Perhaps it is an occupational hazard as a teacher, or maybe it’s the desperation of a parent who is struggling to fill the hours of summer. Whatever it is, kids have so many hours to fill during the summer months we have to find things to do to keep kids busy. As much as they may love to do nothing more than play video games or watch television, we parents know that is simply not enough!
So…what to do? I will share with you some of the things I have found that help while away the summer hours.
Over the years, we have taken our own children to various places all over the state and visited all kinds of historical places. Being one who finds history and the people from history fascinating, I seek ways to share our state and country history with my family. Luckily, we don’t always have to travel!
For example, if you are a fan of history and a fan of Conan, then I have just the thing for you! Coming up in June Cross Plains will be hosting their Robert E. Howard Days to celebrate the author and his works. I received an interesting email telling me of the event, and so I embarked on a little research of my own. I knew the creator of Conan was from around here, and have seen the movies based on Howard’s characters, but honestly had not given it much thought. I even saw the movie based on his life. Still, who knew so much history was right next door?
On Friday, June 11 and Saturday, June 12 in Cross Plains you can take the family out to investigate the history of Cross Plains for yourself. For example, you can take a walking tour of the town and see the Robert E. Howard museum, which is in the house Howard lived in until his death. Other events during this celebration include banquets and silent auctions. The only things you have to pay for in the Robert E. Howard Days are the banquets. They do take donations to help support their efforts to maintain the museum, and you probably want to sample some of the community wares. However, the rest of the festival activities are free.
Grab some Conan movies….visit the library…and go to Robert E. Howard Days in Cross Plains. For more information on the festival, visit the website REHupa, The Robert E. Howard United Press Association at www.rehupa.com and click on the tab “REH Days 2010”. You may want to look through other pages in the site, as well, as it is very interesting reading!
Christine Moore currently holds a degree from Howard Payne University and is actively working toward a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Married with four children, Christine teaches 6th grade reading in Brownwood and has been working in education at various levels for the past 14 years. Her husband, Jeremy, owns a local company that specializes in web design, custom computer builds, and on-location repair called DreamSoft Design at www.dreamsoftdesign.com. Christine welcomes your questions and comments and would love to hear from you!