Heritage Village 3

Next they made corn husk dolls and rode in a trolley pulled by a tractor out to a corn field to pick and shuck corn. Throwing the ears up and into a wagon added to the fun.

We have taken them to this event for several years in Octobers past, older granddaughter even before younger one was old enough to go. They know we grandparents farmed and their mother grew up on our farm, but their experiences today make a unique connection to the past.

Heritage Village 2

Here they practiced stilts, rolled hoops, washed clothes, and pumped water.

Heritage Village

Friday we drove to the Dakota County Fairgrounds for Harvest Day at their Heritage Village. Taking a step back in time, the girls did every activity, but I missed a few photo ops.  In this group they made pinwheels, went to jail, heard about old telephones and party lines, and made rope.

Wild Turkeys

These fellows wandered over from the Mississippi River into the front yard. Dangerous move so close to Thanksgiving!

MOA

Today was devoted to the Mall of America. First stop was the American Girl Doll Store for annual Christmas and birthday shopping. Girls understand the budget concept and practice their math skills each year. They also know that once we leave the store the boxes remain closed, go into a hiding place, and emerge as gifts at the appropriate times.

Next part of our day consists of unlimited rides for three hours with breaks for ice cream and lunch, and yes dessert first. We are the grandparents, remember?

After five hours at MOA, home and an hour of rest time suits all of us. Pawpaw and I will worry about where to hide all those big red boxes later.

Daughter's Career

Yesterday A. was in N.'s third grade class giving a 30-minute presentation about her law career. We parents rushed over to catch the last half. Students had great questions, and second photo shows N. at the far right with her hand raised. For the closing activity, A. gave them a case for small groups to deliberate and determine a verdict. They were so serious and careful as they asked more questions and arrived at decisions. Quite a busy day for our family at school!

If you're wondering about the blue stability balls, students earn them with good behavior. This teacher applied for a grant and was awarded the balls for her classroom.

Mystery Reader

Guess who was the mystery reader yesterday? Ceecee! Katie is sitting in the middle wearing a blue shirt and was as surprised as the rest of her class. She introduced us and was excited that I had chosen Clever Beatrice, one of her favorite books.