Archive for the ‘Philly’ Category
Published by
Jana on
February 12, 2009
I know the groundhog predicted 6 more weeks of winter, but the last 6 days have been absolutely gorgeous. A most welcome break from the the freezing temps of the last few months. Even though I know the weather gods are going to plunge us back into a deep freeze, I’ve enjoyed every moment I possibly could of the warmth. Probably why I have a very long to do list of all the things I’ve neglected over the past week…
Yesterday, my friend, Kim, along with her two boys, showed us a gorgeous trail in 1,800 acre Wissahickon Valley Park called Forbidden Drive. We found plentiful street parking by taking a left off of Henry Avenue onto Monestary Drive and then making an immediate right. While this wasn’t a the trail head, it provided us a short walk under the Henry Avenue bridge onto the trail.
We had intended to have a decent hike along the stoller-friendly Forbidden Drive to an area with easy access to the river. But once the boys saw the river, there was no turning back.
We ended up climbing over the fence (yes, it was allowed) and straight down to the river where the boys could throw rocks into the water.
One thing Kim and I both agreed on was that when taking kids for a hike, the purpose has to be for them to enjoy nature and exploring, not for you to get in your exercise for the day.
Kim is also up for being part of the children and nature club that I want to start here in Philly - I’m thinking of calling it “PSX Philly” - any thoughts? I think Kai and Taz had a lot more fun having other kids to play and explore with.
After Kim’s eldest had stepped in the icy water a few too many times, she decided to head home for naptime. My boys and I decided to stay on as we were so enjoying being out. We sat together on a big rock for a while, just watching the leaves float down the river.
On our way back up the trail, Kai and I started looking for pods, acorns, pine cones and other items that had fallen out of the trees to use to make little nature people out of for an art project (inspired by the upcoming Kids Grow Expo - I’ll write about that in a future post). It was great to have a treasure hunt - it really added to Kai’s enthusiasm and, as a result, we ended hiking the yellow/green trail for another hour or so. While not stroller-friendly, I had forgotten mine anyway, so with Taz in the front-carrier we did just fine. It was bike and horse accessible - I would love to get day on the mountain bike without the kids this spring… Anyway, I was amazed at Kai’s endurance - all due to his having a purpose to his hike. I was actually the one who insisted on turning around once Taz got overly fussy. He fell asleep in my arms on the way back to the car - not the most comfortable way to walk, but we made it back to the car.
As I’ve looked over the Friends of the Wissahickon website, I am so excited about all there is to do in the park, which is part of the Fairmount Park system. There are numerous trails, as well as volunteer activities and organized hikes. There is even an environmental center which offers tot classes. While the schedule currently on their website is from last fall, I am hoping to visit there soon and find out about the updated options. The more I learn about Philly’s outdoor offerings, the more I am amazed by how nature friendly this big city is. And the more excited I am about discovering all we can!
Published by
Jana on
February 7, 2009
The day finally arrived that I have been waiting for since arriving in Philadelphia - the Green Woods Charter School open house. As the name suggests, this amazing school is located in the woods - 340 acres of woods to be exact - and is connected to the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. This is the school that I so dream of Kai being able to attend next year. And so do hundreds of other parents apparently as the room was jam packed - all there for their one chance to receive an application packet to vie for the 13 kindergarten spots that will be open in the fall. Luckily, the spaces are chosen by lottery, so each of us has a good a chance as the other. The extensive application is due the end of February, the lottery is held in April and we should know our status by May - I am so hoping and praying that we’ll be accepted!
If there was ever a school in Philly that I would want my children to attend - or even want to teach at myself - this is it. Green Woods has an incredible, nature based curriculum. The mission of the school is to:
“provide children in grades K through 8 with the opportunity to be active, knowledgeable and conscientious young investigators by fostering a keen understanding of the interrelatedness and interdependence of our local and global existence.”
That mission was apparent through every aspect of the school that we were exposed to - from the two hours the kids spend hiking each week to the worm farm in the kindergarten room. As the website states:
“Each and every day, Green Woods’ teaching team provides students with dynamic learning experiences that focus on the relationship between humans and the natural world. Our ponds, streams, forests, and fields act as the ideal “learning laboratory”; for exploration and discovery, while our partnership with the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education enhances the award-winning curriculum created and delivered by our passionate staff. Share the Green Woods experience through the eyes of our special kids.”
So, we’ll see what happens…
Earlier in the day, I took the boys to the Schuylkill (a word I still avoid attempting to say out loud) Center so I would know exactly where we were headed to that night. While the discovery center was filled with enticing, informative displays. While we were there, the current kindergarten class even came in for a lesson - I was thrilled to see that the center plays such a role in the daily curriculum of the students. Still, not wanting to get in the way of the class, it was a prime time to take off on a hike.
