On the Beach!

Since my husband was starting his new job soon (today actually!) and wouldn't have much vacation time once he started, and since we had not had a proper family vacation in a while, we decided to splurge just a little and spend some time at a condo on the beach for a few days. It was so worth it! We went to the beach multiple times each day and it was so nice to be able to go the condo, rinse off and rest before heading out to the water again.

We searched for shells, went for walks, made sand castles, played football, baseball and frisbee, played in the water, read books on the beach, and dug lots of holes in the sand! It was a blast!

We also never left in our car during the entire stay. We made all our meals at the condo, and we enjoyed the beach so much that we never felt the desire to go sightseeing anywhere else. It was truly a "getaway" -so peaceful and a great way to enjoy God's beautiful creation!

Nature Hike

We visited a Nature center last week along the American river and had such a great time on a beautiful day with just the right weather!



We saved this squirrel from a swooping hawk. The hawk was on it's way down, the squirrel made a squeak, we all gasped and our movements frightened the hawk away. The hawk sat in a tree squawking, while the squirrel stood still and observed us.

Mushrooms

The American River

We saw deer and wild turkey too. What a great family day!

Capitol Tour

Last week we went on a tour of the state capitol building in Sacramento.


We learned about how state government works and some interesting facts about the building and past governors.
This is above the state senate floor.


We went on the right day because we got the chance to see 4 prominant mayors (of Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco and Fresno). Then we saw the Governor (yes Arnold S.!). We had to wait almost an hour to see him and the kids were getting a bit impatient waiting for him. I think my husband and I were more excited than the kids. Unfortunately, I didn't get a good picture of him.

After the Capitol we visited the train museum, a great museum in Old Sacramento that we love to visit.

It was a great day of fun and learning!

-- Post From My iPhone

Sea Dragon

This is such an intriguing creature.


We saw these when visiting an aquarium. They look leaf-like to blend into their surroundings.


-- Post From My iPhone

More Boise Fun!

The last week we did some more exploring in and around Boise. Here's a little of what we did:

We had such a great time at the Discovery Center. I thought we'd enjoy an hour or two "discovering". We ended up exploring and playing there for almost 4 hours! We were so hungry by the time we left because it was well past lunch.

Baby birds in their nest at the Boise Zoo

Saber Turtle

Hubby joined in the fun too!

We accidentally discovered this black light golf place and just had to try it out.

Farmer's Market
Boysenberry face (the kids devoured the baskets of boysenberries that we bought at the farmer's market)

We took a train ride along the beautiful Payette River. The train left from a quaint little town called Horseshoe Bend. Hubby and I were taken with the town. Even talked about what it would be like to move there! Don't worry, we weren't that serious, but it really was a beautiful little valley.

In our current history studies, we are learning about The Middle Ages and one of the things we recently learned about is falconry. Well, it turns out the World Center for Birds of Prey is right in Boise, and they have the most comprehensive and amazing center and library dedicated solely to falconry! How convenient huh? This place was great! At the main center, there were many birds of prey to see (hawks, peregrine falcons, even a California Condor), and there were so many interesting interactive exhibits thoughout. Then we went to the falconry library and learned so much about falconry and it's history as well as the popularity of it in modern times. It was great way to solidify the learning.

I took this picture because I wish I had this map on my wall!!

Finally, a fun day at home. How many kids can fit in a princess castle? They put this in their "club closet". Yes, it's the members of the Crazy Lemon Comet Club all crammed into one little castle!