Heading South....Adventure Awaits!

Last week, after a week plus of flu, nasty weather and down right cabin fever, the kids and I packed up and headed south. We had no plans. I personally have always wanted to go to Sea World, but I wasn't 100% sure it would work out.

As we got close to Waco, I thought it would be fun to stop at the Dr. Pepper Museum and Soda Shop. 

As we got closer to Austin, I told the kids we were going to do a "drive by" of the State Capital. During this moment, I was reminded why I absolutely LOVE teaching my kids at home. Prior to leaving for our trip, we had missed about 2 weeks of our "scheduled" {things on my lesson plans} school activities. The flu had wiped out the students as well as the teacher. 

 As we got closer to Austin, I reminded the kids about the 3 branches of government and how they were different on a State Level vs. a National Level. I also highlighted the fact that Texas now has a governor who governs from a wheel chair and then that led into a conversation about President Roosevelt.  As we were pulling closer to the Capital for our "drive by" I heard the "Mom, I really need to go to the bathroom." So, ok, lets go inside! I had NO IDEA what a treat we almost missed out on! I quickly scanned the beautiful hills on the grounds of the Texas State Capital and saw a sign directing us to the Visitor's Center.

After getting in the Visitors Center and finding the bathroom, we saw a bunch of school kids on a field trip going up some stairs. The teacher in me could not contain myself, where are they going? What is up those stairs???  SO...we followed! We found a guide passing out a scavenger hunt. I had no idea this would turn into a bonified learning experience that was for sure to make up for at least 5 of our sick days! Right? {In Texas, we don't have to account for sick days, but this was like teacher candy to me!} I was clueless there were activities for the ages of my children at the State Capitol.  It reminded me though, how I love being their teacher and being able to take advantage of learning opportunities at a moments notice. It has made me so appreciate for their excitement to learn wherever we are!

We quickly grabbed a scavenger hunt that led us to the following pictures.

This was a super Serendipity of a Day! I wonder where our next stop will be?