{Book Review} A Wrinkle in Time

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The book  “A Wrinkle in Time” is s good book for kids 8 years old and up. The best part is when they are first in the galaxy in space.  The author could of made the part when they were with the beasts more exciting in ways.  The main problem is that Meg has to defeat The Black Thing.  This book could be confusing but you will eventually get it.  “A Wrinkle in Time” is a good book so I hope you try it out.

Bye! — Lucinda (history-hunting artist, 9 years old)

Lucinda really enjoyed this book and wouldn’t put it down until she finished it.  While she was able to read it independently, I do think there are concepts difficult for a child of this age to understand and, in turn, verbalize.  We discussed it along the way, which was helpful.  Excited to see the movie in March!

Read, write, repeat! — Betsy (recovering politician/mom)

 

 

 

 

An ordinary, golden opportunity

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“Like a girl,” #whywewearblack, #metoo, #timesup, marches and constant messages of empowerment….there is certainly a firestorm these days.   We may very well be in the midst of a lasting cultural shift. We may very well see a time when all women are free from fear of retribution for speaking up and have equal opportunity to earn a seat at the table.

My two daughters are still young.  Who knows what they’ll face as adults….not me.  I absolutely believe it will include more room for women to lead and influence our communities.  Regardless, however, I must do all I can to prepare them to thrive through obstacles and setbacks.  I feel lost at times on how best to lead them in a world with so much noise.

Almost everyone on earth at some point in life will be a parent.  This role is hardly unique.  It occurred to me, though, that a job so ordinary is actually the most golden opportunity a parent will ever have.  I’ll never find the perfect parenting formula.  It turns out that embracing this opportunity doesn’t require perfection, only love and persistence.

I have the priceless opportunity to help my daughters develop the discernment to recognize unhealthy situations, bravery to stand against injustices when others lack the will and confidence to breakthrough barriers.  It’s my privilege to introduce them to women throughout history who, well before recent societal movements, achieved extraordinary things; Janet Guthrie, Elizabeth Blackwell, Marie Curie, Benazir Bhutto, Malala Yousafzai, Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and so many more!  I get to join them in reading about and exploring the world.  I’m the one who will encourage them to develop their very own thoughts on equality, human rights and privileges.

We, as parents, have the daily opportunity to show them that it’s our spirit and values that define us; and we are worth more than what is skin-deep.  They’ll look to us to encourage them to push limits, face fears and approach each day with curiosity.  This ordinary opportunity allows us to show our daughters that it’s better to be a lonely advocate for what’s right than conform.  We get to encourage their individuality, passions and self-respect.

When it’s their time to face the world, perhaps the noise will be a little lighter and more barriers will be lifted.  But for now, let’s make the most of this ordinary, golden opportunity because when it is their time, regardless of progress, I think the world is going to need them.

I pray I’m up for the task. — Betsy (a parent under construction)

Mysteries at the Museum (Kid Review)

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Hello readers!

One of my favorite shows is Mysteries at the Museum on the Travel Channel. I’ll tell you some facts I’ve learned.

Do you ever wonder why the lines are on the road? It all started with a female doctor who almost bumped into a man driving on the wrong side of the road.  Without permission, she painted a line on the road. This started it all!

In part of the Revolutionary War, a woman ran across a field surrounded by British soldiers to get more gun powder and she made it!  GO GIRLS GO!!!

Did you know that the Titanic crew left a fire on downstairs?  It was the exact spot where the iceberg hit! Some experts think if the fire had been out they would not have sunk.

I like this show because it is interesting with neat facts. I think you and your family will like it as well.  Thanks for reading my blog!

History is a mystery until you learn about it!  Bye!  Lucinda, 9 years old (history hunting artist)

P.S. My mom let me type this blog myself on her computer after I wrote it!

