Stars and Sand

On Friday, we took a field trip to the Windy City.

But, on this particular morning, there was no wind at all.

Our main purpose was to visit this planetarium....

...because Rocky and Moe are studying Astronomy this fall.

We had fun looking at the exhibits....

and listening to some interactive talks.

This is an actual meteorite....the kids were testing to see if it would react to a magnet in their hands.

There was lots to do and see and learn, but....

the museum is built right up to Lake Michigan and there are many windows, so I was continually reminded of the beautiful day outside....

and I don't know if it was the water.....

or knowing that our baby was pretty much at her limit......

or if it was the blueness of the clear sky calling out to me.....

but.....

as wonderful as the museum was, it was starting to feel a little stuffy....

So, outside we went.

To see amazing views of the lake and the city......

and to soak up some late October sun.

The small beach was a perfect playground....

and we loved watching the waves come up.....

and wash away the sand.....like a giant eraser.

We found some shells....

and enjoyed the coldness of the water.....

especially when that coldness....

was felt......

for the very 1st time!!!

Nacho went from being cautious and tentative.....

to an all-out.....

love affair with the sand.

It was a simple field trip.

There was the planned learning that took place inside the museum....

learning more about the planets, stars and the huge universe....

and the unplanned part....

finding joy in seeing and feeling the smallness of the grains of sand.

"Love all God's creation, the whole of it and every grain of sand in it. Love every leaf, every ray of God's lights. Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery in things."-----James Harold Doolittle

It was a fun and memorable day.

We can't wait to go back and explore other museums and the city again!

Have a great Monday!

Sara