In a break from the norm, the girls have had quite a few adventures without me recently! They went on two field trips with a group from our church with a weekend at Grandma and Granddad's place in between. Since I wasn't a participant, I don't have all the details and funny anecdotes, but I did receive a few cute photos.

First, they headed to the local zoo with about 20 kids, our children's minister, and a handful of volunteers. The girls had a blast riding the train, seeing all the animals, enjoying a picnic lunch, and just getting to hang out with their friends. I have been informed by the girls that it's totally worth us getting a membership and going back when they can actually learn more about the animals. (Meanwhile, I did some serious homeschool planning, read a bit of a novel--in a quiet house!--and did some personal shopping.)

Next was their weekend at Grandma and Granddad's! We staged the drop off at a Cracker Barrel halfway between us and enjoyed a lovely lunch (Thanks, Aunt E!). On Saturday they spent several hours walking the creek and woods with Granddad--definitely their favorite Grandma & Granddad's house activity. They also helped Granddad buy new Nerf guns and a play kitchen for the basement (a huge semi-finished space with plenty of stuff for grandkids). On Sunday they went to church, and on Monday morning I got them back again. (Meanwhile, Daddy and I got a weekend away with other grown ups to go rafting and enjoy kid-free dining.)

Their second field trip was to the local aquarium. They were especially excited because their good friend A was coming this time, and the loved getting to spend the whole day hanging out! Apparently, the touch tank was the highlight of the actual aquarium stuff; though they admitted that this aquarium was not nearly as cool as the others we've been to in recent history.