 

 

2nd City Sojourn (Chicago)*

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It’s tough to top a family travel blog by two 8 year olds!  I’m not even going to try!  They did a wonderful job. We planned this trip with friends many months ahead of time. I was fearful the long anticipation would exceed the actual weekend.  My fears were completely unfounded.  We had an absolute blast! It can tricky traveling with friends when young children are involved — but this trip could not have gone any better. We didn’t over-schedule, and we were all (except for maybe our pirate princess 4 yr old) just laid back and happy “winging” it part of the time.  Our food favorites list is below the thoughts from 2 of our mini Chicago explorers.  Enjoy!  See you along the way….-Betsy (the recovering politician)

“Chicago Adventures”: by Lucinda and, guest blogger/travel partner/swim partner, Haddy (3rd grade pals)

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Ladies About Town

In Chicago, you should go to the Museum of Science and Industry and the Navy Pier. At the museum, you can work with robots and weather experiments. You can also do a Lego  challenge to see how quickly you can build something in 3 minutes and 30 seconds!  Do not leave the museum without doing the mirror maze! Also, be sure to check out the Junior Achievement section.

At the Navy Pier, the little kids can ride the carousel and the big kids can ride the swings.  On the swings, you might feel like you are going to throw up or bump into someone but you won’t. Our favorite activity was the Architectural Boat Tour.  It was so fun!

If you like American Girl Dolls, there is an American Girl Doll store…..it is SO BIG! The Lego store is next door too.  The best place to eat is RPM Italian. It has really good food for kids. The rigatoni is delicious. The dark chocolate gelato with graham cracker and marshmallow is so SO yummy and good to share with your friend.

Thank you for reading our blog about Chicago.  We hope you go. – “Lu” and “Hadds”

P.S. If you have a little sister or brother, bring a stroller.

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Always travel with a trusted buddy.

Eating our way around Chicago……

  1. RPM Italian: As the kids mentioned, it’s so yummy! Too busy eating to get any photos! They don’t have an actual kids menu but were very accommodating with putting items together that worked for our 4 minis.  http://rpmrestaurants.com/rpmitalian/chicago/
  2. The Hampton Social: Amazing brunch!  A 4 year old took over my phone so here are the photos we ended up with! No smoke and mirrors here…..life with kids! Evidently the fries are great (only 1 left??) and we all had a blast! http://www.thehamptonsocial.com
  3. Gino’s East: Traditional Chicago-style deep dish pizza.  Deep dish takes a bit longer to cook but it was definitely worth the wait! Don’t go if you are in a hurry.  http://www.ginoseast.com
  4. Rosebud Steakhouse: The only critique here is the lighting was extremely low at dinner, which was good for our travel-tired eyes but not good to take a photo of this yummy salmon piccata! Low quality photo….high quality dinner! http://www.rosebudrestaurants.com/restaurant/rosebud-steakhouse  p6eYHgxKTeGtJN5E6MYelA_thumb_85e
  5. NoMI: Good breakfast with an beautiful view! The girls loved the hot chocolate! https://www.hyatt.com/corporate/restaurants/nomi/en/home.html  IMG_7969

* One of Chicago’s nicknames is “Second City.”  The reason behind this has conflicting stories. Two of the most common: 1) For decades, Chicago had the second largest metropolitan area in the United States.  2) The city was rebuilt between the Great Chicago Fire (1871)  and the World’s Columbian Exposition (aka the World’s Fair) in 1893.

The Rice Thief President (Thomas Jefferson) by Lucinda, 8 years old

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I am Thomas Jefferson’s biggest fan!  If I could go back in time, I’d go to the day the Declaration of Independence was signed so I could meet him.  He wrote the Declaration of Independence! I have a copy of it! I love when he said “I cannot live without books!” I can’t live without books either!  I have a pencil that says this. I got the pencil from Monticello.  He sold his 6,700 book library to Congress.

I know Thomas Jefferson like the back of my hand! In school last year, we got to do a project on a former President.  I wanted to get Thomas Jefferson so bad.  I got him! When I got in the car, I told my mom. We yelled and cheered because we were so excited.

