Fort Monroe

Built in the 1600's, Fort Monroe, just on the other side of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, is a national monument and has stood through a ton of history. The fort is the largest stone fort in the United States and wasn't actually finished until 1834. The Union army actually used the fort during the Civil War and it was proclaimed that any slaves behind the line would be protected. Robert E. Lee helped oversee the construction and his family's quarters are on display. Jefferson Davis was also imprisoned here after being blamed for the assassination of President Lincoln. The fort was later used as an artillery school and is now a local and national attraction.

Miles of historic beaches surround the fort and the city of Hampton staffs lifeguards there between Memorial Day and Labor day from 10-6. I love that the water is shallow and perfect for little kids. There are nature trails, walking and bike paths, gazebos, and a fishing peer. Be sure to check out the seawall and the lighthouse. 

Learn It To Earn It

This year more than any other, screen time is a hot button topic. Screens are not inherently bad or good, rather a tool that should be monitored. New on the app scene is Learn It To Earn It. For grades K-5, the app blocks out other apps and distractions on the device, and provides math and reading lessons. As kids answer questions and earn screen time for completing the lessons. children can make a choice to bank the time or to go to the time bank. In this early lesson in economics, children have to make economic choices on when and how to spend their time. 

I know personally, Youtube is a scary place. The best thing about the app is that it locks and unlocks the other apps on the device according to their time. This keeps kids from exiting out of their educational tool to visit other games or videos. Plus, a weekly progress report is delivered to the parent by email. 

The Kindergarten packet begins with simple picture additions and small reading packets. The math packet has 30 questions, while reading has a passage and ten questions. Kindergarten goes through addition and subtraction from one to ten. Science and Social studies concepts are built into the reading passages. 

Available in the Apple Store and on Google Play, the app runs for $9.99 a month or $89.00 for the year. Right now you can get a free trial here. If you are looking for a way to prevent the "Summer Slide" or just want to help your child get ahead after a year unlike any other, check it out! 

*This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own. 

Historic Greenbrier Farms

I have passed Greenbrier farms several times, but we had never been until recently. I wish I hadn't waited so long. The farm is open to the public and has barnyard animals, a huge garden center, a tire swing, greenhouses, a farm stand, fishing hole, a kids' play area with sand to dig, bounce houses, and a jungle gym. Also located on the property are u-pick strawberry fields, peach trees, pumpkins, tulips, and sunflowers. 

Strawberry picking is $16 for 5 pounds or $8 for a quart. Check Facebook before you go to make sure fields are open. Although we didn't pick them here, we did buy a strawberry plant to bring back home. 

Although we didn't take advantage of them on this trip, their signs state that there are trails for walking, bike riding, and horseback riding. Bring a dollar to buy carrots and feed the rabbits or grab some fruit from the store to eat as a snack between playing. Ice cream was for sale during our trip, and it looks like it is available regularly. Best of all... even my "too cool to smile in a picture" babe was caught with a big grin!

The Friday Five v.18: Mother's Day

The Mother's Day edition of the Friday Five is here! Click to scroll through last year's cartoons, which sadly are not too different than today's world. Here are five links to enjoy over the weekend. I hope no matter what kind of mother you are or how you are celebrating that you feel loved this weekend! 

 I am ready for a new kind of Mother's Day

Lowe‘s Sends Mother’s Day Love to Isolated Seniors With $1 Million in Flower Baskets Delivered From Local Growers

Here Are 21 Hilarious Mom-isms From Our Readers on Mother‘s Day: ‘Your Mom Said What?’

To the Forgotten Mothers on Mother’s Day

A Prayer for Overwhelmed Mothers

Lilley Farms

Located in the Western Branch area of Chesapeake, Lilley Farms is ripe with strawberries, ready for picking. We went this weekend, courtesy of my friend Ryan at Rose and Womble and the boys loved it! Our little guy was screaming "Look!" at every strawberry he found. 

Lilley Farms is family owned and has been in the area since 1919, with a focus on strawberries for almost a decade. They grow Chandler strawberries which are the largest and sweetest type. Raised beds help make picking easier. They ask that you call ahead at 757-483-9880 before coming out to be sure, but they are usually open Monday through Saturday 8:00-7:00 and Sunday from 10:00-4:00. They also sell strawberry jam, strawberry pepper jelly, and prepicked strawberries.  Buckets are $15.00 each.

If you're looking to use up those berries, try them in a strawberry spinach salad, a strawberry salsa, ice cream or cake, make your own jam, trifle, pie, or even strawberry butter.