a trip to the bay

Today, we took a drive to the bay. There's a lot to do and see there, plus many different catalysts for conversations providing opportunities for learning. After playing in the playground, we took a hike on the shoreline. That is where we found our first conversation catalyst...a dead heron on the beach. This sparked conversation about what we think may have caused the heron to die there. One theory was environmental. It was hard not to notice that the beach doesn't look or smell very clean. The water is stagnant and cloudy. Inwardly, I cringed everytime the kids dug their hands into the sand! Nonetheless, we had a really interesting walk and managed to pick up little "souvenirs" along the beach...like shell fragments and golf balls!

Time Capsule

Today, we discovered a neat website, called Keo.org. Keo is the name of a space time capsule, basically a satellite, that is set to launch in 2012 and will roam space for 50,000 years before returning to earth. The entire world is invited to submit messages to the "future earth" before the satellite is launched. There is technology for the future earth to receive the messages and instructions on how to relay them. Sounds super complicated to me, but Lola decided on her message and we submitted it. She is concerned about the state of the earth and hopes that we don't ruin it too badly for humans 50,000 years from now....

Plant life

We strolled through the gardens at a popular park near our home. There is a beautiful cactus garden and even a rose garden that are open to the public to learn from. Fortunately, most of the plants are labeled, which was fun especially in the rose garden. Some varietals of roses have funny names, which was very amusing for the kids. Gourmet Popcorn was one of the most memorable!

Sewing!

Lola is learning to sew!