Thomas Jefferson was President of the United States from 1801-1809 and had two Vice Presidents. He was the first U.S. Secretary of State. He was Governor of Virginia in 1779.  He founded the University of Virginia.  My family lives part-time in Charlottesville, Virginia and that is where I want to go to college. We like to have picnics on the lawn next to the Rotunda.  It has some great big trees for good shade. I like to read in the Rotunda too.

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August 2017, UVA Rotunda, Reading after a picnic

Ok, back to Thomas Jefferson.

Did you know that he stole rice from Italy? He did this to help America.  I learned that from Mysteries at the Museum on the Travel Channel.  My parents let me watch that show.

Thomas Jefferson had a hummingbird. It was on his shoulder while he worked. He also had a mockingbird in Monticello.  He launched the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1803 to the northwest.

Jefferson was a great President for our country and he did good things. I think that it was hard to do all these interesting things but he was brave.

I have visited his house four times.  My mom loves it too but says she needs a break from it. I don’t! But the last time we went she made me take notes for this blog.  Monticello is in Charlottesville, Virginia. Do not go to Charlottesville without going to Monticello. You have to go! I mean it’s the house Thomas Jefferson built! I just can’t believe I have stood where Thomas Jefferson has stood. It is just so unbelievable.

My favorite time to go to Monticello is spring so Tom’s tulips are blooming. He had so many flowers and a huge garden.  You can walk through the garden and see all of the different plants growing.  If you stand at one spot, you can see the University of Virginia.  This is so TJ could keep an eye on it.  We really like the willow oak tree by the pond.  It is a shady peaceful place to sit.  The view from the vegetable garden is beautiful!  I love to just walk around the grounds. It makes me feel calm.  The house tour gives you just enough information but not so much that you get overwhelmed. Be sure to visit the museum after the house. You can walk down a really nice shady trail to the museum and shop.

I hope you will take your family and children to Monticello.  Thank you for reading my blog about Thomas Jefferson. Our family says that history never grows old.  And like I always say “history is a mystery until you read about it.’’

From Lucinda (8 years old, artist and history hunter)

 

Rock Coming to a Point

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Lookout City, Ross’s Landing…….names of our wonderful city from times that passed long ago.  We became “Chattanooga” in 1838.  Chattanooga (a Creek Indian word) — “rock coming to a point.”  That rock coming to a point? That’s the tip of Lookout Mountain, looking almost as if it’s reaching out to get a better view of the Tennessee River. What a view that is!

Much of my career has been spent working alongside Chattanooga’s incredible community leaders.  I’m privileged to have had a front row seat to so many community-changing events –  a revitalized waterfront that reconnected us to the Tennessee River, this mid-sized southern city becoming a tech and start-up hub with the world’s fastest internet, an old Army ammunition site transforming into a major automobile manufacturer’s new world-class North American facility and so much more.

 

A couple of years ago, our family was presented with a big opportunity and a big decision.  A new opportunity in my husband’s career important for our family also presented the possibility of leaving the city we love and are invested in so deeply. We just couldn’t do it.  Instead, we’d go to great lengths by maintaining homes in two states, changing my career, pulling off some crazy commutes and sleeping less. Thus, the #modernmobilefamily + #twostatefamily were born!  Countless resources and hard work have been dedicated to revitalizing the Dynamo of Dixie, perhaps one reason you’ll find us so fiercely loyal and overcome with pride (and refusing to leave!).

For many years, I’ve enjoyed offering visiting friends and colleagues recommendations on how to spend time in our scenic city.  I LOVE this request! There are endless possibilities! We always suggest being outside as much as possible. Much of Chattanooga is best experienced on foot. Recommendations we’ve shared with visitors over the years follow suggestions from Lucinda.

We hope you’ll come see for yourself….it’s possible you too will go to great lengths to never leave.

