Christmas for Dixie Kids

Hey Everybody,

This has definitely been an interesting Christmas season so far, with all changes and problems with the nation and the economy.
During the whole Black Friday craziness and the weeks following, several thoughts have run through my head.
Struggling with my own children to get across the true meaning of Christmas, I begin to wonder about the general attitude and messages seen and conveyed through the plethora of marketing and even our own culture here. 
But today I saw something that really impressed me.  Many of my neighbors decided to have a "give-away" yard sale. They just started bringing everything he had extra and sometimes stuff that wasn't extra, just donated. Furniture, appliances, kids toys, clothing of all types. And it wasn't stuff you might find at the D.I., but really nice stuff and alot of new items too. And if you came by and saw something you liked, you could take it. Yep, that simple. I was truly touched by the generosity.

As for gifts for Christmas, I've always tried to include mostly educational games for my kids. My reasons for that could be a whole separate blog. But I wanted to include some of the cool gifts that are out there for kids. And even though they are educational, the kids will simply think of them as AWESOME. And there's links to where to buy them at good prices.

Pentago was developed in Sweden: the land of Vikings, ABBA, and Ikea.
Following the simplicity of design Sweden is known for, Pentago has
clean lines and simple game play. In fact, it has just two play steps.. . . . (link)

Polarity is just one of the simplest board games we have even seen, yet it's also one of the most intriguing ever played. . . . .(link)

Techno Gears - Marble Mania Extreme - Designing and constructing your own creations has never been this much
fun. Techno Gears Marble Mania Extreme is a 330+ piece marble run and
gears set. . . .(link)

Set: a Family game of Visual Perception . . . . .(link)

Blockus - Mensa Select Winner . . . . .(link)

Ok, So those are just a few of the best, IMO. We have Set and Pentago, and my kids love them.

Also, right now is a good time to go up to Pine Valley Rec. Area and do a weinie roast and s'mores.
It's no cost to get in, though the road is gated just after the resevoir. But what my family does, is pack up one of those rolling ice chests with hotdogs and whatnot, and then walk up to the camping and picnic areas. it's really not that far of a walk and the kids can run around and not worry about cars. And at the picnic areas, there's not alot of people around, of course.

And remember....... For more information on activities and events in the Southern Utah area, go to www.StGeorge4Kids.com