Field Trip to Mike's Farm

Today I went with Landon and his classmates to their first field trip at Mike's Farm in Beaulaville.  Boy did the kids have fun!  I have heard so many cool things about Mike's Farm and it was nice to experience firsthand exactly what I have heard.  For those of you that have never visited I'll give you a short version of our day.  First the kids stopped by the old lady's house where she teaches the kids how clothes were washed and hung to dry and how floors were swept and mopped back when they didn't have all the technology that we do today.  Next they went on a haunted hayride where they were able to pick their own pumpkin to take home and ride by the Christmas trees that are growing just in time for the Holiday season.  When they got back we headed over to the barn where a man shared with the kids how apple cider was made and the kids were able to taste some fresh apple cider.  Still going..........next we headed to Cowboy Earl's stage where we sang and had fun.  The kids were able to get on stage and do a little dancing!  Landon's entire class ran on up on stage.  They were so cute.  Of course cowboy Earl wanted some adults next to demonstrate how you play your face.  Somehow I ended up on the stage with Mrs. Rowlett and Mrs. Biggs!!  (check out earljonesmusicschool.com, scroll down to the youtube videos at the bottom and you will see a demonstration of how you play your face!!!)  After singing and taking pictures with Cowboy Earl we checked out the animals on the way back to the picnic tables for lunch.  By this time I think the kids were pooped and ready for lunch and a swallow to drink.  We all had a great time and I would recommend you take a visit!!

 Here are the 3 Landon's with their pumpkin picks.  They were the last off of the hay ride and the first to pick their pumpkins!

 Marky finally picked her pumpkin and is proudly holding it high!

 Landon listening to the man explain how apple cider is made

  Marky and friends doing the chicken dance on stage

Landon Smith and Landon D. hanging out on the rocking chairs after a long day

"The Duck Zoo"

This summer Steve, Landon, and myself decided to take a road trip to Scotland Neck to visit Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park, better known as "The Duck Zoo".  I had never visited it before so I thought I would tag along with the two peas in a pod Landon and Steve. I will have to say that I was really impressed!  The park has over 1500 different ducks, geese, swans, and other exotic birds from around the world.  As you walk through you can learn interesting facts about each bird and where they live.  Many rare and local ducks are also bred at this park.  When we first walked in they had a display of different size bird eggs.  We had a chance to see the tail end of a baby duckling being born which was really cool! We walked through the entire park and I don't think that we missed a single bird.  Here are a few pictures of Landon and Steve and some rare birds. 

 Landon and Steve sitting on the turtle statue when we first walked in

 Duck enjoying a morning swim

 OK I didn't get the names of all of these birds.  I just like his stripes & color!

 There is a little story behind this turkey.  The turkey on the outside of the cage is actually a wild turkey that is love with one of the turkeys in side the cage.  That turkey just circled that cage like a mad man! Steve and Landon tried to get beside him but he was a little too fast!

 A Flamingo burying his head

 This one was very interesting!!

Landon and Steve being silly on the HUGE tree house that over looks some wet lands.  

From Kiddie to Kindergarten

Where time has gone I have no Idea?  I can't believe that Landon has started kindergarten this year.  I feel like overnight he has become a little man!!  If you remember at the beginning of the year I wrote a post about wanting Landon to attend a christian based school.  I researched several schools and decided on Open Door in Winterville.  Boy am I glad that we decided to go there because Landon absolutely loves every minute of it!!  He loves his teachers and new friends. Believe it or not there are 3 Landon's out of a class of 12 and the other two Landon's are his best friends!!  He also loves learning!  Each week he learns a new bible verse.  It has been great practice for myself as well to learn these simple verses that I can use in my everyday walk with the Lord!  He has 5 new site words each week and every Friday he brings home a folder full of things that he has learned over the past week.  I love going through that folder in amazement at his progress each week.  Just this past week they have started homework and boy does homework teach you patients!!  We made it through week one OK so hopefully we can stay on track for the remainder of the year.  Landon has a lot to learn so hopefully I will be sharing those things as we go!!    

This is Landon and Mrs. Rowlett on his first day.  Mrs. Rowlett made Landon feel comfortable and he walked right on in without being shy!

Landon's colors are Purple, Red, White, and Navy.  They have to wear a collar shirt with either khaki or navy pants.  Friday is free day and they get to wear whatever they would like!!

Lexi comes to Open Door for their after school program.  I am so excited that Landon and Lexi get to spend some time together.  They have a blast with each other. 

Landon playing with Justin on his first day.