— Betsy  

Chattanooga is a really good place to go with lots of things to do. Be sure to visit the Hunter Art Museum and the Children’s Creative Discovery Museum.  You should take a walk on the Walnut Street Bridge.  Check out all of the really cool restaurants.  The Zoo is fun too. Try to go to the Zoo on a nice sunny day and NOT when it is raining. I’ve been in the rain several times and I do not suggest it.  We like to ride bikes on the Riverwalk also. I hope you have fun visiting Chattanooga. My mom has included a good list below too. Thank you for reading. –Lucinda, 8 years old and Chattanooga-born and raised

 

Our Chattanooga highlights in addition to Lucinda’s :

Point Park + Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain: Point Park is part of the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park (get your Passport to Your National Parks book stamped here – see our blog on the Passport program). Hike from Point Park to Sunset Rock for the best sunset views around! Soak up the view and the history. https://www.nps.gov/chch/learn/lookout-mountain.htm

Renaissance + Coolidge Parks: These parks connect and offer views of downtown and the river, with many spots to relax with a picnic and frisbee.  Kids always love the charming carousel! Walk from Coolidge Park across the Walnut Street Bridge to the Bluff View Art District.

Bluff View Art District + Hunter Museum of American Art: We’ve spent many wonderful afternoons here enjoying the museum, art gallery, restaurants and, a place particularly special to our family, the River Gallery Sculpture Garden. Rembrandt’s is good stop during a bike ride or walk on the Riverwalk (you’ll have earned dessert on the patio).

21st Century Waterfront and Downtown: Enjoy the river views from the pier and expansive green spaces (there is also a playground). Visit the Tennessee Aquarium, do some rock climbing at High Point, visit the children’s museum and catch a Chattanooga Lookouts game – all within easy walking distance! We love the Blue Plate Diner patio!

Southside District: Kids love climbing in the old train cars at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. A visit to the Hot Chocolatier is highly recommended (just across the street). Walk to Clyde’s Restaurant on Main Street  for lunch. Sit by the back windows next to the corn hole game. Main Street has a couple of art galleries, shops and fun street art.

For many more worthwhile options, our Visitors Bureau has useful information at  www.chattanoogafun.com.

 

Sweet Summer Time…..

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Best summer ever for our modern mobile family! Lucinda has some thoughts to start us off! 

Hi! You should definitely go to the Historic Triangle in Virginia, which is Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. While you are there, stay at the Kingsmill Resort and play in the lazy river. But on to the historical stuff! There are lots of National Park Passport stamps to get. Be sure to check out the living history in Colonial Williamsburg. In Jamestown, we saw where the first settlers were. In Yorktown, we went to the battlefield and you can sign up to be in General George Washington’s army. We signed up and my little sister was very upset when she realized we were not actually in the army. She wanted to use her light saber and sword. In St. Augustine, Florida, we toured a Spanish Fort and saw a cannon being fired. It was very loud but I had so much fun! Read my mom’s information below. As I like to say “History is a mystery until you go learn about it!” Hasta la vista! Lucinda (the artist + history hunter, 8 years old)

 

All good summers must come to an end…….but we don’t have to let them go quietly! Our summer was filled with some of our favorite historical stops to date! We spent time at the beach, in the pool, hiking, selling lemonade, picking peaches and blackberries, eating too much ice cream, dancing at outdoor concerts and exploring new places! The pirate and the artist lived out a little American History along the way. They joined a revolution with some rebel by the name of George Washington in Yorktown. They cooked over an open flame as Native Americans once did and joined original settlers in a musket salute in Jamestown. Founding father Thomas Paine treated us to a reading of the Declaration of Independence in Colonial Williamsburg. In between all of this, we exceeded a hefty summer reading goal! Here are our favorites of summer, including some familiar places and some new adventures…….enjoy!UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_2fa

Montpelier: President James Madison’s estate is absolutely breathtaking. It has to be one of the most impressive presidential homes in America (we plan to find out).  A highlight – standing in the very room where Madison drafted the framework for the Constitution. It is possible I was a bit overwhelmed with emotion!  Just over 20 miles from Charlottesville, VA and 2 hours from D.C., this trek is worth it. The Exchange Café is surprisingly yummy too. 

