Hatfield Marine Science Center and beach exploration

Today we went on a field trip to the Hatfield Marine Science Center.  We learned about the Siuslaw river estuary.  We dug for clams, shrimp, and crabs.  Then we explore inside the science center.  We saw a tiny octopus, watched how waves can change landscapes, touched and observed sea stars and other anemones.  

Then we found a fun diner on the side of the road and ate yummy clam chowder, shrimp fries  and fried fish.  It was heavenly.  

Then we explored Seal Rock Beach.  I can't wait to go back and explore more.  it was the perfect tidepools and sandy beach.  

Our next stop was Cape Perpetua.  We hiked our favorite mini hikes to the giant spruce tree and to the old lookout.    

After hiking we minadered back home, stopping my mcdonalds for ice cream and all.

It was a special day indeed.  

I love impromptu trips like today.  they are what make up my children's childhood.  and these are the memories I wish to keep.

Life is good.    

digging for creatures

male and female shrimp the orange thing is eggs on the female

Edgar's first touch tank

Gwenevere sketching 

watching the tiny octopus move

exploring Seal Rock beach 

Edible plants, my kids favorite part about hiking.

chewing on some lemon clovers

When I grow up i want to be a giant spruce

cape perpetua lookout

run wild run free
this world is a beautiful place to be

Musical Gwenevere

Today Gwenevere realized that Twinkle Twinkle Little Star had the same tune as the ABC song.  after playing the song several times on the piano and then on the violin she asked  "I wonder what song is older Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or the ABCs?"  I thought this was a great question so we decided to Google it. 

Thanks to Dictionary.com we learned that Mozart composed the tune to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in the 1870s but for a french nursery rhyme.  In 1835 Charles Bradlee copyrighted the ABCs. 

After learning this fact Gwenevere with excitement exclaimed  "OH cool, I can play Mozart!"

We're classy like that.  h

baby steps. 

I love this love of music phase she is in.  I can't wait to see where it takes her. 

Easter Weekend and the Tulip Festival

This year we had the opportunity to go to the tulip festive as a family.  the day was perfect.  We started the day early.  Everett was very concerned about the Easter bunny coming on Sunday. He didn't want to go to church the day the Easter bunny came.  Gwenevere with her big sister love helped Everett write the easter bunny and ask that he or she come the day before easter sunday.   

I woke up to Grace running into my bedroom to wake up Edgar and let him know she found his Easter basket.  best way to wake up.  

 we sat around the living room watching our kids dive into their new books soaking in everyminute in in rush to make breakfast or start the day.  but at last it was time.  

After breakfast we went outside and started planting our garden, then we loaded up the car and took off to the tulip festival.  

taking down the little tree so we can plant our plum 

 By the time we arrived in woodburn we where all hungry so we stopped at arctic Circle for burgers and fries/  YUMM

tractor ride to the field

Everett LOVED all the posing posters and asked for pictures at every one.  I LOVE this boy.

  

Even though the place was packed with weekend visitors we found our own little corner of the garden that we spent over an hour exploring and taking pictures. 

Gwenevere wanted a turn posing people and taking pictures.  hehehehehe

Since we never got a holding hand picture for our wedding day I think i'll keep this picture forever.  Thanks Gwenevere

I like her perspectives on life  "raise your hands to heaven"

Did I mention it was muddy?

We stayed to watch the sunset

and the 1910's tractor firework display.  

after a very good and muddy day ( dropped my camera into a very muddy puddle) we piled back into the car, stopped by dairy queen on the way out of town for ice cream and drove back home watching the moon travel with us. 

Happy Easter Sunday.  I love this quote.  He whom you seek is risen.  May I always be seeking my Savior, following in his footsteps and sharing his love with those around me.  

Since we spent Saturday at the tulip fields we didn't get around to decorating easter eggs until Sunday.  and then we didn't even hide the eggs until Monday.  hahahhahhaa

papa's concentration face

Edgar's new swing.  

Funny little story.  I hid 12 eggs but we could only find 11.  I have no idea where we lost the last egg.  a few weeks later we had a tree cutting service come and take the birch tree in our front yard out.  When they left I found our missing egg next to our little garden by the front door.  hahahahha  thanks tree guys for finding the egg before the local raccoons found it.  

Happy Easter Weekend