Learning at School and Home: Year 5

First day of school (7th, 4th, and 9th grades)

 We took an unexpected trip to the Grand Canyon

The boy studied hard, taking dual credit courses as a freshman

He also learned to cook.

 Sharpened some existing skills

 (the sisters couldn't be outdone)

 And changed a few light bulbs in awkward places

 Our county Fire Department opened a new station in October, so we gave it a visit

And the girls went on a school-sponsored fishing trip

Ember caught the biggest fish and won a hoodie

We took walks with dogs

We had bunnies in the yard

Ember's self portrait was featured in a local gallery

 Willow played all of the sports

And tried a few new things (things that need a little more work)

 Marching Band is Ryvre's sport

Of course, Willow does that too!

Ember's softball season has just begun

Learning at school may be finished for another year, but there's plenty to do over the summer.

Willow's 8th Birthday Party

Finally had Willow's friend-party yesterday

She once again decorated the cakes







I decorated a little, but didn't go too nuts (the pinwheels went home with the kids along with hibiscus-print tote bags, leis and hair clips, and shell necklaces)



Hubby printed off some coloring/activity sheets





Only two guests came (of the dozen invited), but they had a great time!

Willow's Snow Pics

We still haven't dug ourselves out from the blizzard of  '11, and received even more snow yesterday.  As always, Willow was ready with the camera, to document the whole thing.

Willow's Photography

I love it when Willow grabs my camera and captures her world.

More Photos by Willow

Mommy Jr.

My mom sometimes calls my daughter "Mommy Junior." What do you think?

Me, age 2:



Willow, age 2:

Update

Nothing's really going on these days, except that Ryvre is potty trained, and Willow started having tantrums. It's kinda funny really, because she isn't real loud, she'll just wail once, then throw herself down face-first and lay there quite and still, until someone says something to her (if it's the person who pissed her off, she'll scream and continue her fit; if it's someone else, she considers him or her to be an ally, and therefore someone deserving of her attention).

What Long Strange Trip It's Been

Our annual fall road trip was great! The kids were well-behaved (well, for them at least) so we made great driving time there and back.

Our first stop was Camp Gaea, to meet with some internet friends. Only one other guy showed up, but that was probably for the best! We really got to know him and his family, and definitely want to make the gathering a regular event. i have some pics of that prove the Druids did NOT build Stonehenge, hahaha. However, the Bards earned their keep by the campfire with their guitar and drum, respectively.

The camp itself was gorgeous; the rolling, wooded countryside almost reminded us of home; except that the open fields were soft, and full of thick green grass; two things we are not used to. The mist rising from the large pond was also a lovey sight--though i admit i was not brave enough to walk its shores when the other campers arrived--naked as the day they were born, hahaha!

NOT that i have a problem with nudity, of course; i think it's great that alot of people felt comfortable enough to let it all hang out, (no pun intended?) so to speak. But certainly, i was not about to take part in that one. I guess i'm pruder than i thought, lol.

Everyone i met out there was very nice; one man (Iggy?  Pretty sure that wasn't his given name) brought us a cup of coffee and introduced himself. i later visited his camper, to return the cup and thank him (in the form of cranberry irish soda bread), and to my surprise, he was friendly when i knocked on the door and woke him up; in fact, we were invited to his drumming circle later that evening.

We didn't join Iggy that evening; it was bedtime for the kids before the drumming started. Instead, we sat around the campfire with Bill (the Druid) and his wife and daughter, while he sang and played the guitar. And wow, can that man play. A guy from the pagan gathering up the hill came over and introduced himself much later, saying that they could hear the music up there (surprising, since it was very soft, and they were...not) and that it went perfectly with what they were doing. Pretty cool. The drumming across the field lasted until about 5 am, which was great, because it was surprisingly soothing.

Day two, we went to the renaissance festival. Ryvre introduced himself ("Hi, i'm Ryvre Raine Amann!") to every person that would listen (and many that wouldn't), and Willow refused to walk. Besides that, it was ok, but we only spent a few hours out there. Next year we may consider taking the kids out for a couple of hours, and then dropping them off with their aunt for the rest of the day. I had my first glass of mead though :) so the day wasn't a total waste.

For the next two days, we visited family, relaxed, and came home. That part of the trip was uneventful, except when Ryvre tumbled down the stairs of Aunt Bobbie Jo's porch, running out to see the puppies (it was dark, and aparently, he forgot about the stairs in his excitement). He landed face-first in a large flowerpot. When asked what happened, he will tell you "Owie, i got hurt in the dirt" lol.