 

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The Historic Triangle (Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown, Virginia): This was such a fun couple of days – yes, you need to give this at least 2 days (1 in Colonial Williamsburg and 1 in Jamestown + Yorktown combined)! Replicas of the ships that carried the original English settlers to Jamestown, a reconstructed Native American village, the battlefield and site of British defeat in the Revolutionary War and an authentic living history museum kept our daughters (and us!) completely captivated! We are so very pleased we spent some of our time in this way. Kingsmill Resort: This riverfront resort in Williamsburg offers expansive greenspace, golf, tennis and a pool with a lazy river the kids will love. Get your Passport to Your National Parks book stamped at several Historic Triangle locations!UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_172

Toes in the sand….. Our family always needs a little beach time with just the four of us in between our other travels. We spend this time super casual and really only dress up for dinner 1-2 times within a week. We stay so busy and on the go that during this time we lift all the pressures of time – amazing how much slower time seems to pass and how many of the small but important details you get to soak up at this pace.

Amelia Island – We discovered the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island 12 years ago and have visited on a regular basis since, at times 2-3 times a year. This resort caters to families with young children with a wide-variety of activities each day and topnotch service. The pirate and the artist recommend the strawberry-banana smoothies poolside and seashell hunting. Amelia Island is a slow moving quiet little beach town. You can’t go wrong with the restaurants at the Ritz. We enjoy the club level with breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day. Espana is a tapas and paella restaurant off of the resort and one of our favorites. UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_250

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, St. Augustine, FL: With construction beginning in 1672, this is the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. We had a wonderful time exploring here! Get your Passport to Your National Parks book stamped here!UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_22b

We hope you and your family find some time to enjoy these unique adventures as well!

See you somewhere along the way…and Happy Fall! — Betsy (the recovering politician)

Bright Lights, Big City….New York!

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IMG_5222New York is a fun place to visit and I am so happy my mom and dad take me there.  You should take your children also. I really like the Alice in Wonderland sculpture in Central Park. The carousel is fun too.  The Eloise Tea at the Plaza Hotel is so yummy and fun with cute tea cups and cotton candy. If your little sister is tired and sleeps through tea in the stroller, it will be much more peaceful. You can just put her food in a box.  After tea, you can go to the Eloise store and shop around!  I enjoy seeing the Rockettes and Broadway shows.  I love the Statue of Liberty. My mom doesn’t like to ride the subway but I do at least one time each trip. I like to take taxis too but mostly we walk REALLY far. The pretzels on the street are delicious! Thank you for reading my blog about New York City. My mom has more info below.  –  Lucinda (the artist)

New York…. has any other city been written about, photographed or visited more? I don’t see how but I do understand why! We love New York! We love it in the summer, in the winter and everything in between. We love it for the familiar places and for the new discoveries that seem to be at every turn. We love it for the noise, the traffic-worn streets and for the peaceful places tucked away on park benches and in museums.  I’ve been with my husband, my children, friends and alone – and enjoy it every time.

We enjoy this city best when we are moving at a slower pace, allowing time with no specific destination on the agenda. You’ll find things we never have – and we’d love to hear about it!

In the past month, I’ve had 4 friends ask for our recommendations!  The list I shared with them is below.

And…..if  you ever get a chance to walk through Central Park covered in snow, please do…..something about it is good for your soul.

