Trailblazers Home School

Category: Adventures

Trips or fun experiences will be listed here

  • I went to the Hill Ridge Farms Homeschool Day with Ryker!

    I went to the Hill Ridge Farms Homeschool Day with Ryker!

    Everyday is starting to feel like a field trip! It is awesome!

    We started out by purchasing a pass, but not any typical pass, a SuperPass!  Like Superman, but it’s a pass, so it’s SuperPass!!  Its band was blue, like Superman weirdly enough. 

    First thing we see?  A maze, the walls are just short enough to look over them.  But wow was it fun to run around the maze with Ryker.  We even had a race through the maze!

    (Editors note: I haven’t been given permission to give Ryker’s face yet so I had to find all the pictures without Ryker’s face on it.)

    Next? Oh, a corn pit. We had fun burying each other, and it was AWESOME! but it was only a four minute time limit per-person. We are able to go back there too at any time!

    There is a train (tractor) that drives around a loop. Slow, but relaxing.

    We went back to the corn pit and something funny happened:

    Corn got everywhere on me.  Corn in my pockets, inside my pants, inside my shirt, under my bandages, sticking ON my shirt, 

    There was also a huge jump-pad there, and a jump pillow. I had fun playing tag with Ryker there.

    Me jumping on the Jump Pad

    There was a Habitat where some pigs, goats, and geese were resting too! Even when Ryker saw a turkey, I heard a goat go “BAAA-AAA-A”! Now what about races? Oh, we have one!

    The one and only Clown race, THE TRIKE RACES!!! Our Competition? Ryker and 20 other kids plus me!

    Yea, you heard me. Trike racing, Unfortunately I had some issues with my clown car.  You can call it “Technical Difficulties”.

    Trike Racing!

    But what’s even better? The SplashPad was the main attraction. Ryker had a blast soaking himself, while I was making sure to get my eyes wet, but who cares about getting your eyes wet? It’s all about the fun! And I certainly did have fun!

    We also had some lunch, the bees said “hi”, I didn’t really care about the bees being around me until they decided to start to eat my lunch! while Ryker was having a meltdown when a bee even went near him! (I’m exaggerating)

    And also we were able to sift for some gems too! All of us had a blast over there. We even were able to keep the gems, which is really awesome too!

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    In conclusion… This was an awesome event!

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    Posts my dad made!

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  • Fixing my old phone.

    Fixing my old phone.

    Fixing my old phone.

     

    So now after shorting out a power supply, Tennis, Corner flies, Biking through a puddle, Finding a lost dog, and now we have to fix a phone?

    Yep, that’s right.

     

    Backstory

     

    So whats the problem with this phone? The screen was cracked, it was glitchy, and we had to order a new screen. But while we were waiting, we decided to play some tennis!  It was already needing replacement anyways, so why not???



    The first round? The phone screen cracked.

    Second? We put a black scar on the screen.

    The last round? The screen broke completely off and went flying under the mini-fridge.  It was so much under there that we had to pull the fridge backwards to even get to it.

     

    I guess GAME for us, LOVE for the phone!

     

    So, we also did a lesson about what’s inside the phone screen using the broken one. I learned what’s in an LCD screen.  It has a reflector at the back, diffusers so there’s no hot spots with the light and polarizers which straighten the light waves to go through the LCD matrix.  The polarizers also help save energy so smaller LEDs can be used, less heat too.



    And finally, the phone screen arrived, so we were able to start fixing the phone.

     

    Yea, that’s weird. But what’s even weirder is, the phone was still working and screaming alarms out to me while in the workshop, we had to shut the phone down. BUT it kept resetting itself so it still screamed the alarm even after we emergency shutdown it.

     



    Tearing into the phone (So we can access the battery and hopefully we don’t blow it up)

     

    With Dad instructing me, I started the repair by removing the back panel to access the electronics of the phone. I removed the black plastic doodad that covers all the electronics, and I unplugged the battery. This made the voltage disappear so nothing shorts out.. My dad then took the battery out of its slot it rests in. And also disconnected the old wire that connects what used to be the phone screen.

     

    Reinstalling all the components (So the phone doesn’t decide to run without power)

     

    I installed the screen and tested it, I applied double-sided tape.  I put the battery back inside of its slot. Afterwards, I glued the new screen into position (Yes, there is special glue for phones.). Next, I added the doodad that covers the electronics. Then I put the rear panel back onto the phone and glued it in. Finally, I cleaned the excess glue that squeezed out and removed the protective plastic that came with the new screen.

