We've tried a couple of things for lunch after field trips. We've gone to restaurants together when the weather was bad and we've done picnics. I much prefer picnics. At the restaurant my kids were at a table by themselves, I found another Mom sitting alone and joined her....but at a park....much more opportunity to interact with each other. This is an unexpected bonus to our field trips.
There are various groups and play groups on base - most aimed at younger kids. April had a heart to create a group which would plan trips and "play dates" "socialization opportunities" for those of us with homeschool kids who were too old for the other groups. It's been fun to watch her vision grow and bear fruit in the past six months. I look forward to seeing how God uses it to bless homeschooling families at Beale in the upcoming year.
This was an odd trip-the only families able to break away mid-week were April's and ours - plus one young gentlemen. Bidwell Mansion is booked months in advance and they didn't have any Fridays open this year.... I missed the "group," but I loved watching my older children have the chance to interact with April's older boys. I liked the mommy socialization as well. ::wink::
We lunched at Bidwell park. April is a rock star to have FOUND it given the directions we were given. There are walking trails, big open fields, swings, a very dirty outside pool and BATHROOMS. The park also boasted a few adults who seemed a bit alarmed at KIDS showing up at the park - but they need to broaden their experiences. ::snort::
In the absence of basketball courts, the kids enjoyed playing frisbee
Eventually Stacia opted to play badminton and house with Aneisa.
This moment cracked me up. We found a deserted swing set.....note all the big kids are swinging and our two youngest are standing in the corner watching them. They did get a turn.
The older boys scouted out the other side of the park for us. They had hopes of finding a basketball court; instead they found an amazing Kids' Park. We spent a bit of time there as well - within minutes something floating in the air had April's allergies going crazy.
Check out THIS car which is for sale. I would be tempted to buy it for the artwork, but the overall message was a bit liberal for Arielle or I to be driving around the state.
Choosing Joy!
©2014 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...