Screen-Free Backseat Entertainment Options: Part 4

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We’re hoping to tackle a road trip next week, and the thought of backseat bickering irritates me like fingernails on a chalkboard. So, we need to stock the minivan with simple activities that will keep the kids occupied for miles. These three low-tech ideas are sure winners:

I spy with my little eye...something fun!

I spy with my little eye…something fun!

Eye Spy: I remember playing this simple game as a kid, and its timeless nature means that even today’s tech-obsessed kids can enjoy the challenge. I frequently overhear my children and their friends launching into spontaneous games of Eye Spy. It’s a perfect activity for road trips. For variety, search and find books can also be fun.

Book of Centuries: We use this concept (kind of like a timeline in book form) for our history studies, and it’s a simple idea to bring along on a road trip. Basically, you fill a binder with blank sheets of paper. For each historical event you learn about, your kids draw a picture and write a brief summary about it. You arrange these pages in chronological order in the binder, which becomes a personalized history summary. So, everything you learn while on the road could become entries in your Book of Centuries.

Finger puppets provide endless avenues for creative play.

Finger puppets provide endless avenues for creative play.

Finger Puppets: Unleash your children’s creativity by providing them with a simple set of finger puppets. Find an inexpensive set of finger puppets at IKEA or find more luxurious sets at specialty toy stores. Even better, provide your kids with a set of craft sticks or paper bags, and have them craft their own puppets. And get ready to applaud whatever adorable puppet show your kids create!

For more travel activities for kids, see the other posts in the Screen-Free series: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

Screen-Free Backseat Entertainment Options: Part III

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Still looking to restore peace to the backseat? Here are a few more ideas that should help keep your kids engaged in constructive entertainment- no screen required. For more ideas check out Part I and Part II of the Screen-Free Backseat Entertainment Options Series:

Etch-A-Sketch: I stumbled upon this relic of a toy the other day. I’m not sure my kids even know how to use the thing.

Unleash creativity with this classic toy.

Unleash creativity with this classic toy.

But with no batteries required, no mess, and the possibility for hours of creativity, the Etch-A-Sketch is definitely accompanying us on our next road trip. Have your kids read over these Etch-A-Sketch tips before your trip in order to boost their creative power.

AquaDoodle: A similar low-mess travel drawing tool is the AquaDoodle, which now comes in a convenient travel size. If you’d prefer to make your own version of this toy, you can put some paint in a ziploc bag and seal it with gobs of tape. Theoretically, this enables kids to draw designs in the paint without making a mess. However I wouldn’t trust my rambunctious brood with the DIY version- it would surely lead to a rainbow-hued minivan.

Mad Libs: My kids love these silly stories, and I have to admit, they can turn into hilarious tales. We have oodles of them and involve the whole family in calling out words to fill in the Mad Libs. On top of the entertainment factor, these stories teach kids about parts of speech and creative storytelling. Plus a whole van full of laughing family members is a sure sign of an enjoyable road trip.

photo by: videocrab

Screen-Free Entertainment Options: Part II

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In Part 1 of Screen-Free Backseat Entertainment Options, we talked about Search and Find Games, Magnetic Games, and Mileage Marker Activities. But if you’re embarking on a long road trip, you’ll need more tricks up your sleeve than these three.

Of course, handing your kids a screen- whether that’s in the form of a smartphone, tablet, or dvd player- will likely keep the peace. And I acknowledge that there’s a place for that. But the Vagabonds try to exhaust other options first. Here are a few more screen-free road trip activities for kids:

Paper/Magnetic Dolls- Remember old-school paper dolls that you had to punch out?

Old-fashioned paper dolls provide vintage entertainment to 21st century kids.

Old-fashioned paper dolls provide vintage entertainment to 21st century kids.

They had those tricky little foldable tabs that were supposed to hold the doll’s clothes on. Today’s kids have often never seen this vintage toy. You can even find history paper dolls (clad in historic costumes like Ancient Greecian Togas or Victorian gowns), like these stunning Italian Renaissance Costume Paper Dolls.

Tangrams- Introduce your little backseat traveler to the introductory concepts of geometry under the guise of these simple shapes. Tangrams allow children to experiment with patterns and arrange individual shapes to create simple objects and scenes. I like this set by Melissa and Doug because it has a handy wooden case in which to keep all those little pieces nicely organized. The company also makes a simpler set of pattern blocks for younger children. 