      

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    Thank you for reading!

  • Breaking Breakers

    Breaking Breakers

    Breaking Breakers.

    And power bars.

    So, what carnage have we made today?

    Today is 9/12/2025. We were experimenting with some power supplies. We hooked up 12V positive from one to 12V negative on the other. Both of them were connected to the same power bar. Unfortunately it did not explode, but that created a short circuit.

    Our mistake? Using a cheap power bar. The electricity hopped over back through the banks instead of going out of the system. And guess what? The second slot of the power bar’s ground melted and it let out the magic smoke. Ouch… But the ground still works! That’s one tough power bar I’d say for myself.

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  • Chris = Tennis

    Chris = Tennis

    A Day of Firsts: Tennis, Tech, and Terrific Connections!

    What a brilliant day it has been! Today was filled with new experiences, academic milestones, and wonderful moments of connection. From a first-ever tennis lesson to soldering and reconnecting with old friends, it was a day for the books.

    Morning: Acing a New Sport 🎾

    Our day started with a dive into the world of tennis! After watching a few videos to get the basics down, we headed out to the park for his first time on the court. It was amazing to see him pick it up and have fun with it. We tried to get some friends to join, but everyone was busy—their loss! After our match, we took a nice, long walk around the park as a cooldown. The enthusiasm was contagious; as soon as we got home, he immediately put on a half-hour video about tennis techniques to improve his game.

    Afternoon: Milestones and Making Things 📚

    Today marked another exciting first: we officially started social studies! This feels like a huge accomplishment for me. Last year, my focus was entirely on his English Language Arts (ELA), as he was working at a first-grade level. Building that foundation was critical, and now that we can communicate more complex ideas, we can finally branch out. It feels so good to see that progress pay off.

    I set him up with some social studies work on a new website we’re trying out, and I managed to sneak in a quick nap. Later, after he had some fun playing Minecraft with a homeschool friend, we tackled a project we’ve been meaning to finish. We soldered the power switch wires to the amplifier for our classroom soundbar. We then got the subwoofer, soundbar, power supply, and amp all installed. It’s almost in its permanent spot, though I’ll have to revisit it once I find the missing wall mounting brackets!

    Evening: Connecting with Friends 🎮

    The great moments just kept coming. To cap off a fantastic day, he was able to FaceTime his best friend from his old charter school for the very first time! They caught up while playing Minecraft together, and it was just wonderful to see him reconnect like that.

    All in all, it was a truly brilliant day filled with learning, laughter, and accomplishment.



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  • Three Corner Flies as we Run for our Lives!

    Three Corner Flies as we Run for our Lives!

    Feathered Fury and Frightened Flight through the Forest

    We were literally about to embark on our ride. The birds were fluttering their tiny wings like physics was just a suggestion, and those pesky squirrels were, once again, having a field day in our strawberries. (Seriously, do they pay rent?) Anyway, we shrugged it off and started moving. Then I saw the sky – a truly unique masterpiece. I suggested we look up, and that’s when Dad, bless his observant eyes, saw something else entirely.

    “A bird! It’s holding a large snake!” he exclaimed, looking like he’d just won the lottery. Naturally, I followed him.

    And there it was. “The Bird,” as he so eloquently put it, fluttering around with a substantial snake dangling from its beak. Dad, being the resident bird whisperer, immediately identified it as our red-shouldered hawk, the one who apparently pays property visits.

    Oh, nature, you beautiful, brutal, and utterly baffling thing!

    We did manage to squeeze in a respectable three miles on that ride, by the way. And yes, there was a second ride to Lake Devin in the evening.

    Young man riding a bike.
    On our way out to Lke Devin

    The Frog We Saw (and the Flies That Almost Ate Us)

    When we finally made it to Lake Devin, we spotted a fisherman doing his fisherman thing, probably contemplating the meaning of life or how to untangle his line. The local frog chorus was in full swing, providing the soundtrack. We spotted a lone tree in the distance, some electricity poles crackling and humming their electric tunes, and a rather sturdy metal bridge. We crossed said bridge, the poles buzzing like angry bees, and miraculously, made it to the start of the trail without a single tick! I mean, this is tick central, people! It was a minor miracle.

    Young man walking across a foot bridge.
    Looking out over Lake Devin as I walk across the foot bridge leading to the nature trail.

