Field trips

Boy, it’s been a while since I posted. No excuses, really. I did want to show you some pictures from our recent field trips. First, we went to the Ave Marie Grotto in Cullman, AL. Here’s a little piece from their website:

Known throughout the world as "Jerusalem in Miniature," is a beautifully landscaped, four-acre park designed to provide a natural setting for the 125 miniature reproductions of some of the most famous historic buildings and shrines of the world. The masterpieces of stone and concrete are the lifetime work of Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk of St. Bernard Abbey. Begun as a hobby, with various materials he could find, and infinite patience and a remarkable sense of symmetry and proportion, Brother Joseph re-created some of the greatest edifices of all time.

Kids enjoyed pointing out things they could find. Friendly cat gives you a size perspective.

This one is the actual grotto – it was interesting. Again, some kids in front to give perspective of the size.

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This past week, we went to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, TN. Lots of fun! They have a “river journey” and an “ocean journey”. I really enjoy aquariums and this was very nice. It is also nice that the kids are a little older and can enjoy it more.

New “fish” were added to the tank! And the penguins – oh, the penguins! It was homeschool day at the aquarium, so they had planned feedings and taught us about the penguins. They also had divers in the super huge tank talking about the animals.

And, the rays!!! How cool are these? They were HUGE! This is a silhouette of Hadden with the ray behind him. Then, I was able to catch two of them at once.

 

Some fun, goofy pictures mixed in :)

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Finally, we ended our day on the Chattanooga “Duck” tour. Here is a piece from their website:

The DUKW (Presently known as ''Duck'') was developed by the National Defense Research Committee and the Office of Scientific Research and Development, it was initially rejected by the armed services. When a United States Coast Guard patrol craft ran aground on a sandbar near Provincetown, Massachusetts, an experimental DUKW happened to be in the area for a demonstration. Winds up to 60 knots (110 km/h), rain, and heavy surf prevented conventional craft from rescuing the seven stranded Coast Guardsmen, but the DUKW had no trouble, and the military opposition melted. The DUKW would later prove its seaworthiness by crossing the English Channel.

It rained! We got pretty soaked, but it was really fun. During the time on the water, the guide gave a lot of historical information about Chattanooga. While he was speaking, he gave the kids an opportunity to “man” the boat. I took some pictures with my phone, but I think you get the idea :)

How are you doing? What’s going on in your life?