Jackie Heim attended last year, and is returning this year by herself. Le Sueur.
She's a stay-at-home mother of four children. She lives in Le Sueur, Minnesota and has an MA in English.
Friday, May 16, 2014
The "People" tab, filled in
http://minnesotaallive2014.blogspot.com/p/people.html has a list of the bios already in, with links. If anyone else would like to share a photo or some information about your family, or both, send it to me at Sandra@SandraDodd.com
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
The Vigil family from Kansas City
We are the Vigils. Javier, Amber, Mateo (4), Mariana (1) and Denali (Siberian husky, who sadly won't be joining us)
We live in Mission, KS, in the Kansas City metro area.
Javier (Jav) is a high school English teacher by day and a handyman by night. He is always fixing/renovating something at our house or someone else's. He enjoys reading, watching YouTube repair videos and public television.
I (Amber) like reading. Especially the Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon - I can't wait for the next one to come out! I'm interested in local food - for the sake of the grower and the consumer. I enjoy seeing the world through my children's eyes and exploring with them.
Mateo (Teo) loves puzzles, exploring how things work, helping daddy with anything tool related, running, riding his trike, blowing bubbles, watching Rescue Heroes, fishing and making scrambled eggs - which he refers to as his specialty.
Mariana likes to climb things and then launch herself from them, playing in the sandbox, wrestling and playing "chase" with Teo, and taking baths.
We have always aimed to be gentle and attached parents and unschooling seems to be a logical extension to that. Our children aren't "school-age" yet, but it already seems obvious to us that their love of learning is deeper and less structured than what school would allow. We hope this conference will help us grow as a family of joyful learners and perhaps steer us away from some newbie pitfalls ;)
We live in Mission, KS, in the Kansas City metro area.
Javier (Jav) is a high school English teacher by day and a handyman by night. He is always fixing/renovating something at our house or someone else's. He enjoys reading, watching YouTube repair videos and public television.
I (Amber) like reading. Especially the Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon - I can't wait for the next one to come out! I'm interested in local food - for the sake of the grower and the consumer. I enjoy seeing the world through my children's eyes and exploring with them.
Mateo (Teo) loves puzzles, exploring how things work, helping daddy with anything tool related, running, riding his trike, blowing bubbles, watching Rescue Heroes, fishing and making scrambled eggs - which he refers to as his specialty.
Mariana likes to climb things and then launch herself from them, playing in the sandbox, wrestling and playing "chase" with Teo, and taking baths.
We have always aimed to be gentle and attached parents and unschooling seems to be a logical extension to that. Our children aren't "school-age" yet, but it already seems obvious to us that their love of learning is deeper and less structured than what school would allow. We hope this conference will help us grow as a family of joyful learners and perhaps steer us away from some newbie pitfalls ;)
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Checklist, by Alex!
- Power strips for computers and electronics
- Headphones and Headsets for computers and tablets
- Games and activities that are not messy and you are OK sharing with others in the game room
- Quiet toys for little ones to play in the back of the main room( I will have some I am bringing too)
- Laptops and Tablets for you and the kids. We will have free wireless and kids love to play in the game room.
- bathing suits for the pool- note there are no lifeguards so a responsible adult needs to be with the kids at all times.
- Snacks and drinks to have in your room- NOTE there is a NO outside food policy in the Game room and Conference room.
- Art supplies that are not messy- I will have some paper, coloring pages, crayons and markers
Money to buy books.We will have Pam Laricchia's NEW BOOK, Joyce Fetteroll's Unschooling Toolbox ($10), Sandra's books.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
The Mueller Family
We’re the Mueller family. Our family of seven lives in a little house, on six acres of land in Slinger, Wisconsin, with a Collie named Gus, four cats and some chickens. Always having home educated, we started our journey as relaxed-eclectic types. Fall 2014 will mark three years of unschooling and deschooling. My shift in thinking began when my son became school age and was decidedly not interested in my educational agenda. I am truly grateful for online writers and friends in the Always Learning and Radical Unschooling Info communities for sharing their experience and wisdom. They have been a tremendous help and support in making our transition a peaceful one.
