East Tennessee Summer Bucket List 2016

Every summer the kids and I make out a bucket list. We include free and cheap ideas. Some places and events to visit as well as around the house activities.

If you're local and interested in going with us, let me know, so I can give you the full details. You can click on any of the links for more information about the activity.

In no particular order, here is our Summer 2016 Bucket List.

• Repack the new house and list it to sale. Yea, I know this one needs more details. They are coming soon. Our really fun bucket list items will only take place if this accomplished. Let's get to work!

• Vacation Bible School

• Safety Patrol trip to Washington, D.C.

• A wedding reception in Abingdon, Virginia along with some sight-seeing. 

• Youth choir tour to Southern Ohio.

• 4-H Camp 

• National Beta Convention in New Orleans

• Yearly dental and doctor visits.

• Days at the pool

Pioneer Camp

• Pioneer Camp at Davy Crockett in Limestone is an exciting day of 1800's Appalachian Frontier Heritage. When we've attended this in the past the kids have made corn husk dolls, participated in archery, thrown a tomahawk, started a fire, wove a basket, spun yarn, and watched a musket being loaded and fired. There are other activities also, a campground, picnic area and a pool. We usually eat down by the riverside. Um, sorry, if that song gets stuck in your head.

• While we may be a little old to ride at Safety City Knoxville we always manage to find some younger friends to accompany. The kids love hanging out with the younger kids and I enjoy the mom time. We like to go early, then eat lunch at the playground, and finish up with the Splash Pad Fountains at World's Fair Park.

• One Wednesday, this summer we are going to the Market Square Farmer's Market. There is a splash pad there also.

• The day we go to the Market Square Farmer's Market we are also going to the WDVX Blue Plate Special. A free concert at the Knoxville Visitor's Center.

• We hope to be able to attend the July concert performed on  The Mighty Wurlitzer at the Tennessee Theatre. The performances take place the first Monday of each month at noon. 

• I haven't been to the drive-in movie since I was in college. Those were the days. So one Friday or Saturday evening, we are filling the back of the truck with lawn chairs, sleeping bags, and pillows, and heading out for a triple feature at the Parkway Drive In located in Maryville. 

• We hope to take a Ranger led night hike at Cades Cove. I can't find the link to the dates right now. As soon as I find them I will post it.

• Mother Hen's Hatchery  is also on our bucket list, followed by a stop at Yoder's Country Market for a few pounds of Lucky Charm marshmallows, homemade bread, and a pie or two. Yea, it's not Paleo. A girl can have regrets can't she.

• The Cumberland Gap National Park and Abraham Lincoln Museum at Lincoln Memorial University is also on our list. Of course that also means a visit with our awesome friends the Wrights.  

•  Finally, on our list is the Children's Museum of Oak Ridge.  

And when this picture is snapped, summer is over, our bucket list is complete. We go to Sonic the Sunday night before Gracie goes back to college. Man, they grow up fast, but that's a tale for another night.

Hermie--God Listens When I Pray--Giveaway

Young readers often have trouble understanding what they are reading. They also have trouble understanding how God works in their lives. Max Lucado's, Hermie: God Listens When I Pray  is a great book to help them understand how God listens when we pray.

As the Mom of 4, I often forget that they all aren't on the same playing field in their walk with God. While we pray every morning on the way to school, and now during summer break at breakfast, they all pray for different things and people. Depending on which child is praying determines what and who they are praying for. 

Mollie who is 5 always prays for the dogs, ours and the neighbors, which then leads to the neighbors being prayed for too. Mattie usually prays for each of us and our day. Maggie typically prays for friends, classmates, family and other needs she has heard of. Michael always prays for safety, particularly when it's dark and rainy. Mikie and I pray for them as we put them to bed. 

No matter which child is praying, God is always listening. This book helps children learn more about praying. Encourage your children to read and pray with this book.

Want one of your own? Leave a comment below and tell me about your prayer routine. It's okay if you don't have a routine, we have really just started ours the last few months. 

Don't forget to leave your comment by midnight, Thursday, May 31st. I will use random.org to choose a winner. 

Disclaimer: Thomas Nelson sent me this book to review and allows me to give one away. 

BIble Bee 2012/Giveaway

Our family is participating in the 4th Annual Bible Bee this summer. We will receive our study pack the first week on June.

I had seen a link on another Mom blogger's site and clicked through. After looking over the info I believe this will be a great way for the kids to learn Bible skills they can use all their lives.

The program is 12 weeks long with you practicing at home and if you live close enough practice drills before the final contest on Saturday, August 25th.  Below is some info about the Bible Bee from their webpage.

"Our desire is to help your family move closer to God and closer to one another as you learn, live out, and celebrate His Word. Register your children ages 7-18 years for the 2012 Bible Bee and learn how we can equip and encourage a lifestyle of investing in and living out your relationship with Christ.

In return for the $30 Registration Fee, each contestant receives, on June 1st:
 

• 25 Bible Memory Cards. That works out to just over 2 cards per week during the summer, a "do-able" goal for your whole family!
   
• A Bible in one of five translations
   
• A "Sword Study" in-depth study on one book of the Bible leveled for three age groups, enabling the whole family to study the same book at the same pace. Sword Studies don't just teach the Bible, they teach a lifelong skill of how to study and apply the Bible, in just 20 minutes a day.
   
• An official participant Bible Bee T-shirt and button
   
• Gifts from our ministry partners that support the Sword Study learning
   
• A Parent Guidebook that gives a solid overview of the study and includes a Family Bonfire Guide, so that you can easily lead your family in fun times of learning and sharing what the Lord has taught you throughout the week."

Mattie is very excited about the Bible Bee, she hopes in will help her with the Bible Drill that she participates in at church during the school year. 

I am excited to be able to offer FREE registration to one lucky reader. Even if there isn't a Bible Bee Contest close to you register to win. We are going to participate this year and my host the contest next year. 

Leave a comment below and you will be registered to win a registration. 

Disclaimer: We received a family registration in exchange for blog post about our experience this summer with the Bible Bee.

Contest is open until midnight, Monday, May 21st.