Where Did We Go Wednesday? Death Valley, California

This was our unexpected find on our trip 2 Nevada, California, and Arizona. We knew we were going there but our expectations were a little low. Going to the known hottest place on Earth doesn't give you too high of expectations. But because we were so close I wasn't going to miss this opportunity to check it out and see what see what Death Valley look like.

Upon first driving into this National Park my husband commented that it looked like scenes from Star Wars where we were. Once we got to the ranger station we learned that in fact there were several scenes from Star Wars actually filmed in this National Park.

The top picture of me in it was one of the first places we stopped and we're just amazed. It was hard to take it all in. The immense beauty of it all was enormous. The picture right below it is of badwater basin where the lowest recorded temperature on Earth is.

Here is our attempt at getting some family photos at Death Valley. We went as early in the morning as we could get up and drive there from Las Vegas. The temperature hadn't risen too hot and we happen to be going on a day that was actually lower than normal. As we were leaving at lunch time it was just reaching 100 degrees which is not typical normally it has already reached that temperature much earlier in the day.

In the pictures above one is called artist palette and that is one location that Star Wars was filmed at. The other spot is called Devil's Golf Course. One look at that location we knew that if anyone fell trying to walk out there they would be ripped up a lot.

Upon entering the ranger station there is a sign that warns you of extreme heat Danger after 10am. The rental car had a hard time keeping up the AC and we made sure to have our CamelBaks full as well as a lot bottles of water in the car. Two of the pictures are of badwater Basin, including the one of my husband sitting on the ground looking like he is dehydrated. The other one is of the kids at one of our first stops upon entering Death Valley.

Using Yaktraks for Outdoor Running/Walking in the Winter

Not sure what to do about the ice or snow outside but the weather is finally getting warmer to where you actually want to get outside to walk or run? Then consider getting a pair of YakTrax. I haven't used them for running, but have used them for walking and they work well. They just pull over your boots or shoes and you are ready to go! I bought these for myself and thought other people might be wondering just what they might need to run or walk in Minnesota in the warmer winter months.

DIY SWIMMING Flannel Pajama Pants

In the upcoming weeks, I will be sharing a lot more of the DIY silhouette heat transfer vinyl Creations I have done. It seems like there is always some new, fun personalised item the kids need or want.
And if you can do that personalization yourself, you can save a lot of money.
These "swimming" flannel pajama pants are just one example. Similar pants were for sale at the last two championship swim meets I took my daughter to and they we're selling them for $27. It doesn't seem like a bad price when you compare it to how much everything else you have to pay for when when it comes to swim team but I I kn I knew I could pick up a pair of pajama pants like these at Walmart for around $10 and for a a couple of dollars in heat transfer vinyl I was able to make her a pair for less than half the cost.

Register for British Soccer Camp & Get a FREE Ball, FREE T-Shirt, FREE Jersey & FREE Skills App

Below you can read all the text they gave me to share about this British Soccer Camp, but I first want to tell you why I am sharing the information for a 2nd year. It is because MY SON LOVED IT! When I asked him what things he wanted to do this summer, going to this soccer camp was at the top of his list. There are camps all over the U.S. The closest one for us is 20 miles away, but it was worth driving to that. Before that one was added again, I had considered registering him for one that is 30 miles away. This year, I am planning to sign him up for the for the add-on program of "Golden Goal" which is an additional 2 hours of camp on the first 4 days of camp. My son loves soccer, but was feeling a little self conscious about his playing abilities after a local summer soccer program and this camp pushed him to learn to play all the positions with more confidence and he ended camp feeling like he was successful, more confident, and gain a ton of new skills. You can read my entire review of British Soccer Camp and see all my own personal pictures there!

British Soccer Camps are the most popular soccer camp in the US. With an innovative curriculum that develops skills, speed and confidence in players ages 3-18, The British Soccer Camp provide boys and girls with the rare opportunity to receive high-level soccer coaching from a team of international expert's right in the heart of their own community. In addition to teaching new skills and improving game performance, each British Soccer Camp provides lessons in character development, cultural education and is the most fun your child can have learning the sport they love!

REGISTER FOR CAMP and GET A JERSEY, BALL, T SHIRT and NEW SKILLS APP AND 20 FREE VIDEOS! Enroll in the most popular soccer camp in North America! British Soccer Camps have programs for all ages and abilities and feature an innovative curriculum full of skills, drills, and thrills! Register now and you will not only get your free British Soccer game jersey (value $34.95) shipped to you for free immediately, but you will also get our brand new skill development App and 20 videos to help your child practice at home. Your soccer ball, T-shirt and poster will be given out at camp. USE CODE BSC18 at check out to get free shipping.

To Enroll: https://www.challengersports.com/british-soccer/

State Swim Silhouette Creations

I made these head coverings for my daughter and the rest of the members of her relay for the Short Course Swim Meet last March. It was her first time swimming on a relay at state and she was very excited and I was excited for her and made these head bands and hats for her and her team mates. My daughter wears these all the time.

4th Graders Ski Free with the Minnesota Ski Areas Passport

There isn't too much of winter left, but we probably have still all of March, so some readers may be able to take advantage of this offer that I just learned about. My kids aren't in this grade, but I will try to remember when my son is.

4th Graders Ski Free with the Minnesota Ski Areas Passport

Accelerated Reader Books about Easter for 3rd and 4th graders

These are from a couple of posts I did in years past that I wanted to share again!

50 3rd Grade AR Books

10 4th Grade AR Books