Star ECO Station

Last week we had a field trip to Star ECO Station in Roseville.  It is a very fun place to learn a bit about the environment and see different  types of birds and reptiles.  They are also a rescue for animals that people have surrendered that are exotic or illegal.  Our guides were very knowledgeable on all the animals that live there and showed us around. 

We started our tour in the front room getting to see and touch a few of the animals that live there. 

 Next we moved back to the first room where the reptiles live.

They had two big pythons, this one hadn't eaten yet and was very active.

 

 Then we went to the first of bird rooms, the "quieter" of the two.

 A lot of these birds would talk as well as move around to different commands.

 The second room was full of bigger, louder birds. 

Beautiful Macaws

 Next was the small aquarium room.

 A stuffed puffer fish they had to show.

 We ended back in front room and watched as they fed some of the box turtles worms.  

The boys really liked this part.

They do a lot of special events throughout the year, I would encourage everyone to check it out!

Projects, Basketball, MLK, & Trains

Catch up post, and, GO!

Last weekend we were busy working on projects around the house.

The boys finally have a stable closet unit!  

We needed to take this pile,

 this pile,

 and this mess

and make it all fit here. 

 IKEA shelves to the rescue!

 Outside, Keith got a new work bench and some high shelves.

They also worked on our garden shed and built in some shelves to help clear out the garage a bit.  

Basketball practice started this last week.

 Cody's 1st game went pretty well for the kids not really having been told what the game is all about.
(More to come later on that)

Wednesday we met with our homeschooling group to learn about Martin Luther King Jr and civil rights.  The kids heard a couple of stories and watched video clips. 

 Then they were split into groups to make posters about some of the words and things that were discussed. 

 The groups then presented them.

Everyone did a great job!

Thursday we went on a field trip to the train museum.

 Here come the train!

 I forgot how long the ride was to get from Folsom to Downtown, but the boys had a good time riding the light rail. 

One of the cool exhibits they have right now displays a lot of the fruit box art.

They would make awesome pictures for your walls.

 We finished with a trip to the train toys.




When we were at Rich and Judy's this weekend the boys decided that their train board needed some scenery.  So Grandpa gave them supplies and they went to town. 

 After dinner they showed off their handy work. 

So another busy week on the books!

Ice Skating

Today we went to the Rancho Cordova outdoor Holiday rink with our homeschooling friends.  The boys did great getting out on the ice, thinking the trip we made to the indoor rink a month ago made for a huge advantage.

Ty spent a bit of time in the beginning with a bucket for balance.   

  With a bit of time to become comfortable in new skates, they were both off and skating alone.

Here's a video of them skating...


Ty ended early and became completely enthralled in a game of Angry Birds.

This rink is open through Jan 16th and we would recommend it!  

It's off Zinfandel, look for the Farris Wheel.