A bit about us as individuals:
Phil (who won't be attending) is a mechanical engineer. He owns and operates a chimney cleaning and repair business. He served 34 years in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve, retiring as a C-130 Engineer. He enjoys gaming, watching sci-fi, and reading all manner of technical magazines and home improvement journals. When the weather is nice, he is usually outside tending to the garden or fixing a piece of machinery.
Gretchen is a classic introvert. Her interests include natural health, decorating, home renovation, and hanging out with her family. She volunteers for La Leche League International and a large local natural food cooperative. When she’s not doing any of that, she can usually be found organizing something.
Since discovering cosplay last year, Sarah (16) has found a love for costuming and enjoys dressing up as favorite characters from different anime and TV shows. She is an artist and an avid gamer, her current favorite games being Bioshock Infinite, Portal 1 & 2 and Assassins Creed.
Joy (14) is an enthusiastic reader of just about anything, but particularly likes fiction, anime and comics. She also loves to watch anime, along with Marvel, DC Comics and Disney productions. She enjoys both attending theater and being on stage and this year had roles in two local productions. She dabbles with Minecraft and gets lost on Pinterest. She also works part time as a mother’s helper.
Andy (11) is into all things weapons and military related. He is an avid gamer, currently enjoying Minecraft (pc and xbox360), the Battlefield series, the Assassins Creed series, The Call of Duty series, the Halo series, and many more. He also loves Nerf gun battles, YouTube, military documentaries (WWII) swimming, summer camp, acting, and going to water parks. He is inspired by Carlos Hathcock for his bravery and courage during WWII.
Grace (8) loves playing Minecraft, watching Minecraft videos and playing Animal Crossing on her 3DS. She enjoys singing and acting in plays, riding her bike, swimming and also going to water parks. Her current favorite band is One Direction – she really likes their music videos.
Faith (4) is an outside kind of girl. She likes taking care of our chickens, walking Gus, playing at the park, swimming, and long baths. Her favorite shows are My Big Friend and Futurama – which she likes to watch both in and out of the tub.
Unfortunately, Phil won’t be coming with us to Minnesota, but the rest of us are looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.
A bit about us as individuals:
Phil (who won't be attending) is a mechanical engineer. He owns and operates a chimney cleaning and repair business. He served 34 years in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve, retiring as a C-130 Engineer. He enjoys gaming, watching sci-fi, and reading all manner of technical magazines and home improvement journals. When the weather is nice, he is usually outside tending to the garden or fixing a piece of machinery.
Gretchen is a classic introvert. Her interests include natural health, decorating, home renovation, and hanging out with her family. She volunteers for La Leche League International and a large local natural food cooperative. When she’s not doing any of that, she can usually be found organizing something.
Since discovering cosplay last year, Sarah (16) has found a love for costuming and enjoys dressing up as favorite characters from different anime and TV shows. She is an artist and an avid gamer, her current favorite games being Bioshock Infinite, Portal 1 & 2 and Assassins Creed.
Joy (14) is an enthusiastic reader of just about anything, but particularly likes fiction, anime and comics. She also loves to watch anime, along with Marvel, DC Comics and Disney productions. She enjoys both attending theater and being on stage and this year had roles in two local productions. She dabbles with Minecraft and gets lost on Pinterest. She also works part time as a mother’s helper.
Andy (11) is into all things weapons and military related. He is an avid gamer, currently enjoying Minecraft (pc and xbox360), the Battlefield series, the Assassins Creed series, The Call of Duty series, the Halo series, and many more. He also loves Nerf gun battles, YouTube, military documentaries (WWII) swimming, summer camp, acting, and going to water parks. He is inspired by Carlos Hathcock for his bravery and courage during WWII.