    Then, the journey began.

    I, with my eagle eyes (or maybe just good luck), spotted a small frog. It was practically a master of camouflage, blending in so perfectly I almost walked right past it. But I saw him! My proudest moment of the day, honestly.

    The little frog we found.
    The little frog I found.

     

    Big Problem! (Or, How I Discovered My Inner Marathon Runner)

    Leaving dad in the dust as we run from the three corner flies.
    Leaving dad in the dust as we run for our lives.

    Just when things were feeling all peaceful and idyllic, disaster struck. We encountered flies. Not just any flies, mind you. Dad, ever the expert on all things creepy-crawly, informed me they might be “quarter-inch flies,” and then, with a dramatic pause, warned me they’d “hurt like a bee sting!”

    As soon as those words left his mouth, a switch flipped. My inner Olympian woke up. I took off running. For half a mile. With only one, maybe two, two-second breaks. My dad, bless his heart, had no choice but to join me in this impromptu sprint, because, let’s face it, half a mile is a long way when you’re being hunted by tiny, stinging demons.

    Nature, man. It really does change everything. Sometimes for the hilarious, sometimes for the terrifying, but always for the unforgettable.

  • Do Not Try This At Home

    Do Not Try This At Home

    Don’t Try This at Home (Unless “Home” is a 50 MPH Highway)

    You know the title, so let’s just get this out of the way: Do not ride your bike on 50 MPH roads. Seriously. My dad and I just did, and while it was eventually hilarious, it started with a lot of questionable decision-making.

    The Calm Before the Storm (of Semi-Trucks)

    It was June 17, 2025. A lovely morning, really. Puddles from yesterday’s rain shimmered, squirrels did their squirrelly thing, and the faint sound of wind rustling leaves was utterly idyllic. My dad and I set off on our morning bike ride, oblivious to the impending chaos. I was in charge of the route, which, in hindsight, was my first mistake.

    As we pedaled along, I noticed a distinct lack of squirrels. This should have been my first clue that we were heading somewhere less… critter-friendly. The traffic started to get heavier, and then Dad hit the brakes at a traffic light. That’s when he dropped the bombshell: “Any direction forward is a 50 MPH zone.”

    His suggestion? Turn around. My response? “Nah, my legs are tired, and going left is a more direct way home.” Yes, folks, my desire for a slightly shorter route trumped common sense and basic self-preservation. Dad, bless his trusting heart, agreed, promising to “watch my back.” Little did he know, he’d be watching a lot more than just my back.

    The Need for Speed (and a Very Wide Shoulder)

    Dad, ever the strategist, told me to get into the left turning lane like we were, you know, an actual car. It felt bizarre, and frankly, a little terrifying. He was stressing me out, chanting about going as soon as the light turned green. My already tired legs were now fueled by pure adrenaline and mild panic.

    The light changed, we made our left turn without incident, and thankfully, the bike shoulder was wide. Plenty of space! Or so I thought. Then, out of nowhere, a semi-truck roared past, sounding less like a vehicle and more like a jet engine trying to swallow my soul. I swear it sounded like an airhorn had taken up residence in my ear canal. I found myself riding in the gravel, trying to meld with the earth to escape the sheer loudness. My whole world was shaking!

    And then, because the universe has a wicked sense of humor, a pickup truck with a trailer came barreling by, making the semi sound like a gentle lullaby. My mind was officially blown. Who knew a pickup could pack more decibel punch than an 18-wheeler?

    Puddle Paradise and Paternal Drenching

    Just when I thought my eardrums might explode, Dad pulled a fast one. He knew a shortcut! We veered into a bank parking lot, then through an elementary school that was thankfully closed for summer.

    The school’s bus corral had a gravel drive, deeply rutted from a year’s worth of tiny humans and massive yellow vehicles. But then I saw it. The Mona Lisa of puddles. The Mount Everest of muddy water. It was enormous, dark, and promised pure, unadulterated slime. Who could deny such a magnificent aquatic adventure? Not me!

    I flew through it, water spraying in a glorious, uninhibited arc. My big mountain bike tires churned through the muck like it was a freshly paved road. It was awesome.

    Then I looked over at Dad. He was frowning. More than frowning, actually. He was completely, utterly, and magnificently drenched in foul, sickening, disgusting, swamp water that I had enthusiastically sprayed at least 20 feet in every direction.

    What a good ride we had today. I mean, he’ll dry eventually, right?

