A Tall Order Encounter

We are still using the Expedition Earth curriculum although at a much slower pace than before we left on our trip to South Africa.

We are studying South Africa at the moment. As part of our studies I asked Paul if we could please come to the zoo and meet the rhino (Open Vehicle Adventure) and giraffe (Tall Order Giraffe Encounter). On Saturday Lance graciously took us on an open Ute safari to meet his charges up close and personal.  I will let the photo's do the talking on this one.

Paul, Sir N Chareen and the six male giraffe at WORZ

Rhino skin feels very ruff like sand paper.

Words fail to express the amazing experience we had together as a family.

Blessings
Chareen

It was a Firetastic Day

Yesterday we had the most amazing day!  It was full to over flowing with experiences !

The day started with a friends Fireman themed birthday party.  It was so much fun seeing all the little people enjoying the wonderful food and fellowship.

After a good play together we all headed to the local CFA firestation to meet the people who work there.

As we arrived at the station this truck returned from being out.

They graciously opened all the side compartments for us to have a look at and took out a breathing kit for the children to touch.

Then it was time to hold a hoze and play with some water !  Every little fireman's dream.

Sir N had such a delightful time and so did I watching him learn through experience.  I have spent the day looking through Pinterest to find some ideas to help me do a follow up week on fire safety.  In January we made finger firefighters which was super easy and fun.


Have you visited your local fire station (department) and what have you used to teach fire safety in your home ?

In Sir N's words:  "Mom, it was a Firestastic Day!"

Blessings
Chareen

National Library of Victoria

Sir George & the Dragon.

On Thursday I had the pleasure of going to the

 State Library of Victoria 

with the T Family.  I am so pleased that I did.  

The library has some wonderful things on offer

• Outside-in cinema
• Guided Tours
• Browse Newspapers, journals etc
• Listen to music & watch films
• Visit a gallery.
• Play Games
• School Holiday Programs

We started on level six the Dome Balcony and worked our way down.  The architecture was simply beautiful.

Click on any of the pictures to view them in full screen.

Beautiful stain glass window of William Shakespeare.

We visited the Dome Gallery and had a look around the two permanent exhibitions.

The Changing Face of Victoria (Level 5)
The changing face of Victoria exhibition brings together historical artifact's, photographs, drawings, maps, letters and diaries to tell the stories of the people, places and events that have shaped life in Victoria over the past 200 years. (Source State Library Website)

Sir N standing with Ned Kelly's armour.

Mirror of the World (Level 4)

The exhibition is divided into five major themes
(Source: State Library website)

1.  'Books and ideas', which outlines the early history of books and printing
2. 'The book and the imagination', which looks at the way books and texts are imaginatively created, while at the same time acting imaginatively upon us
3.  'Exploring the world', which investigates how books have been used to explore and document the world including, its landscape, topography, inhabitants, flora and fauna
4. 'Art and nature', which looks at how botanical illustrations unite the scientific and artistic worlds
5. 'The artist and the book', which highlights the art of the book and the role of the artist in its production

Exploring the World & Art and nature

It was rather amazing in this section seeing the detailed drawings and sheer size of some of the books on display. I have never seen such large books before.

The Artist and the book section.

This is the fifth theme. It highlights the art of the book and the role of the artist in it's production. These books had actual gold leaf on the covers and pages.  They were in one word: extraordinary.

There was so much more to see and do but alas when one is seven only a couple of hours of exploring will do.  So I think another trip here is in order.  (I am considering this one: Making the Ned Kelly Armour Workshop)

So from here we went and sat at the entrance and had a rest before we took the tram back to our car.

We had a wonderful day together exploring this free resource to the people of Victoria.

My favourite quote of the day was by Aristotle
The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.

Have you visited any old building lately ?
Blessings
Chareen