Field Trip Friday: The Bone Room and The Great Stoneface Park in Berkeley

This Friday, Aidyn, his grandma, and I ventured to Berkeley's  Bone Room and their quaint (but Great!) Stoneface Park.

The Bone Room is a natural history store full of sticks and stones and feathery plumes. The place is packed with the unusual, everything from real human skulls and radiuses (radiusi?) to freeze-dried lizards and fossil dung.

Oh, yes.

We decided to make the trek because we just finished reading the first two chapters of Story of the World and learned about fossils and other little things that creatures leave behind. Earlier in the week, Aidyn made a mold of his hand after we watched an episode of Beakman's World on fossils.

 

We mixed a 2-to-1 solution of Plaster of Paris.

 

The hardest part for Aidyn was keeping still for 15 minutes. It was a challenge in patience.

Anyway, we went to the Bone Room to check out some real bones and fossils. There were counters full, shelves full, drawers bursting full, and little jars full and stuffed creatures mounted everywhere. Probably to scare the hell out of  amuse people like me, they had a gigantic Burmese python that looked like this one we saw at a library program a couple months ago:

We all had fun picking out little treasures to take home. Aidyn plucked a T-Rex flip book and a scorpion necklace (with a real, but thankfully dead, scorpion), his grandma purchased a spider necklace, and I grabbed some bone beads (for math next week, of course), obsidian arrowheads, a scorpion bottle opener for David, and a antique-y looking poster of the human skeleton.

We had lunch afterward in a cozy, colorful taqueria,

and, to get the wiggles out, we found a fitting park called The Great Stoneface Park. Nestled in the hills of a quaint neighborhood in Berkeley, a small corner of the natural face of the mountain is preserved. In the middle of these gorgeous homes, large (and I mean, large) boulders and oak trees remain.

 

Aidyn wasted no time scaling up the trees and rocks like the proud Capricorn goat that he is.

 

Here's a good shot of Aidyn and his grandma.

 

 

And here's Aidyn and I.

 

 

He was so in his element.

Here he got a little wistful and asked if we could move there so he could climb this tree forever.

And to think he could have been sitting at a desk all day.

 

 

 

First Official Day of (Home) School

Today was Aidyn's first official day of first grade, at home, with all the freedom to do as we please, learn as we please, and wriggle and talk as much as we please.

We started a tradition this year to bribe the heck out of start the new year off with some Christmas-type levels of excitement. Thus, David and I spent the weekend finding cool and insanely cheap edu-toys for Aidyn to open up on first-day-of-school morning.

The stash included a croquet set, a Mind over Matter science box, a ruler, a compass, gigantic watercolor paper, Silly Sentences boards, a cool medieval chess set, a box of rainbow Nerds, a parachute, Magic Message markers, a calculator, and a Rubik's Cube.

After the gift-opening extravaganza, breakfast, and a change of clothes, we played with his parachute, billowing it up and scurrying under it. Then we went on a long morning walk, which he felt fit to record on our camera. (I will spare you the viewing of the 30+ minute video of grainy, shaky video. You are welcome.)

Once we got back in and hydrated, we started our row of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault.  Today was Language Arts day, so after we read the story, we hunted down the rhymes and created our own:

"'M is looped,
N is stooped,
O is twisted alley-oop,'
what else rhymes with 'oop?'"

Aidyn: "Hmm, poop?"

Yes. Classy education.

After we got the laughs out of us, Aidyn painted a real palm tree.

Get it? Okay, maybe the laughs weren't completely out.

For snack, we munched on these beauties:

To make your own limp-as-a-wet-noodle palm trees, all you need is a pudding cup, some crushed graham crackers for sand, a rolled Pirouette wafer, and Fruit by the Foot or Fruit Leather.

Then we got rolling.

We worked on two pages of math, a page of language exercises, and two pages of phonics.

During "break time," Aidyn unpacked his science box and tested out both centrifugal force and gravity, even though neither were on the agenda today.

Here's Aidyn presenting the awesome power of gravity to hold up his dad's heavy belt. We also transferred a yellow ball to a blue cup WITHOUT TOUCHING IT and only using a green cup. There might be a show later.

For lunch, we chomped on

a graham cracker-cashew butter trunk and Granny Smith leaves.

We also started Story of The World and a gentle introduction to history. We cuddled on the couch and perused his own history via his baby book. Our science unit wove in nicely when we read about the human body and how it changes as we grow. We looked at pictures of Aidyn as a little squirt and now as a string bean. It's hard to deny how much he's grown when comparing the two.

How much do we love homeschool?

Dis much.

70s Saturday Morning (and Weekend!)

This last weekend we traveled back to the 70s and ending up spending the whole weekend there. Our toy selection shrank to include only a table tennis net, paddles, and a few white balls, but we probably had more fun with our converted dining room table than our Nintendo Wii.

Our Saturday morning line-up looked as follows:

The Pebbles and BamBam Show
The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Hour
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?
Sigmund and the Sea Monster
Pink Panther
Land of the Lost
Hong Kong Phooey
Challenge of the Superfriends

as well as grainy commercials like this one.

