Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Summer project

 We have a bunch of people watching from the ground
 and Daniel and Matthew got to help out too

 The shingles are up for the winter!
Our chickens (if we get any one day) will be in a very sturdy coop.

Marshmallow art and biking with no steering

 We had extra marshmallows and some icing, so some things were made with it
 just two sizes and toothpicks to hold them together
 hmmm...what are you making over there?
 then when they are done
 gobble them up!

Evelyn's tricycle has seen better days, but she still zips around on it!


Saturday, December 23, 2017

Jennifer is 6!

 Since Jennifer wasn't allowed to invite herself over to someone's house for her birthday party, we went to an indoor playground instead. It was pricier this time with new management...so maybe this was the last time!
 She liked knowing what to expect!
 When we got home she had been given a craft gift, so that had to be made!
 There were lots, as it was a party package...so everyone could make one. Or two!
 And my favourite kind of birthday cake is not a cake at all, but pie! Pumpkin pie was Jennifer's choice! We covered it it whipped cream! Mmm!
 Melanie had made a piñata but it wasn't made very early and the papier-mâché was taking too long to dry so I put it out in the sunshine to speed it up.
 Yay it's ready!
 We had fun whacking at it, with a broom handle.
 The older kids had to be blindfolded..but it was easier just to be covered.
The piñata held out for a long time because it was still damp and do it bent instead of cracked...which made the hard work last longer. :)
 Evelyn did not participate, but remained an observer.
 Except when there was candy to be shared!
 She was spoiled by her siblings who made her various things to enjoy.
 And a beautiful new dress...I think she is wondering how it will fit!
 Oh, that's who the dress is for!
Six years has flown by and Jennifer is really growing! We love her generosity and her determination...when she is determined to do things we approve of! Jennifer is full of life, a vibrant addition to our family, a blessing from God!

Thursday, December 21, 2017

School days!

 I don't remember why, but Melanie served us pancakes. Yum!

 The only reason that Daniel was excited about school starting was the fact that he'd FINALLY get to read a book on the Kindle. The books on it older books being "public domain" literature and usually over his head. The novelty of using the Kindle wore off before the book was finished. :o
 Matthew got his own "desk" for this year as he has moved on to more independent work...but I need to keep checking on him frequently and remind hiim to stay on task.
 Jennifer starting Grade One ("real school") is my eager student and happy with all her new books. Now that they are getting more difficult she is not quite as enthusiastic about everything. :o
 Evelyn gets all the fun stuff still, and I stop working with her when she is not interested anymore...so she's thrilled to "work" when she's in the mood...and to play when she's in the mood.
We have the freedom of outdoor lunches when the weather is wonderful...and afternoons are usually free..although Nathan can't quite manage every day if you include piano practice and chore on top of school work.
 It's so nice outside!

Friday, December 1, 2017

Algonquin Route

This year we saw the central part of Algonquin. The colored dots are all the different campsite locations. The orange line is where we all traveled this year. We didn't cover that much distance in each day, at least compared to adult "trippers".
We were happy to do a loop and not have to paddle over water that we had already done!