Friends

We enjoyed an afternoon with friends today! Some argue that home schooled children may lack socialization opportunities. I have no fear. When we get together with even one other family, the children far out-number the adults (but then again.... my hubby and I are already out-numbered.) The real difficulty comes into play when we announce that it is time for friends to go home.

Every "summer" needs a local swimming hole!

Where else??

When given the choice of what he wanted to do for Father's Day...... we spent the afternoon at Cabela's Sporting Goods store. And what a store. This store has everything one needs for camping, hunting, fishing, etc., there is also a shooting gallery, a cafe, and stuffed (of the taxidermy variety) wilderness and jungle animals. All in all, not a bad way to spend a few hours.

Dirty Kids?

How is it possible that two children can play together and one can come in looking almost like herself and the other is buried in dirt? Is it that dirt is more attracted to the boys, or that boys are more attracted to the dirt?

Nature walk

We headed out to the trails by the river today. The river floods the area every spring; but, for most of the year the paths and trails are great for hiking.

We met a few of the locals while we were out. Here is the turtle Lloyd found. We also saw a couple butterflies, a few dragon flies, and of course, LOTS of mosquitoes.
I had hoped we could spend some time sitting out in the woods just enjoying nature. We had even packed our sketch books, colored pencils, our nature guides, and even a blanket to sit on. However; I forgot one important item: DEET! The mosquitoes drove us out! So I took a few pictures of the flowers as well. At least that way the kids can still sketch from a photo . And, as you can see, the youngest of us tired out and were none too glad that we came home to central air. (Of course, they are resilient creatures and were back out doors before long!)

A new experience

Free airplane rides were offered today for children 7-17 years old at our local airport. Three of our children were able to experience their first time in the air! The pilot gave them a bird's eye view of our home and a portion of our home town. They thoroughly enjoyed it!

Summer Fun!

Summer is officially upon us. How do I know for sure? Was it the first real threat of stormy weather? No. Is it the neighbor children calling bright and early "Can the kids play?" Nope! Was it the Home school conference, which always has me looking forward to the next school year and looking to close out the last one? No, that's not it either. So, what you ask.....

The first parade of the season. Yes, only the first. Even sereve weather warnings could not keep us home (thankfully the worst had already passed through our area and we only got a little wet during the parade.) We do enjoy a good parade. It's a nice way to spend a family evening (or afternoon.) And.. notice the empty bucket on the blanket. Well, it is no longer empty! Quite full actually! So glad we have those neighbor kids calling.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

He can be so dramatic!
He can be so sweet!
He can be so mischevious (just like his dad!)

But, most days, he's just so easy to love!

And Sunday he turned 4!