A day filled with learning!

We're back! It's a good thing we went to the park this morning because although Superman got home really early (which makes for a VERY happy Mommy!), we didn't get to go tonight. Pickles had been really cranky and needed a nap. So, we did SCIENCE instead!!







Let me first tell you about our trip to the park.





























This was the kids favorite tree they picked out to draw. I tried to keep our focus on trees today. We first walked by the creek, hoping to find some kind of animals. We did see a bird flying, but not much else. I kept pointing out all the different kinds of leaves and how colorful the trees are right now. Then I sat on a bench while they ran around chasing each other with sticks. After watching this for a few minutes I decided to direct their attention elsewhere. So, I had them gather some of the different leaves around us.









Here's the leaf my son found for me.

Isn't that the sweetest?

He's always finding hearts in things and giving them to me.

We only had a little bit for our "nature walk" so I told them to pick their favorite tree. It took a LONG time for Superkid to decide. He liked the climbing ones, but finally decided to go for the bright purple one. It really did look cool from afar. Then, as we sat under it, it seemed like it was all green inside. It was pretty. Pickles picked the same tree, which turned out to be good so we could all stick together. We all drew our pictures. No, I WILL NOT show mine. I am a terrible artist. But, you only learn by doing, right? So, I'll do it around my children who don't know any better. (smile)

After we drew our trees (Pickles drew a leaf she said) then we did bark rubbings. They actually didn't turn out as well as I had hoped they would, but hey, it was fun. We collected a few of the leaves from the "favorite tree" hoping we'd be able to identify it. But, I'm not too good at that. Anyway. I don't know what we'll do with the leaves (if anything). Altogether I think everyone had a good time with our "tree study."

Here's a picture of the bark of the tree. The actual tree picture is up above. Anyone happen to know what kind of tree this is?

Anyway, we showed up at my parents just right about the time the "fish guy" (who is cleaning their tank) was suposed to show up. He wound up being super late. Usually Superkid would sit and soak up whatever this guy talks about. They guy certainly has a lot to say, especially about fish. So, I always consider it a real learning experience. Today, I think everyone was just tired, so after reading a few picture books, we turned on the tv and watched snorkles and smurfs. Amazing they're still showing those cartoons. And amazing all the witchcraft right smack-dab in the middle of these shows. ANYWAY, that took up most of our afternoon.

We came home late, Superman came home early. After putting Pickles to bed we decided we needed to do something...How about some science!!

Oh, I forgot to mention that Superkid pointed out to me while we were at the park about the rings from a tree trunk tell the trees age. I had him show pickles and explain it to her. (cute!) Anyway, God worked it out so perfectly today with "Plants" being the subject.

Here's our celery pictures:

Sure hope we did it right and got all those xylem strings off.



And here's our newest apple tree's birth:







































We'll be planting it tomorrow.



And that concludes our day. Wasn't it fun?