Memorial Day 2011

 I told the kids that Memorial Day is when we remember the men and women who have died protecting our country.   Earlier in the morning, Philip and I had our date and had discussed this flag edible craft idea on the the way home.  It was fun and easy.

 Philip wanted his perfect.

Phil and Mary's Anniversay

 They have been married 38 years now.   I know that Jess and I have learned so much from their example.

Philip wanted to help Sophia.  He did a great job.

Bible Study day

 Balloon People

 Alana made us some homemade deep-dish pizza!  It was really good.

 It was cute how Olivia readied her spot at the table.

The kids all completed their school work in good time so that they could play with Kayley.  She finished her last day for the year 30 minutes before we got together.

Baby Snapping Turtle

 Our neighbor, Herb, found this little guys by his shed.  He is smaller than my hand.  We are just a few doors down from a pond.  Just beyond that is the river.  So, we have seen snapping turtles a few times before, once in a yard, once crossing the street in front of our house, once walking along the sidewalk a block away.  But, they were all huge--this is the first baby one we have seen.  The big ones are quite fast actually.  I don't like these critters--but it is neat for the kids to see them!

Everyday Sort of Days

 Trouble game

 4-H work

 Philip was very proud of his map of the continents.  He worked very hard on it.  Our church was holding an African Prayer Conference last week, in which we helped out with the kids one evening.  This assignment was the first of our preparation for understanding a little more about Africa.

 After completing their maps, the kids erupted into full-fledged travelers with each of them having their own stations and they held "meeting" at the big table.  It was conducted in a very orderly manner.  (I wonder if our attending 4-H meetings (which are quite official) this year has brought about this sort of play.  It was neat.  

This is one of the stations.

Neil's Birthday

 Kayley helped her Dad blow out the candles and she even cut the cake herself!

 Neil grilled some great meats and Alana and her Mom prepared some yummy sides as well.  Alana and Neil make some pretty delicious food--they're great cooks, and Alan's Mom as well--however, I asked Sophia what her favorite food was that she had there--the rolls (which were store made).  Leave it to a child to love the non home-made goods.  :)

 Let the squirt gun wars begin!

Sophia later told me that Kayley's Grandpa would squirt Kayley but he never squirt her (Sophia).  Cute.  She also told me on the walk home that she wants to live with them!  

Mother's Day 2011

 They were very sweet to me.

Everyday Sort of Days

 Mary took Sophia and I to a lunch meal in an Amish family's home.  It was very tasty and peaceful.

 Here, we are walking to church from the nearby flower and herb garden.

 My neighbor and I have a Bible Study together each week.  The kids have been great at playing during that time.   Sometimes, the girls might sit with us a bit.  It's nice to have a friend to discuss the things of eternity with.  It helps keep our minds on the reality of God and reminds us to work hard to prepare ourselves for the coming eternity of worshipping God.  That is what matters more than all else.  It sheds new light on the daily continual tasks around the home.

S is for Sophia!  (also "smile, skirt, snowman, etc.)

Everyday Sort of Days

 Sophia was very happy to have some light rain so that she could use her umbrella and mud boots.

 Samuel was working on a science experiment.

 Philip was practicing his 1-3-5, C-E-G.  Piano is slow moving but slight progress is happening I think.  I suppose it takes a while to train ourselves to sit straight and hold our hands right and comprehend the finger numbers, piano key letters and dynamics (p, mf, f) and learn the finger exercises to loosen our fingers and keep them growing stronger and more flexible.  I told them it would be a while before we got to the stage where we would learn a song so they don't seem disappointed since they expected it.

Alphabet Bingo--This was so great for Sophia.  She was getting some great practice at number recognition.  However, the very next day, the game was lost.  We still haven't found it!  It's a shame.  :( 

 On this particular day, Philip and Sophia were especially disappointed that Daddy had to go to work.  Their hugs were genuine and sweet.  It was cute but it broke my heart as well.  Jess really is great to be around.  I understand their feelings.

 Philip usually gets his workbooks out on his own in the mornings and works on them while he is eating breakfast.  He is very consistent in putting his X on the calendar for that day and wants to know what today is and how to say it.