So a couple days later, we tried again to find this elusive state park. Because we Tsais are not quitters! We never give up! We never surrender! And also! We need to work on our reading comprehension. Because state parks were not hard to find once we stopped confusing it with national forests. To-may-to, to-mah-to.
We found ourselves at King Gillette Ranch. And lo and behold, there was a ranger behind the desk who knew EXACTLY what we were talking about and gave each of the kids booklets to fill out like she does this kind of thing everyday. She probably does. We were still awed by the fact we actually found a place to get this darn assignment done.
The booklet was a scavenger hunt of sorts and the kids had to complete a certain number (according to how old they were) of tasks before they could get their junior ranger pin. Even Jonah insisted on doing it. With help.
It turned out to be a fun little activity with lots to touch and explore.
And when they were done, they brought the booklets back to the ranger to be signed.
Love how he used the little tiny ledge to step on in order to see over the counter.
Right hands raised to be sworn in as junior rangers. Left hand in Jonah’s case because he is not firm yet on right/left. Po-tay-to, po-tah-to.
“I do solemnly swear…”
And then they each got a junior ranger pin and we could check off that assignment and breathe a sigh of relief. Whew! Gonna be saving this kid’s pin for when he’s in fifth grade.
Unless, of course, he decided to throw it in the fountain for good luck. Thankfully, his daddy gave him a penny to throw instead.
My girl with the Rapunzel hair.
And then we left. Because we Tsais may not be quitters, but we are also not big fans of being out in dusty, hot areas walking around aimlessly, I mean hiking. Sticking with our strengths, ya know.
