When I first suggested a trip to the Museum of Illusions at Mall of America, my teens weren’t exactly thrilled. “A museum?” They weren’t convinced. But the second we stepped inside, everything changed.
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From the moment we walked in, they were completely hooked—calling me over to check things out, snapping photos, and constantly saying, “Whoa! Cool! Mom, look at this!” This isn’t your typical museum where you quietly observe from a distance—it’s an interactive, hands-on funhouse of mind-bending illusions that will have you questioning reality.
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Walk on walls …
…. shrink and grow,
….defy gravity,
… and question reality in mind-tricking rooms.
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Every corner is a new surprise, and trust me—you’ll want (and need) your camera!
✅ Perfect for all ages ✅ Great for families, friends, or date nights ✅ Absolutely worth the visit!
If you’re looking for something different and seriously FUN at MOA, add the Museum of Illusions to your list. Even the skeptics (like my teens) will leave amazed!
📍 Located at Mall of America
Have you been? Let me know your favorite illusion!
Ted and I feel incredibly fortunate to have friends who call Marco Island home and welcomed us for a visit. As the ultimate hosts, they introduced us to the best local dining spots, must-see attractions, and hidden gems. Now, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned so you can experience the beauty and charm of Marco Island for yourself.
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A Brief History of Marco Island
Development began in the 1960s when the Deltona Corporation set out to transform Marco Island into an “affordable” resort destination, offering waterfront homes for as little as $15,700. While some of these original homes still stand today, their price tags have significantly increased, reflecting the island’s growing popularity and desirability.
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An example of the home you could own on Marco for $15,700.
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One of the most distinctive features of Marco Island is its intricate canal system, designed to maximize waterfront property. Today, over 80% of residential properties on the island have direct water access, making it a premier boating and fishing destination.
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Getting to Marco Island
Marco Island is located in Southwest Florida, just south of Naples. The closest airport is Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, about an hour’s drive away. You can rent a car or call our favorite driver, Marlon, to get to the island (786-612-1375).
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When to Visit
The best time to visit Marco Island is from November to April when temperatures are pleasant and the humidity is low. This is also peak season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. Summer months offer fewer visitors and lower hotel rates, but come with higher heat and humidity.
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Top Things to Do
1. Relax on the Beach
Tigertail Beach – A must-visit for its natural beauty, tidal lagoon, and shelling opportunities.
South Marco Beach– A quieter, more relaxed beach with soft white sand and clear waters.
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2. Visit the Farmer’s Market
Marco Island hosts an amazing Farmer’s Market every Wednesday morning, November through April.
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3. Water Activities
Kayaking or Jet Skis – Rent equipment and explore the mangrove tunnels.
Fishing Charters – Join a local guide for deep-sea or backwater fishing.
Dolphin & Sunset Cruises – Enjoy a scenic boat ride and watch dolphins play in the water.
Marco Island is a hidden gem that blends relaxation with adventure. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on its beautiful beaches or exploring the local wildlife, you’ll find plenty of reasons to fall in love with this Gulf Coast treasure.
Well, it’s been a while since I’ve shared a family life update, and what better time to do it than now—while I’m camped out in bed with a cold, trying to avoid spreading my germs to the rest of the house. They say moms don’t get sick days, but today I’m calling in “semi-sick-but-still-managing-life-from-my-pillow” mode. So, with a little extra time and a lot of tissues, here’s what’s been going on in our corner of the world.
The Cowboys
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George won’t stop growing up on me and is a JUNIOR in high school. He’s also taking a college class, working part time, and playing rec basketball.
Clark is busy with 9th grade basketball and spending any extra time with friends (he hopes to get to know every single person in his high school).
Paul is in 7th grade and busy with two different basketball teams and travel soccer, any free moments are spent cheering on his friends at THEIR sporting events.
Luke is keeping busy with wrestling and hanging with new neighbor friends and old neighbor friends.
Boys Weekend
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Vikings GameMall of America
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Ted and the boys had an unforgettable weekend together—complete with football, food, and father-son bonding. As an early Christmas gift, Ted took them out for dinner, played games at the Mall of America, and treated them to a hotel stay. The highlight? Sunday’s Vikings football game, which was Paul and George’s first ever! They LOVED it!
Book Launch Party x 2
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Local PartyLakeville Party
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I’m so thankful to the neighbors and friends who came to our Turtle Trouble book launch parties! We had door prizes, a live reading, a hot chocolate bar, plus a visit from the illustrator. She created a custom coloring sheet, so we hosted a coloring contest for prizes too.
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Christmas Day Recap
On Christmas morning, the boys came downstairs to find just four presents under the tree—two of which were for Ted. Paul immediately asked if there were more gifts coming. I smiled and told him he’d find out soon.
After breakfast, I sent the boys on a scavenger hunt to find their gifts. Once all the presents were found, I had another game ready to decide who got to open the first one. We alternated between games and opening gifts, giving us more time to enjoy each other’s company.
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Christmas Scavenger Hunt
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Candy Cane GameReindeer Game
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While the boys weren’t thrilled about the games (or me taking videos), Ted gently reminded them that participating was a gift to me. And though they pretended not to enjoy it, I could tell they did.
Once the games and presents were over, we had lunch, enjoyed the new gifts, and capped the day with ice skating and sledding in the evening.
The rest of Christmas break was low-key, as the flu made its way through the family one by one.
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School Daze
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Lately, I’ve been making the rounds in schools, reading to kids and teaching every grade from K-12. It’s been a blast—though let me tell you, shifting gears from kindergarten chaos to middle school energy keeps me on my toes. Every day is a new adventure!
One highlight? When I was teaching at a middle school recently, I scored an exclusive invite to sit with the cool kids—the middle school boys—at lunch!
