Bus Adventures & Taste of Newport

Today was the day for a new adventure! Dale and Rebekah were off to a music festival, while Noah, Leah and I wanted to check out Taste of Newport. This was the day for our first ride on...the bus!

I concede nervousness. 

I mean, give me a train in Philly and I'm all researched, asked advice of locals and have no problem looking like a tourist, reading all the signs along the way. But in my own back yard (almost literally!), I want to at least appear a little knowledgeable.

Taking a picture of the bus stop was the first clue that I'm a newbie.

Appearances aside, the first three are back home without getting lost and with the friendly assistance of two different TANK bus drivers. I didn't have to look for parking, and Dale didn't have to pay for parking. We had an air-conditioned ride each way and were almost dropped off at our front door. 

This, my friends, for a first-time outing...was a success!

And yes, the food was delicious too! There's definitely a few places in Newport we'll be visiting again.

For the one day event, several blocks of Monmouth Street were open to pedestrians only.

We now want to come back and check out this comic store sometime when it's open.

VERY cute (& some beautiful) cakes in this store front.
To the right was a cake that resembled pancakes, with eggs & bacon on the side.

Pride and Stubborness

Jane Austen is one of my all-time favorite authors. And although my situation looked nothing at all like her heroine, Elizabeth Bennet's, this phrase in my title was a play on words that kept humming through my head recently. I don't have a lot of time today to explain, but I think I should at least attempt to try.

Mission Year hosts "Come and See" weekends twice each year in their various service cities. Abbey has long wanted me to come, but I didn't possibly see how I could. (You know where this is going, right?) Well...God being the good Giver of absolutely every perfect gift, as I (and Abbey) began praying for His wisdom and provision, several things "fell" into place that I recognized as being from Him...and some it took a little longer to put together.

First, I kept back some of my Christmas gift money. That is big, right there. Then, I picked up some contract work worth a couple hundred dollars, the very day after Abbey told me she'd be praying for God's provision. I also had two dear friends ready to head out on an 18 hour (one way!) road trip, and to be honest, the hours and hours of girl/Jesus time sounded amazing! One of these friends even has a sweet friend in Houston where we could stay.

Then...like the unforeseen curve in the road, a friend offered me frequent flyer miles to get a free airplane ticket. Suddenly, my well-planned trip had to be reassessed: I couldn't stay with my friend's friend without her. I'm a little afraid of flying. I had it all planned out in my head, Maybe I could take the ticket and pay for a hotel. I'd still have to rent a car in Houston, so would I really be saving that much?

And then He did it.

Yep...this is what I heard: "You are just being stubborn! You ask me to provide and..." I know in that moment if I could actually see the Holy Spirit He would have had His shoulders shrugged, His hands open wide and a look of "Well...what did you expect?" on His face.

My pride and stubbornness was uncomfortable with a free ticket and a free place to stay with a stranger. But these are both Christian hospitality in their finest. There are no strangers in God's family, right?

So tomorrow, bright and early, I'll be taking that flight to Houston and tomorrow night, Abbey will be staying with me in a lovely home with a brother and sister I have yet to meet. I could not have put this all together any better than if I'd actually written the manuscript. It all makes me wonder what other perfect gifts have I missed out on in the past because of my Pride and Stubbornness.

Is there anything that you are missing out on receiving because you've already got it all "figured out"? 

River Road Ramblings

I love living near the Ohio River. Honestly, I could easily while away the hours on a gorgeous day like today, simply listening to the gentle ripples as the warm breezes stir this majestic and beautiful river. We've been studying the Northern Kentucky region for school...its history, geography, ecology and even  the marine life contained within it.  Today, we wrapped up our study with an amazing drive along the river road that meanders across the tip of our state. We had no agenda...just clear blue skies, an unusually warm late October day, more happy fall color than Bob Ross could ever give a tree, a little bit of gas in the car and my always-ready-for-an-adventure attitude.

We often tread the path between our home and the Covington or Newport areas along this road. I enjoy driving the river route when we have the time, because the interstate just can't compare.

