A Castle Keep

Boaz has been working on a castle keep this week.

Teary Saturdays

And, here's why - Saturdays are the day we clean the room! (

Will I some day look back and long for our bedrooms to once again have sisters playing nicely all week doing arts and crafts?)

Ezra's Zoo

Ezra begins to enjoy the family zoo. I love this stage! :)

Thank you, Schleich, for making such durable and fun animals.

Early School Days

I am enjoying these early days of school. And they are early - we started on August 13th and the schools near us don't start until September 4. The late summer weather has been beautiful. We are enjoying the less hectic schedule that comprises this window of time. In the early days of school that we have the time and the momentum to do cave painting, field trips traveling with Daddy, and science projects (shoe taxonomy). Oh, if only all the 180 days went this well.

Early School Days (the photos)

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School Photos 2012

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First Day of School

 

We're off and running.

I had to hold Susanna back because she's so excited about her new textbooks and notebooks. Mary is excited to start Spelling in Kindergarten and to be an official student. Boaz was willing to concede and go along for the ride today, starting only the subjects that we do as a group and playing with Ezra otherwise.

We did our annual tradition of donuts for breakfast.

It's going to be a fun year of nonstop activity - Botany, Ancient History, Life of Fred, First Language Lessons, Singapore Math, Spell to Write and Read, World History Detective, and of course reading tons (literally!- I carry the biggest bag) from the library.

And we'll be happy to add in our Classical Conversations group to the mix after Labor Day with class time, field trips, and memory work galore.

Mark, he's YOUR son

Today Ezra on his own initiative put a new spin on "playpen time." 

 

He also found a hiding spot in the kitchen. Time to invest in door locks. (not to lock him in, of course)

snowflake fairy

We're getting excited for Mary's birthday party to celebrate turning five! I totally hit the discount rack today at Wal*Mart for all the Christmas items that were really just "snowy" items for 75% off. That sure helps with my excitement. It also is fun to for once in my life have a good part of the party ready so far in advance instead of scrambling last minute like I do everything else. Today Mary designed her invitations with glitter snowflakes and gems.

I'm hoping that Suzy Snowflake, her older sister, will make a helpful appearance at the party.

cookie time

Gingersnap cookies bring out the best in everyone.

P.S. the next tray burnt while I made this post... sigh.

Flashback

Sometimes it can be quite enjoyable to relive old fond memories.

 

In 2008 we went to Frying Pan Park in Herndon, VA. Cousin Izzy had just been born and we went with friends to explore the fairy woods behind the horse stables. Mary was only about 15 months old at the time. It was a warm April day and the kids savored their ice cream treats.

 

Today we went back to the park. This time we were with Cousin Izzy (and Jill and Ike) and we explored the homes of barnyard creatures. Ezra, almost 9 months, joined our crew. On a rainy October day we enjoyed old-fashioned candy sticks instead of ice cream.

 

They grow fast, so I am trying my best to enjoy the moments.

Purple Unicorn

Mary is now ready for Halloween with her purple unicorn costume. She's been wearing it all day. Thanks, Family Fun Magazine.