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.

Mr. Frog

Hello Mr. Salamander

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.

Wildlife Encounter: Wild Turkeys

You just never know what will wander into the yard next.

Willow's Photography

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

Adventures in Rural Living

Who says it's boring to live out in the middle of nowhere?  Just the other day, we had six horses wander into the yard. 

Isaac looked at them hungrily for a minute, but when they got a bit closer, he decided it would be prudent to watch from under a patio chair instead.

Meanwhile, i made sure they were friendly!

Goodbye O'Melays!

Yesterday, i saw my best friend before she and her family start their new life in California.  It was bittersweet, watching our children play together for the last time in what may well be as many years as some of them have been alive (but i hope it's much shorter!).  We both thought they'd grow up together, but it just wasn't meant to be at this point in time.  We will stay in touch, of course, and hope to find excuses to drive across the country and visit!

Me and my bestie



The big guys



Girls



I can't imagine how big this little guy will be the next time i see him--i'm sure he'll always be just as charming though









 They are all just the perfect friends.  What will we do?

This is Angel, favorite kitty of the daughter.  They can't take any of the cats with them, so we took this one home with us (so much for swearing not to take any more kittens!).  So far he's a little scared of the change, but i think he knows he's loved here.