Field Trip Recap

We were extremely blessed in the weather department for our trip to Pepin on Friday, although the clouds had us a bit psyched out in the morning. It was also fairly windy, which I happen to like on a perfect fall day! :)

Our trip began in Durand to pick up subs for a picnic lunch (if you know my hubby and kids, you'll know that every trip begins with food!) Then it was off to Pepin where we stopped at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum (pretty cool....we'll definitely be back when we're studying that time period in school), the Train Museum (not so interesting...don't bother) where the kids enjoyed a quick stop at the nearby playground, and then it was off to the birthsite of Laura, complete with a replica cabin (way cool). Here, we finally had lunch. I'm still wondering what it would be like to live in a home like that...after getting rid of 99% of the stuff we own. What a different, much simpler life that would be.....

Barry was in the mood to roadtrip the "Great River Highway," so onward we went. First, we stopped in Stockholm which is an adorable little town. Very artsy-fartsy. :) We stopped at a park/campground on the river where the kids were able to collect shells. Then we visited a pottery shop (for Alana....unfortunately, no working artisans there), and then we stopped for ice cream. Next, and last, was Maiden Rock, where we again stopped to check out the river.

Did I mention we stopped at every historical marker we passed? We took a picture and read them to the kids. Most were boring for them. But the Maiden Rock story of a young Sioux girl jumped to her death over love....that may bear further research. This was very impressive of my hubby, who is always in a hurry...his patience this day was almost freaky. :)

Then back down the highway to Pepin. We again visited the river and gathered more shells. Alana was thrilled to find clean fish skeletons! She brought some bones home and talked of starting a "bone club" in the garage. I guess this is what they call "unschooling", where the kids direct their own learning. Maybe we can later research the diseases she gets from touching all that stuff... And finally, we stopped at a roadside pumpkin patch to fullfill Erin's wishes.

Then it was home after an exhausting, but very happy day to our very distressed dog. :) Erin's favorite part? She said the pumpkins. Oh, and going on a field trip with her family instead of loud and obnoxious kids. (Point for homeschooling!) Alana's favorite part? The bones, shells, and ice cream. And me? The time with my family, the gorgeous scenery, and the chance to be on the water. I miss it. I got the same feeling as I do when we visit Duluth....the wind, sea gulls, water...I love it! Now that I know what's there...we'll be back!