Jarod and I Step Back in Time

Last week was very busy.  Both kids are feeling better and we hit the ground running. First of all, Sasha came to visit.  She had a training for work here in Jacksonville so she came and stayed with us.  It was so nice to spend time with her.  She was gone during the day but we spent time together in the evenings and had an adult girl day on Thursday.  Shopping!!!!  I was able get some new spring clothes for Jarod and Anne and also work on their Easter Baskets. 

Anne took this picture of Sasha and Chloe.

Marc, Sam and Chloe came for dinner one night - I just loved this photo.  

Last Wednesday, while Sasha was at her training, I helped chaperon Jarod's Field Trip to Silver River in Ocala.  It was really fun - minus the bus ride.  LOL!  Jarod has been studying some Florida history this year and it was really fun to step back in time a little.

Taking a boat ride down Silver River

Can you find the Gator?  Wonder if he's hungry enough to take out a turtle?

The highlight of the trip was this little guy.  I had heard that wild monkeys lived along the river but wasn't sure if it were true.  Sure enough! They were brought to Silver River back in the 1930's and placed on an island as a tourist attraction.  What they did not know was that the monkeys could swim.  Now they are thriving very well along the river.  We saw several playing in the trees but this little guy was just sitting and watching us.  Great photo opp.

 Just hanging out in the sun

One room school house.

 The students got to go inside a replica of a One Room School House.  Jarod is in the upper left corner.  This was especially fun because we have been watching Little House on the Prairie and Jarod got to experience everything first hand.  I don't know who enjoyed it more - him or me!

Cracker house.  This little farm was a replica of Florida settlements in the late 1800's.  We were able to go inside and learn how they lived.

 Going inside

Living area

Bedroom

Kitchen - detached from the rest of the house in case of fire.

Jarod helping grind corn.  The students got to learn about all the chores they would have had if they lived during this time.

Helping pump water from the well

Where they made Sugar Cane Syrup

Checking out the chickens out back.

This was such a fun educational trip.  I was so glad that I was able to go along.  I love learning how things used to be done and always walk away being thankful that I live in the 21st Century but also sad somehow.  Things were difficult back then and people worked hard to just survive.  But, there were no distractions like TV, cell phones or video games.  Families were large and everyone worked together.  They made everything they needed and lived very simply.  Things have changed a lot in the last 150 years but I think there are many things we can still learn from this time period.