No Reservations

I always have trouble becoming motivated on Mondays. After taking my oldest to school this afternoon, the little one and I snuggled up under the furry warm throw blankets on the sofa, watched Anthony Bourdain wander around Pakistan and read library books together, including "Babar's USA".

In my dream world, we would "travel school" our children, jump on the bus with Woody Harrelson, and learn everything we need to know about the world simply by exploring it ourselves. Unfortunately that would require a lot of money and a Woody Harrelson connection. So, instead I have to find slightly more realistic ways to open my children up to different cultures and ways of life. I do this by watching the Travel Channel with them, reading books about different places, and occasionally going on family outings.

This past weekend we visited the Franklin Park Conservatory. Each room has a different theme, our favorite being the (warm) dessert room and jungle and least favorite being the (cold) Himalayan mountains. I'm not sure what they took from this mini-adventure, but it at least got us out of our element and into someplace different. The boys are happy at any chance they get to explore and it was good to excercise our legs a bit after being stuck in the house for weeks.

Even if we don't have a chance to take many (or any) vacations to far-off lands, it is important to me that our children have a broader understanding of their world and that there is life beyond the suburbs. It is in part why I love the library and am so thankful that we have such and excellent system here. There are so many books to explore that can take you to places you would otherwise not have a chance to visit.. even if just for a moment. And it costs absoulutely nothing to dream. :)