What we have been up to in April, 2014



I realize that I probably should update this blog more often!  At this point in my life I just can't squeeze the extra time.  However, to see all the new things on our website you could just go to www.happyfamilyart.com  In the meantime, I am going to commit to doing a monthly update. 
Here is the update for April, 2014!!!
Let's see what we did.

We visited the Morris Museum in NJ: http://www.happyfamilyart.com/Our-Visit-To-Morris-Museum-NJ.html

We also went to IPlay America for some fun in an arcade and indoor rides.  It was great.  Read more about it here: http://www.happyfamilyart.com/Our-Visit-To-IPlayAmerica.html

 

We made quite a few great crafts.  Like these recycled portfolios: http://www.happyfamilyart.com/Recycled-Art-Portfolios.html

And these lovely flower hairbands made from recycled t-shirts: http://www.happyfamilyart.com/Recycled-Tshirt-Headband.html
 



 

Of course there is an art project there as well, Watercolor Water Lilies: http://www.happyfamilyart.com/Painting-Water-Lilies.html

 

 

I also added a few new sections.  One of them is all about art history for kids.  These are new, so there are only a few things there.  So far we have an art lesson on Georges Seurat: http://www.happyfamilyart.com/Georges-Seurat-Art-Lesson.html
 

Another is on Louis Comfort Tiffany: http://www.happyfamilyart.com/Tiffany-Stained-Glass-Art-Lesson.html

 

I also added a section on Photography.  I dubbed it a 1000 Photos Project.  I am hoping to improve my photo taking skills as I climb to a 1000 Photos.  Here is a link for that section, I do hope you like it: http://www.happyfamilyart.com/1000-Photos-Project.html

 

I think that is about it for the month of April! I hope you enjoyed it, and stop by again!  Also, I love comments, and don't be shy about using the contact me page with any questions!  Thank you, and see you at the end of this May!



Stony Hill Farm Corn Maze.

We went to Stony Hill Farm and Market to their 10 acre corn maze in Chester, NJ. It was great. We got lost in the yellow part and kept walking in circles. I had a bit of claustrophobia. Corn was everywhere.  We came out eventually, giggling wildly and happy to be out. 

They also had a miner maze for the kids. We got 4 bags of dirt with gem stones and spend some time sifting it, while having coffee and apple cider. It was fun for all of us. We even brought a bag of dirt home for grandpa to sift through.

They have a few other activities and mazes.  You can see them on their website here: http://www.stonyhillgardens.com/

It is a great place to go on a sunny fall day!  We were there on a week day.  I am pretty sure on a weekend it is way more busy.  I like the empty field all to ourselves though!

Hillview Farms Peach Picking

Every year we make it to Hillview Farms in Gillette for some peach picking. They are not far from us and it makes for a nice fall day there. Expect to do lots of walking, especially uphill! The peaches this year were delicious (the year before they were badly damaged by hail). 

 

This farm is not commercial, so don't expect too many hay rides, or mazes, or other kids entertainment. Come on a weekday to avoid crowds. They do have their produce in the little store, and I think pies in the fall. There are awesome views as you go up to pick. We always have a good time there. They have chickens, roosters and peacocks running around the farm. My kids and their friends got in trouble for chasing the chickens. The roosters actually ganged up against the kids and tried to scare them with wings and feathers, and loud noises.

 

I couldn't find a website for them, but here is the address and the phone number:

 

Address: 223 Meyersville Rd, Gillette, NJ 07933

    Phone:(908) 647-0957

 

Alstede Farms, NJ

Alstede Farms is a great place with many things to do and see. It is organic and sustainable. We were able to feed the funniest and friendliest donkey, chickens, rabbits, and a very gentle horse. We picked our own blueberries, though it was too hot in the open sun and there weren't many ripe ones yet. Picking our own peaches went better. The kids got to climb on a giant hay stack.  They also got to ride on a tractor hay ride, which I think they liked the most. At the end we sat down in a shady spot and enjoyed some donuts and apple cider. Overall I would say that even though it was about 95 degrees outside that day the trip was a success.  There are also a few state parks nearby with wonderful and cool hiking trails. 

Here is the website for the farm: http://alstedefarms.com/ with address and hours.

And a few photos: