This Christmas

The tree is standing in the corner, the lights are strung, the decorations are strown about the tree....handmade snowflakes surround the window, Christmas music in the air, cookies all over the table....this is what December is like at our house.

We take a break from our routines and spend time together as a family.  We read books, make crafts, bake, watch movies, serve together, shop and enjoy each other's company.  We practice being patient with our children and each other.
We are also intentional about creating memory builders for the girls.  These are the things that they will store in their memory banks forever.  We also focus on giving to others.  Serving in some way.  This year we gave baked goods and gifts in a jar to friends.  We made donations (toys, shoes, clothes) to the goodwill.  We ran around the parking lot and put coins in other meters. 
We focus on what this season is about.  This year, we are also teaching the girls about the history of Christmas symbols. 

When it comes to giving gifts, we tend to get the girls what they need (ie clothes), something to read (new books) and something they want (toy from their list).  This limits spending.  It also helps us not to get them everything they want---which is never a good idea!!

I'm taking a break from blogging.  But, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and blessings in the new year:)

TOLAY 2012

Autumn brings me so much joy.  I love the cool breeze, crisp leaves, and all of the activities.  One of our favorite fall activities is the Tolay Festival.

 

 

There were telescopes set up this year to view the sun----it was so cool!

 

 

We love the Barnyard Critters exhibit.  This turtle is 3 years old and weighs in at 200lbs.....it will live to about 80!!!

 

rattlesnakes

 

Macaws

 

Barn Owl

 

Bugs and the potential problems that they can cause medically and economically....

 

Here, they learned about from the Earth to You.  They were able to brush some sheep wool.

 

....then spin it into string!

 

This year, the girls were able to hold baby chicks!!!

 

 

They were so soft and chirpy!!!......this chick was only 3 days old!

 

The girls enjoyed tasting the local honey

 

The Indian Village also proved to be a fun and educational exhibit.

 

....arrowheads, arrows, stones for mixing in, how they made brooms, teepees, and more!

 

The animal exhibit is always a favorite:)

 

HAPPY FALL YA'LL

Revolutionary

The theme for Homeschool Camp this year was the Revolution!  We enjoyed our 4 day camp experience.

The camp weekend was kicked off with dinner in the Chow hall.  We got to sit with some friends, chat, and eat.

 

On Friday, we learned about the Battles of the Revolution!

 

The girls enjoyed the interactive design of the class.

 

From there, we moved on to learn about Life in Revolution times.  We were able to make butter, knead bread dough, sew a sampler, use a washboard, and create a pocket sundial!

 

Then, in the cold and rainy weather, we headed out for some recreation activities!  Faith geared up for the Leap of Faith.   

 

 

"Climbing!" .....and up she went

 

This year she actually jumped for the trapeze---an improvement from last year.

Here, Dalaina is getting suited up for the zipline.

 

David did the zipline too.

 

From there, we headed over to drive a go cart!  It was lots of fun--for David more so.  Dalaina was not excited to go fast!

 

 

The next day, we learned about Spies and Codes.  There were codes to break that led us around the camp for clues.

 

 

The girls had a chance to act like the Minute Men---

 

...then, we head out to shoot some B B guns!

 

From there, we learned about the Continental Army.  We learned about rank and file and marching orders!

 

We got to shoot Marshmallow guns!!

 

 

Saturday night was concluded with a Colonial Ball!  We had so much fun at camp with our friends there!

 

The DeLeon's

 

 

The Overall's

 

 

...can't wait until next year!  SHIPWRECKED