Trip to the Nature Center

My sister, Raegen and my dad came over Friday and we headed for the hills. Ok, not really the hills but the ridge. We went to Crowley's Ridge Nature Center in Jonesboro. It's managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and they have done a fantastic job. It was a little cold out so we couldn't enjoy the trails but we plan to go back.

The visit began with a short movie on the history of Crowley's Ridge. Except for a few "a million years ago" comments it was really very neat. The theater room was designed so that lights flashed during a thunder storm, mist sprayed during a fog and the ground shook with thunder and an earthquake. Madisyn wasn't too sure about the long shaking and even got a little scared when the movie was describing the earthquake in 1812 or 1813 that caused the Mississippi River to run backwards. Ben almost went to sleep. HA! That should tell you those two have very different personalities.They had a really neat arcade/laser shooting game. I know that Griffin hunted wild boars once. The rest of us stuck to deer. I believe there was also a varmit game, and possibly ducks or turkeys. Another family from the homeschool group also went. I was so impressed with the way their sons were willing to help Madisyn. They offered her pointers on the correct handling of the gun and never complained about her or Griffin being in the way.

The center had a place where the kids could try on hunting clothes. Madisyn never misses an opportunity to dress for the occasion.

We even had time for a puppet show!

Cousin Madisyn attempted to strap poor Raegen in his car seat. Luckily his Mommy came to the rescue.

You might be wondering why I didn't take any pictures of Ty. He is all boy and spending the day with Mommy was trumped by the chance to spend it with Daddy.