See you along the way! –Betsy (the recovering politician)

See + Do:

  • Children’s Museum of the Arts: Hands-on activities in a creative downtown space. Our girls made take-home clay sculptures! Tip: Go mid-morning then enjoy a 10 minute walk to Jane Restaurant (see Yummy Food ). http://cmany.org
  • Federal Hall: In middle of the financial district is the spot where General George Washington was sworn in as President of the United States. It’s a charming old building with a small museum. Get your Passport to Your National Parks book stamped here (see our blog on National Park Passport books). https://www.nps.gov/feha
  • Statue of Liberty, The Battery (Battery Park), Castle Clinton: Give this a full half day and go as early in the day as possible. Tip: Save time with priority entry by purchasing tickets online. If you want to visit Lady Liberty’s crown, advanced reservations are always required and typically booked months out. Get your Passport Book stamped here. https://www.nps.gov/cacl + https://www.nps.gov/stli
  • The High Line: An elevated urban trail with greenery, city and river views and public art. Tip: Start in the Meatpacking District and end at The Whitney Museum of Modern Art then explore the streets up to The Standard Grill (see Yummy Food).
  • Chelsea Market: I love to dig around in the Artists & Fleas market, a collective of more than 30 independent vendors with art, fashion, design and other wares. http://chelseamarket.com and https://www.artistsandfleas.com
  • The Frick: A more manageable art museum if you have less time than what is needed at the Met. http://www.frick.org
  • The Metropolian Museum of Art: The Met lives up to the hype. It’s impressive and often has interactive activities for kids. http://www.metmuseum.org).
  • Macy’s Flower Show: For two weeks each spring, Macy’s is covered in over the top floral displays. The show also has music and kids’ activities. https://www.macys.com/social/flower-show

Yummy Food:

  • Jane Restaurant: Our absolute favorite NYC restaurant, both with and without the kids. It is a neighborhood restaurant with mostly locals. We’ve never had anything that wasn’t delicious. The toasted ricotta gnocchi with white truffle crème is the only reason you’ll ever need to give up low carb diets. Split it for an appetizer with the table. They have a yummy weekend brunch too. https://janerestaurant.com
  • Empellon Taqueria: Not sure where to start…the guacamole or unique taco selection. Get a variety of tacos and split with the table. The brussel sprouts taco is surprisingly tasty. Tip: Not good for young kids who are picky eaters.  https://www.empellon.com/taqueria
  • The Standard Grill: The burger is delicious but the chicken salad with watercress and 9-spice vinaigrette is literally the best grilled chicken salad I’ve ever had – and then I eat part of my husband’s burger. Tip: The Standard makes a great lunch stop after a long walk on the High Line. http://www.thestandardgrill.com
  • Ess-a-bagel: I never realized bagels could melt in your mouth! Ok, that is a bit of an exaggeration but barely. There will be line, probably a long one, but wait, wait through rain, wind, snow, whatever, just wait – you’ll thank me later. http://www.ess-a-bagel.com
  • Sarabeth’s: This one shows up on many “lists” and it should. There are five locations in the city. The baker (Ryan) recommends the Goldie Lox for breakfast. Tip: Take an early morning walk in Central Park then cross the street to the Central Park South location for breakfast.  http://sarabethsrestaurants.com
  • Bar Sixty-five at the Rainbow Room: Cliché? Maybe but spectacular regardless. There is no way I can adequately describe the view. I usually opt to split a few things with the table and always get the cheese plate.  Tip: Reserve early and request a seat by the window or on the terrace when the weather is good. Not kid friendly. https://rainbowroom.com/bar-sixty-five
  • Maialino in the Grammercy Park Hotel: A relaxed atmosphere with a delicious brunch. Eat at the bar for views of Grammercy Park. https://maialinonyc.com
  • Bacado: Chorizo Flatbread…yum! An easy walk from The Met and Guggenheim. http://bocadocafenyc.com
  • The Penrose: Love this casual laid-back upper east side restaurant! A fun atmosphere with comfort bar food kicked up a notch (or 2). https://www.penrosebar.com
  • MAMO: A chic sister restaurant to MAMO Le Michelangelo on the French Riviera. http://www.mamonyc.com
  • Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar: Just get a cheese plate + the dark chocolate fondue and call it a completely balanced meal. https://ayzanyc.com

