Abby Girl

Health and Wellness

Fleet Feet Spring Walk or Run Challenge

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March 1st, a pretty awesome walk or run challenge begins. The challenge, named the Bombastic Springtastic Challenge is virtual so anyone from anywhere in the world can participate. There is a cost to sign-up. However, you do receive a t-shirt and a medal if you complete 35 tasks. If you complete all fifty tasks before the event ends on April 31st, then you’re entered to win a gift card to fleet feet.

How does it work?

First, you need to head over to the webpage to signup. They will then send you an email explaining how to log everything and there is even an awesome Facebook Group. Each task completed will gain you a virtual badge. Make sure you are comfortable with completing the tasks before you signup.

What Type of Things Will I have to do while walking or running?

Well, most tasks require a participant to walk or run a mile either with something, on a certain day or going by a certain landmark. All the tasks have now been revealed.

Here is a List of The Tasks From Their Website-

–Bird House Badge: Take a picture of a birdhouse while on a run/walk of at least 1 mile
–Super Mario Badge: Take a picture of a mushroom while on a run/walk of at least 1 mile
–Fashionista Badge: Run or walk wearing all Spring colors & take a selfie before or after (at least 1 mile) 
–Farmhouse Badge: Pass a barn during a run/walk of at least 1 mile 
–Sound of Music Badge: Do a run/walk (at least one mile) that includes running through a field
–Luck of the Irish Badge: Run or Walk at least 1 mile wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day (3/17)
–Runner’s Choice Badge: Come up with a creative badge; Complete the task and photograph it. The 3 with the most likes on the Facebook post will win $25 Fleet Feet gift cards
–Earth Day Badge: Pickup trash before, during and/or after your run/walk (at least 1 mile)
–Tulip Badge: Take a picture with tulips during a run/walk of at least 1 mile 
–Punky Brewster Badge: Complete a run/walk of at least 1 mile wearing mis-matched socks 
–Wind Spinner Badge: Take a picture during a run/walk with a wind spinner yard decoration (at least 1 mile) 
–What day is it? Badge: Run or walk the number of miles that matches the date (i.e. on 3/1 you would run 3.1 miles) 
–Gardener Badge: Run/walk at least 1 mile while carrying a piece of garden equipment
–Time Warp Badge: Run or walk for an hour on 3/14 (Daylight Savings) 
–Unseasonably Cold Badge: Run or Walk when the temperature is at least 10 degrees colder than the average monthly temperature for your area 
–A Horse is a Horse Badge: Take a picture of a horse on a run/walk of at least 1 mile 
–Millenial Badge: Listen to a podcast about running 
–Out of Towner Badge: Take a picture with an out of state license plate during a run/walk of at least 1 mile
–Muddy Shoes Badge: Go for a trail run/walk/hike of at least 1 mile
–Taxman Badge: Run/walk at least 1 mile on 4/15
–Lakeview Badge: Do a run/walk of at least 1 mile around or near a lake 
–2021 Badge: Run/walk a total of 202.1 miles during the challenge 
–First Responder Badge: Take a selfie with a fire truck, police car or ambulance during a run/walk of at least 1 mile

–Running in the Rain Badge: Run/walk at least 1 mile in the rain while carrying an umbrella
–Full Moon Badge: Run/walk at least 1 mile after dark during a full moon (3/28, 4/26)
–Ice Cream Lovers Badge: Stop for ice cream (or dairy free alternative) during a walk/run of at least 1 mile 
–April Showers Badge: Run/walk at least 1 mile in the Rain without an umbrella 
–Spring Street Badge: Take a picture running on a street that is the same name as a season (run should be at least 1 mile)
–Green Acres Badge: Run/walk at least 1 mile through or past a farm 
–Vernal Equinox Badge: Run at least 1 mile on the first day of spring (3/20) 
–Go Fly A Kite Badge: Complete a run/walk of at least one mile with a kite 
–Feathered Friends Badge: Take a picture of a bird during a run/walk of at least 1 mile
–Looks like Spring Badge: Do a run/walk and take a picture of Easter or Spring decorations
–High on Life Badge: Run/walk at least 1 mile on 4/20 
–Walking on Sunshine Badge: Go for a run/walk of at least 1 mile on a sunny day
–Troll Toll Badge: Take a selfie running/walking under a bridge (at least 1 mile) 
–Park Run Badge: Run/Walk at least 1 mile in a state park
–Easter Bunny Badge: Run/walk (at least 1 mile) on Easter (4/4)