    Have you ever had a bike ride go hilariously wrong (or right, depending on your perspective)? Share your stories in the comments!

    A map of a bike route that we took.
  • A Morning Ride: More Than Just Exercise

    A Morning Ride: More Than Just Exercise

    A Morning Ride: More Than Just Exercise

    On the morning of June 16, 2025, my father and I embarked on our routine bike ride. Despite the previous night’s rain, our spirits were high, eager to embrace the fresh air and the day ahead. As we set off, the sounds of nature surrounded us, and I found a simple joy in navigating the many puddles on our path.

    An Unexpected Encounter

    As we rounded a corner, we noticed a woman in the distance. Dressed in typical exercise attire, she appeared to be calling out, seemingly distressed. Upon closer approach, it became clear she was searching for something, likely a lost pet. We paused, offered our assistance, and after a brief conversation, learned she was indeed looking for her dog. We assured her that we would keep an eye out and notify her if we saw anything unusual. We then continued on our route, still encountering numerous puddles.

    The Search and a Brief Setback

    A short while later, my attention was drawn to a brown dog in a nearby yard. It was sniffing the ground and appeared to be without a leash or owner, suggesting it might be the lost pet. I alerted my father, who agreed it was a strong possibility.

    My father decided to return and inform the owner, while I remained to monitor the dog. However, as I cautiously approached, the dog quickly darted away, disappearing behind a house. I attempted to follow on my bike, but it had vanished.

    A Happy Resolution

    My father soon rejoined me, having successfully located the owner, who was now walking in our direction. I shared the unfortunate news that I had lost sight of the dog. Despite this, my father remained optimistic, reassuring me that “It’ll be okay” and commenting on my thoroughly wet appearance. His positive outlook was encouraging, and I continued my search as he left to accompany the woman.

    While I continued my efforts, I still couldn’t locate the dog. However, my father soon approached, visibly excited. He explained that as he and the owner walked toward my last known location, the dog had unexpectedly doubled back to the road. Upon seeing its owner, the dog eagerly ran towards her, resulting in a joyful reunion.

    I was genuinely happy to witness this positive outcome. This experience served as a reminder that even during a routine activity, opportunities can arise to contribute positively to our community.

    Have you ever experienced an unexpected moment of community connection during your daily routine?

  • Six planets in the sky during the month of January 2025

    Six planets in the sky during the month of January 2025

    We have six planets visible in the sky for the month of January. If you get the chance, take your kids outside and check it out.  

    The app Sky Map on the phone will help you find them… (the planets that is. Finding your kids is on you 😁)

    A planetary alignment on January 25, 2025?

     

  • Meeting them where they are.

    Meeting them where they are.

    3am reading.

    Good and bad but homeschool gives us the opportunity to deliver the material to them in ways custom tailored that will work for them.

    Good part: at least in cases like my son, their future has a chance.

    Bad of it: you don’t sleep much anymore (and frustration levels are usually high as you figure out how to get the day to day items complete).

    Is it worth it? 

    It seems to be.  My son is catching up quickly and his quality of life experience has significantly improved.  He seems to be healing.  Consequentially things are falling in place.

    Boy playing soprano saxophone
  • I went jogging to clear my head from the pressures of homeschool.

    I went jogging to clear my head from the pressures of homeschool.

    I wasn’t feeling right and went out jogging to clear my head. This was the result.

    This isn’t clickbait.  “Restarting my work with the website, store, videos, facebook page, etc” was the outcome of this jog.  My work that you are looking at today is the result.

    I’ve been under so much pressure with homeschool that while Chris has made incredible progress, I’ve had to put everything on hold.

    I’ve been helping Chris to create a better version of himself.

    And I’m not going to lie, it’s made me mental.  I can’t describe how ill-prepared I am for this task or how difficult this decision has been on my state of wellbeing.  I did not choose this, I do not want it, but what else is a parent supposed to do?  My wife and I cannot get the help our son needs in the public or charter schools in our area.  Now he’s woefully uneducated and what parent wouldn’t swoop in and save their child if they could?

    “We must dare to be great; and we must realize that greatness is the fruit of toil and sacrifice and high courage.” -Roosevelt

    Which found me jogging in the woods to clear my head.  I wanted to share my experience with you because I went in feeling terrible, got the endorphins flowing, formed a plan and came out better for it, feeling good.

    And my renewed interest in this website and sharing whatever I can with you is the result.