Full Days and Field Trips

Our days and weeks have been full lately, not stressful or chaotic, but very full. 

Full of fun,

 

 

friends

 

play

 

And creativity.

 

Xury's spent hours and hours creating works of art with sidewalk chalk all over the patio, walls and windows, even (or especially) in the rain. 

 

While we were bringing in groceries the other day, she sat on the walk and made some Moana inspired installation art. If you've seen the movie, this is Te Fiti.  

Aravis has been taking lots of pictures like these awesome ones of coral at the beach. 

 

 

 

The girls attend a homeschool gymnastics class a few days a week that they love. Aravis likes to push herself to master new skills like her back tuck and aerial, while Xury mostly likes getting to see all her friends. 

 

We've also had some fun field trips. We got a chance to go back to the Kennedy Space Center. Dominick and Aravis weren't interested in going this year, so it was just a very excited Xury and I. 

 

Her favorite part is playing in the rocket garden, pretending to be an astronaut. 

 

 

 

Last year, Xury wasn't old enough to attend the class so she was very excited to participate this year. They made a robotic arm from cups, paper clips and cardboard. 

 

We also visited a water treatment plant and learned all about what happens to the water before it gets to our houses. 

 

 

 

The acid room

 

The control room

We learned about insects and went on a bug hunt to catch some bugs. 

 

For some reason, the bugs, who usually seem to be everywhere, were pretty reclusive that day but we did manage to catch a few. 

 

Then we got to see the bugs we caught under the microscope. It was pretty amazing to see them so close up. 

 

 

 

They put this guy in the freezer for a couple minutes to keep him still. Even so, he was a little intimidating. Xury was sure he was going to escape. 

 

We got to see and feel an elephant tooth 

 

And elephant poop (not the real thing!) Elephant poop is the heaviest poop and looks, not surprisingly, a lot like elephant food. 

So while our days and weeks have been full, it's the best kind of full. We've been busy learning, playing and just generally enjoying life. 

Asking Questions

Recently we went on a field trip where we toured the inside of an airplane. We sat in the seats, looked out the windows and got to see the inside of the cockpit. It was a lot of fun for Xury who hasn't flown since she was an infant.

 

 

When the pilot asked the kids if they had any questions, Xury excitedly raised her hand and asked how airplanes fly. Rather than answer her question, the pilot laughed and told her she'd learn that in 6th grade. She was, understandably, confused so I told her that we'd look it up when we got home. We did. I found an age appropriate video on YouTube and Xury (age 5) and I (age 42) learned the basic principles that hold airplanes in the sky. Neither of us were in 6th grade. 

 

 

What the well meaning pilot didn't understand, is that interest, not age or grade, is the real prerequisite for learning. Kids want to know about the world around them. We don't have to manufacture a thirst for knowledge. They want to know stuff. 

 

 

Xury's learned that manatees have dense bones that help them sink and big lungs that help them float because she asked how manatees float in the water. She also learned that they get all the fresh water they need from the plants they eat because she wanted to know what they drink. She thought it was hilarious that they drink and eat at the same time. She's learned that sea turtles can hold their breath for 3 or 4 hours while they sleep because she asked if sea turtles sleep under water. 

 

Just this week, she's learned about the Earth's core, states, countries, continents, South Africa and that there are two countries within its borders, passports, gorillas, how corn is harvested, that hippos fling their poop, that poop is good for soil, how roads are made, the Sistine chapel ceiling and lots of other things because she asked questions. 

Learning doesn't need a timetable. It happens when kids are ready and interested. And, when someone answers their questions. 

Field Trips, Ferrets and the Flu

We've had the unexpected blessing of a week of sickness. The flu hit last week and despite my valiant efforts to keep the germs contained and a whole can of Lysol, we fell one by one. Xury and I were the last to get it and we've spent the past couple of days holed up with soup, Gatorade, Netflix and even VHS tapes when our internet was down for awhile. I happened to get the house cleaned and the laundry caught up before I got sick and so I've gotten to enjoy a rare few days of sitting on the couch or laying in bed surrounded by people I love. We've missed some of our normal activities but we've spent a lot more time together and it's been kind of nice to take care of kids who don't need taken care of as much anymore. 

After the busyness of the holidays and some wonderful visits with family, life has been a little slower the past few weeks. I enjoy holidays and all they add to our days but for the everyday, I need breathing room and it feels nice to have it again. 

We visited a wildlife sanctuary that is one of my absolute favorite places.

 

 

Xury stopped to sketch the raccoons, 

 

 

while Aravis sketched the trees. 

 

We think the raccoon approved.  

We took a fun field trip to Auntie Anne's and learned how to make pretzels. 

 

 

And another great field trip to the airport,

 

where we got to be up close and personal with the planes. 

 

We had time, once again, for an art program that we love. 

 

 

The girls enjoyed decorating boxes and frames.

Meanwhile, at home, Aravis used her new mixer to make this awesome cake. 

 

And Dominick used his new band saw to make this band saw box.

 

 

We also welcomed two new members to our family. 

 

Meet Luke

 

and Leia (because, of course).

We'll return to our normal activities and to life outside our house eventually, but for now, I'll enjoy my comfy clothes, tv and snugly kids while I can.