Field Trip Friday: Tiffin Motorhome Factory

When our homeschool group offered a free tour through the Tiffin Motorhome Factory in Red Bay, Alabama, I didn’t hesitate to sign up. After spending a year as full-time RVer’s, I knew this was a tour that my kids and I would be very interested in and we certainly weren’t disappointed!    

We prepared for our tour in the Visitor’s Center where we donned safety glasses and our listening device which consisted of ear plugs and some type of radio and away we went, following our tour guide to see firsthand how Tiffin builds their motorhomes from the ground up.    

Tiffin Motorhomes started in 1972 and nearly went out of business that first year when the fuel crisis hit. However, they managed to survive and thrive. Before the economic downturn, they were building 13 motorhomes a week and employ nearly 1,000 employees at their main plant and have several smaller plants in the surrounding areas. When the recession hit they dropped to three rigs a week, but managed to hang on when a lot of companies weren’t so fortunate. Now they are nearly back up to full production.

Our tour actually began in the Chassis Plant, which is not normally on the tour that is offered. We were able to see the bare bones of the production. Here the employee is putting the tires on the sturdy frame.  By the time the chassis emerges from this building, it has a set of tires, a steering column and some of the wiring completed but it still doesn’t resemble a motorhome.   

We wound our way through the Cabinet Plant and saw the carpenters in action before skipping the Welding Shop and heading towards the Main Plant where the chassis is transformed into a magnificent home on wheels before our very eyes.  This is where the floor is put down…

the interior cabinets, closets, shower stalls and toilet are in place… the walls go up… the ceiling added…   the slide outs prepared…  and installed…

the windshield in place…off they go for a paint job…

loved these bunks! The kids loved that each bunk had it’s own TV/DVD combo…   the beautiful finished interior (with the slides in)…

the finished product…this could be yours! There is nothing roughing it about these beauties! Flat screen TV’s, rear diesel engines, steel chassis with steel basements, triple slides (and more), exterior cameras all the way around, washer and dryer combos, sleeper sofas, a company dedicated to quality and a bus fit for a king.  Next time we hit the road as full-time RVer’s, I hope it’s in a Tiffin Motorhome! 

This was an amazing field trip! If you find yourself in the area, you’re welcome to take a free tour through the Tiffin Motorhome Plant in Red Bay, Alabama Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and at 2 p.m. (closed on holidays).  

Have a field trip that you’d like to share? We’re all ears, so please do. It’s really simple. Just link up with Linky Tools. It’s not necessary, but I would be grateful if you included a link back to my site so more people can learn about Field Trip Friday. Don’t forget to stop back next week for more Field Trip Friday fun! Until next week~ Happy Field Trippin’!

Join me at The Homeschool Village

 

I’m excited to let you know that for the next two months I will be serving on the  panel of The Homeschool Village. Why not take a minute to stop by and ‘meet’ the other panelists and contributors?

Field Trip Friday: Swimming in a Mexican Cenote

Remember our trip from last week when I wrote about the first part of our trip to Dzibilchaltun and the House of the Seven Dolls? Turns out that there was quite a bit to see at this amazing historic Mayan site.

                                                                          (hieroglyphs)  As fascinating as the ruins were, if you asked my kids what they thought was most memorable, they’d tell you they will never forget swimming in the cenote known as Xlacah.

This water filled sinkhole is more than 140 feet deep at one end which allows visitors the opportunity to wade, swim or dive-in to the waiting, refreshing waters.

Though divers have recovered thousands of artifacts including clay vessels, jewelry, ceramic figures and skeletal remains, we were relieved to know that Xlacah is not thought to have been used for human sacrifices. 

After this tidbit of reassurance, the kids wasted no time jumping in. However, one look in the lily pad filled pool that was brimming with hundreds of tiny fish and my husband decided to sit this swim out.  Though I was tempted to dive in and escape the heat, I opted to soak my feet instead which was certainly a surprise treat.

 

It turns out that all those tiny little fish actually offer the most amazing foot massage.  If you hold your feet perfectly still, one of the fish will nibble on your foot, actually eating the dead dry skin. Even though it tickles just the slightest bit, if you refrain from moving, soon you’ll have your own little army of foot groomers. I haven’t been able to determine exactly what type of fish these are, but I do know that ladies pay a hefty price to have their feet gnawed by these little things. Aaahhh…if I only lived closer I could visit daily and have the smoothest feet on earth…

On our way back to the bus, we discovered yet another surprise….

