Our Summer Travel Recap: Exploring Adventures Near and Far
Hey there! Welcome back to Making Everyday Magic. If you’re new here, I’m Shanna, and we’re a homeschooling family of four. We love sharing our learning journey, homeschooling tips, and our family adventures, both big and small. Today, I’m excited to take you through our summer travel recap. Before we dive in, please consider subscribing to our newsletter and giving us a thumbs up. You can also connect with me on Instagram at @makingeverydaymagic.
Passion for Sharing Our Travels
For those who may not know, I’m incredibly passionate about sharing our family’s homeschooling journey, my experiences in motherhood, and, of course, our adventures. Whether it’s exploring the amazing offerings in and around Houston for homeschoolers or embarking on larger family vacations, we’re here to share it all. In this summer travel recap, I’ll condense our experiences and share what we’ve been up to, from Vegas to local trips.
May Adventures
Let’s start with May, one of my favorite months, including Mother’s Day and my birthday. This year, we had a fantastic opportunity to celebrate with a trip to Las Vegas. It was my bestie’s birthday too, and we decided to make it unforgettable by attending the opening night of Garth Brooks’ show in Vegas. It was an incredible experience and our first time in the city. We had a blast with friends, and the parent-only trip was so much fun.
During May, we also explored some local attractions. We visited the Houston Museum of Natural Science, which had a captivating King Tut exhibit, simulating the discovery of the tomb. It was educational and engaging. Towards the end of summer, we explored their Sharks exhibit, where you can interact with a virtual shark and real sharks – loads of fun for the kids.
We didn’t stop there; we also visited the Museum of Fine Arts Houston to appreciate an impressionist exhibit. Exploring local museums is a part of our family adventures, and I cherish these moments.
Enjoying the Outdoors
This summer was unique for us because we engaged in more summer camps than ever before. While it meant a shift in our routine, it provided opportunities for me to explore activities on my own. As homeschoolers, my time is usually spent with the kids, but with them at camps, I had a chance to wander the Museum of Fine Arts Houston alone – a refreshing experience.
Despite the scorching heat in Houston, we made the most of our time outdoors. We couldn’t resist a trip to the Houston Zoo after the local districts were back in session, even if it meant adjusting our school schedule. The kids enjoyed seeing animals, and it was a welcome break from the indoors. Houston’s heatwave made it challenging to spend too much time outside, but we did explore water parks, which we love. Moody Gardens in Galveston and Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels are among our favorites.
Beach Adventures
This year, we opted for experiences over traditional birthday parties. We ventured to Corpus Christi, where we had our first Airbnb stay. While the beach was beautiful, we learned that staying on the bay side wasn’t ideal, and next time, we might not choose a beachfront location. We explored Mustang Island’s Gulf side, enjoyed mini-golf, savored Whataburger with a view of the marina, and visited the Texas State Aquarium, known for its impressive shark exhibit.
Fall Awaits
As fall approaches, our family is gearing up for exciting adventures. While we usually plan vacations far in advance, this season, we’ve decided to embrace flexibility. With the kids involved in new extracurricular activities, we’re taking it slow and leaving room for spontaneity.
Our upcoming plans might include a last-minute cruise from Galveston, a trip to P’s grandparents’ place in Colorado for some hiking, or even spontaneous weekend getaways. We’re keeping our options open and ready to explore.
In preparation for our European vacation in 2024, I’m constantly monitoring flight prices and gathering ideas. I’d love to share this journey with you, so stay tuned for updates.
Looking Forward to Fall
Fall is a season we adore, and there are plenty of exciting events on our radar. The Dallas Arboretum’s Fall Festival, featuring Pumpkin Village and a “Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” theme, is something we hope to find time to experience. The Dallas Arboretum also hosts spectacular holiday events that we covered last year.
And of course, there’s the magic of Christmas lights. We recently spotted the zoo setting up its holiday lights, and it’s already giving us that cozy fall feeling.
Fall 2023 Knowledge Crate Unboxing
Before I wrap up, let’s take a sneak peek into the Fall 2023 Knowledge Crate. Knowledge Crates are an incredible resource for homeschoolers, providing valuable materials and resources to enhance learning experiences. They offer school-age kits and add-ons for additional children, making it accessible for families of all sizes.
In the Fall School Age Kit, you’ll find a plethora of educational materials, including readers, Play-Doh, activity guides, a volcano kit, art supplies, games, maps, and more. They’ve truly thought of everything to support your child’s learning journey.
You can check out all of our favorites here
Conclusion
Our summer was filled with memorable adventures, and as fall approaches, we’re excited to explore new opportunities and share them with you. Whether it’s local attractions, beach trips, or upcoming plans, I hope our family’s journey continues to be a source of inspiration, learning, and fun.
Thank you for joining us on this adventure, and be sure to subscribe, like this post, and connect with us on Instagram at @makingeverydaymagic. Stay tuned for more incredible experiences as we make everyday magic together!