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Minneapolis Date
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Ted and I recently managed to escape for a much-needed date—because sometimes you’ve got to remind yourself that you are more than just your kids’ snack supplier and chauffeur. We explored the Minnesota Sculpture Garden, where we tried to interpret what the sculptures were supposed to be: Is it a deep metaphor or just a giant spoon?
We then walked across the bridge to Gai Noi and enjoyed some amazing curry. It was one of those perfect afternoons where we felt like grown-ups again.
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Wrigley’s Goes to Jail
Wrigley is doing great… aside from one minor run-in with the law.
It all started when I let him outside. Normally, he never leaves our yard, but of course, this one time, he decided to explore—I should add that he wasn’t wearing his collar. Thankfully, a kind neighbor one street over, found our adventurous (and overly friendly) dog. Not knowing where he belonged, she kindly escorted him to the local police station.
Apparently, Wrigley’s charm didn’t stop with our family; he sweet-talked the officers into taking his mug shot and posting it online to see if anyone recognized him. When I got a text from our neighbor asking, “Is this Wrigley?” I ran to check outside. No Wrigley. I asked the boys—no one had seen him. Sure enough, the fugitive in question was our Wrigley… chilling at the police station.
The reunion was equal parts embarrassing and sweet. Wrigley wagged his tail and jumped up to give me a hug, and I gave him a lecture he clearly tuned out.
He’s home safe now, keeping my reading spot warm and probably dreaming about his next “adventure.”
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Turtle Trouble Book Love
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Thanks to each of you who have purchased a copy of Turtle Trouble! I appreciate the love and support. It’s not too late to get a copy for a school, hospital, library, or child in your life! Click here to buy one, or send me a message for signed copies.
If you have a copy of the book – would you please leave an Amazon review (by clicking here)! Every review helps promote the book! Thank you in advance.
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And that’s the latest from our little corner of the world—complete with kids, chaos, and one (now) law-abiding goldendoodle. Life is not always be picture-perfect, but it’s full of stories that keep us laughing, learning, and sometimes stopping by the police station.
Thanks for catching up with us! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to refill my tea, grab a book, and see if Wrigley left me any room in my reading spot.
Until next time—stay well, stay warm, and maybe keep an eye out for any furry escape artists!
Instilling a genuine love for learning in children is a gift that keeps on giving. As parents, the role you play in shaping your child’s educational journey is profound. By fostering an environment that encourages exploration and critical thinking, you can help your child develop a passion for knowledge that transcends the classroom. This involves not just providing resources, but also modeling a commitment to learning in your own life. The journey of education is not a sprint but a marathon, and your involvement can make all the difference in how your child perceives and values learning.
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Inspiring Lifelong Learning by Returning to School
To instill a love of learning in your children, one of the most effective methods is to lead by example. Choosing to further your education demonstrates that learning is a lifelong journey, fostering personal growth while opening doors to new career opportunities. For example, pursuing professional certifications in fields like IT, project management, or teaching can expand your skill set and make you more competitive in your industry. Enrolling in online courses or workshops to master a new language, learn coding, or explore creative fields like photography or graphic design can also enrich your personal and professional life. Whether you’re earning a master’s degree in nursing to enter advanced practice roles, obtaining financial planning credentials to better serve clients, or simply taking classes to develop a hobby into a side business, your dedication to continuous learning not only advances your career but also inspires your children. It shows them the value of perseverance, adaptability, and self-improvement.
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Creating a Study Space at Home
Creating a dedicated study area at home can boost your child’s enthusiasm for learning, even if space is limited. Consider setting up a small, defined area in a quiet corner of the living room, kitchen, or bedroom. Use portable tools like a lap desk, noise-canceling headphones, or a small caddy for supplies to keep the space organized and flexible. Positioning the area near a window for natural light can improve mood and reduce eye strain, making the space more inviting. With a little creativity, you can make any area work, showing your child that learning is always a priority.
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Encouraging Learning Through Play
Incorporating educational toys into your child’s playtime can significantly enhance their cognitive development while keeping learning fun and engaging. Toys such as puzzles, building blocks, or STEM kits encourage problem-solving and critical thinking by challenging children to find solutions and think creatively. These activities promote logical reasoning, spatial awareness, and strategic planning—skills that lay the foundation for future success. By blending play with learning, educational toys not only nurture curiosity and perseverance but also help children build confidence as they overcome challenges and explore new ideas.
Maintaining a nurturing home for your child is crucial in fostering their love for learning. By creating a calm home, you help them manage emotions and focus better, which reduces stress and enhances concentration. This approach supports a positive learning atmosphere and encourages personal growth by teaching self-regulation skills. Implementing a consistent daily routine within this space can further boost your child’s sense of security and understanding of expectations, leading to improved behavior and engagement.
To nurture your child’s innate curiosity, consider the power of asking open-ended questions. For example, instead of asking, “Did you like the book?” try asking, “What did you find most interesting about the story?” Or, instead of “Did you have fun at school today?” ask, “What was the most exciting or challenging part of your day?” These questions invite children to explore and articulate their thoughts freely. This enhances problem-solving skills and boosts confidence in expressing ideas. By engaging in such dialogues, you help your child become more open-minded, enabling them to view the world from different angles and continuously learn. Engaging in these thoughtful conversations strengthens your bond and creates opportunities for meaningful growth.
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Your efforts to cultivate a love of learning in your children can have a lasting impact on their lives. By embracing strategies that encourage curiosity and critical thinking, you lay the groundwork for a future filled with exploration and discovery. Whether through setting a personal example, creating conducive learning environments, or asking the right kinds of questions, your role is pivotal in shaping a lifelong learner. The journey of education is ongoing, and your involvement can inspire a passion for knowledge that endures.
