The Start of School

The first week of school has come and gone. It was a busy week but a really good one. Our little school now has students in 5th, 7th, 8th, and 10th grades. Pretty soon we won't have any elementary students--what a thought!

This year we are participating in a co-op PE class. Connor is an assitant coach while the others simply play to learn and have fun. So far it's been great. We have a wonderful private field to play on and a gym to use for the winter thanks to the cooperation of a local church who supports homeschoolers. Our local homeschool groups offers us many opportunities like fellowship, field trips, classes and events, teacher support, and other programs. It's quite the blessing. We jumped right into a class this first week. Outdoor learning was on the docket and tree and snake identification were the focus. The children learned how to identify trees using leaves and bark as key indicators. They made a nature notebook and vowed to continue to fill it up because they were so intrigued. Snakes are a real interest in our area of the country. We see them quite often actually and have croseed paths with them more frequently here than anywhere else we've lived. With 6 of hte 10 most poisonous snakes in North America living in our state, it's pretty important to know how ot recognize species and know if they are poisonous or not, The children soaked up the information and enjoyed the opportunity to meet a couple of snakes that they could touch without worry--a boa and a python. We are signed up for another nature class in October and we can't wait to attend it. :-)

Since it is September, apple season is officially upon us, and we were in the area, we made a trip a little further up the highway to visit an old fashioned farm market before we headed home. The place had everything from fresh veggies and fruits, canned foods and jams, syrups, butters and sauces, homemade breads and pies, ice cream, candies and old fashioned drinks, and even giftables. The children decided to get old fashioned sodas--rootbeer, cream soda, sasparilla, and birch beer (new to me! It was reported that it tasted like cherry rootbeer and that it was really good). We bought two big bags of apples. Between eating them fresh and dehydrating some of them, these apples will be gone in no time! :-) It's not officially Fall yet, but with the stat of school and the weather cooling a bit it sure feels like it. We've even noted leaves falling regularly in our backyard. When it does officially begin, we'll be ready, :-) Welcme to the 2022-2023 school year!

End of Summer Outing

Sad as it is, all good things come to an end--even summer. Thankfully, we know the perfect way to wrap up the season--Jeepfest! Though Nikolas was on retreat in the mountains for work (I know, tough break, huh?) we gathered up and traveled out for a Jeep-centric day. The weather wasn't prime--actually it dumped rain on us, but it was cooler than last year! :-) Still we throughly enjoyed watching all of the Jeeps running the obstacle course and manuvering thier way through the mud pit. They never disappoint! Then we watched the mud run--the people willing to run through the mud for a title--that's entertaining! John keeps encouraging Sonja and I to enter the run---I'm not sure I see that happening. :-) As usual, teh festival stirred some hard Jeep dreams, but I suppose that's to be expected. :-) We had so much fun though! We're already looking forward to next year! So here's to the end of summer--and the welcome to fall, which is actually a great season, so bring it on! And thanks to the Jeepfest coordinators for bringing us a great event!

An August of Outings

School went a bit longer than usual for us this year so we had a bit of an abbreviated summer, therefore, our August was packed! We took advantage of every opportunity, every sunny day, to get out and play, explore, or relax in a fun way. We explored new parks in our area and found wildlife to get up close with.

We visited a friend's farm to enjoy and afternoon of horse care and riding. Riley even got the bonus lesson of how to dismount a horse who decides to roll in the sand midride. He handled it like a pro and then got back up in the saddle! :-) Sonja stayed out longer to help around the farm a bit more and even though it was hot, she loved it.

At one of the parks we enjoy visiting, we went for a hike and stopped for a bit to play on the river bank. Charlotte went with us and she even waded in the water a bit.

One of our best trips of the summer was super impromptu. We went to the Biblical History Center where they had life size, detailed replicas of bible living structures for us to learn about and interact with. Our tour guide was super informative and friendly, everyone was interested in the tour, and Jozsef was in his element! :-) It was an afternoon well spent!

Just before Labor Day we went to enjoy sand and sun at the beach. The children loved digging holes and experimenting with the water table, they took turns being buried, they played in the water and just had fun! :-) On the way home, we discovered the Flavors of Hawaii and enjoyed authentic shave ice. What a treat!

August was a wonderful month!