Fortune cookie and neighbors

This was in my fortune cookie last night. Today I left at 4:45 to take a child to the doctors in Atlanta and afterwards my kind neighbor through the woods asked if she could keep the kids.... Um.. Yes and THANK YOU! My mother-in-law kept the older kids while I was gone... THANK YOU! My mom rode with us... THANK YOU! Our pastor and his wife came out to pray with us.... THANK YOU! and numerous others have offered help and prayers....THANK YOU! Community, one of the best parts of life!  Now to nap or finish this quilt....

The Cricket in Times Square

Cricket in Times Square, a wonderful (short) chapter book to read aloud! It really appealed to my 9 and 7 year old. Render (5) was interested when I played samples of the operas and folk music the main character played in the book. (We just listened to samples on iTunes for free. Sometimes we even used it as sound effects during the readings! Highly suggest trying this if interested.) it covers the diverse  culture of New York City and opens conversation on character traits. #cricketintimessquare #bookclub #homeschool #readaloud #learningthroughliterature

What's left of our Chinese dinner in celebration of finishing  "the cricket  in Times Square" book. The kids actually ate dinner tonight and Gaitz told me to stop bragging about being great with chopsticks sticks! 😂 #homeschool 

Making meals and life snipets

While I taught my oldest 4th grade math, dinner miraculously appeared in the crockpot! And yes, she is what's so miraculous!! #homeschool #littlelady #teachthemyoung #lifelessons

If Sib made dinner, it was only fair that while I taught 2nd grade math Gaitz gets the chance to make lunch. He even got excited about the "presentation"! These kids never cease to amaze me!!

Story of World read aloud with a million other projects going on at my feet. After 2 weeks vacation we are trying to "ease" back into routine. #homeschool #storyoftheworld #

Gaitz fixed his cow problem

Snipets from homeschool days

Their way of reciting John 3:16

Merritt's physical therapy 

10:00 am and the house is destroyed and Gaitz has started banging his head on the Saxon math book

I'm on the floor, behind the desk, laying in my belly, enjoying this kiddo! 

Late night reading cricket in Times Square... Another favorite!!!

Home sweet home

We did end up seeing Alaska once we were in Alabama 

KK had stocked the pantry and fridge which was most appreciated! 

This is where I found the girls once I woke up this morning, happily settling into our normal life. Art on the back porch. 

Heifer International (headquarters)

HEIFER INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 

If you aren't familiar with the work of Heifer International you should check them out!!!! My favorite organization! Heifer supplies farm animals to families in need. The first offspring from those animals must be given to another family in the village. The resources from these gifts allows villages to rise above poverty with healthcare, education, and clean water. Heifer also provides sustainable ag education!!!! It's a worthy cause!!

It all started when the founder was giving cups of milk and blankets to a war torn village and thought... What if I gave them a cow instead of a cup!!! How beautiful!!!

Look at these "water buckets"! Slip a rope through the hole and roll it all the way home! 

Transporting goods to the market

Pictures of what schools look like for other children. My kids were fascinated with the different language letters hanging on the wall. 

The market area! There was a game for the kids to play. With each roll of dice you could have a well dry up or a hurricane devast infrastructure.... Easy to see how whole villages can have set backs!

Kids checking out mosquito netting and learning about malaria

An interactive quiz 

Donating to the cause. We were also able to give a share of a llama (Sibley's choice) and a water buffalo (boys' choice) to a needy family. 

 Definitely one of the best parts of our trip!!

 

San Juan River Rafting (thats a wrap!)

The sand bar stretched a ways from our unloading ramp but thankfully

there was a very little canal of water. The whole gang helped transport gear

from raft to ducky, up the canal, and then onto the boat!

What troopers these kids are!

From Rapids to sand bars

I hope these 4 boys grow up to

work (and play) as hard as their

Dads!!!!

 

San Juan River Rafting

As always this sweet girl

was calm, quiet and smiling.

 

Gaitz loves to entertain Gilly.

 

Oh look! I did come on this trip!

Boys (young and old) exploring the upper

levels and finding fossils! lots of fossils!