Author Archives: Ellen Sewell
EDUCATIONAL OUTING IDEAS FOR FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND Looking up with puppy dog eyes as bright as the sun, she earnestly declares, “It is the only thing I’ve ever wanted, and will ever want again!” Every day for nearly a month, it seems she’s begged and pleaded for this special toy. I can appreciate her sincerity, […]
HOW GARDENING WITH KIDS CAN BRING FULFILLMENT From increasing outdoor time together, adding exercise, incorporating lessons in patience, teaching science and more, there are a number of good reasons and benefits to engaging your children in gardening. And who knows, maybe growing their own foods will also entice your little ones to try something new […]
NEW COLOR THROUGH A CHILD’S EYES EXHIBIT IS NOW OPEN History lessons don’t take a break for the summer. Families with young children now have more opportunities to learn and engage at James Madison’s Montpelier. In addition to its existing educational exhibits, Montpelier recently launched its newest exhibit, Color Through a Child’s Eyes. Color Through […]
8 FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIKES AND HIKING TIPS Spring has finally sprung and it’s time for the whole family to get out of the house. We’ve been cooped up inside and the time is now to escape to nature. Thankfully, there’s so much nature to behold in and near Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Leave the screens behind […]
THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF CHARLOTTESVILLE My first foreign language exposure came through an extracurricular Saturday morning program where we shellacked our drawings of the French flag onto squares of painted wood one week and baked French bread another. But it’s only because of a French conversation class my husband and I are currently taking that […]
ST. PATRICK’S DAY “PADDY CAKES” RECIPE I really enjoy those sappy-sweet Hallmark channel movies, and recently I saw one where a woman had to return to her humble New Jersey roots and work in her father’s bakery. As plots tend to go, things were a bit tough for Dad’s small bakery, but the gal comes […]
HOW TO CREATE A PLAN TO KEEP YOU FAMILY ACTIVE THIS YEAR Parents undoubtedly live very busy lives, and many families struggle to incorporate fitness and nutrition into their already hectic routines. Childhood obesity rates continue to rise, resulting in an increase of unhealthy adults. It can be a cycle of sorts, so starting healthy […]