Melissa's 4th grade class Field trip
at the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park.

The field trip was an overnighter at the Old Adobe. Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park was the main residence of Rancho Petaluma, the 66,000-acre agricultural empire that General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo one of the most powerful men in the Mexican Province of California from 1834 to 1846. The general ran his cattle, hide and tallow business, raised sheep, bred horses and grew numerous crops. The adobe contains authentic furniture and exhibits depicting early rancho life. The huge old adobe ranch building, the largest private hacienda in California between 1834 and 1846, was the center of activity on one of the most prosperous private estates established during the Mexican period.

Melissa getting a little help from a claamate.

The statue of General Vallejo

Melissa, Lila and their classmates made many trips carrying supplies.

Some of the kids making adobe bricks, similar to the way the local Native Americans did over 150 years ago.

A lot of work went into just one brick.

Melissa enjoyed the brick making.

Melissa weaving her basket.

She still has a long ways to go.

Enjoying a little lunch, before the candle making and evening food preparation begins.