The Star of Bethlehem at Morehead Planetarium

We have enjoyed our year long membership at the planetarium this year. This past Friday night we went to see a program about the Star of Bethlehem. The kids are standing in front of the multi-million dollar machine that makes the stars and planets come alive.

December 12 in North Carolina

We couldn't resist snapping one shot of the kids as we were all headed to the indoor pool at the Y. It almost felt like we could swim outside as it was in the upper 70's and was supposed to hit 80 that day.

Kidz Praise Christmas Concert

Austin, Lindsey, and Reece each were in different choirs for their Christmas concert. Austin had a speaking part this year and we would have to say that Kidz Praise is Reece's most favorite class at church. Here Reece is singing in this picture above. Lindsey is in the front row on the next picture. We mainly got Austin's speaking part on video this year. Janet helped with the 5 year old choir so it was a busy yet great evening.

Halloween 2007

This was Austin in 2003 as an almost five year old.

Now Reece is wearing this outfit as a four year old.


He and his siblings had a great time tonight. It was great to get out in our neighborhood and see our neighbors!

The kids made out pretty well too. Mommy and Daddy can't wait for bed time so we can pillage.

Blogged with Flock

Sumo Wrestling

In history lessons, recently, we learned that sumo wrestling allowed Japanese warriors to fight without blades or bloodshed. So, of course, we had to try out our own 'sumo wrestling'.

We made a "dohyo" ring with colored paper representing the pillars in the North, South, East and West. Lindsey wore her hair in the "mage" sumo hair style. Austin and Lindsey marched into the circle, squatted and clapped once (called a chirichozu ritual). Then they did the "shiko" ritual of exaggerated foot stamping. After that they drank water to purify themselves and tossed a handful of salt into the ring. They did a "glare-off" and then lunged at each other (called a shikiri). The kids had a memorable history lesson and we parents were glad that we only saw one neighbor on this Saturday morning.

Lazy 5 Ranch

A couple of weekends ago the family went to the Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, NC. It is a drive thru safari with over 750 animals from 6 continents. You can take your car, but we chose to take the horse drawn wagon thru the 3.5 mile safari. It was worth riding in the wagon, plus it saves your car from getting animal slobber all over it. The kid's favorite animals were the giraffe and the zebras. We also enjoyed a picnic lunch and playing at their playground.

Lindsey feeding the giraffe.

Petting the zebras that came up to our wagon to be fed.

Getting the parrot to say "hello".

Day at the Beach

Last month we made an attempt to go to the beach. It didn't work out very well. We could hardly find a place to park, and once we did find a place, the skies opened up and it rained on us almost the whole time. With big bolts of lightning. Needless to say, we did very little swimming that day in August.

Friday, however, was a whole different story. First, having the day off on a weekday is great. The kids basically do school four days a week, with some extra things here and there for Austin on a fifth day, other kids were in school, other parents were at work, and as a result, there was PLENTY of parking available for us at our favorite Wrightsville Beach location.



No clouds, warm day, in the mid-upper 80s, and we got to experience a usual relaxing day in the sand. We were greeted on this day with some extra seaweed that had been pushed ashore, probably be a storm several miles out, but as the tide came in, the weeds went out. We all had a great time.

Austin, while speaking to his Grandma on the phone on the way to the beach said "Some kids go to school on Fridays, but we go to the beach."

Flipping in the Pool

The kids have really enjoyed swimming in our neighborhood pool this summer, and by now they've become very comfortable, even adventurous...

First Day of School

Austin (3rd grade), Lindsey (1st grade), and Reece (just turned four last week) had a great first day of school. It started with "Circle Time" where we are studying the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Today's question asked: What is Man's Primary Purpose? All week we will discuss our purpose to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

After Circle Time we went through the typical subjects: Math, English, Spelling, Handwriting, along with copy work and narration.

For History they are studying 1600-1850, the early modern times. In their main History spine today they learned about Charles V and his quest to become the Holy Roman Emperor. Their map work also went along with this part in History. There are nine extra books on reserve, at the Library, to supplement this chapter for the week.

Austin and Lindsey learned the Latin alphabet and vowel sounds. They learned that Oremus means: "Let us pray". They also learned five latin vocabulary words: ambulo, via, Deus, toga, and luna.

All three kids did Music Ace on the computer where they reviewed the bass clef, treble clef and practiced matching pitches.

Chemistry experiments start up next week for Austin and Lindsey. Art classes, gym classes and Awana start up in September as we ease into the school year.

Reece knows all of his letter sounds so is now starting his phonics book and blending letters together. Next week he will start Saxon Kindergarten Math.


Austin and Lindsey did separate Spanish lessons and all three had a stack of read-aloud books until Mommy's voice got too tired.

Since we don't do homework, there is time to do some scripture memory and then outside baseball fun with Daddy.

We feel so blessed to have these kids and look forward to a great school year!

On the farm

Here are a couple of pictures we never posted of the kids playing games with the grandparents.

Monopoly has become a favorite of Austin's.

The kids make up their own games on the pool table.

Lindsey never turns down the opportunity to be read to.

Logan visits

The kids had a great time visiting with Logan and it was great to see Paul and Dena again. Here are some pictures of the kids.

Potting Flowers

One can't properly transplant flowers without the help of the kids...

Hilton Head Vacation

Here are some random pictures of an impromptu getaway to South Carolina.

It's hard to ride your bike, hold the camera out in front of you pointing back, and hope that you get the little girl riding the tandem attached to yours. Lindsey didn't miss a beat and was ready with her smile.

Let's go fly a kite! Reece's kite is at the top, Austin's in in the middle.