Where to stay:

  • The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park: It is tough to beat a Ritz-Carlton with Central Park as your front yard. The staff couldn’t be more accommodating. The rooms are super cozy and a good size for NYC. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/new-york/central-park
  • Essex House by JW Marriott: As with the Ritz, Central Park is as easy as a walk out of the front door. It is comparable to the Ritz in every other way as well – comfortable well-sized rooms with luxury accommodations and top notch service. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/nycex-jw-marriott-essex-house-new-york/
  • The Algonquin Hotel: A charming historic hotel popular with writers dating back to the 1920s. It is a smaller hotel and limited on amenities (no room service, for example) but this hotel is such unique experience. Tip: If you don’t stay, a stop at the Round Table Restaurant for breakfast will not disappoint. Say hello to Matilda the cat! Read about the history of the hotel if nothing else. http://www.algonquinhotel.com

Other Tips:

  • Empire State Building: Get Express Pass tickets in advance to skip the lines. http://www.esbnyc.com
  • Top of the Rock: Get VIP Access tickets in advance to skip the lines. https://www.topoftherocknyc.com
  • Uber from Newark is usually best but we cab to/from the other airports.
  • Many hotels either don’t have rooms with 2 beds or it is very limited. If a specific hotel is important and you need 2 beds, book early.

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Passport to Your National Parks

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Be honest — when you hear Passport to Your National Parks you think of a retired couple traveling the country by RV. I thought the same thing when my husband (the baker) suggested it. I was, well..um…, wrong (don’t tell him). Collecting stamps from national parks is a quest for our young daughters that inspires a sense of outdoor adventure and curiosity for history.  On this quest, we stood in the heart of New York’s financial district where a founding father took the presidential oath of office for the first time in our history, danced under the cherry blossoms in our nation’s capital, soaked up breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountain views, explored a 17th-century Spanish fort, participated in a living history museum at the first English settlement, learned a fascinating story of a woman freed from slavery who became a land owner and so much more…..and we are just getting started.  Our 8 year old shares her thoughts below.  —Betsy (the recovering politician)

The Passport book is a handy guide and a fun way to track your visits to national parks. When you are older, you can look back and remember all the amazing places you visited. When you visit a park, you get a stamp in your passport book.  It has the date and location. Some national parks have hiking and beautiful views. Some national parks are historical sites and museums. We have visited Federal Hall in New York where George Washington became the first president of the United States of America.  We have also been to the Statue of Liberty, Humpback Rocks, the Lincoln Memorial, Ford’s Theater, Yorktown, Jamestown, Kingsley Plantation, the Castillo de San Marcos Fort and many MANY more to get our books stamped!  This will be a fun activity as you grow and learn. I advise you to try it. Beware of letting your little sister or brother hold the ink stamp. In another blog, I will tell you more about many of the national parks I have visited with my family.  – Lucinda (the artist)

Passport to Your National Parks booklets can be purchased at many NPS  locations as well as at eparks.com.

Now…go explore!! (follow us on Instagram @modernmobilefamly for more from our adventures)

A modern mobile family

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Welcome to our blog!

We are a family of 4 (+ 1 dog) splitting our time between two states – Tennessee (our home for many years) and Virginia (our now home away from home) – and traveling to other places along the way.

Like many of you, we juggle travel, job responsibilities and raising our children. We’ll be sharing our adventures, places we enjoy and tips we find useful to being a young family on the move.

Many of our blogs will be written by Lucinda, our 3rd grader. She loves travel focused on history and looks forward to sharing what she learns. Look for her first blog coming soon on the Passport to Your National Parks program.

Thanks for following! We hope to meet fellow modern mobile families along the way!

