Happy Heart Day!
ORIGINALLY POSTED ON AUGUST 2, 2009 It was on this day two years ago, that my youngest child went under the knife. Laurel, now two, had open heart surgery to correct a heart defect...
Family Activities That I am Most Thankful For
My family spends a lot of time together. We are very lucky!
However, I also spend a lot of time planning activities because I love to get out and try new things. I want my children to be educated about the city we live in. I want them to know the history of this city.
A few weeks ago, I planned a trip to Historic Oakland Cemetery here in Atlanta. I had never been and always wanted to go. We had lunch at a popular (yet very disappointing) restaurant overlooking the cemetery.
After lunch, we set off to explore. I was worried that my children would be scared or perhaps my husband would find this a little too dark for the family. However, all three of my children were fascinated. They were enamored by the amazing tributes to families from the past. The picture used at the top of this post is from a headstone.
My daughter in a moment with a wildflower
Oakland Cemetery has some of the most famous Atlanta residents from golf great Bobby Jones to Gone with the Wind author Margaret Mitchell. There are so many people that you have probably heard of and even more that you have not. Civil war soldiers who have been laid to rest evoke such powerful emotions and truly made me believe that there is perhaps more history here than anywhere else in Atlanta.
My children asked great questions. They learned about the circle of life. They learned how we pay tribute to those who have died. They saw the beauty in the architectural tributes.
Most of all, they weren't scared. They were respectful. They were curious. They didn't want to leave.
And it made me appreciate my family a little more that day. They share my thirst for experiences. To try new things. They embrace it wholeheartedly.
I am thankful AND honored to be part of such an amazing family. I don't deserve them.
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I have always taught my kids that cemetaries were some of the most beautiful places to explore with respect. Love that statue on top
You should go back in October when they have a big festival, it is lot of fun. And, without kids, doing a tour at night is great!
I love to take my kids on family outings too. Just last night we took a drive to San Francisco, which is an hour and a half away for a nice family dinner.
I was in NYC a couple weekends ago and seen a very old cemetery that I wanted to stop and look at. You could tell the gravestones were from many years ago. I took a picture, but my daughters weren’t too sure about it.
.-= Stefani´s last blog ..Crayola NYC Pixie Party Trip – Day 2 – Stop 1 =-.
Never took my kids to the cemetery, actually, on a tour, only to visit family members. Maybe in a few years.
.-= Marina at My Busy Children´s last blog ..Cage for dolls on Santa’s list =-.
I think my kids are too young… im happy were all happy and healthy!
My enjoyment other than family are shoes, cosmetics and jewelry!
Never took my kids to the cemetery, actually, on a tour, only to visit family members. Maybe in a few years. .-= Marina at My Busy Children´s last blog ..Cage for dolls on Santa’s list =-.
Never took my kids to the cemetery, actually, on a tour, only to visit family members. Maybe in a few years. .-= Marina at My Busy Children´s last blog ..Cage for dolls on Santa’s list =-.
I think my kids are too young… im happy were all happy and healthy! My enjoyment other than family are shoes, cosmetics and jewelry!
I have never taken my daughter to the cemetery…she’s only now learning about death. But I do love spending time with my family, and also exploring where we live, so we’ve seen most sights in ATL, except for a few museums I plan to take her when she’s older. She’s into interactive stuff…so the Children’s Museum and the Zoo are a few of the places she likes…
I didnt take my daughter to explore the cemeteries, although in our area there isn’t as much history. About the only one is a daughter of Ben Franklin & it is a beautiful mosoleum (spelling)
I will say a cemetery is one of the nicest places to walk the dog- there is little traffic, beautiful layouts and it is quiet!