We ended up having company on Saturday and Sunday morning so we had an informal table tennis tournament. On Sunday morning, we replayed the cartoon line-up. Later that afternoon, we went to a relic of a place, probably one of the last surviving of its kind, a forgotten old hangout....a roller skating rink.

The place looked like it had been preserved in the 70s. The building was a dull tan color with decorative swirls of dark brown. Only a few cars spotted the parking lot, but the building appeared abandoned. Inside were old arcade games, those yellow and red tables and booths one would see in 70s restaurants, gnarly carpets, and a wide open rink with only a few skaters rolling around.

To be honest, I hadn't skated in 16 years or so. When I put them on and attempted to stand, they felt more slippery than I remembered. It took us all quite awhile to push ourselves out there and embrace the possibility of falling, but we did it.

Ok, so after awhile I got a tad bit cocky and attempted to do some serious-bend-my-knees tricks.

Aidyn had a blast and even requested a pair of skates so he could keep practicing.

Spending the weekend playing table tennis, watching those old shows, and capping it off with a trip to a roller rink really gave us the 70s feel. Of course, we have Granny to attest to the accuracy of our experiences. If she feels like she transported back in time, it's a solid win.

Field Trip Friday: Pier 39 in San Francisco

We don't normally get sucked in to tourist traps, but, when we do, Pier 39 is a good choice. I have loads of wonderful childhood memories walking the pier, laughing at the sea lions, and getting a chocolate butt from the Chocolate Heaven store. Really.

On Friday, we drove Granny and Aidyn's cousin to AT&T Park to watch the Giants play the Rockies. Once we finally weaved out of the traffice jam, we whirled around the Embarcadero and parked at Pier 39.

Ok, so it was in the triple digits where WE live, but when we got out the car it was 69 degrees and cooooold.

I'd remembered what Mark Twain had said about SF: "The coldest winter I ever had was a summer in San Francisco."

You summed it up perfectly, Mark.

After a three-hour drive (mostly due to traffic) and chilling temperatures, we huddled inside for some classic Clam Chowder Bread Bowls.

Aidyn, aka Mr. Cool Dude, slurping that clam chowder like a San Fran pro.

Afterward we made a beeline for the sea lions because it was getting darker and colder fast, and we wanted to see them before we refused to go back outside.

The picture is terribly dark, but I promise there were sea lions there! Aidyn climbed up some wooden steps for a better view and mostly remarked that he could "smell them."

If my hands weren't frozen, I would have taken more pictures, but you'll just have to use your imaginations, all two readers, you.

We scoured every store we could, scarfed down the most delicious chocolate crepe in the world, tried on wacky hats, oohed and awed over some magic tricks, marvelled at the city lights, and arfed like sea lions in the bumper-to-bumper traffic on the way home.

Disneyland Savings Plan (In Action)

A week or so ago, I wrote about how we're saving for Disneyland by cutting costs at home. I've tried to be mindful about our spending, but it's getting near crunch time, and we need to squirrel away money like...well, squirrels.

Here's how we've applied our own advice, what's working, and what we need to work on more.

Before The Big Squeeze, I went through our bank records for the last month and pitifully tallied ALL of our crummy expenses, even the ones I'm not so proud of, like fast food expenses.

After I cried like a baby about all the money I waste got a realistic look at our finances, I planned ways to cut back. Mostly we bought unnecessary items (like luscious cheeseburgers) when we didn't have the item readily available at home.


 I sought to change that.


a. Save on energy consumption.- I turned off the computer most nights.
-I've been turning off lights more.
-I've dimmed the TV (and if I go blind, well then, at least I went to D-Land.)
-I've been terrible about unplugging appliances, but I'll get better!
-I've washed clothes in cold water and used a dry towel in the dryer to cut down on drying time.
-I've not replaced light bulbs yet, but I will when these vampire-bulbs burn out.

b. Eat mindfully.
-I made simple, healthy meals every day (except one). Read more about low-cost meals here.
-We only had fast food once and it was an emergency, I promise.


c. Save on outtings.
-I've driven more calmly.
-I've used gasprices.com to find affordable gas.
-We haven't taken any field trips (moanandgroan).

d. Be mindful of spending.
-I've tracked our spending every day.  Seriously.
-I've tracked energy use every day. It's actually kinda fun.
-I've bought nothing new, except a gift for a baby shower.
-We've talked about saving with family members and come up with a plan to cut costs.

e. Cut costs and earn money wherever possible.
-I picked up extra work hours.
-I'm selling books online.
-I've recycled a big bag of aluminum.
-I still need to work on taking quicker showers.
-I cut Aidyn's hair at home, thus saving about 12 bucks.
Overall, we've cut our weekly costs by about 19%. It doesn't sound like much, but it saved us from spending a formerly extraneous $133, plus the extra money we've earned in increased hours.

Simple and Affordable Meals

In an effort to save for a big family vacation, I've simplified our menu and prepared easy, affordable meals. Whatever the reason, anyone can cut back on groceries while still providing their families with healthy meals. I tested out a few methods, but feel free to share how you cut costs, too. I'm always learning!

