Shangri La

Earlier this week we joined our homeschool coop at the Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange, Texas.

We heard it would be beautiful but had no idea what we were in for.  The expectations were blown out of the ball park.

Here is our little group prior to entering the kid's garden area.

The kid's area was so neat.  The raised beds each had a different theme.  Our favorite one was Mr. McGreggor's Garden.  Our kids love The tales of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter so this one really tickled their fancy. 

Here are some of the other beds.

Pizza Garden

Dr. Seuss Garden

Rainbow Garden

Beans, beans the musical fruit

Everything inside the kid's garden area was hands on.  They could even pick any ripe fruits and vegetables and eat them. 

 There was a bee exhibit and bee goggles the kids could put on to experience the world like bees do.

 

There was a cool artistic display of blue glass bottles  on trees.  

 

Another favorite area within the children's garden was the 5 senses beds where there were areas designated for each sense. 

What do you smell?

Here's Jenna smelling :)

Purple Martin Bird Apartments - I wanted one for my house!

The kiddos had their explorer hats on.  They were busy looking, touching, smelling, and chasing rolly pollies.

MJ forgot his shoes ;) but that didn't keep him from looking around.

Did I mention rolly pollies?  Yes, they were a big hit.  Here are some of the Erwin kiddos digging for them.

The walk to the bird sanctuary was glorious.

The moss in this tree is called Resurrection moss because it can appear dead and all dried up just to come back to a bright green immediately upon being rained on.  Pauline (one of the Moms) pointed out how God has given us through Creation some beautiful reminders of His love for us shown through Jesus' death and resurrection.

Looking for alligators... I loved how the children share amongst each other what they have learned in their respective homeschools.  One of the boys explained to me the difference between alligators and crocodiles.

Can you tell the roof on this rest area is supported by tree trunks still rooted?  The picture doesn't do it justice.  It was neat!

Baby turtles were the highlight of this area of the garden.

I could take a million pictures of my children experiencing nature and not get tired of it!

These are some of the views on our mile walk long to the bird sanctuary.

We finally arrived at the sanctuary and entered a wooden structure with shutters from which we could look out without disturbing the animals.

AND here is what we saw from within those shutters.... dozens of nests with the most unique birds sitting on them. 

This bird stood at one point to reveal some cool looking blue eggs.

These are some of the species nesting in this area...

I know I am probably biased but I love our homeschooled kids love of learning.  Most of these kids can not stop talking about all they are learning and asking questions.  It's not about cramming some facts to pass a test or getting a grade ('cause most of them don't get graded).

Being around them totally sparks in me a desire to learn and experience all I can, especially when it comes to God's beautiful Creation.

The big kids went on a boat tour of the area while some of us stayed behind with the little ones.  We had fun writing their names on the gravel, counting snacks, touching tree trunks and just taking it all in.

I am so thankful for all the opportunities our kids have to learn outside of four walls.  Makes me wish this is how I would have been taught growing up!