel the world with us?

Monday, December 9, 2019

Lantern Release... Learning to Let Go w/ ShaRhonda Rose

Fear is a stronghold that seeks to...

paralyze
stop
hinder

But when grace steps in
(and introduces faith)

we gain the courage we need to

look at fear
acknowledge it
face it

and then

(when we are ready)

we can also learn to finally...

let it go
--------------------------------

"Overcame the Fear of Flying"


Overcoming a fear can take time, so
understanding, patience, and resilience is key

Don't give up!



(read her story)

Today she shares part of her year-long journey
of learning to literally release her fear!!


The Lights Fest
Sky Lantern Release


Los Angeles to Imperial
(approx. 208 miles)


meeting in the open desert provides an opportunity to distance yourself
from all of the city noise, settle your spirit, and quiet your inner voice

as you

connect with God, self, and other like minded individuals


She says...

"The Lights Fest is an experience where friends and family
gather to listen to live music, fill up on good food, and
light up life by sharing personal wishes, dreams, and goals"

"Let your faith be bigger than your fears!!!"


look closer and you'll she personalized it...

For God has not given (me) the spirit of fear;
but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind

2 Timothy 1:7


Then as the sun goes does down, and the
sky darkens, light up your personalized lantern

to...


1...2...3...

Release!



She says...

"At the perfect moment, everyone ignites their personalized sky lanterns
and watches them take flight.  It creates a surreal ambiance, where time
slows down, as your single flame rises with thousands of others"

"It feels so good to be free"


Find a festival near you
and experience for yourself!



(find more Family Adventures here)