Here's how I did it:

First, I "shopped" my pantry and took note of what I had available. I created a list of the pastas, beans, and rices I had and anything extra in the freezer.

Then I plugged in different ingredients at allrecipes.com. With what I had on hand already, I had quite a few choices!


Second, I calculated how much money I wanted to spend and limited myself to spending only up to that amount and no more. I shopped first at a very low-cost store and picked up spices (which tend to add up in more expensive stores), dry goods, eggs, milk, etc. I shopped a second store for everything else.

I stuck to the list, and made sure to compare prices.

Third, I wrote out all the possible meals on a sheet of paper and placed it in view. I always felt like there was something to make. The list said so.

Fourth, I prepared as much as possible beforehand.

My husband leaves for work super early and used to forget breakfast, resulting in a trip to Subway or Burger King. One evening, I made him several whole-grain blueberry pancakes, cooled and tucked them in sandwich bags and froze them. In the morning, he pops a couple in the toaster, slathers it in maple syrup, and HAS breakfast.

Easy.

I also made a few Crockpot dishes, especially on days I worked.

I made an easy Turkey with Bean Soup. I used two cans of red beans, one can of kidney beans, a mammoth turkey breast, onions, garlic, and spices and let it cook for six hours. I shredded the turkey and stirred it in. The meal lasted a few days.

I threw in some chicken breasts with BBQ sauce in the Crockpot, shredded it, and used it to make BBQ Chicken Sandwiches (with some bread I had in the freezer).

Fifth, I kept cooking meals even when leftovers were available. I wanted to always have a ready-supply of food for my husband to take to work and to help us avoid relying on fast food dinners on busy days.

Other Easy-Peasy Meals/Side Dishes Include:

oatmeal with fruit                       fruit
pancakes                                     chicken pasta
baked french fries                       PB&J sandwiches
roasted potatoes                          Apple Cake (I'll have to post the recipe sometime!)



Relying on my cupboards, low-cost stores, and easy meals, I only spent $66 on food for the week!

80s Saturday Morning

So this absolutely dorky brilliant idea struck me a couple weeks ago: why not "time travel" and have an "80s Saturday Morning," complete with authentic TV shows offered on Saturday mornings with toys and breakfast items available in the 80s?

Genius.

Via Youtube, I set up an 80s Saturday Morning playlist after consulting some TV schedules from the 80s. I jumbled the cartoon selection because I wanted to get the we're-flipping-through-the-channels feel. I also put 80s commercials between and throughout the shows.

Here's what our line-up looked like:

Flinstones (in syndication)
Heathcliff
Muppet Babies
Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo
Pee-Wee's Playhouse
Garfield and Friends
Small Wonder

as well as commercials like these.

the previous weekend we scoured flea markets and thrift shops for 80s toys and found a 1983 Rainbow Brite doll (that I used to actually have as a child!), Hot Wheels, a California Raisin toy and some other little toys. (We already owned the 80s Star Wars toys and Hungry, Hungry Hippo game, thankyouverymuch.)

We woke up suuuuper early, around 4:15am. I have no idea why.

    We munched on Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

We alternated between watching shows, playing with the toys in our pajamas, and eating Nerds and York Peppermint Patties (even though they debuted in the 70s, I fondly remember this commercial.)

I had forgotten JUST HOW LOUD Hungry Hungry Hippos can be, but we had a blast playing it. We also:

raced Hot Wheels,
sent the Hamburgular on many a zany spins, often crashing into our Star Wars audience attendees,
sent Hot Wheels flying over the ramp  the lip of the table,
per Aidyn's weird, I-think-he-might've-actually-time-travelled idea, cut out the cardboard game on the back of the cereal box (who does  that anymore?),
talked philosophically about the condition of Vickie the robot from Small Wonder,
and wondered whether Skeletor and He-Man were secretly brothers.

After our cartoons ended, I played Little Shop of Horrors and was pleased at how much Aidyn enjoyed it.

I loved rewatching one of my favorite scenes.
Afterward, we cuddled up and watched He-Man and She-Ra, Secret of the Sword.

As you might probably remember, after the cartoons ended, television sucked. I helped in that department by putting on

,

only as an adult, I love the heck out of this movie. However, I'm sure I loved it as a child, too. Aidyn, on the other hand, had absolutely zero interest in it.

During the movie (and NOT AT MY SUGGESTION), he put on his Snake Eyes costume. I swear, it's like he knew.

It was the best Saturday morning I've had in quite a while. I'm surprised, and very pleased, that Aidyn played with just those toys and watched cartoons and enjoyed the moment for the entire morning. No "Mama, this is old and boring" comments, no sneaking in his more gadgety toys, and no complaining about the cartoon selection.

Will this behavior continue when we do 70s Saturday morning and the toy pile shrinks a bit? Will it last as long as when we do 60s Saturday morning or ::shudder:: 50s Saturday morning when all he has to play with are some jacks, a hula hoop, and a stone tablet (kidding. Sorry, Mom).

We'll see.