Saturday, February 28, 2015

My Favorite Memory: In the Swamp - By Nathan

I suppose it's logical that one of my favorite memories would be from when our family was on vacation. Aren't vacations meant for making memories after all? I'm Nathan and I'm here at Olivia's request to share with you about one of my favorite memories. 

Two years ago, before my youngest sister was born, our family took a trip to Florida to visit with my grandparents who are snowbirds there. (If you were wondering, no my grandparent's aren't actual birds. A snowbird is someone who goes to a warmer place for the winter. It's comparable to a bird migrating for the cold months, hence the name.) 

My grandparents live near the swamp and I was intrigued by the various forms of life living there that we don't have in Ohio. One day Grandma agreed to take me out to help me identify different specimens and gather a few things to bring back to the house and study under the microscope. 


We got up early in the morning, slung our pre-packed backpacks over our shoulders and headed out on our exploration. As the sun rose higher and higher in the sky I was amazed at all I could see and touch in the swamp. 

I had brought my swamp guide along and I pulled it out numerous times to try and figure out what a certain plant or animal was. Grandma was really patient and didn't care how long I took. That was quite a change after spending so much time around my two little siblings who get bored easily. 

After we were done in the swamp Grandma took me out to eat and she let me explain to her all about how my various experiments were going and what I had been learning. It was a lot of fun. 

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Quote Tuesday!


“If you have a dream, don’t just sit there. 
Gather courage to believe that you can succeed and leave no stone unturned to make it a reality.” 
-Roopleen

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“An attitude of gratitude brings great things.” 
-Yogi Bhajan

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“Your attitude determines how you experience the world.”
 -Sanaya Roman

Saturday, February 21, 2015

My Favorite Memory: Alex's Birthday Treasure Hunt - By Olivia

Hello! So, today it's my turn to share one of my favorite memories with all of you. This is Olivia by the way, and it was my idea to share the memories in the first place because I thought it would be a really cool way for us to get to know each other better. 

One of my favorite memories are from last summer when Mom and Dad decided to do a treasure hunt for Alex on his birthday. I know, it's kinda weird that one of my favorite memories is from my brother's birthday, isn't it? But it was so much fun

First of all we blindfolded him and then drove to the zoo (he had no clue where we were) and met several of his best friends there. Then, Dad took the blind fold off and gave Alex his first clue. We all had to help him figure it out and then do whatever the clue told us to, then we'd get the next one. 

(Photo taken by Kay Davis)

We got to do some pretty crazy things including riding on a camel, holding the door (to the gift store, bathroom or whatever, it didn't matter) open for a stranger, thank one of the zoo staff for their work, pet a shark in the hands on exhibit at the aquarium, and find wild animals that started with the letters from each of our names. 


Alex found the alligators and I found the ostriches, but my favorite animal was when Luke found the lions. It was so cool watching them roam around their enclosure. I was glad that we weren't out in the wild with them. That would have been freaky! 

By the time we finally finished the treasure hunt and headed home we were all pretty tired but agreed it had been one of the most fun days of our life. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to see all the animals and hang out with my family. 

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Quote Tuesday!


“Aerodynamically, the bumble bee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumble bee doesn't know it so it goes on flying anyway.”
 -Mary Kay Ash

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There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose.” 
-Garth Stein

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“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.” 
-Andy Rooney

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Quote Tuesday

"It doesn't take much light to dispel darkness." -Todd Mullins 

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Be careful, not fearful. - Paul Goulet 

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When you live life by God's design, you get God's favor. 
-Kevin Myers