Long Acres Farm Is A Kids' Key

Do You Have A Place Like This Nearby? If You Don't, You Should!

Wow, so much fun! How many Parents can say after an outing for the kids can say, "I don't want to go, when can we come back?"

We had so much fun enriching the kid's minds and growing their confidence as they directed us in the huge corn maze! Did you know a four and two year know which way to go to successfully complete a maze? Fellow maze-goers took hours to find their way out. We did it in 53 minutes! (It must be because they are closer to the ground!)

We had a little help from the "coach" a-top the scafolding tower that ran the course but for the most part the kids directed the show.

The park also had things like goats to feed and pet, a gem stone/fossil panning operation (we found two shark's teeth and some gems and fossils), huge hill-side slide, tennis ball sling-shots, water pump races, a huge sand pit, pillow jump, peddle go-carts, climbing wall, "go-green" trivia, wonderful tasty treats, and so much more!!

What I Hoped My Kids Learned:

1. They can do anything they put their mind to;

2. Having fun and making memories with our family is treasured; and

3. I respect their individuality.



What I Learned:

1. My kids can do more than I think;

2. They are so much fun to be around; and

3. Bring extra clothes for mishaps (tinkling in a corn maze for a 4 yo can be tough!).

"No Cost" Family Fun Is A Key To Kids' Success

What is it about doing "nothing" or the little things that is so darn fun and important? For me these little moments that may have lasted less than 5 minutes meant the world!

Emmy and Sam have taught me how to play and how to really have fun. Thank you "Sunshine" and "Monkey"!!

You'll never know how much Momma Loves You!

Extended Family Is A Kids' Key TO Success

Every year, the first weekend in August our family and close friends drop what we are doing and we gather together from AZ, TX, and all over the United States to Upstate NY to participate in our Annual Wagner Cup.

Our Wagner Cup started in 1995 and has taken place every year after. Our mission is to have fun together as a family but most importantly to send a message to our next generation the importance of family and "playing" together.

We are not all pictured together because our event has become so big that we can't fit everyone in at one time. So, our event coordinator, Uncle Rick (a.k.a. Luigi) has broken us up into our representative teams: Europeans Vs. The Americans. Our "Cup" is based on many events (Golf, mini golf, euchure, beer pong, relay races, dancing, kireoke, and many more) and includes everyone from our oldest members (85+) to out youngest (1 old year +). The scores are calculated at the end, the fourth day, to to win the "Cup". We had trophies made especially for this event and they are passed from one team to the other depending on who wins.

A LOT of work goes into this...much, time, effort, and heart. We start preparing for the next year as soon as the Cup is done; As we drive our family and friends to the airport. We are continually coming up with new ways to improve and make it better. We have been told from friends who have been invited that this is "one awesome event... one like no other with a family like no other!"



What I Hope My Kids Learned:
1. How to work together, even when we are tired, and we don't get along 100% of the time.
2. A family that plays together; Stays together.
3. We are here; We offer support, love and guidance.
4. Respect for one another; take turns.
5. Being a Team Member.

What I Learned
1. Every Year I learn more about commitment to family.
2. How to be a more effective role model
3. How to really have fun.

Marine Life Is A Key To Kids' Success

Recently we took a trip to Marine Land...Everybody Loves Marine Land! Well, everyone maybe, but me!

I LOVE the animals, but crowds, pushiness, rude behavior, and crankie hubby/kids I can do without!

I should have seen the writing on the wall. 11pm Friday evening hubby looked up what we needed to get back across the border from Canada into the US... two forms of picture ID and birth certificate.

Up to our safe we went and no birth certificate for me!! I thought I remember my mom bringing mine to me a while back and reminding me with a stern, pointed finger, "Put it In a SAFE spot!"

A safe spot would mean our safe, right? Along with the kids, Jeff's and all important paperwork...wills, power of attorney, living wills, Jeff's Army discharge papers, letters of accomodation, diplomas, morage (I'd rather do without), vehicle titles, etc... But no birth certificate for me!!

So a flurry went on to find it...every box was riffled through and every cubbie reorganized...nothing.

3am I call it a night and resign ot tell my children the trip to the dolphins and whales is put on hold...sigh... I hate to break promises!

Morning...the dreaded confession..Emmy's response..."Momy, can't Daddy take us? We can have a special "Daddy Day" (once a month my husband takes Em on a date)...and in the same breath..."Sam can stay home with you!"

"Brilliant idea Em. Let's talk with Daddy." Before I did I had a light bulb moment (very rare when it comes to sleep deprivation) "Call my mom, maybe she knows what I did with it."

Mom/Nana To The Rescue! It was in her safety box!

Long story short...

What I Learned:

1. Flush all memories having to do with resposibilities down the toilet during the period of Sam's Infancy. (too tired and overwhelmed!);

2. Try to be prepared before promising a trip; and

3. If you are planning to go to an amusment park in the summer, go on a week day and bring at least 2 changes of clothes for the kids. (due to the high heat, I encouraged lots of water/juice consumption...the normal diaper change should have increased in ratio!)

What I Hope My Kids Learned:

1. Be patient; wait your turn;

2. Even when we are grumpy, we are a family and we support one another; and

3. Water mammals are amazing!