  

cold…

…. refreshing….

………………… PEPSI!

That’s a wrap up of this week’s Field Trip Friday. Where have you been? 

Have a field trip that you’d like to share? We’re all ears, so please do. It’s really simple. Just link up with Linky Tools. It’s not necessary, but I would be grateful if you included a link back to my site so more people can learn about Field Trip Friday. Don’t forget to stop back next week for more Field Trip Friday fun!

It’s Time for a Break

Did you know last week my blog turned a year old? Or, that most of the year I’ve posted something on my blog nearly everyday? Also, since I write regularly for a few other sites, lately, I’ve found myself a wee bit burnt out.

Yep. I have no desire right now to blog about anything. I thought if I just took it easy after our vacation this lack of ambition would pass. It hasn’t. If anything, it’s gotten worse.

To compound matters, when I attended the Savvy Blogging Summit in July I learned so much about blogging, I had so many wonderful ideas for my blog, but I’ve failed to follow through. I've not implemented any of the tools that I picked up in Colorado, and lately I’ve found that discouraging.

So, I’ve decided to make some changes;  I’m really excited about what I’ve come up with and I think you will be too.

Right now I need to focus on those changes, which means that I’m going to take a break from blogging. Not a long break, but a much needed break. I will have my Field Trip Friday post up this week and next. I'll also be posting one review,  but that’s it. I plan to enjoy my break from writing which should free me up to get some of those changes completed. This will be a gradual process but when I’m finished I hope that you’ll find Live the Adventure an incredible resource.

If you have any tips, suggestions, feedback for me I’d really appreciate it.

Until then, don’t forget about me~ I won’t be gone long.     

Boost Your SAT Scores Easily

This review has been adapted from a review that I wrote for The Curriculum Choice titled Vocabulary Cartoons, SAT Word Power. 

I have to admit, when I find a book or resource that works wonderfully for my family, I love to tell everyone about it. That’s exactly how I felt when I originally found this book and when I found out that I’d be offering a review for the TOS Crew of a product that I already knew well and LOVED.  I was so excited by the results I saw right away that I literally carried this around in my purse so I wouldn’t forget to show it to my friends on homeschool outings.

Are you curious to know what has me so excited? Allow me to introduce Vocabulary Cartoons: SAT Word Power, written by Sam Burchers and published by New Monic Books, Inc.  Though there is an entire line of these incredible teaching books to choose from, my focus will be on the one designed to improve SAT scores because that is the book that we have used.  However, from viewing the website, it looks as though all the books in the Vocabulary Cartoon series are written using the same format.

Written directly to 7^th-12^th grade students, Vocabulary Cartoons SAT Word Power claims that your child can learn hundreds of SAT level words effortlessly, but just how is that possible? And the question you want to know is does it really work? In my experience of using SAT Word Power with my 13, 15 and 17 year old children, I would say, yes it certainly does.

How the book works

These books use mnemonics, a nifty devise that aids in the memorization process. It could be a phrase, a rhyme or an acronym that allows you to remember something by associating it with something you already know.  Confused? How about an example? Do you remember learning the colors in a rainbow in elementary school? My teacher helped me learn them by introducing the mnemonic, Roy G. Biv.  I already knew my colors; I just needed to learn the colors that made up a rainbow in order.  Remembering the mnemonic she gave me I was easily able to picture the colors red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet by associating each letter in the name Roy G. Biv with a color. R= red, O= orange, Y= yellow; okay you get the point.  Another mnemonic you’re probably familiar with is the phrase, Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492. The catchy rhyme makes this little tidbit of information easy to remember, doesn’t it?

Vocabulary Cartoons use the same principle but takes it one step further.  Not only are the vocabulary words linked with a word that you would know by association, they also introduce a silly cartoon drawing so you really see the picture in your head.  Are you familiar with the phrase ‘A picture is worth a thousand words?’  Never underestimate the power of a picture. In my opinion, this is invaluable for visual learners like my children and this aspect of the book is what really drives home the meaning and makes it stick.