–Extra Innings Badge: Complete a 1 mile run/walk that includes a baseball field
–Fountain Badge: Run/Walk at least 1 mile that includes running around a fountain

–Perfect Strangers Badge: Run or Walk (at least 1 mile) with someone you’ve never run/walked with before
–Cemetery Badge: Do a run/walk of at least 1 mile that includes a cemetery
–Right On Time Badge: Take a picture with an outdoor clock during a run/walk of at least 1 mile
–Babbling Brook Badge: Run/walk (at least 1 mile) that passes by a stream
–Graffiti Badge: Take a picture of graffiti during a run/walk of at least 1 mile
–Historic Badge: Run/walk at least 1 mile on a historic site 
–Waterfall Badge: Do a run/walk of at least 1 mile where you pass a waterfall 
–Moo-ving Badge: Take a picture of a cow on a run/walk of at least 1 mile 
–April Fools Badge: Run/walk (last least one mile) on April Fools Day (4/1)
–How Old Am I? Badge: Take a picture of a house or mailbox with your age on it during a run/walk of at least 1 mile

*You can complete multiple tasks at a time. Some people prefer to spread them out or just get them done as quickly as possible.

Final Thoughts about this Challenge-

So what are you waiting for to go signup? Perhaps we will see you on the trail!

We highly encourage creating some challenges this year. Read our suggestions!

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How to have Great Educational Experiences

Volcano Experiment for Kids

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A Volcano experiment for kids is a great way to create a natural disaster without actually being there. There are so many options too!

The poster board-

A poster board is helpful to get Your child’s mind thinking and to teach about volcanoes. It shows them how to prepare for the experiments.

Chart-

This is the sciencey stuff that will be key in the experiment. Below is what we put on our chart. It also lists the ingredients. The one section is left blank to be done during each round of experimentation.

Picture-

Let your child draw what they think their volcano will look like. It helps them visualize their creation.

Parts of the Volcano-

Last part of poster board shows the parts of the volcano.

Additional-

Depending on the ability of the child, other stuff can be added such as key eruptions in history.

volcano chart

Make Your Volcano!

Then we made Paper Mache to create the volcano.

We used a two-liter soda bottle which takes a lot more materials. You can go smaller. We wanted a bigger opening at the top so I cut the mouth of the bottle bigger.

You wait for a layer to dry and add on more and more layers for a more detailed look. Just remember to let each layer dry in between. We rolled bits of paper and clumped up our strips to make it rockier looking. We also put the volcano on a piece of cardboard that you can secure with hot glue or strong bonding glue. Then we’re able to pull the strips out and down to make more of a volcano shape.

After your child is satisfied with their volcano shape, use non-toxic paint to cover the volcano.

Final step if you want it more permanent, is to seal it.

*kids can take it one step further and put fake trees houses, animals, people and make more of a scene for the volcanic eruption

volcano experiment

Time for the volcano experiments to begin-

It’s a lot of trial and error. We are not the type to sit there and have exact measurements we pulled off of every mommy homeschool blog on Pinterest. We enjoy the adventures in trial and error and flying by the seat of our pants.

Fail

The worst results for us and a complete failure was the diet soda and mentos. However, it worked well from the actual soda bottle. Let us know if you get it to work in the volcano.

So-So Experiment Results-

All experiments with baking soda and vinegar gave the same results. It bubbled and rolled fast over the top. But, we had to fill it all the way to the top. We used halfway up with water and rest, vinegar. A couple of drops of dish soap. We tried a baking soda bomb. However, just pouring it in gives a faster result.

The best experiment result-

Elephant tooth paste.

My kid put in a whole jar of yeast to two bottles of peroxide. But before the yeast was added, we added a few drops of dish soap and red non-toxic paint. Mix. Then put in yeast. My husband mixed it fast for a reaction. Our method made a really thick long-lasting, oozing reaction. I think she might have snuck in some baking soda too.