Grace (8) loves playing Minecraft, watching Minecraft videos and playing Animal Crossing on her 3DS. She enjoys singing and acting in plays, riding her bike, swimming and also going to water parks. Her current favorite band is One Direction – she really likes their music videos.
Faith (4) is an outside kind of girl. She likes taking care of our chickens, walking Gus, playing at the park, swimming, and long baths. Her favorite shows are My Big Friend and Futurama – which she likes to watch both in and out of the tub.
Unfortunately, Phil won’t be coming with us to Minnesota, but the rest of us are looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
The Dolina Family
Hello! We're Ann, Dan and Sam Dolina. We live in Hopkins (a western suburb of Minneapolis) in a small bright yellow and blue WWII house along with my mother Jean, her two cats (Tika and Sweetie), one black molly fish (Blackblood) and our black lab (Easy).
Sam is our active seven year old. He enjoys Minecraft (especially the Pixelmon Mod), Terraria (just beginning this interest), watching Minecraft videos (Stampey Longnose and Ballistic Squid are favorites), collecting Pokemon cards, doing anything with dragons, movies, swimming, biking, bouncing on his mini tramp, camping, and playing with neighbors, friends, cousins and especially Dad.
Dan is an IT guy for United Health Group (and all of our extended family haha.) His work is only three miles from home so he bikes half the year. Dan loves reading science fiction, watching movies, camping, biking, playing soccer, learning Kung Fu, and being DJ when we are in the mood to dance.
Ann is me. I am an at home mom with a small knitted toy business on Etsy (http://simplyplaying.net). I love knitting, spinning fiber into yarn, dyeing yarn naturally, reading, camping, gardening, scrapbooking, watching movies and spending my days with Sam.
This is our first year of homeschooling. Sam spent his first few years at a Waldorf school in Minneapolis. We discovered unschooling in January so are quite the newbies. We're really looking forward to learning more about unschooling at the conference as well as meeting all of you!
Sam is our active seven year old. He enjoys Minecraft (especially the Pixelmon Mod), Terraria (just beginning this interest), watching Minecraft videos (Stampey Longnose and Ballistic Squid are favorites), collecting Pokemon cards, doing anything with dragons, movies, swimming, biking, bouncing on his mini tramp, camping, and playing with neighbors, friends, cousins and especially Dad.
Dan is an IT guy for United Health Group (and all of our extended family haha.) His work is only three miles from home so he bikes half the year. Dan loves reading science fiction, watching movies, camping, biking, playing soccer, learning Kung Fu, and being DJ when we are in the mood to dance.
Ann is me. I am an at home mom with a small knitted toy business on Etsy (http://simplyplaying.net). I love knitting, spinning fiber into yarn, dyeing yarn naturally, reading, camping, gardening, scrapbooking, watching movies and spending my days with Sam.
This is our first year of homeschooling. Sam spent his first few years at a Waldorf school in Minneapolis. We discovered unschooling in January so are quite the newbies. We're really looking forward to learning more about unschooling at the conference as well as meeting all of you!
Sunday, May 4, 2014
The Bergers From Iowa
Hello! We are Mike, Jen, Cole, Tanon, and Elliot. Norwalk, Iowa, a smallish town just South of Des Moines is our home. Our small house is a busy one, overflowing with boys, toys and computers. We love animals and share our space with two cats and an intelligent, old canine named Misty. She and Cole are best buds.
Our time together is made up of adventures in the nearby wooded state and county parks, frequent visits from neighborhood friends, gaming, movies, legos, and plenty of smoothie and bacon consumption.
Mike works outside of our home, developing software for annuity illustrations at an insurance company in West Des Moines. He is attending college in the evenings for a degree in computer information systems. Mike is a great cook, specializing in comfort foods and barbeque. He makes a raspberry chipotle sauce that is very popular with our friends and family. He really gets excited about gardening and has us off to a great start for this season!