How we use these books

Since I enjoy learning new vocabulary words as much as my children, we use this book together.  I’ll read the subject word, followed by the definition,  the link word or association word, show the kids the goofy cartoon while reading the silly sentence that describes the picture and then I’ll read the three sentences at the bottom of the page which you can see from the insert above, use the word in different contexts.

After we learn our new word, we will review the words we learned previously.  I do this by saying the vocabulary word and asking them to share it in a sentence of their own.  The book does have its own review system in place. Every ten words you’ll find a chapter quiz with matching and fill-in-the-blank questions that we choose to do orally.  My children love this book and will often pick it up between sessions so they can try to stump each other with the new words they’ve learned.   If you’d like to take a peek at the words included, you can do that here.

Time to wrap this Review Up

According to the publisher, Vocabulary Cartoons boost verbal standardized test scores and students learn 72% more words with 90% retention.

While I can’t attest to the claim that this book will raise SAT scores, since my children have not taken the SAT, I can say that they have learned a new word, effortlessly, in minutes each day and have retained what they’ve learned.

Vocabulary Cartoons, SAT Word Power sells for $12.95 and can be purchased through the publisher’s website.  I encourage you to check out this book and others in the series, you’ll find something for learners of all ages.

I’ve been impressed with the results that I’ve seen; whether my children ever take an SAT test or not, vocabulary is important to reading comprehension and communication skills, written or verbal.  I’ve found this book particularly helpful for my right brain children and look forward to beginning the second book in the series.  

You’ll find other reviews of this product here.

 Disclosure: I received this product from New Monic Books  free of charge in exchange for offering my honest opinion to my readers.    

Field Trip Friday: Dzibilchaltun

Dzibilchaltun, or dZeebl-chal-toon or SEE-BILL-CHAL-TOON or dZeebl-toon as the locals call it, may not be as well known or popular to visitors as Chichen-Itza or Uxmal, but when it comes to Mayan ruins, it is actually one of the largest and oldest sites discovered. When I booked our cruise to Progreso which is located in tropic Yucatan area of Mexico, I knew that seeing the ruins would be top on our list. Originally I was interested in the better known Chichen-Itza, but since it is more popular, I also thought perhaps it would be more crowded.  Besides, Dzibilchaltun is closer to the port, about a 15 minute bus ride from Progresso, where Chichen-Itza was quite a bit further.

Though we could have arranged our own excursions, I really didn’t feel comfortable doing so. Not only was this our first cruise, I had been to Mexico before (Tijuana) and had a less than ideal experience so I chose to play it safe and book directly from the ship. It was certainly well worth the money. We found our guides easily on the pier, loaded onto our busses and off we went. Our guides were not only knowledgeable about the ruins, but very personable and entertaining.

The only negative aspect of booking an excursion and not exploring on your own is that perhaps you won’t fully experience the culture. Not on a personal level that is. Since this was the first trip to Mexico for everyone in my family (except for me), I couldn’t say that anyone was disappointed.

Arriving at Dzibilchaltun, we were cautioned to stay on the path and not to step into the bushes. Why? Because of poisonous snakes, sinkholes and these……yes…these really are tarantulas! Fortunately, they were already dead when I took the picture. 

I was disappointed to learn that the onsite museum was closed for renovations, but once we began exploring the grounds, I didn’t feel that I was missing anything. Not only is the nearly 6 mile square site an important archaeological site, it is also a National Ecological Park with hundred’s of species of fauna, many of which our guide pointed out to us along the trail.I wish I could remember all the names, but atleast I took pictures.

Dzibilchaltun was a major city for the Mayan. In fact, it is estimated that it could have been occupied by 20,000 Maya at once. In the sweltering heat, we were thankful that our guide led us down a shaded trail beside the stone road that connects the House of the Seven Dolls to the main plaza. The stone road is called a “sacbes”, which in my understanding means “white road” because at the time of the Mayan, this is the color the road would have been, due to the top layer of  limestone that was used during construction. 

As far as my family was concerned, the House of the Seven Dolls was the main attraction. It received its name from the effigy dolls that were found in the excavation of the temple. It’s possible that the dolls were offered on the altar as sacrifices. The dolls can now be seen in the museum when it’s open.

