Field Trips and Visitors

We have had an amazing week and it's only Wednesday. The kids' school year officially ended last Friday and this week is set aside for activities the class decide on together, they make a huge brainstormed list and vote for their favorite choices.

Monday: We went to the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River. After some spectacular team work which moved a large tree that was blocking the road, we hiked and picnicked in an old growth forest. There were butterflies so sweet and mellow they landed on the kids' fingers and posed for the good parents who brought their cameras (I have been promised copies.) Then we found a dusty muddy part of the river where the parents sat in the sunshine, while digging and wading and general laundry making took place all around.
Tuesday: We drove 3 1/2 hours to Republic, WA to the Stonerose Interpretive Center and Eocene Fossil Center where the kids took hammers and chisels to rock to find fossils, mostly plant and insect. Big hit.
Today the kids were at the school house with free reign to do whatever they liked best.
Thursday we'll visit a dam and play on the beach at Round Lake. Friday we have a bike ride scheduled.
It has been an awesome year and I could not imagine a better way to celebrate all the hard work and wonderful experiences of the school year!

Our other excitement has come from our visitors!

Aunt Katie and Uncle Ted stopped by Coeur d'Alene on their way to Alaska! We spent a wonderful morning showing off our town and catching up and then hoodwinked them into staying an extra night so we could enjoy some more time together a meal out at Moon Time!
We enjoyed getting caught up on the family news and the chance for the kids to get to know 'Grandpa's big brother' and Aunt Katie!'
Here we are hanging out at their Lazy Daze getting ideas for our own adventure.



The bus progress continues, more rot under the kitchen, , the bunks are almost completed,the inevitability of new windows, the upholstery is progressing.... up and down, up and down....