Local History and Home Depot

We started out Saturday at Home Depots Kids Workshop. Joaquin, Maggie, Waylon and Hezzie made a Home Depot truck. They all had so much fun. I had to help Joaquin quite a bit, he still has a hard time using his hands. I never realized until recently how severe it is. Hoping his referral for OT comes back soon. Anyhow, they loved hammering and painting.

One thing that they kids love is these toys are workable. They can play with them and they will take very good care of them. They work hard and they love what they see at the end of it all.

After Home Depot we headed into Redlands. Well, into the rural area of Redlands. We went to a one room school house. The name is San Timoteo Canyon Schoolhouse. This is the schoolhouse where my great grandmother Susan Chavez was enrolled. To me it was just amazing, the kids and I got to sit in a few of the original desks.

The lady acting as the teacher was so very nice. She and another lady had quite a bit of information. We saw pictures from the 1920's and was given info on how I may be able to see earlier pictures.

The kids really enjoyed sitting in the desks, writing on the mini chalkboards and looking at the McGuffey Readers. They remembered when we had some and saw some up in Oak Glen. I think they could have stayed there all day. We are looking forward to returning soon with my my mom and to go back for yearly pictures. We will also return in December for a Christmas Party.

We then ventured to the A.K. Smiley Library in Redlands. They have the most beautiful stained glass windows in the Childrens Library. They are so colorful...I can not even put into words, the kids just loved looking at them.

We walked out the back door and across some grass to the Lincoln Memorial Shrine. That was just as wonderful. The younger kids learned more about slavery, the Civil War and all that it entailed.

There was some photography going on for a quincenera. I told the kids that when Maggie and Tanni turn 15, they will have one. Maggie says she wants hers to be dark blue, silver and maybe white or black. She isn't sure. It made me long to have had my very own. Sadly, my own grandfather passed away before he could give me the one he had promised. I would have rather have had him in my life, that a quince with beautiful emerald green dresses.

Okay, I went off topic. But, we had a fun day. A long day. Much to my surprise, I didn't get tired from driving around. WOOP!

We learned a lot today. We learn everyday.

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

Love,
Momma

Local History

Temecula Valley Museum

We had such a good time. The museum was a pretty nice. It wasn't too big, but we rode in an elevator. The cowboy dress up area was fun. They have hands on exhibits and some for just looking.

I wish I could of touched the kitchen and pharmacy things. It was really neat to see pictures of some of the families that shaped the area. I would like to see more Native American history included.

I had to post this TV. What's not to love?

Hemet Museum

I wish I had made a video this place. It's a small museum, part of an old train depot. But, this place is packed with local history. NO JOKE!

The man giving us a tour and talking to us knew so much. He was good with the kids and very patient. I will go back and explore more.

Phone switchboard anyone?

Learning to appreciate local history is something that has to be hands on. The kids have loved this and are thriving on it. It's easy to pack a lunch, drinks and get on the road and explore. I hope you all are discovering local history...a small yet fun part of the whole world. What do you think you'll discover? We found out, specialty roses were grown locally in Hemet. In San Jacinto a Russian airplane made an emergency landing!!!

Love,
Momma

Feels Like Spring

It was a warm day here in Southern California. It feels a lot like spring today. Warm days, cold nights make the desert come alive. We had a nice afternoon trip planned with a couple friends. We went to our city's local museum and water conservation garden. We have been to events on this property before, and the kids love it.

We got to see so many things in the museum. We found that the mission closest mission church is Mission San Luis Rey...I think we have a field trip in the works. We found out so much about our dusty little town (thanks Lisa Ling) that we had never heard before. Including that the infamous old west shootout happened a mere block away from our current home. Imagine that?!
We also found out a Russian plane on a trip over the polar ice cap landed about five miles or so from our current home, they were supposed to land in San Diego.

After a trip in the museum the children explored the grounds and chatted up our friends. The younger kids made leaf boats with small pebble people, to race in the pond. Such a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.

We are so blessed.
Love,
Momma and her tribe