Spelling

Practice spelling words with Popsicle sticks.

Cool Springs

A member from our homeschool community put together a fun afternoon for all who were available to attend. The location was Cool Springs, a place that we didn't even know existed. I was excited to find a new place full of learning possibilities. Today, we had nature ornaments and crafts to make.

The girls first decorated yule logs.

I think they turned out pretty cool and my backyard now looks very festive.

Then they moved onto making ornaments.

Everyone's favorite was painting longleaf pines cones. Unfortunately, the green paint does not come out of clothes.

The last project was tracing cookie cutters and then filling in the shape with beans and other objects from nature.

When the girls were finished, they ran around in the big open field playing who could keep possession of the tree stomps......the boys or the girls.

Randomness

Sometimes learning moments can seem really random.

Polar Express Day

 Although the magic of Santa is not something we practice in our house, I don't deny that there is a fictitious character Santa. We discuss the good qualities of giving that Santa possesses and on occassion we like to enjoy movies that are full of the fun of the North Pole. One such movie is the Polar Express. This movie is just fun and the music is great! It worked out perfectly that today was colder, so we all snuggled into my bed (babies too) and enjoyed the movie together. Following the movie, we had to have some hot chocolate!

Upward Basketball

 This year PF decided she wanted to try out basketball. I really enjoyed playing basketball in middle school and I am excited that she will get to do the same. I love the Upward program because it centers around Christ rather than competition. This will be a great opportunity for PF to gain the skills of basketball and learn about team work without the other pressures associated with sports.

 I love that every practice and game includes a devotional and the kids are encouraged to memorize scripture.

 I believe that she had a great first practice. They went over passing, shooting and keeping the possession of the ball while the defense tried to take it.

PF made one basket out of five attempts and I loved watching her face light up when the ball made it in. I am looking forward to enjoying a winter full of basketball!

For Sale: Planet Earth

For science today, we learned how amazing Earth is and perfectly God created it to provide life for us. I wish I could take credit for the project that the girls did today but it was a suggestion in the book. After discussing everything that makes earth awesome, the girls were assigned to make an advertisement to sell Earth. They were encouraged to include some of the amazing aspects of Earth on their project such as the atmosphere, distance from the sun, gravity and temperatures.

Apple pie

 We chose not to do a big Thanksgiving dinner but thought it would be fun for the girls to make an apple pie.

It was quite yummy!

Laundry Lessons

For years the girls have been sorting clothes in preparation to be washed. They have been shown how to use the washer and dryer and PF even helps make our laundry soap. Dragonfly is our expert dryer emptier. I have always sorted and folded the clean clothes. Well I have been teaching the girls the fine art of folding and hanging their own clothes.

 Ladybug helped to fold up her daddy's clothes. She had a proper lesson in folding t-shirts.

Butterfly and PF set up a laundry shop. When the girls incorporate what they are learning into their play, I  know they are enjoying what they are learning.

Lake Johnson Park

 We headed out this morning to Lake Johnson Park to complish one of the hikes the girls need  inorder to earn their hiking keepers pin. Keepers at Home is a club similiar to Girl Scouts. The sky was a bright blue and it was warm enough that we were all comfortable as we walked along the 2.8mile trail.

 The lake was beautiful and I am sure if we had been there for the peak of the colors of fall it would have been spectacular.

 We found a cool "L" shaped tree.

 Huge Leaves!

Amazing view and a great spot for a picture.
Dragonfly made it the whole way without a stroller. Butterfly and Ladybug told each other stories the whole way. This hike was a wonderful way to spend the morning together as a family.

Exploring Countries: Mexico

This year, we will be "visiting" other countries to learn about the culture, language, animals, and environment. We will also be discussing how Christianity is impacting each of these countries. While on our vacation this summer, the girls each received one of these suitcases. I thought they would be a great addition and prop for our travels. The girls each decorate their own travel tag to attach to their suitcase making it easier to know which suitcase belonged to each girl.

The curriculum included pretend passports. The girls created their own stamp for our first country: Mexico.

While in Mexico, Butterfly helped to make tacos and cheese dip. The girls also enjoyed their favorite Quesdillas for lunch.

Learning colors in Spanish.

Mexican flag

Mexican yarn art