DAY TRIPS--Vinci and Murano (Venice)

We have decided to try and get the most out of our last year (pretty sure) in Italy.
This past week our plan was put into action. We took two separate day trips.
On Monday we headed to Vinci, childhood home of the famous
Leonardo Da Vinci (his name actually means Leanardo from Vinci).

We had studied a bit about him in the last year--such an interesting man with an inquisitive, constant mind. We read about his childhood in Vinci. He roamed the countryside observing and asking innumerable questions of his young uncle. He was surrounded by nature and her curiosities and he wanted to know about them all.

The drive was over 2 hours and we didn't stay long, but it is fun to say we have been there.

First we stopped by a museum filled with models created from his notes. We couldn't photograph inside, which was kind of a bummer. I had printed out pictures of some of the designs or the models and, on the way there, the boys tried to guess what they might be. They did some pretty good guessing. In the museum we checked their answers with the real thing.

Next we drove out a couple miles to the house where he grew up. I would guess that much of the land looks exactly as it did when he was there over 500 years ago. It is still way out in the country, surrounded by many olive groves and vineyards. I didn't have to use my imagination to picture the joy of discovery he experienced on this hill, since I had 3 little boy-examples in front of me climbing through the trees and grasses--yes, they were pretending to be dinosaurs most of the time, which he likely didn't do, but . . .

The 5 hours of driving that day weren't all bliss and the time there wasn't so particularly phenominal, but for me it was a needed reminder of the importance of the simple things. This town is (and was) so small and seemingly insignificant. Had Leonardo stayed there all his days, he may never have been known at all. Yet, it was this simple beginning that opened the way for that great mind. He was allowed to fully experience the world around him and his curiosity and questions seem to have been encouraged. I look at my boys and know that, right now, they are getting some of that same opportunity--though there may be times I'm not so great at indulging them in every query.

I am sometimes unsure of exactly how to do the homeschooling I feel so strongly about. Am I giving them what they need? They don't read as well as their peers. They haven't memorized all their multipication tables. . .

Being in Vinci reminded me that there is a time and season for all things. I am trying to give my children the chance to fully enjoy each of those seasons. Each of my boys has a great mind. I don't know that I necessarily want a Da Vinci in my family--he was pretty odd--but I do think that when the push and desire comes from them (inspired by a educating atmosphere) they can achieve all that they need and more--certainly better than if I pull them along based on my desire for them to appear educated.

Anyway. . . (you can tell what my focus is right now)!

The next day trip was on Thursday. We headed up to Venice (another 2-3 hours each way) to visit the island of Murano--where the famous Venician glass is made. We learned a few months ago that the Ancient Phoenicians were the first people to blow glass, and we wanted to see it done. Venice is one of the places where you can find people doing it every day.

We drove most of the way, then hopped on a train, then boarded a water taxi and headed out to Murano.

Doesn't that all sound romantic?! It was pretty fun.

The glass demonstration lasted all of 10 minutes, but it was cool. Afterward, we enjoyed exploring the island a bit.

I got some fun pictures of the boys and David walking along the canals.

I loved the fact that we were all there together in Venice just to see something we had learned about reading our Story of the World. A fun, pretty place to have the experience.

The boys loved looking at all the cool glass animals--especially Gabriel. They also really enjoyed the time spent on the water taxi, watching the water and other boats.

Then, home again, home again, jiggity-jig!

Adventures--we sound cool, anyway, eh?!

**by-the-way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAN!!