GIA

 Emma took the coolest field trip to this place in Carlsbad called GIA (Gemological Institute of America).  This is like the college of Gemstone research.  They have these field trips for the kids to learn about Gems and rocks and such.  They are the leading research facility in the United States and they have locations around the world.  It was very very cool and the lady running the field trip kept the kids in line and out of trouble which I can totally appreciate!!!  These were some of the pictures that I took from my phone.  Silly me forgot my camera of all days right?!

One of the best parts we the hands on learning they had ready for the kids.  They did scratch tests to see which rocks were harder and a lot more interactive stuff.  Emma loved every minute of all this.  She has found an interest in rocks and loves learning about them.