Silly Putty and Newspaper- If your kids are old enough to handle silly putty with creating a total disaster, this can be a relatively mess-free backseat entertainment option. Give them a few sheets of newspaper and one of those classic eggs of silly putty, and watch them have a blast with this super simple form of entertainment. Word on the street is that the silly putty/newspaper trick doesn’t work anymore due to newspapers changing their ink to one that isn’t compatible with silly putty. However, I *just* tried it, and it DOES work.

photo by: dd21207

Remember Goliad!

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Step back into the heart of the Texas Revolution in the South Texas town of Goliad. Visit Goliad State Park, where you’ll find the stunningly beautiful replica of Mission Espíritu Santo, which contains exhibits documenting the life of Spanish missionaries and the Native Americans they attempted to convert.

Taking in the beauty of Espiritu Santo

 

Just down the road, visit Presidio La Bahia, a

Outside of Presidio La Bahia, displaying our new (Gonzales) flag.

remarkably well-preserved chapel and fortress that looks just like it might have when Colonel Fannin was held captive there in 1836. In fact, the structure is one of the few surviving Spanish colonial mission/presidio complexes in North America. The Presidio’s museum displays artifacts from the Texas Revolution and shows a short film explaining the area’s historical significance.

We were amazed at the authentic feel of the Presidio- being secluded, so well preserved, and unencumbered by commercial encroachment, it lacks the tourist-trap feel of the Alamo. In fact, the word the little Vagabonds most frequently used to describe both the Presidio and Espiritu Santo was “spooky.”

Our Lady of Loreto Chapel, the oldest section of the Presidio, displays an intricate fresco created by the “Michelangelo of South Texas.” The chapel’s altar served as the signing place for the first Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico. The chapel is still in use, holding Mass every Sunday evening.

For an authentic historical experience, stay the night in The Quarters at the Presidio, a stone-walled, two-bedroom apartment with fireplace. The Quarters provides heat and air conditioning, a kitchenette, and full access to roam the grounds of the Presidio after hours. Beware! Some say these are ghostly stomping grounds!

After browsing the Texas history memorabilia for sale at the Presidio, we left with a commemorative flag. We chose the Gonzalez “Come and Take It” flag, just because I’ve wanted that one for so long. But I discovered a flag that I hadn’t heard of before- the “Bloody Arm.” Read about the Irish-influenced flag here- a fascinating story. And do go visit Goliad, even if you don’t work up the courage to stay the night.

*Portions of this story originally appeared in my February 2013 article in Change Magazine.

Tour Historic Texas Churches

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In honor of Easter week, I thought I’d share some of the beautiful and historic Texas churches that are open for tours. I love the diversity of beautiful architecture- from intricately detailed stain glassed windows to simple wooden facades, and I think you’ll agree that these churches are breathtaking examples:

Each year, Houston hosts Museum District Day (usually in the fall) where the Museum District museums open for free. It is marvelous aside from the traffic. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, a gorgeous tower of slate and limestone constructed in a Modified English Gothic style, also opens for tours.

St. Paul UMC in Houston offers guided group tours.

The church- which is located in the Museum District- also offers guided tours for groups of ten or more, year-round.

The Painted Churches (featuring murals and other artistry by 19th century Czech and German immigrants) include more than 20 churches, mostly located within the Texas Hill Country.One of these, St. Paul Lutheran in Serbin, features the tallest pulpit in Texas as well as two stories of seating.

St. Paul Lutheran in Serbin features a gorgeous painted interior.

Back in 1870, when the church was built, men sat in the balcony and women and children sat on the ground floor. When we visited, Vagabond Son loved running up to the towering pulpit and waving to us as we peered up at him from the ground floor.

Independence offers a lighted church tour, an evening tour of six architecturally-lit historic churches. The driving tour winds past these late 18th and early 19th century churches (scattered among small communities within the vicinity of Independence), with the oldest being Independence Baptist Church- built in 1872. The nighttime driving tour also includes other historic sites in Independence like the structures at Old Baylor Park and the Independence General Store.

photos by: etee & Nikonomic

Grab Your Camera: It’s Bluebonnet Photo Time

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Driving along in my sprawling concrete jungle of suburbia, I spotted the first bluebonnets of the season. They were randomly situated in an esplanade- the tiny patch of indigo immediately lit my face with a smile.