Betsy (the recovering politician), Ryan (the baker), Lucinda (the artist, 8 yrs old), Evie (the pirate, 4 yrs old) and Cole, our Australian Labradoodle (the ewok)

 

“School Night Chicken Pasta”

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Ingredients:

  • Chicken: boneless, skinless
  • Whole wheat pasta
  • Green onions, chopped
  • Red bell pepper, diced + sautéed
  • Pine nuts, slow roasted
  • Goat cheese, crumbled
  • Olive oil
  • Dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt + Pepper
  • Lemon Juice

Not a ton of precision or measuring on this one!  It really is just based on your own taste and just mix it all together!  Once the chicken is cooked, this literally takes minutes to put together.  The girls love helping me throw it together on busy nights (someone tries for extra goat cheese too….).

  • Season the chicken with salt, pepper and dried Italian seasoning then cook via your preference (we either bake or put in the slow cooker – use chicken broth if using the slow cooker)
  • Once the chicken is ready, shred it as finely as possible.
  • Toss shredded chicken with cooked pasta, fresh green peppers, sautéed bell pepper, roasted pine nuts + goat cheese. Add salt, pepper, olive oil + lemon juice to taste and serve!

 

Tips:

  • To make this even quicker, cook and shred the chicken the night before.
  • The amount of olive oil and lemon juice really does depend on you but we suggest just enough to keep the pasta from drying out.
  • A tablespoon or 2 of the pasta water helps add a bit of flavor and consistency also.

 

Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Dinner’s Return Guest: Ciabatta Stuffing

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We look forward to Thanksgiving all year long! We always host family in Chattanooga and have settled into some really meaningful traditions; a charity walk for the homeless in our community,  the official “turkey drop” into the fryer, sharing what we are thankful for, a heated political discussion (or 2) and enjoying the delightful noise of sweet cousins playing.  I absolutely love putting together our Thanksgiving menu and being in the kitchen during this time.

A friend recently asked my advice on hosting Thanksgiving at her house for the first time. It can be tough to pull it all together with such busy lives so I try to focus on the our key items and not spread my time too thin.  The star of the show at every single Thanksgiving dinner is this Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnuts and Pancetta by Giada De Laurentiis.  If there is ever a year I don’t make it, we’ll have a major riot.  We  have 2 turkeys – 1 fried and 1 smoked. All of these are fairly involved so we keep everything else very simple.

I get the stuffing completely prepared and refrigerated the day before, and just pop in the oven on Thanksgiving day so it’s served freshly baked and warm.  You will not regret giving this a try. It really is delicious.

Enjoy and happy Thanksgiving! –Betsy (the recovering politician)

Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnuts and Pancetta: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/ciabatta-stuffing-with-chestnuts-and-pancetta-recipe

 

 

Photo by Food Network

 

 

Book Review – Whatever After: Sugar and Spice

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Very little takes priority in our house over reading. It’s so exciting to see your child find a book series she likes so much that she can’t start the next book fast enough! Typically opting for a book with a cover and summary that scream mystery or history, Lucinda just discovered the Whatever After series. A few pages in it quickly became a favorite.  She selected this series to kick off the book review section of our blog. It’s classic fairy tale meets current time.  Who better to offer a review of a middle grade book than an eight year old?! So, here it is!  Happy reading! – Betsy (the recovering politician)

Abby and her brother Jonah have a magic mirror in their basement.  The mirror takes them to a different fairy tale at midnight.  In this fairy tale, they bump into another brother and sister. They all find a cake house. The other brother and sister steal Abby and Jonah’s way home. They end up getting trapped in the cake house!  Will they get back home in time with their fuzzy companion?

This is a book in the series by Sarah Mlynowski. You might know this author from the Upside Down Magic series. I like this book because it is a fairy tale with some real world settings. After I read this book, I got 2 more because it was so good! I look forward to reading her new release, Abby in Wonderland. If you are looking for a fun book series to read, try this one! –Lucinda (the artist + history hunter, 8 years old)

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