"Little Women" Family: Universal Studios-- A little disappointing

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Universal Studios-- A little disappointing

The night before Universal Studios, we stayed in a hotel-- Holiday Inn Express, which was so nice. It was nice to relax. We were also able to hook up to internet access and do a little schooling with the girls. That morning, we went to Universal Studios for the first time. It was pretty fun but I feel that it is really more for teenagers then young kids. The younger girls didn't have much to do there. They loved meeting Dora and Curious George. They enjoyed the show "Universal's Animal Actors" but most of the other things were too scarey for them. Sariah's face in the Simpsons ride picture says it all. (All except Tia and Sariah thought the Simpsons ride was really fun!!) Though we loved the backlot tour, it was kind of scarey because they don't really know the difference between real and fake. They especially hated fire. Sariah and Karina cried through the entire Backdraft show, while holding on to each of my legs, even though we were on the back row as far away as we could get and we left as soon as possible. Luckily, it is a really loud show so I don't even think anyone noticed. Riana and my brother Tom were picked to participate in the "Special Effects" show, which was awesome! Also, the Shrek 4-D was good. Probably the best part of the day was the lines, which were short! The best show was probably "Waterworld." It was pretty cool. My brothers Tom and Joe, Dad, and Grant went on the big rides too-- Jurassic Park and Revenge of the Mummy. All in all, I was really a little disappointed with Universal Studios. Maybe it is because I have been to MGM Studios at Disney World, so they were all old tricks to me. Or maybe because I spent my day with my young kids and there really wasn't much for young kids there. Or maybe, I don't know... Either way, I wish Knotts Berry Farm were still on the CityPass. We had a blast there the last time (and only time) we went there. It is really a more kid friendly place. But it's all good. I'm glad I now know what it is like there.

PS- Also, there was a message in the sky made by several airplanes. At first, I just thought it was a bunch of dots but then I figured it out. It was really awesome! I wonder how much money someone spent doing that. Incredible!

My Favorite Part of The Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 17:21-24

"21 And when (Jesus) had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.

22 And when he had done this he wept again;

23 And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones.

24 And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them."

http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/17

To learn more about The Book of Mormon or to get a free copy: http://www.mormon.org/book-of-mormon/

Our homeschool program!!

My style of homeschooling is "public school at home." We began homeschooling on our own, the 1st year. Then we were enrolled in the Washington Virtual Academy (WAVA) for 3 years. Now we are enrolled in ORLA. Our girls are taking several classes at an Elementary School that is no longer used for a typical Elementary School. Instead 450 homeschooling students (K-12) take classes there with certified teachers (you choose which ones and how many) but you do have to be at the school with them until they are 12 (in another room with toys for the younger kids) or sign them out to a friend. Then you fill in the rest at home. For example, my girls take Music, Art, P.E., and Science at the school 2 days a week and then I teach them Math, Language, and History at home, on the other 3 days. The school also pays for an additional $300 a year of curriculum (like the Math, Lang, Hist.) We do have to keep up with a certain number of hours per week. We also have a "home room teacher" that helps us with everything, like deciding what extra things to do at home and making sure we don't miss anything. We are really enjoying this program-- it truly is the best of both worlds! If you have any questions, email me. :)