Maple Syrup making

Some members of our homeschool group went to Whitewater State Park for a maple syrup making program. While we have been tapping our trees for quite a few years, the programming at this park is fantastic. These programs are open to the public for no charge. Just check their events calendar here. Whitewater State Park 

We started indoors with some stories and legends.

and then went out into the sugar bush.

Learning how to identify a maple tree.

and how to tap it.

having a taste

Saw a couple of gorgeous spaces on the way home.

and then we tapped our trees.

This is how we do it, with spiles made of PVC by my neighbor, and ziplock bags.

Making Maple Syrup

Tapping the trees

Love the "spigots" that my neighbor made!

After collecting sap for a few weeks, the boiling begins.

Boiled down to perfection, Margaret does the sieving. 

Which is very important to remove all of the sediment.

Bottles washed and ready

Liquid gold

Finished!

Spring Break

Our new tent arriving! We are all looking forward to camping.

Venal equinox sunrise

playing on Lake Pepin

                                       Skiing at Hok-Si-La Park.

Received our  Physics Quest!

Barley

Maisie

We visited the Planetarium at Mayo High School

Tapping the trees

Homemade "spigots"

The girls and I prepared and served the seder at out church.

Bowling

                                                   At the covered Bridge in Zumbrota.

Decorating eggs

Millie loves peeps

Sharon had a nibble