Fields of bluebonnets transform Texas roadsides into breathtaking attractions.

But this humble patch wasn’t picture worthy. And, yes, I’m that stereotypical Texas mom who forces her kids to endure bluebonnet photos every year. The pics may be cliche, but the blooms are gorgeous, and we make a fun day trip of it.

We’ve journeyed to both Ennis and Brenham for bluebonnet photos- most often to the latter. Last year, we went to Old Baylor Park in Independence for pics. Fields of flowers and cool architectural details made for some great photos.

Tap the ice cream at its source- Blue Bell in Brenham.

Of course, the kids mandate that any trip to the area include a stop at Blue Bell headquarters in Brenham.

And it’s tricky to work in both ice cream and pie, but I do love me some pie from Must Be Heaven.We haven’t worked out exactly where we’ll road trip for bluebonnet pics this year, but I’ll be keeping my eye on bluebonnet watch sites like Texas Bluebonnet Sightings. The site reports that they’re suspecting an early bluebonnet season, so we better get moving soon. The site provides maps with bluebonnet sites pinpointed, and all posts updates from an active bluebonnet Twitter and Facebook community.

And after you find the perfect patch, consider these tips for obtaining frame-worthy bluebonnet photos:

  • No Trespassing- There are plenty of public spots covered in blooms. Don’t climb a stranger’s fence for the sake of a photo.
  • The More the Merrier- If you can, bring along another adult so that you don’t have to tackle simultaneous photography and kid-wrangling duties.
  • A Little Bribery Goes a Long Way- Did I mention Blue Bell? Enough said.
  • Dress Appropriately- Consider bringing jeans and rubber boots to slip under those cute dresses. Fields of wildflowers can be itchy to walk through.
  • Light the Way- Try to take your pics in the morning or the hours approaching sunset for the best lighting.
  • Don’t Eat the Flowers- I know all the hoopla is about not picking the flowers, but when toddlers accompany me, I’m more concerned about the eating of the blooms. Yes, I did research this last year after Vagabond Baby wanted a pretty snack- and most decidedly, you should not eat bluebonnets.
  • Have Fun with It-  I’m guilty of being really task oriented when it comes to taking photos, but we’re supposed to be making memories here. Let’s let loose a little and let our kids be kids.

Lufkin’s Naranjo Museum of Natural History

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by Vagabond Intern Jerri Bourrous

Growing up in East Texas, my cousins and I often found pieces of petrified wood and
arrowheads in my backyard. Granted, we never found anything of incredible importance, but we considered ourselves junior archaeologists bragging about our discoveries on the playground and during show and tell.

Dinos invade Lufkin!

The Naranjo Museum of Natural History, in Lufkin, caters to the explorer in us all. Although it just opened in September, thousands of locals have already experienced the natural wonder of history. This seemingly small building has utilized its space efficiently, filling it with artifacts from dinosaurs to astronauts.

Founder, Dr. Neal Naranjo, excitedly introduced me to his pride and joy, Mary Ann, a Hadrosaur found in Montana. Mary Ann’s fossil reaches 20 feet tall by 30 feet long. Her tail and right foot were found with skin impressions still intact, which is rare. “We figured that she died in a volcanic eruption,” Naranjo explains, “She fell over on her back and since she walked like that [on all fours] all the time she had to be choking to go backwards. With the ash falling on her real quick, it preserved the skin. We’re the only museum displaying that much skin.”

The museum takes visitors on a walk through the different geologic periods that display
many fossils and large scale dioramas painted by local artists. Dr. Naranjo makes a
point to remind me that the colors chosen for the dinosaurs are guesses based on their
environments. Many of the dinosaur fossils here are complete.

Two Einiosaurs skulls, mother and child, are on display. “This is 100% fossil,” Naranjo points out, “We found her and then underneath her was baby Einiosaur. There was lava all around. We do them like we think the area was when they were alive so she was dying and covered up her baby, trying to save him and they both died.” Dr. Naranjo has begun writing a series of children’s books based on the two. Once complete, the series will be available in the museum gift shop.