*appears our mistake is that you need to put a few drops of warm water into the yeast before pouring it into the volcano. This must be why a lot of the yeast immediately came back out of the top. Think melted ice cream.

Also, 3 percent peroxide will give a smaller reaction. If you go to the hair store, you can find a higher percentage for a bigger reaction. Just remember gloves and

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE!

Free volcano experiment time

After all, our experiments from the chart were completed and her findings recorded, we let her explore with whatever was leftover.

Final thoughts

A volcano experiment for kids is an awesome adventure. It’s fun for all ages as the activity can be changed based on ability, interest, age, etc. So go visit a volcano without having to deal with standing in real lava. PS. the experiment works best outdoors.

Want more activities to do?

Hey here are some cool nature-based activity ideas!

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Go Visit: Family Friendly New York

Take Me to Hudson Valley Movie Theater

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hudson-valley-movie-theaters

Yes, after months of not being able to attend a showing at an actual movie theater, Adventures of Abby Girl got the chance for a private showing of Shrek at Showtime Cinemas in Newburgh NY.

Getting there-

Take the entrance on 300k as the other entrance is barricaded off (we learned the hard way.) When you enter, go all the way to the back of the parking lot and you will see the cinema building on the right-hand side. Make sure you have your mask on and head into the theater.

Private Movie Showings Only-

We had the awesome opportunity and had a private showing with a homeschool group we regularly attend. This group option is surprisingly affordable and a great way to have a theater to yourself.

If you arrange a group before 5 pm, it’s $80 for up to 25 people, or after 5:30 pm it’s $100 for up to 25 people for certain titles. The pricing is different from one group of films to another. See this website link for all the pricing information and how to book. They are now booking through March 31st.

Fun Fact/Tip: We saw Shrek! The only problem we had is my child has sensory issues and the movie got a little too loud for her. We left right at the end to avoid the loud music that goes with the credits.

movie theater
POPCORN

Food-

They have all the classic movie theater food and it is super tasty. We got a jumbo popcorn, a big soda and a pretzel. Next time, I would skip the pretzel. The popcorn was all you really need and maybe some chocolate movie theater candy.

Cleanliness-

The movie theater was extremely clean. Not like the old days when you went to the small movies theaters and stuck to the floor. The bathroom were super clean too. Very important not only now but with small children. Clean restrooms are a must.

Mask Fact- You have to wear a mask everywhere in the movie theater except for when you are seated.

Staff-

The staff is super nice. He was very attentive and welcoming even with a bunch of wild homeschoolers. Having great staff makes or breaks an experience for us no matter how awesome the location.

Other Movie Theaters open in the area-

Roosevelt, New Paltz, and Lyceum are open for up to 25 percent capacity. They are taking a lot of steps to protect the health of everyone at the movie theater. The best part is that the ticket pricing is super affordable. Click on this link to see what is showing and learn more.

Rather Stay Home? …

Yes, that’s still a great option too. There is always something streaming that you can binge on as more and more people cut cable. Do you still have cable? You can still have movie night. So go make some popcorn and cuddle up with someone special even if it’s the family dog!

Final Thoughts-

We loved being able actually go somewhere and enjoy a movie. Private options are great if you aren’t ready to be around strangers. Also, these smaller cinemas really need our support right now to keep going. 25 percent capacity isn’t a lot of people. So if you can, be brave and adventure to a movie theater near you and watch a classic movie!

See what else we have experienced in Hudson Valley. Also, please remember that some places have changed since COVID and if you have any questions, contact either us or the place we visited. Thank you!

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Inspiration Is all Around Us

Hello, That’s a One-Way Sign.

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one-way-sign

Everyone has seen the one-way sign before. The sign alerting you that you cannot turn in a certain direction because traffic is only allowed in one direction. So to obey the traffic laws, we go up a block or turn around, or do we? Who has ever turned down that one-way street before because of distraction or sheer defiance? Did you know this one-way sign is a lot like us following God? This is the next part of the road sign series. As travelers, we see a lot of signs and thought it would be fun to relate them to the Bible.