The temple, which was used for religious and ceremonial purposes, aligns perfectly with the structure that I thought was a sun dial in front of the building.

The structure is mathematically aligned so that the doors of the temple align with the sun during the Spring and Autumnal Equinox, signaling the beginning of either the planting or harvest season. Today visitors arrive from all over the world to see this incredible phenomenon. Take a look:

Lisa wrote a great post this week on The Homeschool Classroom called Autumn Equinox Is A Geography Bonanza.  I think you’ll find it very interesting.

Fortunately for us, or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, we did not arrive on the equinox. Which meant that I had to come home and Google videos on YouTube to watch with the kids, but it also means that we didn’t have the crowds to contend with. We were able to climb and explore to our hearts content.

 

 

As cool as the House of the Seven Dolls was, I can’t wait to tell you about what we did next! But that will wait until next week. Until then ~ Happy Field Trippin’!  

Have a field trip that you’d like to share? We’re all ears, so please do. It’s really simple. Just link up with Linky Tools. It’s not necessary, but I would be grateful if you included a link back to my site so more people can learn about Field Trip Friday. Don’t forget, to stop back next week for more Field Trip Friday fun!

Welcome to Huntsville, Alabama!

Welcome to Live the Adventure! Not only I am celebrating my one year blog anniversary here on Blogger, I am also the featured blogger at Blog-Trotting, a virtual travel blog where you can stop in and learn about US cities far and near. Today I’m thrilled to be your tour guide.

                                                A family picture with my mother-in-law 

My name is Tonya and I was born and raised in the Buckeye State. I’m married to my high school sweet heart, Rod, and together we have three awesome teenagers, Nickolaus, Joshua, Chelsea and our rescued four-legged fur baby, Vincent.

Five years ago, my family embarked on a special adventure when we began traveling with my husband’s job. The fact that we have always homeschooled the kids and loved to travel motivated us to take the family on the road. It didn’t take long for us to tire of our travel arrangements, a mix of hotel rooms and temporary apartments. We longed for something that felt a bit more ‘homey’. Last year we bought a 31 foot Class A motor home and excitedly moved in.

As you can imagine, living in such close quarters had its ups and downs but overall I think we survived quite nicely. I couldn’t imagine not having the experiences that we had. Finally, it became clear that our time on the road was drawing to a close and we were excited to once again put down roots. In July we moved into a house again, for the first time in over 18 months. But we didn’t return to Ohio…our adventure led us South to Huntsville, Alabama and this is where your tour will begin.

                                   Welcome to Rocket City USA!

You can ask anyone in Northern Alabama what Huntsville is known for and they’re likely to mention Redstone Arsenal and the US Space and Rocket Center in the same breath. Redstone is a US Army post and home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center where the local iconic Saturn V rocket was built.

Today a replica of the Saturn V can be seen from I-565, outside Alabama’s #1 Tourist Attraction, the US Space and Rocket Center. The Davidson Center, the newest edition to the museum, holds an actual restored Saturn V rocket which is now a National Historic Landmark. Though the rocket center has amazing exhibits, simulators and an IMAX theater, perhaps it’s best known for Spacecamp.

Though technology abounds you’ll find plenty of other attractions that beckon. Just down the road from the US Space and Rocket Center you’ll find another of our favorite attractions, the Huntsville Botanical Garden. No matter what season you visit, you’ll find something going on such as the annual Scarecrow Trail each fall or the Galaxy of the Lights, guaranteed to be one of the best Christmas light displays you’ll see. You’ll also find the largest open air butterfly house in the nation right here at the botanical garden.

Of course, I know some of you like to shop and I’d be remiss if I didn’t suggest a quick stop by the Bridge St.Town Centre Mall for some of the finest shopping in the city. Make sure you take a break from your shopping and grab a bite of a chocolaty goodness at The Chocolate Crocodile. The specialty caramel apples are the BEST! If you’re looking for something unique and romantic be sure to schedule a tour on the gondola before continuing your tour through Huntsville.

If you’d like to learn a bit of local and state history while you’re in the area, you’ll find nearby Mooresville a must stop! The entire town, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, is a fun side trip. Of course you certainly won’t be the first to visit, Disney beat you to it when they filmed the “Tom and Huck” movie in the very same town. Can you believe that Mooresville was a town before Alabama was a state?

