|
Beginning Our Journey
Jul. 14, 2008
First Field Trip of the Year
Today was our first field trip of the year. It was the most AWESOME DAY I have had in a long time! I decided last night that I would let my mom watch Tristan. That was probably the best decision I could have made. I know he would have had fun but Alyssa and I were able to get so much more out of today. I know he had a great time with his Grandma and Grandpa. Although when he found out we went berry picking he had a meltdown.
The day started out with my good friend, and field trip planner, Danielle
Picking us up to go to her mothers out in Slippery Rock. Danielle, her son, Her brother in law, Alyssa and I. We met another lady with her two kids that were going to follow us there. Once we get to her moms and do our potty breaks (hey, kids or no kids, this pregnant lady has to keep herself looked after) we headed over to see the Purple Martins.
What a neat learning experience that was! The kids even got to hold a few of the babies. I was very impressed with Alyssa. This was her fist "real" trip where she had to listen and learn. She did really well for her age at paying attention and not causing a fuss.
I had to laugh though, the kids seemed to enjoy finding the dead dragonfly as much as seeing the birds.
After the birds, we went to a bird store. There they had a big window to view many different feeders. There were a TON of different kind of birds out there. Even, of course, a pesky squirrel, feeding from a feeder in the back. Alyssa asked the girl there lots of questions and was very interested in it!
Then we headed back to Danielle's mothers house for blackberries and ice cream!
Yummy!
After our treat we headed out with buckets to pick some.
Alyssa was so happy, she was not even whining when she got pricked with the thorns. Being around all the boys was making her brave. I had to chuckle at her. It was like she was trying to impress them all day. She was the youngest and also the only girl there. Well besides the moms.
The berry trail ended at Danielle's Stepfathers workshop. He is a bee keeper! We did not get close to the hives but we did stand by the fence. We learned that the electric fence was to keep the bears out and the BACON on the fence was to get them to lick it to get a jolt and know "Ouch, I do not want to be around this!"
We went inside and saw how honey was processed.
We got to have a taste of the comb, Alyssa thought that was the coolest! You just had to spit out the wax. I have to admit, I like honey but not a ton. But it was amazing tasting!
Then we headed back to the house to get ready to go home.
Don't step on the Raccoon poop!
On our way home we looked for baby monarchs under milkweed plants but did not have success yet. I think we are a tad early. But we will keep looking. Last year I believe it was more end of August, beginning of September when we got ours. We are getting anxious for them though. If you have never raised a butterfly you have to try it this year! It is so super simple. Just got find some milkweed plants and look under the leaves. If you find tiny or even bigger caterpillars then just cut the whole stalk down. Put a few leaves in a jar with a lid with holes, I use kleenax over a canning jar. Then change to fresh leaves when it needs them. If you take a big stalk and put it in water it will be enough to last the life of the caterpillar. You need do nothing else but sit back and enjoy!
Here is a picture of the milkweed we looked under - incase you need to know what it looks like, like I did!
And to end our trip, Alyssa had to climb the tree in our front yard as always.
Tristan was still out to dinner with my mom and dad so I took Alyssa to Long John Silvers and then Wally world. It was a full and fun day!
|
| • Post A Comment! • Send to a Friend!
|
Comments
|
Posted by
Posted by
Posted by
Jul. 15, 2008 - Untitled Comment