Two Factors cause us to ignore that One Way Sign

there are two simple factors that cause people to ignore the one-way sign and those are distraction and defiance.

Distraction-

It happens often. Your yelling at your kid in the backseat or jamming to the tunes on your radio. Perhaps there is a lot going on in your mind or haven’t had much sleep. So you turn down that one-way street despite the blaring signs.

Just like driving, this happens with us and God too. We are just going about our day to day grooving on through life. We are talking to the squirrel circus in our heads. Something, anything is causing a distraction.

Perhaps we are distracted by a problem and it’s clouding our thinking. No matter what the situation that is causing our distraction, God is tossing signs at us too that we are going in the wrong direction. But, we are too distracted and we start heading down that one-way street.

Defiance-

“I don’t give a rat’s butt. If I go down this one-way street in the wrong direction, I can reach my destination quicker. It’s only three short blocks. What’s the big deal? I’m an awesome driver.”

“I’m the best driver in the world. I got this.”

Whatever the defiant response, you are heading down that one way street and you really don’t care what happens to you or anything around you. You are going for it. Pull a little Smokey and the Bandit action and you are good to go.

Again, this is just like driving. You want what you want. You don’t care what the Bible has to say about it. Who cares. So what, a few lives might be hurt. Heck, you might not even come out unscathed. But, you go for it anyway.

“You know what God, I do not care. I like the way that path looks and I’m going for it. That job is for someone else? I want it. It’s mine. I will lie, cheat and steal to get it. I really don’t care”

or …

“I think that path looks more fun even though I’m truly supposed to go in the complete opposite direction. Sorry, God, I’m going for it. Try to stop me. I dare you.”

The Consequences-

As we physically drive down that one-way street either because of distraction or defiance, we might skate by dodging a few oncoming cars and pedestrians, however, somehow by the grace of God make it safely to the end of the road and are able to go about our lives.

We could receive a ticket. Here comes the police. They pull you over and tell you that you are going the wrong way. You could be lucky and just receive a warning or get fined.

The worst scenario is that there could be an accident. Property or lives could be hurt or even worse. Going down that one-way street can change your life forever and the lives of others and not for the better.

Again, this scenario fits perfectly with the Bible-

God puts out the signs but we are so distracted by the tweety birds or life’s problems, that we ignore the signs. We might get away with it at first, but then what?

We pretty much thumb our noses at God and tell Him, “who cares, if you want me to not head that direction. I like that path and I’m going for it. Who are you tell me otherwise? You are just God.” Next thing you know, bam. Your life is a wreck and you are completely lost. You might stand in the middle of that one-way street God told you not to go down and cry out to Him. Then learn your lesson and turn around.

However, in a worst-case scenario, you might just keep going hurting people around you, cause destruction. Eventually, not listening to God wrecks your life, and even worse can send you somewhere very warm and it’s not sitting on an island beach with one of those fruity, neon drinks with the little umbrellas.

The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.
John 12:48

What Can We Do-

  • The simplest thing to do is pay attention.
Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.
Hebrews 2:1 ESV
  • Don’t Do It.
  • Change your attitude.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

Proverbs 3:5, NIV

  • Avoid Temptation

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV
  • Listen to God. God knows our path before we were even born
Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:
Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one
and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
Isaiah 40:26
  • Look for signs to stay in the correct direction. One way to do this is to read the Bible. Be in the Word. Keep our minds and hearts open.
  • Stop and turnaround.
  • Cry Out
I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
Psalm 57:2
  • Get right with Him. 
Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.
John 8:47
  • Pray
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.Colossians 4:2 NIV

Final Thoughts-

Next time you see a one-way street sign, remember it’s very similar to following God and the path he has laid out for you. The question is, will you listen to God and stay the course or will you ignore him and head down the one-way street no matter the cost? We all have been given free-will. So, what will you do?

New to this series? Well, there are four more parts! Happy reading. Feel free to share just give us credit! Thank you.

