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LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta Homeschool Week 2019!

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I love when public schoolers are back in session and places offer homeschool week!  Here’s the latest info I’ve received.  Be sure to read it carefully!

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta invites homeschoolers to Homeschool Week on September 9 – 13! The week is complete with free LEGO® Education Workshops and activities that address curriculum standards. Students and their teachers will engage with subject matter through interactive and hands-on learning across science, mathematics, language arts, technology and more!

Local homeschools can book a fieldtrip by visiting http://bit.ly/ldcatlantahomeschool and completing the registration form. Homeschools must send the registration form and declaration of intent via email to LDCATL.Groupsales@LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com or fax to 404.848.9591 prior to visiting.

Homeschool Week costs $10 per adult and $7 per student. For every five student tickets purchased, one adult ticket will be granted for free.For more information, visit facebook.com/LDCAtlanta or atlanta.legolanddiscoverycenter.com.

Chaco Sale!

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We’ve got a hot sale on SELECT Chacos right now! Be sure to note that you will not see the price drop until you add it to your cart!  They are also offering FREE shipping and FREE returns!  This sale is only for the styles listed below.  Check these deals out:

59% off Women’s ZCLOUD2 Sandals in Llama Angora. Originally $110, Now $44.99 shipped.  Add to cart to see price

59% off Men’s ZCLOUD2 Sandals in Navy Haus. Originally $110, Now $44.99 shipped.   Add to cart to see price

Shutterfly: $1 Photo Magnets – Today Only!

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I love photo magnets.  They keep my fridge full of my loved ones and they make fantastic gifts.  Today, August 29th only, Shutterfly is having a flash sale with $1 photo magnets!

Simply head on over and create your Photo Magnets.  use code DOLLARMAGS to get the deal!  Plus they are offering free shipping when you order 10 or more magnets when you use code FREESHIP10.

 

Review: Britfield & the Lost Crown

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My daughter has been enjoying the adventures of Tom and Sarah in the book Britfield & the Lost Crown, by C.R. Stewart.  Since she has been the one reading it, this following review will come from her perspective:

About the Book:

Tom lives in an orphanage.  The world’s cruelest orphanage, Weatherly Orphanage, to be exact.  When his best friend, Sarah, gets in trouble, they both bust out of the orphanage.  Tom has a clue which tells him that his parents are still alive.  Sarah and Tom travel all over the world to find Tom’s parents and to escape people who want to bring the orphans back to Weatherly Orphanage.  A famous Scotland Yard detective is hot on their trail and almost always a few steps ahead of them.  Tom and Sarah need all the help they can get.  Even if it is two brilliant professors and two unexpected allies.  Can the two kids outsmart the world’s most famous detective who has cracked every single case but one?  Will they figure out how the world BRITFIELD can help find Tom’s parents and learn about his past?  And most importantly, can they fly a hot air balloon?
There is an 83-page PDF study guide that goes along with this book and takes approximately 8 weeks to work through. It can be found on the Resources page.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book!  It was long but extremely hard to put down.  C.R. Stewart’s Britfield & the Lost Crown is a book packed with action, royalty, mystery, plot twists, and lessons on friendship and kindness.  My favorite part was definitely the unexpected allies near the end of the book which caused a huge plot twist!  I would tell you, but I think reading the book would be much more fun!  I figured out a few things before the book explained them which was kind of annoying because I like surprising books.  Even though a hint of the book was spoiled by myself, it was still very thrilling and unexpected.
Here are a few of my favorite, action-packed glimpses into the book without giving much away:
“When the clock finally struck 7:00 p.m., the orphans diligently put away their tools and cleaned up their workstations.  They filed out of the Factory two-by-two and down a long dark corridor.  This was one of the brief moments they weren’t monitored or supervised by any Deviants, a codeword the orphans used when describing authority figures.  Sarah ran up behind Tom and gave his shirt a swift tug.  “So are you going tonight?”  she whispered enthusiastically.
“I’ll head out in a few hours,” he replied nonchalantly, trying to mask his anxiety.
“You scared?” she inquired.  “I’d be scared…especially of Wind.”
“A little bit…but it’s got to be done, right?”
“Right,” she acknowledged, then hesitated for a second.  “I wish I was coming with you.”
“It’s always been a one-person mission – too risky for more.””
“As they turned to leave, Sarah noticed the two plainly dressed men staring at her.
“Tom, isn’t that strange?” she indicated.
“What?”
“Those guys over there.  They keep glancing at me.”
Tom looked.  One of the men slowly lifted his hand and spoke into a small radio receiver.
“Run, Sarah!”  Tom shouted.  “Run!””
“Tom peered over the basket and saw a vacant meadow with a gigantic structure sitting in the middle.
“We should aim for that clearing over there,” he suggested.
“What is it?”  asked Sarah, squinting her eyes.
Hainsworth looked out.  “That, my dear, is Windsor Castle.”
“M-maybe that isn’t such a good place to land,” Sarah cautioned.
“We don’t have a choice,” Tom said impatiently.  “It’s there or nowhere.”
“But we’ll be arrested.”
“Don’t worry.  It’ll be fine,” Hainsworth said evenly.  “It’s time I pay a visit to an old friend.”
If you like all of those examples, plus adventure, mystery, friends, royalty, danger, traitors, plot twists, and especially hot air balloons, then this book is for you!

