Archive | Homeschooling

Denver Mint Field Trip

Filed under Homeschooling, Kid Fun by Mrs. O on February 1, 2012 at 8:51 pm {no comments}

Today we went to Downtown Denver and took a tour of the Denver Mint. We went for two reasons, homeschool and Cub Scouts. We are learning about money in Homeschool and my oldest is in Cub Scouts, their assignment is to start and display a coin collection. He decided to collect State Quarters. So, I thought we should take a trip to the Unite States Mint. I went online to get the scoop and it turns out you can make a reservation online. Convenient, easy and guarantees you a spot on the tour.

We lined up and waited, an armed guard came out to tell us the “rules”. No cameras :O( for obvious reasons. We went through the metal detectors into a 2 story room with diaramas and other displays, placards on the walls gave us the history of the Mint and of money. The Tour Guide was so friendly, he took the time to take my kids to a display and talk about it before the tour started. We came face to face with a giant tube filled with 147,000+ shiny pennies, the boys were in awe.

We moved on and watched a video, then on to a room that overlooks the machines. We saw samples of the sheets that the “blanks” are cut out of. We learned how coins are made blank, then heated up until they soften, a die stamps both sides, to finish them off they put a rim around the coin. The rim helps keep the impression on the coin, extending its street life. This Mint can produce up to 50 million coins per day!

We also got to see 100k in gold dollars, so pretty!

To end the tour, they take you thru the original building that housed the mint since 1906. Miners used to bring gold down from the Rockies and trade it for money. We got to see a replica of the Assay Office, very neat & cool!

This part of the building has original light fixtures and gorgeous marble walls. We ended up going down stairs that were one side of a gorgeous, double staircase. wood banisters, iron fixtures, we could see up a few stories to an atrium. We got to see the 350 pound Tiffany Chandeliers, exquisite wood molding, it was truly breathtaking. I was blown away. I wish I could have taken pictures.

The kids really liked seeing all the coins, my oldest was so attentive when it came time to listen to the tour guide. He was very much into it.

Since I knew we would be downtown I researched some fun places to eat. I came up with The Shoppe. That post coming up next… this place deserves a post all its own!

A Field Trip to the Denver Zoo

Filed under Blogging, Homeschooling, Kid Fun, Thankful For by Mrs. O on January 25, 2012 at 6:41 pm {no comments}

A Field Trip to the Denver Zoo

Thanks to Groupon we were able to spend 5 wonderful hours at the Zoo. We went in late November. It was chilly that morning but I checked the weather and it promised to be warm. It ended up being about 57 degrees, for a Coloradan(oan?) that is practically Summer, lol.

When we arrived we were all bundled up and the skies were gray, it was 9:45. By the time we left, we were hot, without coats and the skies were blue. I love Autumn in Colorado, bright blue skies, brisk fresh air.

There were not many people there, so we took our time, enjoyed every sight to see. We rambled along and learned a lot, talked about everything. We sat and had a leisurely lunch next to the Seals, they are so cute and fun to watch. We were happy to have Cousin Adam along with us. The entire field trip was fantastic.

How far can you jump?

Cute little Snow Fox

A Unique Creature – The Okapis – a cousin of the giraffe (look at his head). He had a super-velvety coat.

The Majestic Lion

Samuel with a lizard, I love his reflection on the glass!

Playing iSpy fish

Climbing the Hippo Statue

I love these animal flags! This picture was taken on the way out, check out the blue sky and compare to the first picture, that is why I love Colorado!

After such a fun-filled gorgeous day, we didn’t want it to end so we topped it off with some choclate milks at a downtown Starbucks.

Brothers enjoying a beverage.

Checking out the sights

In the words of my oldest “This was one of the best days ever!”

Vanilla Snow Shakes

Filed under Blogging, Homeschooling, Inspiration, Kid Fun, Recipes by Mrs. O on October 28, 2011 at 2:21 pm {4 comments}

This past Wednesday we had our first snowfall, this called for celebration! My boys love the snow and they were so excited to be getting a storm. They woke early Wednesday to peak outside…

I have never seen them get dressed and ready so fast, they bundled up and headed out.

Talk of the coming storm was mentioned on many Facebook pages’. My friend Tom had a comment on his wall talking about Vanilla Creams made with snow. My boys love eating snow (against everything my husband stands for, lol) and I knew they would love to use it in a recipe. We strayed a little from the recipe and ended up with delicious Vanilla Snow Shakes.

After coming in and putting warm jammies, we made these delicious concoctions.

Pour Milk into Snow, add Vanilla and Sugar

Whisk together until creamy and smooth, pour into cups

Enjoy!

Adventures in My Father’s World Week 2 -Jesus Suncatcher

Filed under Blogging, Homeschooling, Kid Fun by Mrs. O on October 5, 2011 at 8:30 pm {no comments}

We are loving Adventures in My Fathers World. The Bible portion starts with Jesus, His birth, on to when he starts preaching. We are also learning the different names of Jesus. During week 2 we got to make a Jesus suncatcher. The was fun and easy. This final result is pretty!

You need Wax Paper, crayon shavings, glue, scissors, construction paper, an iron and newsprint.

Cut out 2” letters from construction paper

Arrange the letters on wax paper and sprinkle on the crayon shavings, be conservative.

Place another sheet of wax paper on top, cover with newsprint and iron on low. Be sure to have paper under the wax as well.

We added construction paper border to match our letters.

hanging in the window

We will definitely use this technique to create other projects in the future. I am thinking maybe a Mayflower silhouette with blue and white crayons shavings, with yellow for a sun.