  1. Falling Rock Zone
  2. Stop Sign
  3. Railroad Crossing
  4. High Voltage Sign
one-way sign
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Family Travel United States, Go Visit: Family Friendly New York

Have Five Awesome Family Adventures in NYC

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family-adventures-nyc

There is just so much to see and do in NYC. However, Adventures of Abby Girl can you tell readers five absolutely awesome family adventures in NYC that are great for all ages.

1. Ride the train into Grand Central

Yes, even with COVID, the train is safe. In fact, there is a mask mandate in place on Metro-North. My husband took our daughter to the bathroom on the way home and said the bathrooms are the cleanest he has ever seen them. He went in armed with disinfecting wipes by the pile because we all remember those nights coming home on the train when you had to use the onboard bathroom. It was almost as bad as the downstairs Grand Central Bathroom where all the homeless people used to take “showers” in the sinks. So germs are definently being conquered on the train

NYC

The price is still fairly expensive if you come from the last stop on the train line like us. However, you can cut costs by purchasing round-trip tickets, going off-peak and children four and under are free.

Metro-North also is Fido-friendly for dogs under 65 pounds. Over 65 pounds is an additional fee. However, remember that the city can be crowded and your dog might be scared of the crowds. A lot of places might not be dog friendly and on the subway, they have to fit in a carrier. However, for a day in Central Park, let your pooch ride the rails with the family!

2. The American Museum of Natural History–

This is a great spot! In fact, there is so much to see and do that a family might not cover all four floors in one day. This is especially true if you have young children. However, asking them what they are interested in and going with that, makes just as much fun.

family adventures in NYC
hello

Tips at Museum to make for the most amazing adventure:

Purchase tickets in advance online. There is timed entry currently.

NY, NJ, and CT residents are pay what you want. However, make sure you bring an ID! They will not honor this without the proper ID.

Layer. A lot of the museum is really hot. So layer.

Bring a pack. Bring a pack to shove your kid’s coat in or you will be dragging it through the museum.

Sketch pad. Abby had the awesome idea of bringing a sketch pad and pencils. When she got to her favorite floor (the 4th floor, dinosaurs), she took a lot of time sketching various dinosaur fossils and creating dinosaur images based on what she saw.

Take a taxi one way and foot travel the other. This way families can experience a nice piece of Central Park.

family adventures in NYC

3. Central Park is the Ultimate Family Adventure in NYC-

Central Park is great and covers 843 acres of land. Just walking through the park heading back toward Grand Central is a lot of fun. There are street musicians that fill the air with a variety of music. There’s a big rock to climb and the pond. If you have money to spend, you can even take a carriage ride. This is how my husband proposed. My exact words as he got on one knee were, “what did you drop something?” Overall with our without children, it’s a very magical place. You will also see a lot of other types of vendors and it’s great for a bicycle ride too.

central park

4. Take in the sites-

We prefer walking because you take the time to stop wherever and take in all the sites and sounds. Since we visited shortly after Christmas, a stop at Rockefeller Plaza was a must. There are a lot of really neat stores to go into also. Most, are super expensive, however, they are stores not found in the Hudson Valley, and great to pretend for a bit that you maybe are one of the Rockefellers. If you need any emergency items, a Duane Reade can be found on what feels like almost every block. Only thing we found disapointing is waiting in lines (children get antsy) and you couldn’t get very close to the tree at all.

family adventures in NYC

5. Sarge’s Deli-

Once everyone is back at Grand Central, go beyond Grand Central Station and eat at Sarges. It’s only a short walk from the train absolutely worth every penny. Their corned beef on rye is huge and their brisket is amazing. There isn’t a food we haven’t tried that isn’t amazing from here. Writing about it makes me want to hop back on the train and grab a bite to eat right now. There is nothing that compares around the Hudson Valley. Right now with COVID, you have to grab your food and eat on the train.

side note: We don’t have any pictures for you. We were too busy stuffing our faces! So you will just have to go see for yourself.

Final Thoughts-

Spending a day in the city is still a great family excursion and 99 percent of people wear masks all the time. At least the time we were there. Even on the streets. It’s not as crowded as I remember either. So go have awesome adventures in NYC with your family sometime soon. Let us know if you find any other cool things to do. Still, prefer adventures in the wilderness? Then take a look at this article!

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