A little more than an hour into our trip today, we ended up in Augusta, Kentucky. This small river town hands down has to be one of the cutest little places I've ever seen. Just look at their Welcome Center...

As only I would, we saved this stop for last. (Welcome to my world!) Inside Dorothy greeted us with her space heaters cranked up to 90, smelling like my grandma, and a head full of history and trivia that only a tiny town like this could contain. I instantly loved her!

We only spoke to two people on our little excursion (Dorothy and a shopkeeper), but both conveniently name dropped George Clooney. It seems Mr. Clooney graduated from high school here and his parents still live in the town. Both ladies pointed out his mother's store, which would have been easy to identify if I had indeed known his mom's name is Nina.

There's also a ferry boat that crosses here and Dorothy told us pedestrians are free to cross. But if you have your own boat, you can pull right up to the riverside park. I'm not a boating person myself, but boat ties on the side of the river seem to indicate to me that it's deep enough for you to dock here.

Dorothy also informed us that the longest stretch of the Ohio River that is straight is about 9 miles long...and Augusta lies on that stretch. All of the homes along the riverfront were built in the 1700s or 1800s. I'll add to Dorothy's helpful information that these house are also absolutely adorable.

On our brief walking tour, my kids chastised me for taking a picture of this private yard. My response? "Anyone who spends this much time on their garden, wants it to be admired."

Leah mentioned several times that the town reminded her of Storybrook. That's the fictional town where her favorite TV program, Once Upon a Time, takes place. I had to admit, Augusta felt more "Southern" than I am accustomed to feeling in Northern Kentucky. I could almost picture myself standing next to the Mighty Mississippi somewhere in Louisiana, instead of standing across the river from the state of Ohio.

As we were looking around, I kept picturing this cute little place all dressed up for Christmas. Both ladies we spoke with concurred that Christmas would be a great time to return. I think we'll be back.

Last week, we also worked in a trip to Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, when my parents were here. Yes, you read that correctly, Rabbit Hash. This is what I expect a Kentucky river town to look like. We love Rabbit Hash, but there's not much to do there on a weekday, other than visit the General Store. 

As we continue to explore Kentucky, little treasures like Bellevue and Augusta reinforce my love for this beautiful state. Next region...Bluegrass.

Books By the Banks- Cincinnati, Ohio

My friend Sarah shares an amazing calendar of events around our area that homeschoolers may find interesting. I am always thankful for her diligence and dedication to continually update the calendar...especially today.

Once the sky went from gray to blue this morning, I was determined to get out of the house during the pause between rainstorms. One glance at Sarah's calendar and the decision to check out the free "Books By the Banks" event was an easy one.

A large convention room full of authors, books and extra freebies available from libraries, arts organizations and more? Yeah...no question about going again in the future from me.

See this man? See the engagement in his face with the toddler you can't see because his mom with the red purse is blocking the camera's view? That man is Marc Brown, author of the Arthur series of books that spawned a PBS franchise that along with the books, provided my children (and myself!) hours of amusement and life lessons.

Speaking of kids...mine were a little too old for the Kids' Zone full of crafts, face painting, balloon animals, story time and games...but that did not stop us from having a photo shoot with The Snow Queen, courtesy of  Cincinnati Children's Theatre.

The only "bad" part about the festival? I absolutely spent too much money. Local authors are evidently my weak spot. This is not surprising if you know me. Evidently, I have my reading workload mapped out for the rest of the year.

But seriously though, you should keep Books By the Banks website "book"marked and reserve time on your calendar for next year's event. If you're book nerds like us, you'll be glad you did.

An Ault Park Sunrise- Cincinnati, Ohio

Last year, my Birthday Twin suggested we have a sunrise picnic. We had a wonderful view of the city from Devou Park in Covington. But I didn't take any photos.

This year when she suggested a similar adventure to Ault Park in Cincinnati, I came armed with my camera...and God did not disappoint. Kari quickly pointed out how amazing it is for God to begin and end each day with such wonderful beauty. 

