Harvest Time!

A fall tradition we've enjoyed an excursion to local mountain orchards and gathering fruit. 

Last year, we missed the peak and there were few fruit left on the tree. 

Opening Weekend 2011, Here We Come!!

 I relish catching sight of the kids' delight in selecting wholesome fruit. 

John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.



 We were taught about farm life on the orchards by the O'Dells. 

They were a remarkable couple who gave an hour chatting and sharing stories with us.

 We were all ears to tales about protecting livestock from mountain lions

Caring for animals by watering, feeding, cleaning, milking. Farming orchards is watering, irrigating, fertilizing, pruning, harvesting.

Admiring handsome horses:

 The four of us:

I smile on this occasion and am already energized for our next journey out here.

 I think they are too:

John 15:4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

 Our custom is to pick up some candy on our expedition home. We found a Candy Mine in these parts!

 The chosen jewels from the mine:

 Next day, in the middle of learning, an idea popped up to make fruit crisp, out of nowhere.

Lickety Split Idea!

We made the most of the ingredients we had on hand:

Final decree: Thumbs up!

Zoo China Celebration

We had a chance to visit the summer night time zoo that had a Chinese celebration

We enjoyed a sunset sky ride

and the double decker bus tour

 The boys had a blast with their aunt and uncle here, and wanted to share it with us :-)

We're Back!

We're back... we're back in school again!  


Quite a bit of fun has been had in these parts, along with the school work. We still found time for a few play dates this first week of school too. It has been busy fun. We enjoyed time with extended family on the weekend to put the icing on the cake  :-)


The extension from what we learn has naturally interwoven with what the Lord brought us.

 A cricket rescue (a hurt leg and antennae).

We read about a boy's bug collection. We crossed the path of a wounded insect, cared for it awhile before we released it. 

Strawberries, red gelatin, red juice, apples, red cups,  ketchup on chicken tenders, strawberry yogurt, and red clothes. What do they all have in common?  

R  E  D

Thursday was RED day to add "fiesta" to schooling and bring out the color that our studies are highlighting.

At the basketball court...

Getting "physical"

There was time for independent play doing enrichment activities while  the other student was being taught. Josh was inventive, thorough and enthusiastic.

C o l o r   p a t t e r n s  [Math fun!]

Making a "circle" sphere using squares & triangles  [kindergarten geometry!]

Circle crackers, cups, and saucers

Pete's heart is to teach the kids to study the bible and be a part of teaching science. They did an experiment together on the first day of school and started their study of the Old Testament.

What household liquids can change the liquid's color?

Handwriting with Chocolate Pudding for dessert on the 1st day of school!

Our Artiste

"J" is for JOSH

P.S. + G.S.

Mama's heart

C O L O R mixing

Window Art

Plants and ....

Who IS drawing circles still?

At the end of the week, Pete encouraged the boys' as he looked through their classwork with them.

In our  english language studies, we are learning about The Fruit of the Holy Spirit and field farming, and about Community in our Social Studies. We were blessed to end our week with our annual trip to go fruit picking, and a fire station visit.

We learned a LOT about field farming at the O'Dells farm!

Pete and the kids toured the local fire department!

We're BACK in school again! Hope YOU had a great first week of September!

Swimmin'

Summer for us means beach baptisms, the pool, sunsets, and lessons. 

We were so delighted that Josh learned to stay afloat this season and swim without floaties! 

He went from crab walking the pool edges to being "in the mix." 

 

Aidon loved the pool as always, and this year, tried to become as tan as his brother, to no avail; Aidon is as wonderfully made just the way he was created.

 On the last day of class, here are the pals  that were at the local pool, learning swim strokes with us:

Psalm 107:35 He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs;

Soaking in the Sun

We are thankful that we have fewer weekly commitments and more freedom in our schedule. It has allowed for moments that God has planned for us. 

 Here are pictures from a spontaneous pool swim for the cousins. Thanks Grammy Mary Ann and Gramps Al for bringing us together! Fun fellowship :-)

2 Corinthians 13:14
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Heartstrings

There is something about being faithful to make time to just "be together"; it creates an unsaid feeling of "you are special." It's been wonderful seeing these four grow up together, despite the many miles apart.

The boys were so blessed that we had a sleepover at their godparents' home and could hang out with their godbrother and godsister.

We were impressed by musical talent at the drums and bells.

And topped off the afternoon with beach time....

....and crab catching

Looking forward to next time!