This is my children's favorite field trip of the entire year (in case you're curious, I bring my nookstocked with library books!). Here they are at Peden Farm three years ago:
And here they are last week!
The leaf rubbing is Will's favorite station. She makes a complete set every year. |
Syd asked the docent if deer walked on their tiptoes like this leg suggests, and got a lesson on tendons! |
I chatted with an entomologist about humane euthanasia of insects (freezer, then killing jar) and got some recommended reading! |
That guy dresses exactly like my Pappaw. Exactly. Just substitute a Dixie Cup ball cap. |
Don't worry--that poor child has several pairs of pants that fit her now. |
They put the big electrician's gloves on the kids and then challenge them to pick up a dime. |
pneumatic limestone carving |
Will says that she'll stick to hand carving, thank you very much! |
This year, the kids were able to solve the nail puzzle.
This year, Will has experience with hand-carving limestone to contrast with pneumatic carving.
This year, a docent on the hayride pointed out to us a cave and former limestone quarry on the property.
This year, we learned how much a round bale of hay weighs (approximately 1,200 pounds!).
This year, Syd didn't just play with the water pump, but asked how it worked--and got an explanation!
Next year, the swarm of other children gathered with mine around each exhibit will likely be even shorter compared to them, but I still don't think that I'll have to worry about my kids being bored, or finding the programming babyish. I'm lucky to have kids who can soak in experiences, all kinds of experiences, and wonder at them, and be enthralled by them, and take something new from them every single time.