The museum currently hosts a NASA exhibit including astronaut food, an authentic
astronaut uniform, and pieces from a shuttle. Dr. Naranjo informed me that they’ll soon be adding a moon rock to the current collection.

In a long double-sided display case, artifacts from many civilizations such as the ancient
Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Vikings, Aztecs, Maya, Africans, and even Neanderthals are presented. Weapons, tools, coins, and carvings from each group have been preserved for future generations. Nearing the end of the display, Dr. Naranjo pointed out a framed collection of Civil War buttons. “I was metal detecting when I was at Harvard and I came across this. What they figured that I’d found was a field hospital. Because they thought blood was bad, they’d strip the bloody clothes off of the soldiers. That’s why I got so many buttons in one fell swoop.”

A table set up near the exhibits allows children to participate in their own archaeological
digs. Dr. Naranjo and his colleagues used to travel to schools with items that are now
included in the museum, but decided to settle in one place to allow the children to come to them.

Near the front of the museum is a room containing many gems and jewelry from the past. Included is a bracelet that once belonged to Rudyard Kipling and a rosary touched by Pope John Paul. Civil War money, doubloons, and coins from the time of Ivan the Terrible and several pieces from all of the kings and queens of England are also featured.

Upcoming exhibits of ancient horses and a full sized replica of a Tyrannosaurus Rex will be open in the coming weeks, as well as a diorama of creatures found in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Naranjo Museum of Natural History provides fun and education for visitors. The tour
guides are knowledgeable and interactive. Dr. Naranjo and the rest of the staff have created a beautiful space to explore the adventurer and archaeologist inside us all. Don’t hesitate to stop when you’re passing through Lufkin. They’re open from 10-6 Monday through Saturday, and from 1-6 on Sunday. Admission is free for those under 3, $5 for children and teens, and $7.50 for adults.

photo by: denn

Lufkin’s Historic Pines Theater Reopens

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by Vagabond Intern Jerri Bourrous

My mom has many memories of The Pines Theater as it used to be. She recalls spending nearly every Saturday there and seeing such classics as The Wizard of Oz and Dracula for the now unbelievable price of a quarter. When she heard that renovations were underway in order to reopen, she was thrilled. I can’t imagine that she’s alone in her excitement.

Built in 1925, The Pines Theater, located in downtown Lufkin, remained a hot spot for many years. Once sold, the building housed a few different outfits, including a church.

Lufkin’s historic Pines Theater reopens December 1.

In 1988, it was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places. After remaining vacant for a few years, the city purchased it in 2007 and began making plans to reopen the building.Upon inspection, the new owners discovered that the ceiling had caved in and the building had been flooded. Originally, it seated over 700 but will hold slightly less at 459 upon reopening. Newly outfitted with HD projection, the soon-to-reopen theater will be able to host a variety of different events such as concerts and other live performances as well as films.

During the month of December, patrons can see a number of Christmas films including It’s a Wonderful Life and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (yes!). Along with restoring as much of the previous interior as possible since the majority of it was severely damaged, new bathroom facilities, concessions, dining areas, balcony seating, and dressing rooms for the performers have been added.

The Pines Theater plans to show a series of Christmas movies this December.

The Pines Theater plans to reopen its doors to the public on December 1 with a live performance by Paul Byrom, a former member of Celtic Thunder. Scheduled in the upcoming year are singers Michael Martin Murphey, Jennifer Holliday, tributes to Nat King Cole and the Lennon/McCartney songbook, and many others.

Lufkin’s culture has made vast improvements since I was a child. The downtown area has begun to turn around and surround itself with plenty of opportunities for live music and delicious food without losing its charm. I may not have any personal memories of The Pines Theater (yet), but I’m glad that I’ll be able to visit a place that holds such an important spot in my mother’s past. For more information, visit www.thepineslufkin.com

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5 Favorites for Small Business Saturday

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Since today is Small Business Saturday and the Vagabonds do love us some Small Business, I thought I’d highlight some of our favorite Texas small businesses.

Last year over 100 million people supported local businesses on Small Business Saturday, and as more consumers continue to shift from a mass-produced to a locally, handcrafted mentality, this year’s Small Business Saturday has the potential to produce even more sales.

Shop small businesses this Christmas season.