For More Information:

For more information, please visit the Britfield & the Lost Crown website.  You can also find out more on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
To read other reviews on this book and more from other homeschooling families, please click on the banner below.

Britfield & the Lost Crown {Reviews}

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Giveaway: Aladdin Digital Code!

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We do not go to the movies often, but I was eager to see Aladdin when it came out.  I was nervous because I’m a huge fan of Robin Williams, but I have to say Will Smith put his own twist on the Genie and I really liked it!  The movie was very well done and has become my favorite “live-action” Disney movie.  I’m so excited that it will be available on Digital 8/27 and Blu-ray™ 9/10!  Not much longer to wait!

About the Movie:

Fans of all ages will enjoy the exciting, humorous tale of the lovable “street rat,” Aladdin (Mena Massoud), courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott) and the larger-than-life Genie (Will Smith) with all-new bonus features. The release of the live-action adventure coincides with the addition of the original animated classic to the highly celebrated Walt Disney Signature Collection  —  granting “Aladdin” fans everywhere the opportunity to own both magical movies.

Giveaway:

Two lucky readers will each win a copy of Disney’s Aladdin on Digital!  Simply fill out the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

LEGOLAND Atlanta – Teacher Appreciation Month!

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Wow!  What a great deal this is for teachers and staff!

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta invites school staff and faculty to enjoy free admission from Sunday, September 1 – Monday, September 30 to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Month. The program will give educators the opportunity to experience educational play at the ultimate LEGO® classroom while learning more about the unforgettable field trip experience offered at the attraction.

Staff and faculty members are welcome to bring their families or students to experience the interactive LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta atmosphere, offering the perfect balance of learning and fun. The special offer allows free admission to all educators, bus drivers, coaches, janitorial staff and more (with valid ID) – as well as 50% off for their guests.

Eligibility is for school staff and faculty with valid proof of employment. Tickets are only to be purchased at the admissions gate. For more information, visit atlanta.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

Stone Mountain Park celebrates Labor Day Weekend With Extended Fireworks Aug. 31 – Sept. 2

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We love going to Stone Mountain Park to visit.  They are excited to celebrate Labor Day Weekend with extended firework shows on August 31-September 2nd!  We went on Fourth of July and it blew our socks off!

Enjoy a day of adventure on family-friendly attractions including MEGABUGS! Adventure Encounters, Geyser Towers, Summit Skyride, Scenic Railroad, SkyHike, and more during Labor Day Weekend at Stone Mountain Park. New and only during Labor Day Weekend, don’t miss JUMP! The Ultimate Dog Show. One of the most exciting canine thrill shows, this action-packed experience is filled with incredible stunts such as trick frisbee, high jump, weave pole racing and more. Complete the evening with the Lasershow Spectacular followed by epic fireworks all three nights of the holiday weekend.

The Lasershow Spectacular is free with paid parking admission and begins at 9:30 p.m. each night, Aug. 31 – Sept. 2. The show features lights, iconic music, lasers, epic fireworks, choreographed drone flights, flame cannons and North America’s largest fire wheel.

Discounts are available at stonemountainpark.com

Tennessee Aquarium: 50% Off Tickets for Scouts and College Students (Plus Entire Party) – September

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This is so much fun!  We went to the Tennessee Aquarium a couple years ago and I enjoyed it far more than our local aquarium.  It’s less crowded and the layout is smooth to transition from each part of the aquarium to another section.

Heads up scouts and college students, you can get half price tickets to the aquarium from September 10-September 30, 2019!

The Tennessee Aquarium will offer special half-price admission to members of scouting organizations and college students, staff and faculty members. The discount applies to Aquarium tickets, 45-minute IMAX film screenings, as well as combo ticket purchases.

Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America and all other scouting organizations can receive the half price discount by wearing their uniform, sash or a scouting activity shirt. Staff of Boy Scouts of America or Girl Scouts of America are also eligible for discounted admission with the presentation of a valid paystub.

The discount applies to the entire visiting party and is offered on all tickets purchased between Sept. 10 and Sept. 30, including repeat visits. Tickets cannot be purchased online or by phone. They must be purchased onsite at the Aquarium ticketing center or the IMAX 3D Theater box office.

In addition to up-close encounters with amazing animals during any of more than a dozen free daily programs, guests visiting during September can catch up on several new updates to the Aquarium experience.

College and Scout Day Discount Rates*:

  • Tennessee Aquarium: $17 (adults and college students) / $11.00 (ages 3-12)
  • IMAX*: $6.00 (adults) / $5.00 (ages 3-12)
  • Tennessee Aquarium/IMAX combo ticket: $21(adults) / $14.00 (ages 3-12)

For more information, visit: www.tnaqua.org/college-days or www.tnaqua.org/scout-days

Meal Plan Monday

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Happy Monday everyone!  We had a nice weekend with some friends up in the mountains.  The mountains are truly our happy place and we go as often as possible.  We had a good first week of homeschool and are starting to settle into a routine.  This week ahead brings more school and adventures!

Here is what we are making this week!

Monday: Black Bean Burritos

Tuesday: Dinner with friends

Wednesday: Pork loin

Thursday: Trim Mac Salad

Friday: Dinner out

Saturday: Eggs, sausage, biscuits

Sunday: Grilled chicken salad

Whats on your menu?

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