Field Trips

We tried to sneak in several field trips in October while the weather is still pretty nice. Every year I schedule a trip to Lohr's Orchard with a group of friends and homeschoolers. Most years the weather is cool but nice. Sometimes cold and wet. This year it was a balmy 95 degrees and full sunlight. It was miserable. 

Poor little hot baby...

Sweaty girl with her apple

Thankfully the next field trip provided us with some actual fall weather. A friend arranged a trip to the Farmyard. It was a bit of a drive and, honestly, there wasn't much there. But the kids loved seeing the animals, riding the wagon/hayride and making birdfeeders. And I'm always happy to get to hang out with friends! 

Peanut butter birdfeeders

Catherine's turn

Aaron on the giant chair

And Catherine on the giant chair (also Elise)

We're definitely lucky to live so close to so many beautiful farms!

Our final field trip took us up to Philadelphia to the Penn Museum to learn about Ancient Egypt. Seth & Catherine went off with older groups, so I didn't get to see what they did. But Aaron & Elise had a a great time learning about papyrus and making their own (using paper):

Elise was a big fan of the free glue access.

After the classes we were given time to roam freely. During the tour the guide didn't take the littles to this area because she was worried it would be disturbing to them. Well, my kids found it anyway and were completely fascinated. We looked at this mummy for a LOOOONNNGG time. 

Probably the coolest area was where they had historians working on preserving artifacts. Their work area was surrounded by glass so you could see what they were doing. There were also a couple of windows where you could ask questions. Bente took Catherine for a closer look. The woman working there not only answered all their questions, she even let Catherine try out the magnifying goggles!

This was one of those times where I am (again) grateful we have the chance to homeschool. Even if she had gotten to go on a field trip to the Penn Museum with her class at school, there's no way she would have had such an individual opportunity like this one. 

Seth and Brie were there, too.

And another mummy. 

Group photo in the Egyptian area.

Such a cool field trip, and grateful for friends who will come with us (and help with my kids).