All of the third and fourth graders in our school had a historical scavenger hunt this morning. They went to 20 different stations around town where someone dressed up and told them a story or the historical significance of the area they were standing in. Our group was a bit wild - most groups had about 6 kids and 2 adults, my group had me and 13 kids. I guess that's what happens when you have five kids, teachers know you can handle a big group! We started at a park next to the river, and ended at the kid's school, which is about two miles away, and may I also add across several busy intersections. A little scary with a big group of kids crossing roads!
It was really funny when the kids finally realized that the bus wasn't coming back for them - I just assumed they knew what the agenda was. They all did great, even though they thought it was way too far to walk. I didn't have any time to take pictures during the activity because I was too busy counting heads :) but I took a few pictures on my way home. There are some really cool things the kids learn about our local history. This is my fourth, and last time helping with the scavenger hunt. I find that I am having many firsts and lasts recently, with one kid going into high school, and our last halfway through elementary school. It's fun, but a little sad too!
original iron smelter - this has been around for 150 years
Willamette river - a woman dressed as a pioneer teacher told a story about how the kids in Lake Oswego used to go down to the river and row across to the other side for school each day. They also took turns housing their school teacher for a week at a time. Our kids were glad that they don't need to let their teacher take turns living with them!
This is the "peg tree." It is an enormous tree that the early settlers would put pegs into to hold their lanterns. You can see the bored holes going down the trunk that the pegs fit into. The kids would gather under the peg tree for Sunday School because it was such a big tree it would protect them from the rain.
This is a house of one of the city councilors who played a large role in our city's development. There were originally two iron smelters in town, and one was torn down, but George Rogers fought to keep the other one as a historical site. He built his house from the stones of the smelter that was removed.
There was another story of a person who had a pet bear and would come into town with it. He would tie it to a tree while he was at work, but it was too scary for some of the kids in town, so he set the bear free in the woods.
It was a fun way to spend the day, and great for the kids to learn some of the history of our city.
Rachel was so excited at how many friends and family came to see her play. Thank you Janessa and girls, Grandma Debbie, Grandma and Grandpa Jamison, and the Ulrichs for coming to support Rachel. Thank you also for the flowers and stuffed animals--she was super excited!
Liz and Rebekah taking care of garland
Josh decorating
Here's the finished product! I think it ended up being really cute!
Merry Christmas!
