He didn't get into trouble...

After I took this shot, I gave the camera to DS9. It kept him entertained and it really helped him look around noticing how beautiful our capitol building is. I asked him to remember 3 things to tell Dad tonight. Here's his list:

1. The golden lady on top is not solid gold, only the outside layer.

2. Her name is not "Forward" like everyone thinks. Its "Wisconsin." Forward is the state motto.

3. There's a ghost in the painting in the assembly room. (The artist was asked to paint a badger into the scene and he removed a civil war soldier to balance the painting. After the painting was cleaned, outlines of the image of the missing soldier reappeared.)

This was my first official tour as well. We sat in the Governor's conference room, the committee room, the assembly, the senate and the supreme court. I didn't realize how much artwork there was and how much stone! There are fossils all over the place. Its very cool.

He's going to cause trouble.

I told DS9 we are heading to our state capitol for a tour today. He groaned and said, "Mom, you know I'll be bored. I'll get loud and then get in trouble."

Trying not to laugh, I told him now that he is 9, I'm sure he'll figure out how not to cause trouble just because he's bored. I love his honesty.

I really want to get out of the house, even if it means the risk of DS9 testing to see if his voice echoes at the dome.

What I'm not looking forward to is driving to and from work tonight in the storm. Another arctic blast is headed our way. We are going from 40 degrees to -5 tonight, freezing rain to snow, 60 mph winds. I'm sure I won't be bored, but I may get loud and then cause trouble! :)

Capitol Building Field Trip

Start:	Jan 29, '08 10:00a
Location:	Downtown

touring the capitol building with our homeschool group
(Bonnie is the coordinator)

International Crane Foundation

From 22 to 500

Yesterday we had the pleasure of visiting the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, WI. It was a gorgeous day and we saw gorgeous birds! We learned there are only 15 species of crane left in the world and on our North American continent, only 2 species remain, Sandhill and Whoopping.

The ICF is trying to save these amazing birds and their efforts have helped the Whoopers grow from 22 to 500. But still, that's only 500 left in the entire world!! Yikes!!! The Whoopers have a beautiful habitat at ICF. You can observe them in a natural setting. It was very peaceful and moving for me, to be looking at 2 left of 500. My photo doesn't do them justice.

Most of the other species of crane are displayed in a fenced off enclosure. (Someday they hope to build more habitats.)  As we approached each species, they would come right up to us! I was surprised to see Sandhill cranes were gray not brown. I learned in the wild, Sandhills paint themselves with mud! Before they began building more homes next to us, we'd often see Sandhill cranes grazing on the left over grain. Since the homes went up, we've haven't seen the cranes anymore.

After our field trip, we enjoyed a picnic lunch and hiking at Mirror Lake State Park with our fellow homeschooling friends.

On our way home DS8 asked, "Mom, when are we going to see the cranes?"

"WHAT!!?? We just saw the cranes at the crane center!"

"No, when are we going to see the big, tall cranes that build buildings?"

DS8 actually had a great time at ICF for the most part. He kept our tour guide busy asking her all kinds of questions. At one point I was actually embarrassed, and I had to stop myself from stopping him. I'm still de-schooling myself. I was brought up to stay quiet and listen only. DS8 still has that desire to question everything. Thankfully our tour guide, Rita, was patient!

http://www.savingcranes.org/