Taking Time Out

I tend to think of myself as "relaxed homeschooler". By that I mean a "wanna be unschooler" but just can't quite do it. Even still, I fall prey to all the usual stresses. I start to feel like we can't do certain things because we are "behind"- we have school work, laundry, chores, and more that should be getting done.

I forget that I homeschool in part so that we can experience the world!  But, when my sister plans I field trip, I have to go. So last week we were off  to the Marine Lab.

First stop was to the classroom where marine biology students taught the kids about shark anatomy, senses, how they lay their eggs, and what types of teeth different sharks have.

From there the kids got to learn a bit about marine mammals and visit some dolphins (no pictures were allowed), and then back to the center where the kids got to pet a shark- yes, those are real live sharks in the tank and my son is over the moon excited to be petting one.

And, we got to see some pretty cool sea life up close- Mark said that he could see the rows of teeth in this shark's mouth.

 Then there was the touch area.
 And, lots of other cool stuff to look at.


A walk along a cliff above the ocean.
 
And a visit to a Eucalyptus grove to see the monarch butterfly migration.
(the kids are laying down to view the  butterflies above) 

Not shown- the group of kids playing for-e-ver on the beach.  My 12yo said that it was so much fun playing where people weren't always telling what you can't do (we do live in the city).

I needed the reminder that I need to make time to get out. The boys said that it was the best "school day" that they can remember. Thanks Jen (my sister) for getting us going! :)

Linking this post to:

 Chestnut Grove Academy Field Trip Friday Blog Hop


Comments

  1. UnknownNovember 22, 2010 at 3:04 AM

    Sounds like a great day to me, my kids would have loved it!! Such a blessing to live so close to the beach!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. JenNovember 22, 2010 at 5:08 PM

    I love the pic of M & the Shark! I have some beach shots of Paul I sent you--J was to high on a cliff to get a pic--lol!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sarah HarkinsNovember 23, 2010 at 4:14 AM

    Hi Lori, You won the St. Andrew chaplet! Congratulations! Please email me you address and I will get it shipped out. sarahs_rosaries@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Angie @ Many Little BlessingsDecember 11, 2010 at 8:33 PM

    It looks like you had so much fun! That's the kind of learning that the kids won't soon forget. Kudos to your sister for planning a great trip.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Chestnut Grove AcademyJuly 17, 2011 at 12:51 AM

    Thanks for linking up Lori, I look fwd to seeing more from you :D

    ReplyDelete
  6. Chestnut Grove AcademyJuly 17, 2011 at 12:53 AM

    I forgot to ask where in No Ca you are....My hubby is from No CA Yreka area :D

    ReplyDelete

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