Do they get cuter?

Watch out

My two karate stars.  Watch out world we have trophies and orange belts now!

Big girl day

My eldest and I went to enjoy some facials last week, thanks to a dear friend.  It was a first experience for her and some of the procedures were new for me too.  She's face were so smooth, she couldn't stop touching it.  We went for a nice lunch date and enjoyed visiting.  My dear daughter is growing up, excuse me while I cry ;.(

    

I am updating all our recent field trips and learning experiences.  A few weeks ago we went to a local gem, mineral and fossil show.  The girls really enjoyed the mad scientist demonstration.  The different scavenger hunts were educational and fun.  She was fascinated with a jeweler that was turning marbles into extravagant looking jewelry.  Ter was most intrigued by the fluorescent minerals.  Lolo and I were awed at the couple who had a total kitchen table with food galore made entirely out of rocks and minerals.  It was a sight.  The beauty of all the creations in nature that we saw that day made us marvel at the creation He has made for us.  

Ter the fossil excavator searching for treasure

 She found two dinosaurs, a few jewels, and learned the valuable lesson to hit the screwdriver slow and steady because it sure hurts to keep hitting your hand!

Lolo found a petrified wood fossil

Ren fest

We took a little field trip to a local Renaissance Festival recently.  They have a couple of days set aside during the week for schools to visit.  It was a little tamer than I remember and I liked it.  The girls loved watching the area theater groups do the performances.  Lolo went all out in a jester costume (love that kid), girls rode several rides, including an elephant.  

Little hands helping

My dear Terbear in an effort to assist with chores put the cups up.  I guess they will all get used anyway.  Love her practicality.

The coach

My dear husband coached an all 4th & 5th grade girls soccer team (what does he not have enough estrogen around him at home?) this past fall with our Upward league at church.  After a competitive toiletry drive to stock our church food pantry, our team came in first place.  The reward...my husband wrapped completely in toilet paper.  The baby cried hysterically thinking they were hurting her daddy.  What a sport.  I love that man.

A spooky boo at the zoo

We traveled to the local zoo for some fun fall activities.  We had a scavenger hunt for animals, decorated pumpkins, played carnival games and had a good time.  The weather was a bit cold, but the company of friends was great.  I love field trip days.

Add and her painted pumpkin

Lolo and her look alike

She and a happy smile

Ter and her masterpiece

Sister's apple sure looks good, she won't mind if I have a bite because its nice to share

Friends and animals

A good read

I recently finished another great historical fiction book, A Lasting Impression, by Christian author, Tamera Alexander.  The vibrant detailed setting of the Belmont mansion was breathtaking.  Tensions from the recent Civil war are apparent and the currents of conflict are plausible as they interplay within the characters.  I was left with a desire to know more about the mansion and the real life characters that inspired her work.  I also found a new favorite author and am looking forward to getting my hands on another of her masterpieces.    

School moment

One of my many favorite things about homeschooling...history lessons on the lawn.

Reading time

I am usually much more of a fiction reader but I recently finished, Behind the Veils of Yemen, a fascinating autobiography.  The author's testimony and honest questions were inspiring and real.  I found myself pronouncing the dialogue and visualizing the environment.  The book fueled my desire for missionary evangelism and gave me a compassion for a group of woman around the world.  It was a refreshing break.