Family Day at the Museums

Sunday afternoon was Free Family Museum Day at the Old State Penitentiary. Museums from all around the Treasure Valley were represented, handing out information and providing activities for kids of all ages. Gordon has especially been enamored with rocks and minerals as of late, so naturally, the Geology Museum was his favorite. That's where we started our tour. After perusing a wide array of rocks that glow in the dark when exposed to black light, the boys sported these mining helmets and marveled at all the historic memorabilia in the museum.

Cute.

Discussing the details of a replica camp for gold prospectors

So many sparkling & magnificent rocks and minerals!

Captivated.

Hands-on archaeology

After wrapping up an inspiring tour in the Geology Museum, we wandered through many of the historic buildings that make up the Old State Penitentiary. (For those who may not know, it is no longer housing criminals).
Gary demonstrated the strength of prison bars, and why it's important to make good choices - to avoid such a horrible fate. ☺ (Is it ever too early to use fear tactics when it comes to prison time?)

Enjoying Daddy's impromptu and animated (also humorous) teachings on avoiding prison life.

The boys also relished a rare treat - they each got an entire can of Sprite.

Peering into the ruins of a burned, crumbling old building. I love this picture.

Food is never too far from Grayson's mind, so it didn't surprise us when his first question involved what may have happened to the food in this building when it burned and collapsed.

Here Gordon studies a real live peregrine falcon and red-tailed hawk on display, courtesy of Idaho's Birds of Prey Museum.

Boise Art Museum was also represented - they were handing out information on summer art programs for kids, as well as clipboards, paper, and pencils for children to sketch the nearby birds of prey. Grayson gave it a try, but got distracted by the birds' squawking and requested that I finish his drawing for him.

Here's the red-tailed hawk,

...and the peregrine falcon.

And here are my guys - the LOVES of my life!!

What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon together...!
Needless to say, our outing was a well-received family field trip by all.