That gives us a little clue to His character and His heart, doesn't it?

The weather was perfect. The view breathtaking and conversation, as always, uplifting and satisfying.

To be honest, I came home a little tired and needed a nap later in the afternoon. Naps rarely happen anymore. I couldn't quite put my finger on what was so draining.

Sure, I'd gotten up before Dawn. And yes, I'd even had some restless sleeping the night before. Neither of these are strangers to me though. 

No, yesterday as the conversation turned toward big changes coming up for our family and I reflected upon the beauty I'd seen that morning and the Beauty of a God who lifts us up where we are, breaks the cycle of sin we've been handed down from the generations before us, and leads us and our children to passionately run toward the True Beauty He has for each of us...it was more than my little heart could process and it simply Wore. Me. Out.

But with the much-needed nap, I felt Him whispering, "It's okay, Precious Child, rest...rest...it may be all too wonderful for you to take in now...but that's okay...I'll be here again tomorrow...painting another masterpiece. If you can't receive it all tomorrow...no problem...I'll be here the next day...painting again...and again...and again..."

Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade, Kentucky

For the last few birthdays and Mother's Days, I've been breaking from our family tradition of "going out" to a restaurant and trying to be more creative and intentional about doing something I really want to do. Today is my birthday. And since my husband's only day off is Sunday, and yesterday was the last free Sunday for our family before Abbey leaves...I decided that my goal for the summer to start hiking/walking more had been delayed long enough.

The whole day was an adventure...from the check engine light coming on in the van, to hauling my out-of-shape body up the steep incline, to the amazing view we beheld once we were there, the very wet descent back to the bottom and the van not starting as we headed home and the final, "If anyone has to go on the way home...you'll have to hold it in, because we are not stopping this van!"...I would not have traded one single moment of it!

God is amazing and I know He prompted my desire to see this park together for the first time. Four of us have been there previously, and as one final send-off-of-fun, He granted us this wonderful day.

The weather forecast was sketchy and the hiccup of a check engine light could have scared us into staying home, but Dale and I were both a little unusually risky and threw caution out the window before we headed south on the two hour drive. 

After an uneventful drive, we arrived to hot, humid conditions and a nearly empty park. It was overcast and without breeze until we reached Natural Bridge. We had to stop for the old folks (mostly me!), a couple of times, but the effort was more than rewarded.

Both times I've seen this, I cannot believe it's Kentucky.

I came away inspired to explore my adopted home state more. She really is gorgeous.

Our kids are not used to simply sitting and enjoying nature, so we had a few that were antsy to start the climb down. We lingered as long as we could, but when we saw storm clouds moving in, we began the trip back.

We stopped a few places on the journey down to goof off and attempt to take some dry photos. As one wanted us to hurry up, and one was frustrated over the rainy hike and they all got tired of hearing their mother exclaim, "Be careful! It's slippery!" I recalled that three of the most exciting adventures I've ever had with these kids have been when we were caught out in the rain. There's something rejuvenating and yet relaxing about a rainstorm. God nourishes the Earth, which in turn does it's part to feed and care for us. I'm not trying to wax philosophical, it was just a good old-fashioned walk in the rain. It reinforced my desire though to stop living my life hidden away in our home and to get out and live the Adventure!

When we were very wet, sticky and sweaty, we found this wonderfully, cool cave.

Smale Riverfront Park- Downtown Cincinnati

Cincinnati finally has a riverfront that surpasses Newport on the Levee

In just the 7+ years that we have lived here, Cincinnati's waterfront has gone from good to spectacular. With the addition of The Banks and Smale Riverfront Park, there are a lot of interesting sites, delicious restaurants and free fun things to do.

One day in July, the kids and I headed out for water, walking and warm summer breezes by the Ohio River. 

Leah & her friend, Seth, playing in the water

Plenty of shade and seating for adults too.

There are two water spray pads within just a few blocks of each other. No one should feel strange dressing their kids in swimsuits, because we saw plenty of people there doing the same. These are very kid-friendly fountains, made for play. Both areas also have plenty of seating and shade for parents too.

