Homeschool Field Trips 2009 Begin

September here did not bring cooler weather, but it did bring some fun, though hot, field trips. For starters, The Smithsonian offered FREE admission to museums on the 26th! We looked over the options we had nearby and chose 2 - The Waterhouse Residence Museum in Maitland and the Orlando History Museum downtown.

The Waterhouse Residence is located on beautiful Lake Lilly in Maitland. It was built by one of the original settlers of Maitland and has been there since the 1800's. I didn't take any pictures inside (not sure why??!!), but here are a couple of the lake:





Unfortunately, due to some circumstances, I didn't get any of the outside either, but will next time!

On to the history center - a perfect compliment to Caleb's study of Florida History. Outside the center, there are some fake alligators that always entertain the kids:


MaKenna, who loves Germany, was so excited to see the prototype for the Disney Cinderella Castle, Neuschwanstein, in the Disney room. Does she look happy or what?!


Soon after this eventful day, we headed to St. Augustine for the Colonial Spanish Quarter Homeschool Day. We passed by the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse:


Once inside the Spanish Quarter, the kids learned many things about the way people lived back when Florida was occupied by Spain. For instance, they learned about some tools used, including this pump drill that Caleb is trying out:


They observed as a "sailor" explained why it was so important to have pulleys when shipments came and went:


They each were able to try for themselves to feel how heavy this bucket was if you just tried to lift it yourself:


Then, they tried again using the pulley system - boy was that easier!


Another important demonstration involved the preparation of their militia. This gentleman did an excellent job of explaining it in such a way that you felt as if you were there and you couldn't help but focus on everything he said:


Didn't I say they were focused??!!!


Holly checks out the "kitchen stove":


As if that weren't enough for one day (and I didn't cover EVERY detail!), we decided to take on the fort, too. The kids paused for a moment to pose on the wall:


We walked along the wall around the whole outside of the fort - another great compliment to Caleb's Florida study, btw!


The group about to enter the actual fort:


Holly and MaKenna on the top of the fort:


The moms:


We had a few great days of field trips and learned so much. I am always overwhelmed with thankfulness for the ability to homeschool and the flexibility to take advantage of great, inexpensive opportunities! Not only did we learn a lot, but we got to spend quality time with awesome people - what a blessing!