We hiked along portions of the grey fox loop, widener and woodcock trails and sat for a while in the Founder’s Grove for a picnic. They were out of trail maps in the center, so it wasn’t until looking at the website that I realized we weren’t actually supposed to eat on the trails - oops - but at least we did out best to ensure we didn’t leave any crumbs behind. There was still snow on the ground, so the walk was quite muddy and Kai had a great time crunching in the icy puddles. I was happy that he was entertained and created his own games to play as we walked along. We found a bird blind and I tried to encourage the boys to look quietly through the holes to watch the birds feed. Kai is getting used to an inside voice, but he just doesn’t get the need to be quiet outside - we’re working on it…
It made me think though about a story I had heard the week before at a women’s conference. Keala Sikahema, wife of Vai Sikahema, shared about a time when her husband was trying to teach their sons to use the riding lawn mower to make their lawn look as nice as their neighbhor’s perfectly manicured lawn. During a visit of Keala’s father, the boys were receiving one of the frequent lectures. Her father told Vai to “remember you are raising boys and growing men”. After that, Vai gave up on the lectures and soon the boys, as they continued to practice, did a fine job of mowing the lawn. I have been reminded of that story as I hiked with my boys, as well as we put away toys this week and flipped pancakes together. There is no need for perfection, we are just teaching our sons one step at a time. I can’t expect my boys to be expert hikers or have an innate respect for the birds, but I can share my love for nature with them during our leisurely nature walks - knowing that they will grow up to be men who have an appreciation - and, I hope, a passion - for the world around them.
Published by
Jana on
January 17, 2009
Just thought I’d pass on the link to the USA Service Organization which is sponsoring a national day of service this Monday, the MLK holiday. So, instead of just hanging out in your jammies all day since you don’t have to work, check out service events near you. There are heaps of choices. I actually signed up to help clean up Fairmount Park with the boys - 2 for 1 - some time outdoors and a chance to serve in the community. Considering the weather is going to hover around freezing that day though and is supposed to be cloudy, I’m just hoping it will work out…
We tried to take the boys out today as it’s bright and sunny out so didn’t feel all that cold. But Taz will absolutely not keep gloves on - once we saw his hands turning red, we decided I would turn back with him. And, as I saw that it’s only 17 F right now, I can see why the poor little guy was having a meltdown… So, I’m stuck inside, but as Kaleo has to work all week inside, I couldn’t begrudge him an outing with Kai to our favorite indoor Philly spot - the Franklin Institute, which is just a few blocks from our place - especially because today they’re celebrating Ben Franklin’s birthday. Kai wants to be an inventor when he grows up, so Franklin is on his list of heroes. And besides, time alone with Daddy is always a treat.
Published by
Jana on
January 1, 2009
2008 was a year of transition for us - we lived in 4 homes, 3 states, 2 countries and welcomed 1 new baby into our family. I’m glad that as the year ended, we find ourselves finally settled, even if it is someplace we would never have dreamed of being a year ago. But as we settle into our new life, I look back and wonder if we are where we should be, if we have made the right decisions over the past year. Should we have left Australia - or, once we were back in the States, should we have stayed closer to family in Washington, D.C. - or has following Kaleo’s furniture making dreams to Philadelphia been exactly the road we were meant to have taken…
When we brought in 2008, I thought we’d finish the year in Virginia living in the country with heaps of space and a garden. Instead, we’re back in the middle of city in an apartment in which I often feel we’re tripping over each other and with no immediate outdoor space for the kids. But we chose this place for the location and I’m grateful to have a whole city and huge urban park to explore outside our door - and I know once spring hits, I’m going to love it.
We are enjoying exploring Philly - it’s just been such a whirlwind of a year that it’s taking me a bit of time to settle into a normal life and routine here. One thing I’m disappointed about is that we got here so late into the season - it’s been harder to explore in the cold with two little ones. I’m learning to make rules for ourselves - if it’s sunny and above 40 F, we have to go out, no matter what. Last weekend, I was thrilled we were going to have record breaking highs in the 60s - I couldn’t wait to get out on Kaleo’s day off and just drive out of town. But, as luck would have it, the four of us all came down sick and spent two entire days resting on the couch - well, as much as you can rest with a wiggly 11 month old. I was beyond frustrated by the time we felt better. So, on Monday, when the temperature hit 50 F, we got in Kai’s first Philly bike ride, even if it was just in the little maze park near out building. By Tuesday, it was only in the 40s and windy, but sunny - after a trip to the library, I announced we were going to a playground - Kai asked why we couldn’t go home - I explained to him that if we did, I would go absolutely crazy having to spend another afternoon in the house. He doesn’t want to see his mommy go crazy… And I’m glad we did, because the sun was warm enough to have fun at the park and I felt renewed by the time we got home once the sun was setting. And considering there were snow flurries the next day with a wind chill factor in the teens, I was grateful I’d insisted we got out when we could! We actually were out in the windy flurries and boy was it brutal…
So, a new year is upon us and I wonder what it will hold. No matter what, I’m sure it will be an adventure. I just wonder where we’ll be next year at this time… I am looking forward to exploring this city and state with my kids. I was actually checking out the National Parks in Pennsylvania today as I’m already planning our summer camping trips. Kaleo, Kai and I all got new sleeping bags for Christmas - while we’ve already tried them out with a campout in the living room, I can’t wait to get them out into the wild. Now, all we need is a tent…
Published by
Jana on
August 24, 2008
Okay, I really haven’t gone AWOL - Kaleo just had the computer with him when he went out of town and I couldn’t figure out my password on my mom’s computer. Pathetic - I know. Though not as pathetic as the fact that Kaleo also took the car with him so I have to ask my parent’s for rides everywhere. Anyway… the whole reason Kaleo has been out of town is that he started a new job in Philadelphia. He can now officially call himself a professional furniture maker as he’s working for an oh-so-cool company called that recently from NYC. So, I’ll be following him in a month or two once he’s settled there and I’ve finished my consultancy here. In the meantime, I’ll be trying to fit in all the things I want to do in D.C. before we leave - and trying to get the lay of the land in Philly. If anyone has any advice, I’m open. Otherwise, stay tuned for our Philly adventures!
