Columbia, SC Field Trips

The kids and I enjoyed a mini road trip/getaway to Columbia, SC (way back in September, but that's beside the point). We decided that since Dad was out of town on business we would go out of town on FUN. And it was! 

We had a great time exploring a new museum, the state capitol, and a zoo. Bonus points: the kids had a lot of fun swimming in the teeny-weeny hotel pool and I had a lot of fun sipping coffee and reading. 

Can someone shout a hallelujah?! Do you understand what has transpired?! I have reached the point in parenting where I don't have to play/oversee anything and everything pertaining to keeping my kids alive. They are little people capable of fun and adventure without me fully engaging.

We arrived at the South Carolina State Museum just after lunch and didn't leave until just before dinner. It's true: we are legitimate home school nerds who spent over four hours in a museum and enjoyed every minute of it.

After a full afternoon at the museum, we raced a few blocks over to the State Capitol and got in on the last guided tour of the day where we collected new insights on government organization, southern history, unique architecture, and famous artwork. 

(And, maybe someday Annalyse will reach the point of not asking me if every statue we see of a famous dead person is George Washington. Sigh.)

With aching feet, tired legs, and rumbling bellies, we stopped for smoothies and then checked into our hotel to relax and catch our breath.

A standard suite like we always stay in, but MY WORD, apparently elevator buttons and tiny soaps and city views were as exciting as ever. Sorry to whomever was staying in a room next to us, or even in our hall for that matter, but I promise I tried to sshhhh the squeals of delight.

Mellow Mushroom for dinner, an evening swim, and then everyone was out cold by 9:00 and didn't make a peep until 7:30 the next morning. (Can I get an amen?)

With excitement about feeding giraffes and coffee to keep me gong, we headed to the Riverbanks Zoo for a day of animal fun.

When we arrived I was concerned the zoo was closed because there weren't any cars or buses in the parking lot. Come to find out, it was just a slow day with no big groups visiting. I think I spotted five kids, not my own, that day. Otherwise, it was just a lot of elderly folks out for a stroll. Usually our visits to Riverbanks Zoo involve waiting in lines to see animals or needing to save a seat for a show a good half our before the scheduled time. It was eerily quiet and wonderfully exciting to have the animals to ourselves.

We watched the gorillas and otters for a long time because they were active and hysterical. Going to a zoo is such a reminder of God's creativity and humor!

Hands down the highlight of the day was feeding the giraffes. I payed a few dollars for a handful of leaves to give them, and you better believe we ripped up each and every leaf into little pieces to prolong the feeding experience.

Grady Lee is more committed than ever to working in a zoo when he's older - the boy is enthralled with caring for animals. 

Micah enjoys animals if they're moving and doing something, otherwise he's scoping out the nearest bench or curb to do some parkour moves on.

Annalyse wants to hold a monkey, wonders if "mommy animals discipline their babies," and thinks otters are "the cutest animal EVVEERRR."

Jaxton has reminded me multiple times that he doesn't want a puppy for Christmas anymore, but does want a baby giraffe. 

You guys, the best part of our little getaway? It all counted as school. No workbooks. No sitting. No grades. Only hands-on, interactive, move-around fun!