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Camping and crabbing at Carolina Beach
Back from another camping expedition! Real quickie, though. We were down in Carolina Beach where the kids had a crabbing class — wading knee-deep into a salt marh, tossing bait fish out, and luring blue crabs back through the shallow waters (released them all, naturally, along with the shrimp, minnows, and snails who were also captured after fierce battles). There were 15 absolutely fantastic boys in all, most of whom followed up the crab adventure … Read entire article »
Filed under: Adventure
Family photo challenge
Lately, I’ve had this thing for photography. Well, more than lately. More like the past 20 years or so. But with kids, things have gotten really fun in the photo department. Sure, you start snapping the pix as soon as you find out you’re pregnant, then on through the newborn shots, the milestone moments, getting on the school bus, and so on. Now what about the pix your kid takes? Those are the real gems, and … Read entire article »
Filed under: Activities
Three blogs for Thursday
Of all the blogs in all the world, and you stumbled across mine. Thanks for being here! Now here’s a gift — as if you have all the time in the world to just poke around online and read blogs, right? — hand-picked blogs for curious and creative parents like you: For the parents of boys: Blogging ‘Bout Boys. This one’s been a favorite of mine for a while now. It could be because I’m, you … Read entire article »
Filed under: Fooling Around
Colonial Williamsburg
You know what would be really cool? If I’d just gotten back from Colonial Williamsburg and had lots of photos and activities and stuff to share with you. As it turns out… I haven’t gone to Colonial Williamsburg yet this year. It’s been on my to do list, though, does that count? However, you may be more fortunate than I and are planning to head to Virginia to experience living history. And if you are, have … Read entire article »
Filed under: Activities, Adventure, Books
National Dog Bite Prevention Week…Bite This, Not That
Can you believe it’s the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Dog Bite Prevention Week already? Wow, this just seems to come faster every year. Snark aside, as a former dog trainer, this one’s kind of dear to my heart. So many pooches are misunderstood, and so many kids are the unhappy victims of dog bites — even from beloved family pets. I did a story for Parents magazine about preventing dog bites that sums up the common … Read entire article »
Filed under: Activities, Food
Camping rocks!
So you know we’re big into camping here at Chez Polka Dot. We were blessed to adopt a camper, but tent camping works for us, too. (Much as I would like to say there’s no difference between the two, there kinda is: Air conditioning/heat, a fridge instead of a cooler, beds off the ground…) The great thing about camping, no matter your abode, is that kids can always find a way to entertain themselves in … Read entire article »
Filed under: Activities, Adventure
Thunderstorms galore
So we’ve had some quickie thunderstorms the last couple of days. Nothing hair-raising (har har), but still loud enough to wake you up and make you consider hiding under the bed for a couple minutes. One of my kiddos (who shall remain nameless) in particular has an aversion to storms — he’ll come find me and we’ll check Doppler together to see just how long the storm plans on hanging around. And we’ve had the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Activities
Energy book giveaway!
The guys were testing this week. I know what you’re thinking: Kids are challenging every day. Yuk, yuk, yuk. Yes, they are. But my guys were taking their end-of-year exams this week. On Tuesday, it was just under three hours of tests (unless I added wrong…sheesh, good think I’m knot taking them thar tests!). I tell you, good thing my parents raised me right, too. The temptation to peek in at their answers was overwhelming. I … Read entire article »
Filed under: Books
Happy Birthday, Big Fish!
Today, the crew at Chez Polka Dot is sending out great big ichthyological birthday wishes to the king of our kingdom, Big Fish! Happy birthday to our illustrious leader! What’s on tap? Fishing, naturally. May the waters send nothing but the biggest and the best your way, BF. Here’s a little secret: BF never reads Polka Dot Suitcase. In fact, I’m not sure he’s even aware he lives in a wonderful place called Chez Polka Dot. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Fooling Around
Edible spider webs
So, last week we came home from the store and I flipped on the faucet to wash my hands. Nothing. Not a drip. Not a dribble, nor a drop. For a second, all was quiet. Then it hit me, and I went screaming out of the house, knocking kids and dog aside, flew off the porch, sped around the corner, and flung open the crawl space door. And there were no drips nor drops there. Instead, … Read entire article »
Filed under: Activities