We traveled. We drove to Arkansas to see friends that we have not seen in four years. It was lovely.
The first day we drove to Jefferson City, MO and passed by Lincoln's house in Springfield, IL. It was a spot on activity-my daughter remembered and was impressed by a lot of what she saw. My son, too, was quite impressed with the organization of the homes, to the relative position of each room, to the details within each room. Both kids sat through the informative movie, asked the ranger lady good questions, followed the rules. Great experience getting in touch with history. Passing though the streets of Springfield we saw the dome of the Senate and learned that this is where the laws of Illinois are made by senators.
We spent the night at Jefferson City and on the way out noticed the dome of its senate, thus realizing that we are in the capital of Missouri! Lucky on my part as my US geography is very weak. Driving through MO reminded me a lot of Bulgaria, and my native region in particular-the rocks, the cliffs, the farms.
Entering Arkansas was also very exciting. The terrain changed, there was a river by the side of the road. The people were very friendly and gave us so much useful information. While in Arkansas, we visited two museums.
The first museum, the Museum of Native American history, was recommended by the lady at the visitor center off the highway. It was a wonderful museum. The visit was self-directed with the aide of portable remote controls which at the press of the button with the number of an artifact detailed information about the artifact. This is how I first learned about atl-atl and intend to make one and try one during the summer. We learned and saw things used by people during different parts of human history, looked at solutions they have found for common problems that we solve even today. Living history and a great experience. I loved the fact that the museums were small and very cozy and very personal. I could stop and read all the information, ask the lady at the desk questions and not worry about the whereabouts of the kids. There were hands-on activities for them too but the best was the living, life-size, real objects.
At the museum I received a recommendation to go to another museum, the Museum of the Ozarks. The Ozarks is not a tribe, which is what I initially thought. The Ozarks is the name of an area. It may have been derived from the name of a tribe as in Aux Arks by the french. However it is derived, the name stands for a region and the people and the history of the people within this region. What is impressive about this museum was that the history spanned prehistory all the way to the modern world. To me it meant a lot. I did take US history class but I learned nothing. I do remember hearing about the new deal but I don't know anything about it. Well, in this museum I learned how the new deal impacted the local life and how it is still present, in ever weaker way, today. History became from an abstract object a very relevant, living, vivid part of my life. And yes, this museum too, was small and cozy, child and parent friendly. Here we found a great coloring book of horses for the girl and a nice set of lincoln-logs type of set for the boy! I loved the museums of the south and I loved the friendliness of the people of the south. I was happy and well-received down there. A very charming place.
While in Arkansas we went to a trampoline place and a roller-skating indoor place. In both places the kids had wonderful time but what impressed me most about the local kids was how patient and attentive they were of one another-patient to take turns and wait in line, looking out for others' safety and extremely polite.
On the way back, we drove to Saint Louis. I wanted to go sightseeing but the morning was too cold and the weather report was for challenging driving conditions so I opted out for leaving early and arriving safely which we did. Before we walked home we made a final stop at our favorite pizzeria to feed and warm-up! A good way to spend the holidays with friends and learn and appreciate the country we live in a bit more.
Our friends were wonderful-they opened their doors and welcomed us in their home. The kids played beautifully together and were respectful of one another. Parting was difficult and was accompanied with tears by all but we will soon see each other again. I felt happy, relieved and content.
I recently finished reading these two books. Danny, champion of the world, I have started reading to the kids. So far they like it. It is a slower paced story so I hope they continue to like it. I think this is the best of all Dahl books that I have read. I wonder if it is undervalued because of the slower pace. I think it should be emphasized because of its communal, family-centered elements.
Einstein and Relativity for kids is quite good too, but for kids who understand a little bit about division and multiplication, so for 4th and 5th grader the reading will probably be most appropriate. The earlier, the better. This book is a great introduction to a complex subject and offers good opportunities for discussions, thinking and be challenged.