Cole (14) is a long time World of Warcraft enthusiast. Unfortunately, he's taking a break from this until we can get him a new gaming laptop. He's known since he was nine that he wants to be a designer for Blizzard. He loves playing, watching, and talking basketball. An avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, he'll be attending basketball camp at the University of Iowa in June. When he's not shooting hoops at the park, he enjoys his Playstation games: NBA 2K14, Madden, Gran Turismo, and Need for Speed.
Tanon (11) loves his Minecraft. He's figured out how to create his own servers so that he has more control over who he's interacting with. A talented artist, he can sit and draw for hours. As the weather has improved here, he's been spending more time at the lake with friends and learning to fish. Tanon is a very outgoing, social guy and gets to know everybody.
Elliot (6) is a huge fan of ducklings. If we were just a bit further out of town I'm sure we'd have a few pet ducks. Legos are a daily activity for him. He also has quite the collection of lego themed video games (Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, Indiana Jones, Batman, Marvel Superheros, and Pirates of the Caribbean...). A big fan of superheros, his favorite is usually Spiderman. Like Tanon, he also enjoys playing Minecraft.
My name is Jen and I work for the Downtown Community Alliance, the non-profit group that puts on the Downtown Des Moines Farmer's Market and several other events in the area. The Farmer's Market is my happy place. I love everything about it and am thrilled to be a part of it every Saturday. I love to read, try new foods, and meet interesting people. Speaking of interesting people, I'm currently involved with the Iowa School of Burlesque, not as a regular performer, but as a member of the crew. I am fascinated with the history, the costumes, the comedy, and especially the creativity that goes into producing the shows. I read about self-sufficiency and perma-culture as we plan to have our own small farm someday. I'm sure that ducklings will be included in our plans. :0)
We look forward to meeting you all!
Our time together is made up of adventures in the nearby wooded state and county parks, frequent visits from neighborhood friends, gaming, movies, legos, and plenty of smoothie and bacon consumption.
Mike works outside of our home, developing software for annuity illustrations at an insurance company in West Des Moines. He is attending college in the evenings for a degree in computer information systems. Mike is a great cook, specializing in comfort foods and barbeque. He makes a raspberry chipotle sauce that is very popular with our friends and family. He really gets excited about gardening and has us off to a great start for this season!
Cole (14) is a long time World of Warcraft enthusiast. Unfortunately, he's taking a break from this until we can get him a new gaming laptop. He's known since he was nine that he wants to be a designer for Blizzard. He loves playing, watching, and talking basketball. An avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, he'll be attending basketball camp at the University of Iowa in June. When he's not shooting hoops at the park, he enjoys his Playstation games: NBA 2K14, Madden, Gran Turismo, and Need for Speed.
Tanon (11) loves his Minecraft. He's figured out how to create his own servers so that he has more control over who he's interacting with. A talented artist, he can sit and draw for hours. As the weather has improved here, he's been spending more time at the lake with friends and learning to fish. Tanon is a very outgoing, social guy and gets to know everybody.
Elliot (6) is a huge fan of ducklings. If we were just a bit further out of town I'm sure we'd have a few pet ducks. Legos are a daily activity for him. He also has quite the collection of lego themed video games (Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, Indiana Jones, Batman, Marvel Superheros, and Pirates of the Caribbean...). A big fan of superheros, his favorite is usually Spiderman. Like Tanon, he also enjoys playing Minecraft.
My name is Jen and I work for the Downtown Community Alliance, the non-profit group that puts on the Downtown Des Moines Farmer's Market and several other events in the area. The Farmer's Market is my happy place. I love everything about it and am thrilled to be a part of it every Saturday. I love to read, try new foods, and meet interesting people. Speaking of interesting people, I'm currently involved with the Iowa School of Burlesque, not as a regular performer, but as a member of the crew. I am fascinated with the history, the costumes, the comedy, and especially the creativity that goes into producing the shows. I read about self-sufficiency and perma-culture as we plan to have our own small farm someday. I'm sure that ducklings will be included in our plans. :0)
We look forward to meeting you all!
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