Thursday, 6/25

GROUNDHOG DAY! Piper loved yesterday's movie so much, she was begging to see it again with Haley and the other kids. Since the others had missed out on movie day, they wanted to go, too. We didn't have any specific plans for the morning, so we had a "do-over day", this time with more kids. We did crafts in the early morning, then headed to the movie, had lunch, read at Franklin during Harrison's cello lesson, and then to the pool for round 2 of underwater photos. We decided to experiment by holding the camera underwater and pointing it up to our faces (that were not in the water at the time). The results were fun and funky, if not flattering. Piper's colorful swimsuit and lots of waves on the water surface even gave us an artistic blobby modern art picture.

Wednesday, 6/24

MOVIE DAY! Today's movie was...

Piper got a blue puppy from Sprinkles before the movie

Keigon got back from VBS in time for reading at Franklin

It was a perfect day for swimming! We took the waterproof camera to the pool and had a great time with our underwater photo shoot (though the aim was pretty random due to Stephanie's lack of swim goggles and desire not to get her hair wet!)

Tuesday 6/23

We headed to Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center first thing in the morning, to make Toad Adobes and then tour the facility. It was EXTREMELY hot, but we did handle the heat well enough to explore the wetland trail (using our umbrellas to keep us in the shade!)

learning about toads

touching a real toad!

listening politely

Piper's soon-to-be-toad-adobe

finally the artistry begins

Harrison paints waves

painting

our finished toad adobes

indoor fish and reptile exhibits

replica of a Wickiup that the Native Americans used to live in

statues of Native Americans from 150 years ago

Harrison wandering among the natives

what're you pointing at?

oh, that (ancient fisherman)

trying out the owl wing

timeline on a cross-section of tree

Piper colors a deer picture

they let us use their tables indoors for our picnic

making a donation

Piper loves the calf "statue"

...and the big flying bird

Now we explore the Wetland Trail

Heading to the main building to retrieve our bags & head home

Harrison got to use the computer practice program during his cello lesson. The rest of us enjoyed the air conditioning in the cool hallway and rested up/read our books. When Harrison's lesson was over, we went back to the house and got ready to SWIM!

Monday 6/22

A scorching beginning to a hot 'n' humid week! We did our best to stay entertained indoors in the morning, doing crafts and playing in stations set up by Harrison.

Piper enjoys crafts

After lunch, we took Harrison to cello lessons - we ran to the bank and to pick up Harrison's friend Malcolm, and did our reading time in the air-conditioned van.

reading in the van

In the afternoon, the trees were throwing enough shade that we were finally able to tie dye our field trip t-shirts.

Haley helped with all the shirts

Harrison led water games for those who were done with their shirts

finishing touches before swimming