When I was a kid, my mom was so OCD about Christmas decorations that she’d actually re-decorate the tree after we got done decorating it as a family. We’d go to bed with a Charlie Brown-esque tree situation and magically wake up to a Martha Stewart magazine-worthy layout.
Nate and I are planning a 2018 trip to Africa, which I believe is how I first got sucked into the story of an orphaned baby elephant in Botswana. “Research!” I explained as I pulled up the Naledi documentary on Netflix. “We should know about the wildlife where we’re going.”
New friends are often fascinated when they find out that we own a small farm. I always feel the need to jump in and clarify, explaining that it really is very small with just a few goats and sheep and chickens. People are still full of questions. “You travel so much, though! And you have four kids! How do you find time to manage it?”
Having a little farm, it turns out, is a LOT of work. Nate and the boys are constantly shuffling around wood and dirt and hay – and I’m in a never-ending battle to keep all of that stuff from getting tracked all over my floors, couches and even counters.
Every dog will have its day and every day will have its dawn. A cold, bleak, bleary dawn meant only to torment those of us not born to the fragment of the mutant population known as “morning people.” You know, the ones who wake up singing This Little Light of Mine as they dance their way into the warm shower. No sir, it’s only cold showers for me. This sensation, of course, is only multiplied when camping.
They say necessity is the mother of invention. When there is a need that must be met or supplied, surely a solution will follow along riding on the back of ingenuity like a mighty knight to save the day. Over hill and dale, through snow or shine, atop rivers or lava. But what happens when the mother of four sons needs her coffee?
Our house at the farm is a ranch-style setup. It’s one single level, all spread out with everything pretty much visible from the porch. You basically walk into our house and it’s like, “Oh hey, here’s everything we own!”
The kids have been begging for a TV in their playroom for awhile now. I’ve always reasoned that it’s unnecessary because we have one in the living room and it makes for good family bonding time. Plus, frankly, I want to be in control of everything they’re watching.
Back-to-school happenings are in full force around here, and it’ll be the holiday season before you know it. We’re preparing our home for one heck of a busy season, as several family members have moved recently and that means lots of houseguests are headed our way. Time to batten down the hatches and load up on ALL the supplies!
With SeaWorld San Diego opening a ton of rides and educational shows in recent years, I’ve had some visitors ask if it’s an appropriate spot to take kids who aren’t tall enough or won’t necessarily sit still for a presentation. I always encourage these people to go see the many displays and hands-on experiences available at the park. More often than not, I wind up playing tour guide because I’m so enthusiastic about the incredible learning opportunities that are available here! Here’s a look at what OUR family does at SeaWorld with four boys ages 6, 4, 2 and 9 months.