OCTOBER 2014

Another busy month! I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Zayne!  We are starting to get into a rhythm, which I think is a blessing for both of us.  I think the best way to tackle this month is to try and group our activities.

SOCCER

Below are some more soccer pictures.  We have definitely stayed busy with this team, practicing twice a week for 90 minutes.  But to watch Zachery improve has been priceless.

ORGAN CONCERT

As part of our homeschool community we found out about an organ concert, which we attended.  It was beautiful!!

BIRTHDAY PARTY

We have made new friends as part of our Lil' Sluggers, baseball lessons.  Two of these friends share a birthday and threw a party together at a rock climbing facility.  What a blast!!  Zayne was in heaven being able to climb as high as he could!! It was fun to watch!!

DALLAS ARBORETUM

We frequently try and find different FREE activities and one of them was Fall Festival Activities at the Dallas Arboretum.  He got his face painted and was able to get his picture taken in several locations.   

DALLAS HERITAGE VILLAGE

"The mission of Dallas Heritage Village is to collect, preserve, and teach the history of Dallas and North Central Texas. Located in historic Old City Park, the museum uses its collections of historic buildings and furnishings, representing the period 1840-1910, to sponsor research, publications, and exhibits, and to present educational programs and special events for diverse audiences of children, families, and adults.

Dallas Heritage Village and the land on which it sits has a long and rich connection with Dallas history. Site of many firsts, this piece of land became Dallas’ first city park in 1876. At the time, it was simply called City Park. The Cedars, an elegant neighborhood, home of many business and mercantile leaders, grew up around City Park in the 1880s and 1890s. The city’s first zoo was located here and weekly concerts were given in the bandstand similar to the one at the Village today. Browder Springs, which now flows underground, was the first water supply with a wooden water main carrying water to the young city. Turn-of-the-century maps show a large pavilion, fountain, pump house, pond, and greenhouses. The greenhouses were open to the public during the day for touring.

After World War II, many people moved to the suburbs around Dallas and highways were built to get them in to the city for work. Interstate 30 cut the Cedars neighborhood off from downtown, leaving the neighborhood and the park in decline. The future of City Park looked dim until a group of women determined to save a historic plantation house from the wrecking ball offered the park a new role in the culture of Dallas. The ladies who rescued Millermore stored the disassembled pieces in a warehouse, and then called Ray Hubbard, president of the park board. He agreed with their idea to reconstruct the house in City Park, where it became the first of 21 buildings transported here to become a village. When Millermore opened here in 1969 the museum was called Old City Park. As living history became popular, the museum introduced first person interpreters who speak in the role of a person from the early days of Dallas. In 2005 the museum’s name was changed to Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park to reflect the living village it has become" (https://www.dallasheritagevillage.org).  

I wanted to include the above "blurp" so you know what the Dallas Heritage Village is all about and so I can remind myself later if the boys ask me ... Anyways, Zayne participated in the reading of  "The Little Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly".  He made a craft and colored a picture.  He also was able to pet a chicken.  We had such a wonderful experience exploring and can't wait to go back!!

TEXAS STATE FAIR

Can you believe it ... it is that time of year again for the Texas State Fair!! We literally spent all day at the Fair! We first explored the Children's Boardwalk area where they got tattoos, face paintings, listened to a multi-cultural band and watched them dance.  Then we rode the maximum of three rides that I allowed.  They chose a water log ride, the slide and a fun house.  I think they were super excited that they were able to stand in line by themselves and be "big boys".  The Fair isn't complete unless we go through Little Farm Hands and then this year we were able to participate in the Track Pull, which was absolutely hilarious! I have attached the video's of their final pulls!! I forgot to mention that it was cold at the Fair this year and we were starting to freeze otherwise I think we would have stayed longer.  As we were leaving we almost lost Zayne, which completely scared me and yes he was lectured, but we also was able to watch the BMX Bike Show.  I thought the boys would have been more attentive, but they lost interest very quickly!!

BIG BOY ON TWO WHEELS

Zayne learned how to ride his bike with no training wheels!! This was a very proud day in the Wieland/Mills household!! WAHOO, Zayne!!

RICHARDSON HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING PARADE

 Northwood Hills Elementary School has a float in the Richardson High School Homecoming Parade and this year we were able to participate.  It was fun!! By the end of the ride, the kids were bored and done so I am glad it is only a mile maybe mile and half long.

HALLOWEEN

We had a group of people come over to join in the trick-o-treating fun around the neighborhood this year.  As you can see Zach and Zayne are Spiderman this year.  Like always it is hard to keep the excitement down, they literally loose their brains as they are running from one house to the next.  They forget to look for cars and/or think about keeping the group together.  Anyways, the older girls tried to keep the younger boys in line, but it was difficult.  I am thankful no one got hurt and we thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with our friends!