So try to make a dent in your Christmas list with some local goods, and while you’re at it, check out these small businesses that we’ve visited and loved this year:

#1. Sycamore Grounds- Cheers erupted from every corner of the Vagabond household when this Pasadena coffee shop opened earlier this year. With its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and fine coffee, all served up in a coffeehouse constructed of largely reclaimed materials, what’s not to like? Though we keep Vagabond Baby away from the java (that ball of energy needs no caffeine), she literally BEGS for Sycamore Grounds’ delectable selection of locally produced ice cream.

#2. Murder by the Book- I’m not quite sure why I failed to discover this treasure of a bookstore earlier, but my first visit transformed me into a devotee. This year, much of my leisurely reading has been devoted to books purchased at Murder by the Book- particularly The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter by Susan Wittig Albert (a Texas author, for a double dose of supporting local!).

#3. Bleu Frog Mercantile- On our visit to this Corpus Christi shop, we were impressed by the gorgeous selection of candles, decor, and specialty children’s products. I was even more impressed by the staff’s gracious response when Vagabond Son promptly broke a pricey Willow Tree sculpture. They simply shrugged it off, and we expressed our thanks by purchasing a boatload of fun gifts- my favorite was Vagabond Baby’s “Farm Baby” tee (we visit farms, so that counts, right?).

#4. The Standpipe Coffee House- I know, I know- 2 coffee houses on the list? Excessive! But Standpipe simply can’t be ignored.

Vagabond Dad gets excited about coffee.

For one, it’s the first small business that we visited today, bright and early, on Small Business Saturday. Secondly, the Barista responded to my question about caffeine content with the phrase “per unit of measure”- I appreciate the detail. Thirdly, this coffee house has revolutionized our Lufkin caffeination experience. Plus the weekly live music is an outstanding contribution to the town’s cultural scene.

#5. Hope’s Closet- This Longview resale shop (which benefits the Women’s Center of East Texas) really helped us out when we took a long and winding road trip in late October. When we left Houston, temperatures were in the high 80s, but by the time we arrived in Longview they had dipped into the 30s. A quick trip to Hope’s Closet helped me pad the summer wardrobe that I had packed with some name-brand jeans and sweaters for the children and me- all for a grand total of less than $40.

Holiday Travel Tips

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by Vagabond Intern Jerri Bourrous

Traveling during the holidays might sound like a bad idea, but it’s often necessary in order to spend time with friends and family. According to AAA, nearly 43 million Americans travel during these peak times but there are ways to avoid some of the hassle. For smoother travel this Thanksgiving and Christmas, try these holiday travel tips

First of all, unless absolutely necessary, don’t travel during the two days beforehand. While it seems like the ideal time allowing you to spend more time with loved ones, other drivers are thinking the same thing.

Holiday travel often encounters heavy traffic.

Traffic is significantly diminished on the day of a holiday, so unless you must travel a very long distance, setting out for the open road on Thanksgiving or Christmas morning might provide a safer trip. Also, keep in mind that traffic accidents increase by at least 20% between the ends of November and December.

Prepare for the worst by allowing yourself extra time. Weather, traffic, or any kind ofemergency could delay your arrival. Pack flares, blankets, water, and a first aid kit if travelling a long distance. It’s better to arrive safe and on time.

Pack lightly so that you leave plenty of room for presents. Remember that most families return with more presents than when they left. Stacking them up in the back might hinder visibility which is dangerous during even the most ideal travel situations.

Remember to pack lightly so that piled up luggage doesn’t obscure your view.

Make sure that your kids stay entertained. Busy, happy children prove less of a distraction. Games in which the players are required to spot out-of-state license plates can be especially fun during the holidays because of the amount of drivers on the roads.

Have your car checked before leaving to ensure that everything is in order. Although Texas’ winter weather isn’t often dangerous, we Texans also know that it is unpredictable. Be sure that your tires are prepared for any nasty weather that might arrive.

As a last note, break-ins are prevalent during the holiday season. If you plan to be gone for more than a day or two, ask a neighbor to pick up your mail. Leave a light or two on, maybe even a radio and don’t leave any blinds or curtains open.

These tips might be left to common sense, but the holidays can be hectic and sometimes the smallest things are forgotten or overlooked. Be attentive and patient and most hazards can be avoided.

photos by: Lingaraj G J & malias