I haven’t had a randomized post in quite some time and tonight I’m feeling more random than I have in ages. I thought I would tell you about a strange email I got today from someone wanting me to pack my family up and go to MEXICO. Crazy, right?
Photo Credit: Erik Page Photography
But then I saw a photo of the beach. And it made me want to go get passports. I’ve never been to a beach that pretty.
I have no idea whether that particular field trip will come through, but I’m pretty sure if God wants us to go, He’ll make a way.
Photo Credit : Paul Jordan
And then there’s the THSC conference and field trip next week to Moody Gardens in Galveston. Slightly less exotic than a resort on the Riviera Maya… but hey – a fun field trip is a fun field trip, right? Moody is heavy on the educational side, which homeschool kids (and moms) love. It’s pretty close to the beach, too — just so we can stop by and walk in the sand, maybe grab a souvenir and a slice of pizza at Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria.
[ Trying not to let myself be deflated by the prospect of seeing one of the dirtiest beaches in America now that I’ve been schooled on what a Mexican resort beach looks like. Galveston, I still love you. Because you are all we’ve got within a reasonable 4 hour driving distance (not including traffic). ]
Note : Last year we went to the Houston Downtown Aquarium with THSC. If you like field trips and are coming to town for the conference, you have to purchase tickets early for the field trips they do on Thursdays – they sell out quicker than conference tickets or the comedy show!
BUT the fun field trips don’t stop there…
THSC itself is an educational and fun-packed weekend for me and the kids. I’m a little biased because I get to be the event photographer. I know the wonderful team of people that put on the conference and they serve the homeschool community in Texas with passion.
The speakers are fabulous.
The vendors are fabulous.
The conference hotel is fabulous. There’s a movie theater across the street and a gorgeous view.
They have a fantastic kid program – even a special needs kids program – and a marriage seminar!
You get discounts on curriculum and books you buy and you get to avoid paying shipping when you purchase things at the convention.
The entire hotel is crawling with over 6,000 friendly, like-minded homeschoolers. It is a conference we look forward to in my family all year long.
And then there’s the comedy show Saturday night! I don’t think it has sold out yet…
My kids are part of the THSC Teen program and they enjoy racking up volunteer hours and working within teams to keep the conference running smoothly. My 14 year old is helping take photos this year, too. [ I hear the colors will be brown and “Paprika” this year for the teen shirts. A little birdie told me so. ]
So if it gets a little quiet in here next week, it’s because we are field-trippin’-out! Poor Daddy and the little dudes are going to hang back with grandma and try to have fun without us for a couple of days.
When we get back in town we have another busy month ahead… more field trips are in the works then, too.
In August we have:
Republic of Texas Museum field trip
Train ride in to downtown on the light rail (the little boys are going to squeal with delight)
Teen court orientation
Communicators for Christ conference (not sure if I’m going to want to give up my weekend, nor am I sure I can afford this, but it’s an option)
Friend’s birthday party for my 16yo son
Service projects on Tuesdays
Last minute swimming before they close the pool for the summer
Review and standardized testing
… and then our classes resume for the 2013-14 school year on Thursday the 29th. [ My teens say “BOO!” ]
Whew! Is anyone out there as crazy busy as we have been?
Where have you been this summer? Link your field trips up over at the Homeschool Post.
Will you be at the THSC conference? Stop me and say HI! I’ll be the one in cowgirl boots with a camera attached to my face. I love meeting new homeschool friends. Don’t be shy!
Xoxo,
The beach in Mexico picture looks absolutely beautiful. I have never attended a homeschool conference. I would absolutely love to one day if they ever got closer to me. The sounds of the conference sounds like busy but very fun and the field trips sound amazing.
I will be there it will be my first time attending the TSHC. Looking forward to it. Perhaps we can meet.