Make sure you take towels!

But there is also history at Smale Park. A memorial to the Black Brigade of the Civil War is beautiful and commemorates a mostly unknown group of men who served our country well.

There is a meditative labryinth (which my kids used for play instead)...

beautiful views of Covington and the River...

The Cincinnati-Covington Roebling Bridge

and the swings!

These swings were the entire reason why we went down to Smale Park to begin with. 

I kept seeing pictures of these swings in tourism and promotional photos and I absolutely had to find them. I know it's silly, but big front-porch type swings along a meandering river in the "near" South. 

Yes, I have always believed that I should have been born further South. I am a southern girl at heart!

You could actually sit on these swings and listen to a Reds game. That is Great American Ballpark in the background.

Regardless of why you go down to The Banks...food, fun, football (yes, it's almost here) or family time, don't forget to stop along the way at Smale Riverfront Park. 

Cincinnati...you did good.

You did good.

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End note:  I can't wait for the trolley car system that will connect the riverfront to everything between it and Findlay Market. We will definitely experience the "spend-a-day-wandering-around-Cincinnati" that I've always wanted to do when that opens up.

An afternoon in Bellevue, Kentucky

Cute little alley by one of the antique stores

I should know by now that when Abbey pesters me into doing something, odds are, I will greatly enjoy it.

Such was the case regarding our afternoon in Bellevue, Kentucky. I had no idea all of the shops, restaurants, coffee cafe's and interesting "stuff" to see there. That's how we found The Elusive Cow and next time, we'll try a new place.

Just to name a few of the places we discovered were Schneider's Sweet Shop, Witt's End Candy, Bella on the Avenue consignments, Avenue Brew coffee shop, and Splendid Things.

If you're planning a trip, there's even a website for shopbellevueky.com that lists all of the shops, restaurants and special events available.

Admittedly, I'm probably a little slow in finding this gem that's within walking distance of Newport on the Levee, but next time you're in the area and have a little time, check it out.

Bahama Bay Resort- Davenport, Florida

While researching discounted options for travel to the Walt Disney World area, my daughter stumbled across a condo owner operated website for Bahama Bay Resort in Davenport, Florida. I confess my skepticism and fretted about "scams" and the like, but as soon as I checked in on our first day, (and repeatedly throughout our stay) we praised Abbey with "You did good, Abbey...you did good."

Bahama Bay is a Wyndham property. I have no clue what they would normally charge, but when we were checking dates through the website linked above, we were quoted prices varying from $75-90 per night for a three bedroom condo.  I dare you to find something comparable on Disney property. 

It does not exist.

Kids' Splash Pad

Regrettably, I didn't get any photos of the lakefront, the man made beach area, the poolside restaurants, the playground, the three pools or even a full shot of the building where we stayed. I hope you can surmise our satisfaction in that we have already decided to come back the next time we're in the area.

The only flaw we experienced was very slow service at one of the restaurants. Everything else was great. Plus, it's a condo...so we saved money (and time) by having free access to a washer and dryer and a full kitchen. Add to that the fact that we had space to even invite our friends Della and Grace to stay with us a night, and Bahama Bay just plain has Disney beat.

I will allow that had we been going to the parks, Disney's transportation to and from the resorts is sometimes worth the extra money. But with only a 15 minute drive to the Maingate, I think I could pay $12 for parking in order to avoid paying $321-$726 per night to stay on property.

Yes, you read those numbers correctly. This is for a family of six, no park tickets or meals and the low end of the scale would have no kitchen or laundry facilities.

Disclaimer: I mentioned my reticence at working with a stranger online to reserve this condo. Mr. Hargreaves was very patient with my repeated requests for reservation paperwork and even when the resort itself created a delay in getting it out to him, he kindly worked toward getting the information to us to set my nerves at ease. I highly recommend going through his website if you're interested in this resort.

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To emphasize the beauty and enjoyment of this resort a little further, I'm including photos from the website listed above. I take no credit for these shots.