If you’d like to dip a bit deeper into the history of the area, you’ll enjoy Harrison Brothers Hardware Store, the oldest operating hardware store in the Yellowhammer State. Within blocks of downtown you’ll also find Constitution Village, Earlyworks-an amazing children’s museum, The Huntsville Museum of Art, Big Spring Park and a particularly special treat, Weeden House, one of the oldest antebellum homes not only in Huntsville, but in the state as well. It is currently operated by the most engaging curator. You’ll leave not only entertained but with an incredible appreciation for Southern Life.

Of course you don’t want to spend all day inside museums! It’s time to enjoy some of spectacular scenery and hiking trails that make Huntsville great. Our first stop is to Monte Sano State Park which happened to be the first place we parked our home on wheels. Though we loved our home on the mountaintop, with no internet access it didn’t appear to be the best fit for an active blogger.

Our two favorite spots in the park would be the scenic overlook which will give you a breathtaking view of the Tennessee Valley and the trail that leads to the Stone Cuts. The exposed and weathered capstone of the mountain has resulted in an interesting passage through rock and a natural tunnel that is perfect for the explorer in you.

Another outdoor favorite is the Madison County Nature Trail located on Green Mountain. This retreat like setting boasts a wooded 1 ½-2 mile trail that meanders along a beautiful, fish stocked lake. Of course, if you’d rather relax and enjoy the view you’re welcome to grab a seat in one of the many Adirondack chairs or wooden gliders at the covered pavilion where you can feel the breeze off the water and watch the playful ducks and visitors as they enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of the world at the base of the mountain.

Have I talked you into a visit yet? Of course I could spend all day telling you why I have grown to love Huntsville but  I’ll leave you to explore on your own at this website. Let me just say that if we can’t live in Ohio- there is no where else I’d rather be. Not to mention the winters are definitely more pleasant! 

Blog-trotting features a different destination each day and would love to eventually highlight each state. Would you like to be the next featured blogger? It’s easy, just go to the destinations page and leave a message. It’s that easy. Oh, before I forget, Carabee would especially love to feature someone from Hawaii, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Connecticut and West Virginia and I know that some of you live in these states. Interested? Stop by Blog-trotting and check it out.  

20 Things You Should Consider When Going on Your First Cruise

My family recently had the privilege to go on a cruise for the first time. As much as we enjoyed it, there were a few things I wish we would have known prior to setting sail that would have potentially enhanced the experience. So, for those  contemplating a cruise sometime in the future, this is for you. 

1. Don’t rush out and buy a bunch of new vacation clothes. Keep it simple and wear what you already have hanging in your closet. No one will know the difference.

2. If you plan to arrive a day or two before the ship sails, and are choosing a hotel room, don’t overlook the hotels that aren’t necessarily as conveniently located to the cruise terminal.   You can stay at a hotel 5- 10 miles from the port and pay a drastically reduced rate with a relatively low taxi fare to meet the ship. Also, when booking a room, call the hotel directly and inquire about shuttle service to and from the hotel, cruise terminal, airport, etc. 

3. Parking your car at the port is expensive (especially if it’s considered oversized). If you are staying at a nearby hotel, ask if you are permitted to leave your vehicle in the hotel parking lot. This saved us $150!

4. Be prepared to wait in potentially long lines when entering and exiting the ship.

5. Nearly everything is charged to your room, and in turn your credit card (the exception would be any gambling that you do in the casino).  You can easily keep tabs on your spending by viewing your charges each day at guest services and remember that you can set limits on what each individual in your room can spend. 

6. Make sure your children know stateroom beverages are not for hospitality purposes, you will be charged for each can that is consumed. If they are a temptation, ask your steward to remove them.

7. Make sure you take along some small bills to tip room service as well as tour guides, taxi and bus drivers that you’ll encounter on excursions. 

8. Pre-pay your gratuities when you book your cruise so there aren’t any surprises on your final bill.

9. Be prepared to be photographed. ALOT.  When you get on the ship, by the pool, in the dining hall and when you exit the ship for an excursion you’ll be photographed. These pictures will cost between $10-$20 each and since they are taken by professional photographers, they will turn out beautifully and you will want them. If you don’t want to spend the money,  don’t look at them. Just so you know, these pictures aren’t discounted, even on the last day of the cruise.  

