Epic Road Trip Day Five

On Monday, it was so nice not to have to get in the van and drive anywhere.  We spent the whole day on the Ingalls Homestead enjoying all the activities and the wide open spaces. This picture was taken from the viewing tower. We stayed in the little green wagon on the right next to the tree.

 We spent the day participating in the different activities on the homestead.  The girls had the opportunity to pump water from a well, wash some laundry with a wash board, make a corn cob doll, spin their own rope, and attend a one room school house lesson.  I really appreciated all the hands on activities on the property and the kids were encouraged to touch and play with everything.  After spending a lot of hours sitting in the van, this was the perfect day for them.

The highlight of the day for Charlotte was definitely riding the horses.  They had some of the cutest little miniature horses and one tiny six week old pony.  Cristina got to ride on a miniature horse named Star.  Charlotte and Emma took turns riding on a pony named Toby.  Charlotte was in love with this pony.  She kept talking to it.  She would say over and over, "Now, you be a good boy, Toby. Be nice and gentle with these kids.  Be a good example, Toby."  More than once, we had to have her move along, so other kids could enjoy the horses too!  There was also a horse call Pertrina that pulled a cart that they took turns riding in.

After a full day on the homestead, we set up camp for the night in our covered wagon.  The wagon was a tight fit, but we all managed to get in there.  Once again, the girls got the nice cushy bed and Brian and I squeezed onto a mat on the floor.  It was definitely an experience.  For supper, we cooked hobo packets in the coals and the girls made s'mores for dessert.  They loved cooking outside and we'll definitely have to plan more camping for them in the future.