Explorers

We spent another weekend afternoon taking advantage of the cool August weather. The last two outings were to the Maquoketa Caves where the highlights were flashlights for exploring dark caves and lots of mud. Today at Wildcat Den State Park water and rocks were some of our favorites. Kyle spent a lot of time in the position pictured above. He had the idea to build his own dam and moved a lot of big rocks to do it. Evan looked for flat rocks, the kind perfect for skipping. After a lot of practice he finally got some throws with multiple skips. The girls helped in the search for the rocks the boys needed, but also enjoyed finding pieces of quartz or "diamonds" as they liked to call it.

The park also had a one room school house with two older women to help explain what school was like back then. They all had to find a desk that fit them correctly (feet had to stay flat on the floor while sitting firmly against the back of the chair). Each of them got a turn to pull the rope and ring the school bell on top of the building. Amelia could have spent the rest of the afternoon asking questions and talking about school back then. We also had the chance to take a look at one of the first mills in the state, which they still operate. You have got to love an afternoon of entertainment all for free.