10. The crew will try to sell you extras such as pictures (which we’ve already established), bottled water, soft drinks and alcohol. Just say no. These items can easily add up to hundreds of dollars to your final bill.   

11. Though your food is free, you will want snacks that won’t be available. Be sure to add a few snacks inside your suitcase.

12. You can eat until you are miserable so just remember, the food will not run out. Also, by the end of the cruise you’ll be tired of eating the same food. There is not a big variety. 

13. Even though it’s not offered, you can request another plate of food when you are served in the dining room. 

14. The ship clears out on excursion days. This is your chance to play in the pool, hang out in the hot tub and sun yourself without the crowds.

15. If you have teenagers that accompany you, don’t be surprised by the amount of time that you WON’T see them. There are plenty of teen activities going on to keep them busy. This aspect may or may not appeal to you. 

16. Review the ship’s itinerary each day so you don’t miss any special events or activities. 

17.  To our surprise, the water in the pool is actually salt water so keep your mouth shut and eyes closed when you dive in!

18. If you don’t want to spend the extra money on an excursion, you may enjoy getting off the ship and taking a  look around the port. Even if you don’t venture far you’ll experience some of the culture of the area.

19. Don’t book a cruise during hurricane season if you’re prone to motion sicknessWe learned this lesson the hard way! 

20. If you’ve never been on a cruise before, start with a short 3 or 5 day cruise. Wouldn’t you hate to be on a 15 day cruise when you decide that this mode of travel is not for you?

Have tips of your own? I’d love to hear them! 

Travel Tips

Homeschool Days at the High Museum of Art, Atlanta

Last month I shared a list of  attractions that offer special discounts on certain days just for homeschool families. I’m excited to let you know that I’ve discovered another attraction that can be added to the list.

On four separate Friday’s beginning September 24th and continuing on December 3rd, February 25th  and April 29th  the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia will offer discounted walk-up tickets to homeschool families.

No advance registration is required, but you should be prepared to present verification of homeschool/non-traditional school status when purchasing your tickets. The website suggests some examples which include a homeschool letter of intent, verification of online school registration, or a letter or tuition bill from a co-op.

Admission will be $15 for adults, $6 for students and free admission to museum members. There are no additional costs for workshops or docent-guided tours offered on the Homeschool Days. Included in your admission, you will have access to all special exhibitions, the Permanent Collection, and the Greene Family Learning Gallery.

Homeschool families will also receive a voucher for $6 parking in the Woodruff Arts Center garage or the Boys and Girls Club garage as well as a discount on purchases made in the Museum Shop and a savings on a Museum membership at the Educator Family level.

Details on the Homeschool Days are as follows:

Friday, September 24
10:00 to 5:00pm ~ Visit Salvador Dalí: The Late Work and go on an audio-guided tour (audio guides are free for children, additional $3 for adult members, $5 for adult non-members)

2:00pm ~ Docent-guided Family Highlights Tour of the Permanent Collection

1:00 to 5:00pm ~ Drop-in Dalí hands-on workshop

You’ll find educator resources here.

Friday, December 3
10:00am to 5:00pm ~ Visit Titian and the Golden Age of Venetian Painting

2:00pm ~ Docent-guided family tour of Titian and the Golden Age of Venetian Painting

1:00 to 5:00pm ~ Drop-in Titian hands-on workshop

Friday, February 25
10:00am to 5:00pm ~ Visit Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Modern Century

2:00pm ~ Docent-guided family tour of Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Modern Century

1:00 to 5:00pm ~ Drop-in Cartier-Bresson hands-on workshop

Friday, April 29:
10:00am to 5:00pm ~ Visit Toulouse-Lautrec and Friends

2:00pm ~ Docent-guided family tour of Toulouse-Lautrec and Friends

1:00 to 5:00pm ~ Drop-in Toulouse-Lautrec hands-on workshop

E is for Energizer Bunny

This week’s photo for the A B See Photo Meme hosted by HSBA Post was captured on our trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama earlier this year at the Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Festival to see the World’s Largest Hot Air Balloon.