Memorial Day Parade

I absolutely love our little town parade and will look forward to going every year!! Although, this is the first year we have been to the parade as residents, we have enjoyed the parade a few times in the past with friends and have always loved it. This year, the weather was beautiful, Isaac was marching for the first time and we had a blast. I hope those around me weren't concerned about my mental state as I found myself teary when the firemen passed, when the veteran's passed, when the re-enactors passed and definitely when Isaac passed. :) What a great way to spend an afternoon!!

We arrived at the parade route about 45 minutes before things kicked off and the girls enjoyed a lollipop while we waited. They didn't want to eat too much since they were looking forward to the candy that would be thrown from the marchers during the parade.

Isaac thought this car was pretty cool.

Love these ladies and their outfits.

Great tree farm where we cut our own Christmas tree this past year.

Isaac loved throwing candy with some of his soccer team members. He tried to throw a little extra to his sisters. I think he was counting on the fact that they would set aside some for him. :)

I Didn't Realize That "Country" Living Could Be So Dangerous...

Over the last few weeks we have had some interesting experiences. We are hoping that you will still come for dinner or to visit after reading this post. :)

We have had a couple of garter snakes frequenting our flower beds this year and the kids have really enjoyed watching them sun themselves. Kate is especially enamored. However, the beauty above is absolutely not welcome and was fortunately not discovered by any of the children. Dean was heading out the door one Saturday and happened to look to the side of our front porch, in the flower beds and came running inside yelling that there was a copperhead. He retrieved the appropriate equipment and took care of this unwelcome visitor rather quickly. Copperheads, please find some other place to sun yourself!!!

On top of the copperhead situation, we have had visits from several queen yellow jackets. Unfortunately, they have not been visiting us outside, but have been visiting us in our basement. They are much larger than they appear (says the woman who is absolutely terrified of them even though she knows that it is not logical or appropriate to be this afraid of a small, flying insect) and have wreaked havoc with my laundry schedule. A wonderful man came out this week and explained the problem and how these 8-10 yellow jackets made it into our basement and I am thankful all is cleared up and they will no longer be invading my home.

No more unwelcome creatures please!!

Hooray for Hiking

A couple of weeks ago we went hiking with a family that we do a small science-based homeschool co-op with every other week. We had been studying plant classification at home and decided to meet for a morning of hiking. While we hiked we gathered various plant material and had some fun with it at home. It was a beautiful day and hike and we are looking forward to doing lots more this summer!!

All of the kids with only Kate missing due to the fact that I was carrying her in the Ergo. We were really high at this point and the kids were enjoying sitting on the rock and looking out over the tops of the trees.

After the hike, which was a little over 2 miles, the kids had a quick snack before we hopped in the cars and headed out.

Isabelle decided she wanted to make a placemat with the leaves she had gathered.

Isaac worked on various bookmarks.

A Good Day Was Had By All

We can't believe how fast this week is flying by and all are looking forward to seeing Daddy this weekend. We had such a good day today. The morning was filled with all things school. Both Isaac and Isabelle worked diligently and joyfully. Such a blessing! After rest time we did a little of this and that...

Cheese anyone?!

Isaac was very intent on creating something out of a discarded box.

The box ended up turning into a house for the Seiler ZhuZhu pets.

It is a work in progress. :)

Kate was enamored with flower picking this evening during soccer practice.

Isabelle enjoyed picking flowers as well.

It was so hot, but the boys didn't even seem to notice. It has been so much fun to watch them learn the fundamentals and improve each week. Isaac was fierce (in a good way :)) tonight and ran hard the whole practice. So proud of his determination.

Nothing like a surprise ice cream trip to cool off after practice.

Great way to end a great day! We missed you much Daddy, but know we will see you soon.

Tuesday Happenings

Today we were at home for the whole day as we typically are on Tuesday. We didn't get to literature today, so will read an extra couple of chapters in Charlotte's Web tomorrow. We read about trees and plants during our reading time in preparation for our co-op and hike on Friday. All in all, a good day. We are enjoying and adjusting to our new curriculum. The weather was sunny and warm. Hope you had a great day Daddy!! We loved talking to you right before bed tonight.

Not sure that Isaac is loving his math this morning. :) Today was multiplying by nine and it was smooth sailing once he got rolling.

First grammar test in our new english curriculum. Synonyms and antonyms as well as proper use of a and an were on the docket.

Isabelle attempting a reproduction. :)

It is always fun to play in the water while everyone else is doing school. Thankfully she also thinks it is fun to clean it up.

The kids headed out to grab their bikes and scooters while I made lunch. It was beautiful and hot today!

Lunch outside!!

The two little chipmunks kept us quite entertained while we ate.

Kate developed a new love for taco dip this afternoon. I was eating some leftovers and she decided to share.