Landis Valley/Hands On House

Apr. 16, 2014

Our co-op took a field trip up to Landis Valley (Lancaster, PA) to tour a living history farm. They had displays and demonstrations of what life was like for the German/Mennonite/Amish community there 200-300 years ago.

It was a little over Seth's head for the most part, but he did love the Blacksmith (anything with ore is interesting, thanks to Minecraft). He also loved the sheep and was disappointed that this was as close as we got:

After a couple of hours of boredom (and a screaming baby), we decided to cross the parking lot and try out the Hands On House (a children's science center). Wish we would have done that from the beginning! 

Making the pinwheels spin using a pump

Following the instructions to assemble a "Thingy"

Self face-painting

Seth's creation

The kids had a great time killing germs, delivering mail, sorting corn and assembling flying birds. They would have stayed much longer if given the chance!

Science Center

Apr. 11, 2014

We scored a great deal on a membership to the Maryland Science Center and decided to put it to good use. Seth had been there once before for a Mummy Exhibit, but this time we just saw all the regular displays. It was a bit crazy with a bunch of older kids running around, but Seth had a great time.

Excavating dinosaur bones

Pulling himself up using a pulley

Pretty proud of himself

Assembling a path for the ball with his friend, Brie.

We were there for three hours and still saw less than half the displays. Can't wait to get back again and hopefully have a chance to see the rest of the Center.

Cherry Blossom Festival

Apr. 10, 2014

We braved the Metro by ourselves to take a trip down to D.C. to see the Cherry Blossom Festival. It was a perfect day for the trip.

Waiting to ride the Metro

(their favorite part of the entire experience)

Seth and the blossoms

Gorgeous cherry blossoms!

I wish we had more time so we could have seen some of the monuments and museums, but it takes a LONG time to haul three kids and a stroller through the Metro system and D.C. We'll have to make another trip later. 

Mammoth Follies

Mar. 5th, 2014

We originally planned to see this play in January (when we were studying dinosaurs), but due to an itty-bitty snowstorm (less than 1/2 inch), the play was postponed until March. The kids were thrilled to finally get to go to the "dinosaur show".

Mammoth Follies isn't going to win any awards, but the kids were in heaven. They loved the giant puppets and the music. Catherine has been asking me to go back ever since we left!

Our group, after the show

Being dinosaurs

Herr's Field Trip

Jan. 2, 2014

Some of our awesome homeschooling friends offered to take Seth with them to tour the Herr's Factory in Pennsylvania. 

He had a fantastic time and asked the tour guide all kinds of questions about the factory and the workers. He told me he definitely doesn't want to work in a potato chip factory, even though the chips were delicious.

Things to Do at the Grocery Store

• guess how much something weighs
• count fruit & veggies as you bag them
• teach per unit/per pound prices, have them compare