Field Trip at the Cradle of Forestry

Today we had a wonderful time with my aunt Jenny visiting the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest. There is a wonderful exhibit where the children went on a scavenger hunt and got to go in a helicopter simulation. 

 Smoky the Bear

 Sweet little friends walking the trail. Thatcher was such a trooper and lead the way most of our hike. 

 They loved exploring and making lots of "discoveries."

 A caterpillar discovery

 Tree hugger!

 Exploring an old logging train. They loved ringing the bell. 

 Going to Dolly's Dairy Bar afterward for ice-cream.

 Such a fun trip!

Apple Orchard

Last week we went to the apple orchard with our friends. It was a chilly morning that slowly warmed up. We had a wonderful time and the boys could remember some things we had studied about apples at the beginning of the school year.  Another field trip success! 

 Our gang! Baby Caleb was staying with his grandmother that morning. Also, getting Thatcher to smile on demand can be a challenge. 

 Waiting for fresh apple donuts!

 About to go on the tractor ride through the orchard. 

 Chickens, roosters, a peacock.........we saw a variety of animals!

 Abby and Elle petting the sheep

 Don't worry. We did not damage the bamboo!

Gem Mine

We got an opportunity to go to the gem mine again, this time with our friends Abigail and Madilyn! Besides having fun, it was perfect because we were studying rocks and gems that week in our homeschool. A fun field trip!