Accidental Field Trip

Last week, we had planned to accompany Fernando to Santa Ana for a doctor's appointment and then visit the Bower's Museum (more on that in a different post). We packed up our school work to hit the library to do our schoolwork. There was one problem... the library was not open until 10am (it was 8:30). So, what does one do? Goes on an impromptu field trip, of course!

One of Brandon's Cub Scout Requirements for Citizenship is that he visit a courthouse. We headed off to the Old Orange County Courthouse. They have a free museum there and there are some courthouse offices still performed there. It was right down the street. We zipped in and looked at the displays. We talked to the ladies working in the marriage license office (did you know it costs $89 for a marriage license?). Finally, we headed up to the third floor where they have an old court room preserved and a self-guided tour pamphlet to tell you all about it! The kids found it fascinating - the judge, jury (every citizen's duty!), witnesses, court reporter, etc.. It opened up a huge discussion on innocent until proven guilty, prosecutors vs. defendants and much more! They were super interested! (Guess I know what type of unit I need to plan!)

 
The best part of the day happened as we were walking back to our car. A lady overheard us continuing our conversation and was so "impressed" that we were there seeing the sites, that she gave each of the kids a map of all the historical places to see in Orange County. OC just turned 125 years old and they made a special map with 132 historical places to see in OC. So, now we are trying to visit as many as possible. 9 down, 123 to go! (Wish us luck!)