Hike

Last week we packed up our lunch and headed out for a hike at Algonkian Park. It was a gorgeous day and plenty of bugs to be found (we also found a toad). Unfortunately, the hike was cut short because of some pesky mosquitoes (ugh):(

Country Study -- Egypt

We had our last lesson on Egypt! We celebrated with some Egyptian fare -- bean dip made with fava beans, pita bread (homemade,), and a sweet treat (made with lots of honey and butter).

The kids labeled their Egypt maps that they made out of clay. Taylor's is the first one, Abby's second and Benny's is the third. Great job, guys!!

Initiative

After our Bible lesson on initiative (Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise. Proverbs 6:6) the kids earned on the spot awards for showing us great initiative. Great job kids!

Pizza Assembly Line

My meatball pizza assembly crew!!

Blockade

Greg was greeted with this the other morning!!! The kids created and built a barricade to keep him out of the bathroom. Greg was able to break through the barricade without too much injury:)

Another haircut!

I had to give up!!! I wanted Ben's hair to be long but those crazy cowlicks took over!!! So here is a before and after shot. The girls threw him a party afterwards (the anticipation of the party kept his mind off of the clippers -- no tears for the first time)!!

History -- Netherlands and Mary Queen of Scots

Last Friday we had another history lesson with our friends. We learned a bit about Holland -- the dikes (the kids tried to create a dike out of play dough -- it held the water pretty well), the Sea Beggars, and William the Silent. We also turned our attention to Scotland and learned about Mary Queen of Scots, John Knox, Mary of Guise, and, well, the order from Queen Elizabeth to have Mary beheaded! Our craft was to make a Scottish kilt from a strip of 2' X 6' white cloth and paint (that is still a work in progress).

History -- Holy Roman Empire and Spain (cont.)

This is the continuation of our history lesson from last week. The kids were to simulate a mine and create a mine shaft (using craft sticks and cornmeal). They had a great time and were able to create a mine shaft that finally did not cave in!!

This is Harder Than it Looks!

For some reason Ben feels the need to open and close his mouth when he demonstrates his ability to blink his eyes. So, when asked to keep his mouth closed while he blinks his eyes, this is what I caught on camera...

By the way -- he practiced and was finally able to keep his mouth closed:)

Wig

Last week the girls made a wig for Greg from the oak droppings -- beautiful:)

Mother's Day

What a super day (so far)! Right now the kids are with their dad (that is a sweet treat) for swim practice.

I woke up to a McDonald's breakfast and coffee! After a very filling breakfast of pancakes, biscuit, hash browns, scrambled eggs, and coffee I opened the kids presents. Abby made the MOM key chain, Taylor made the coupon book and various other items, and Ben made the fridge magnet. My family is such a huge blessing -- all thanks goes to God!!

Locks of Love

Inspired by Abby's shorter hairdo -- Taylor decided that she wanted shorter hair. 10 inches later we are ready to donate Tay's hair to Locks of Love!!! That little cutey played with her hair all night:)

On the Spot Award

This week I started to give out On the Spot Awards to the kids. Taylor was the first to receive a Super Sister award (for reading books to Ben) and here is a picture of Ben earning his Daddy's Helper award (Greg is expanding our backyard by adding a fence to the north side of the house). Great job, Ben!!

Brown

hmmm... see what I mean, a lot lighter shade of brown!!

Bye-Bye Nemo...

This shot of Ben was taken 3 years ago!!! We all said bye-bye to Nemo and Dorie (you can faintly see her in the second picture). I never was quite happy with that room...

So, with nothing to do (ha-ha) I grabbed a paintbrush and wiped out Nemo and Dorie. On Thursday (while the girls were in art class) we took Ben to Lowes to pick out a new paint color. I had in mind a tan color (to make it easy, I referred to the color as brown to Ben). So, he chose the darkest brown possible (with a big smile on his face)-- we finally compromised on a much lighter shade of brown!!!

By the way, Ben is camping out in the girls room. He has mentioned often that he misses his room -- but in the next breath he tells me he likes it in the girls room:)

History -- Hoy Roman Empire and Spain

We, finally, started up Book 3 of The Story of the World series (Early Modern Times). This time we will be studying with another family (that helps me to keep the ball rolling). We talked a bit about how Charles was able to garner the title Holy Roman Emperor and the Spanish exploration of South America. The above pictures show the Spanish Doubloons that the kids made and engraved, and Abby and Taylor playing "Steal the Spanish Treasure" (trying to win as many doubloons as they could).

May 3 -- AWANA awards

I was not able to get very many good shots during the end-of-the AWANA awards -- here is a shot of all the 1st grade AWANA Sparks (Taylor is way to the left). This is the night that the kids are recognized for all of their hard work during the year. Unfortunately, Ben was sick and unable to attend (he was very disappointed). The kids did a great job and thoroughly enjoyed their AWANA experience. Great job guys!!

May 2 -- Art Show

We signed the girls up for an art class this year. Every Thursday, from 10:00-12:00, they had the opportunity to explore their creativity. On May 2nd we attended an Art Show put on by the art teacher.

This picture shows the submissions from the girls. Taylor's is on the left -- she painted panda bears on mountains eating bamboo leaves. And Abby's picture is a very creative magic wand. They had a great year:)

Grandma Aurie

We had a SUPER time with Grandma Aurie. She arrived in the midst of Promise U practice on April 22nd and left on May 3rd. She did a some shopping (she sure knows the bus system), took us out to eat, watched the kids performance of Promise U, attended the girls art show, watched the kids while Greg and I enjoyed our awesome 14th anniversary (I could write a ton about how super-duper wonderful, caring, patient, funny, terrific my husband of 14 years is ... but alas, this post is about Grandma Aurie), played with the kids, etc. -- we had a great time with Grandma and it was hard to say good-bye!!

Haircut!!

New hairdoo for Abby -- isn't she lovely:)

April 24 -- Promise U

Here is a not so great picture of the WONDERFUL production of Promise U. The kids did a super job (I could have watched it over and over). Ben was a Chinese orphan, Taylor was part of the Freshman class and a special singer, and Abby was part of the Sophomore class and a special singer. There were just under 100 kids that participated in this awesome production. I am looking forward to watching the video:)

April 22 -- Preparing for Grandma

Here is Ben washing windows -- getting ready for Grandma's arrival!!! The girls are practicing for Promise U (musical performed by their homeschool group -- Ben does not need to practice today). We are soooo exicted to see Grandma:)