Farm friday | Elkus Ranch

  Hannah and I got back from a one-night overnight field trip with her class last night.  We went up to a ranch in Half Moon Bay called Elkus.  It is a working ranch with lots of animals and gardens.  The kids have been studying pioneers and we hiked 5 miles down into Half Moon Bay from the top of the hills pretending they were migrating west in search of land.  The class was split into 4 families that each were coming west to ask for land from the town of Elkus for their family.  Hannah was "Annie Baker" and her family was hoping to open up a bakery and get some land for cows, chickens, and a wheat field.

  Although the school they go to is high parent involvement and my focus is often long term pay off,  there are some great short term rewards as well.  The past two days we got to see a culmination of their studies in the most hands on and immersive way, things they will not learn and/or remember from the traditional classroom setting.  It's very unique and I am thankful for this opportunity!

  It was a HOT day for Half Moon Bay and way hot for a hike, but we did it.  A couple of tumbles, a couple of ticks found, and very little whining/complaining, I would say it was a success!

   That's Half Moon Bay down there!  We didn't hike all the way to the ocean, but we still had a long way to go!

   After the hike the kids took a tour of the ranch.  They had a quick snack and then were put to work, cleaning up the stalls from the sheep, goats, and horses.  The novelty sort of wore off by the second day, but they certainly got their jobs done!

Creepy llama who was mean buggin!  We were told to stay away and that he was not friendly.  Only later to find out they tried to give him a lady friend and he killed her!  YIKES!!

The horses and sheep had large hills to roam.  It was such a picturesque setting!

We sang songs around the campfire and watched the fog roll over the hill from the coast.  It got chilly at night, but it was very cool to see the fog roll in.

   Thursday morning views.

Everyone could not believe how much this girl ate.  And she often was first in line!!  My girl.

  I had a great time with her and her classmates.  We were both exhausted when we got home yesterday and she smelled like horse manure.  At least her shoes did!  She was so happy the entire time and I love watching her interact with her friends, teacher, and other adults.  She is one amazing girl!

  I was so thankful to be able to get to go.  Mike's parents are in town so they were watching Ava and taking care of drop off/pick up.  It was just a little taste of what they are in for next week.  :)  Mike is taking me to Hawaii on sunday!!!  Just us two!!!!  Time to rest up and pack.

Happy friday!