Something Local to Do!

I've written before how much we enjoy the Boyce Thompson Arboretum near our house! They offer so many wonderful learning opportunities, that we are unable to take advantage of them all.  I am bummed that we won't be able to sign the boys up for a kids' photography class they are running this weekend -- but maybe you have the time and want to attend?

On June 13, they are offering a Kids Photography Workshop (for kids 7 - 15) to learn a few simple camera functions and practice their new skills in the Children's Garden. Spaces are limited, and the cost is only $10!  (Digital cameras required)  The class runs from 9:30 - 11 and parents can explore the grounds while their children are in class.  Reserve your spot by calling 520-689-2723.

If you go, I'd love to hear about your experience! I'm watching their info to see the next offering as I know my boys would love a class like this.

Wonderful Weekend

 We enjoyed a wonderful weekend. On Saturday, we started our day with the annual Apache Junction Easter Egg Hunt.  We've attended many years (except last year when it was rained out) and the kids have a great time.  It's a shame that each year the event gets smaller and smaller, but I'm glad the city still makes the effort to have a great egg hunt for the kids.  Various companies set up tents / games for the kids, and that's the part that has really dwindled over the years.  It's still fun, and the bouncy houses are always a big hit. The kids were all in different age groups this year, and all gathered up a few eggs.

 

The eggs are scattered on the baseball fields, but the kids are broken up into different age groups.  For every age group, the kids run out from the edges and find one egg.  When they grab one egg, everyone freezes.  This helps ensure that everyone finds at least one egg.  Then, when everyone has an egg, the kids are allowed to grab as many as they can find.

My sister & I then ran to to the grocery store to pick up picnic stuff and food for Easter.  After a very brief rest, we headed to Boyce Thompson again.  They were having a members-only event that included an astronomy lecture, an ice cream social, then the chance to see the night sky far away from any light pollution.

The astronomy lecture was very interesting -- or so I heard.  My boys, sister & Bo enjoyed it!  Lydia got tired after a very short time and we spent the majority of the 2 hour lecture outside checking out the plants and chatting with some staff.  (Shout out to Lacey!)

The lecture ended around 6.  As the participants came out, one woman stopped by me and said "Your boys are very well-behaved.  You should be proud!  Smart, too! They asked some very good questions."  That just warms a momma's heart.

We grabbed our picnic dinner from the car and enjoyed it in the picnic area.  They had a fabulous ice cream sundae bar set up, so we of course all made sundaes! Then, we waited for it to get dark.  Did you know there are multiple twilights?  There are -- and even though my sister told me what they are, I can't remember all of them now.  Oh, well, let's just say there are multiple twilights and with each one the sky gets darker.

The East Valley Astronomy Club members set up their telescopes and let people look through them and did a great job of sharing their knowledge.  It was fantastic watching the sky darken, and more stars pop out.  I didn't have the chance to look through any telescopes, but I saw more stars than I think I ever have (outside a planetarium.)   The boys looked through every telescope there, and were able to see Mars, Saturn's rings, and the Orion nebula. As we drove home, Colin said "Now, this night is what memories are made from!!"

The next day, we had our regular backyard egg hunt.  That Easter Bunny hid 116 eggs this year!!  (Usually about 1/2 that are hidden, but last year I couldn't find my stash, so I had to buy more.  I found my original stash, which doubled the eggs. Usually, I put the eggs out on Ash Wednesday for the Bunny to pick up. I don't buy eggs each year.) They had fun, and also hunted for their Easter baskets in the house.

We decided to open the pool and the kids had a great time splashing and playing in the cold water.

I dipped Peeps in chocolate, made some cupcakes, chicken salad  & deviled eggs.  My sister was under the weather, so I dropped off some food by her and we picnicked again for dinner!

It was a busy, but lovely weekend!  How about yours?

Turkey Vultures!

My sister told the boys about the "Welcome Back Buzzards!" event at Boyce Thompson Arboretum.  And then told me that it started at 7AM (which meant we had to leave at 6AM.  And I am NOT a morning person -- not at all!!)  The boys seemed excited and I didn't know much about turkey vultures, so I agreed as long as she gave me a wake up call.

This morning, I stepped out of my room to wake the boys and found Nate fully dressed, eating a bowl of cereal.  He had set his alarm and gotten himself up and ready!  I roused Colin and then Lydia, who both got ready with no complaint.

My sister arrived early and we headed out while watching the sun rise over the Superstition Mountains. 45 minutes later, we arrived at the Arboretum and walked back to the area where the turkey vultures roost overnight.  The park opened an hour early so visitors could have a chance to see the turkeys roosting and as they began to leave in the early morning.  Unfortunately, it was a windy morning and the turkey vultures had already taken off before we arrived.

Paul Wolterbeek provided a very informational and interesting talk about turkey vultures and the Arboretum, which was worth the early morning hour.  We learned that they live for 10 - 15 years, roost in the eucalyptus trees but nest in the cliffs when they're ready to have offspring, projectile vomit when defending themselves, and pee all over their legs to cool off and cleanse themselves.  (Yes, those 2 last facts were especially interesting to my 7 & 9 year old boys!)

The event happens every spring, as the turkey vultures return from wintering in Mexico to spend their summers in this part of Arizona.  They travel up to 50 miles a day searching for road kill and other carrion. 

I was extremely impressed with my boys.  They answered questions when they knew the answers, asked thoughtful questions, and weren't afraid to imitate a quail's call. They listened attentively and took in as much knowledge as was shared!  Even Lydia was patient, occasionally raising her hand to be part of the conversation.  During a restroom break, she walked along the path and began pointing out the different types of cactus she recognized and asking me the names of the ones she didn't. 

I want my children to have a lifelong quest for learning, and today's event gave me a glimpse that they definitely love to learn.  Since the turkey vultures weren't to be seen, I thought we'd go to explore on our own, but Nate said he was really interested in learning what Paul had to say.  Colin had brought his binoculars to get a better look at the turkey vultures, but eagerly used them to look for other types of birds.

We visited tables set up by Arizona Game & Fish Department volunteers that displayed some of their rescue animals -- including hummingbirds, ground squirrels, bats, hawks, kestrels and even a turkey vulture!  We explored the demonstration garden a bit before finally heading home.

It was a wonderful way to spend the morning, and well worth the 5:30 wake up call!

Travel with Kids - Boyce Thompson Arboretum

One of our goals in 2010 is to explore more of Arizona.  Last month was a fantastic trip to northern Arizona, but this month we stayed closer to home.

My sister and I both follow Boyce Thompson Arboretum on Facebook (even though I hadn't made time to visit since 1999!) When she sent me an invite to their World Desert Fair this weekend, I decided we'd go to meet our once/month exploration goal!  (with just a day to spare to fit it in February!)

We headed out mid-morning for the 45 minute drive.  I packed trail mix and drinks for all.  I wasn't sure how long we'd be there, but I realize now I should have packed full lunches.  We looked at the cost of admittance ($7.50 / adult and $5.00 / children) and decided an annual membership ($60 / family) would be a good investment.

I was reassured that it was a great idea to purchase a membership when Nate read a sign near the beginning of the trail that listed ways to learn more -- and encouraged touching!  Nate is my kinesthetic learner, so being given free rein to touch pleased him to no end!

Ever since the boys have been little, we've taught them "how" to touch vs. forbidding them to touch.  Of course, there are things that are off-limits to touching (art at museums, for example), but instead of admonishing them not to touch a cactus, I've shown them how to carefully touch a cactus to avoid being pricked.  I saw those lessons being applied all day as he freely touched the rocks, plants, and objects that were found.  Both boys touched things gently, carefully, and with great interest. They loved noting the ways different rocks felt, or the different thickness of leaves.

For the World Desert Fair, booths were set up around the trail where you could learn about foods from different desert regions.  That was definitely Lydia's favorite part, and I'm sure she will be sorely disappointed next time when there aren't any more food booths!  The overall favorite of hers was the waffles made with mesquite flour and the Blue Agave syrup that are native to our Sonoran Desert.  Nate tried something from every table -- and I think the olives from the Mediterranean were the biggest hit for him.  Colin was a bit more hesitant to try new things, but he thoroughly enjoyed the hot Rooibos tea from Africa.  NONE of us liked the Australian fave -- Vegemite -- but almost all of us gave it a try.

We were there much longer than I anticipated, but everyone had a wonderful time. I know we will go back soon, as the boys were disappointed we didn't make it to the hummingbird and butterfly gardens.  It was a great way to spend a Saturday, and I think we may even head there again on Friday already!