Most of March 2023

Until the end of the month, we were busy working hard on getting our schoolwork and regular life done. After all, we want to have enough done in time so that we can enjoy an extra long spring break.

Daniel getting out of bed the hard way:

Matthew working on a writing project. Not his favourite activity.

We got a nice sized dump of snow. It as a big job to clear off of the driveway! Matthew drove the co-cart.

The go-cart sometimes doesn't want to shift anymore...but it still can push a pretty heavy pile of snow! (If it's not too high and goes over the plow!)

Evelyn getting her art work done.

Snack time gives you more energy to get the rest of your school work done! Especially the last few things that you've been avoiding!

Evelyn got a quilt done for one of her cousins. After all, we can hand deliver it soon! She's planned it ages ago...nothing like a deadline to make the project get done finally!

Hard work at art. This project required pens that needed to be dipped in ink. Kinda fun to try out, but also very challenging to learn how to draw neatly...and it's impossible to correct anything by erasing!!

Matthew was the lucky one to leave before the rest of us and hang out with cousins and extended family...while the rest of us finish up at home and then drive slowly across the country after him. He assured me that although he'd never flown since he was about 6 years old, that he would have no problem switching planes by himself in Vancouver.

He happily left me behind and didn't even bother to turn back and wave at his mom. Absolutely ready for some fun!

Matthew is 15!! (back in Feb 2023)

We have decided that birthday outings/parties are for younger kids...once you are old enough for a summer job you have to do school on your birthday if it happens during the week. Like all those poor kids out there who aren't homeschooled. But Matthew still got to pick what cake and dinner he had for his birthday.

The cake was really delicious!

Jennifer spent a lot of time making a mobile for him. With airplanes. To match a theme Matthew has going on. It is a pretty impressive creation, with all the balance required to make it work!

And several siblings teamed up to get him a stunt remote control car. It does jumps and flips and things.

Evelyn made Matthew a farm, complete with homemade clay animals. It was a lot of work to make!

The car was a hit with siblings in addition to the birthday boy.

We are thankful for another year of life with Matthew! He is still our most outgoing kid, quick to strike up an acquaintance with someone new...and generally very easy going. 

We love his smile (when it is genuine) his sense of humour and his hands on approach to life. He is quickly growing up to be a hard working (charming?) young man.

February 2023

Evelyn likes to make the crafts that are included in her school book. There are a lot of neat ideas in the one series she's been working through.

We had some nice sliding snow. The kids enjoy sliding alongside the driveway.

Matthew working hard on his schoolwork.

Jennifer and Evelyn went all out and made a fruit salad for breakfast one Saturday morning. They shared some with Melanie, who was making them panakoeken.

The Lego corner is a lot more popular when the floor is clean!

A triple-decker bus by Jennifer.

Yet another art project by Evelyn. Who still aspires to be an artist when she grows up. Along with a few other things.

The bus with a top level added so people can enjoy the rooftop while going for a ride.

Daniel working hard on his schoolwork.

Oh yeah. That guy. It's Nathan!! He's usually busy in his room, but he does come join us once in a while. Especially if there is food.

Melanie working hard on my big birthday present. It's no small project!

 It's coming together very nicely!

January 2023, second half

Evelyn was gifted a homemade easel for Sinterklaas. She put it to good use!

We did more art work.

And we made more use of the skating rink.

Matthew often spends time in the Lego corner. He usually isn't cleaning up Lego.

We started a homeschool co-op. Our first time joining one. Ever. It was fun. And in preparation we made bean bags...which Matthew is practicing juggling.

And Melanie is helping sew.

Jennifer and I enjoyed the deep snow and did some sliding!

Daniel and Evelyn did a lot of skating this winter!

Sometimes Evelyn couldn't find someone to join her on the rink, but usually she can convince one of her brothers to come skating with her. :)

January 2023, first half

We had another week of holidays in January. Daniel Jennifer and Evelyn offered to "babysit" while I went for a walk with my friend. The weather was warm enough to hang out at the park. Spending time at a park is a treat for my kids nowadays!

Melanie spent some of her holiday time drawing.

After the holidays were over, it was back to the school books again. Yay!

Evelyn finished the quilt she was working on. It turned out very nice. :)

We've been working through an art course. Daniel, Jennifer, Evelyn and I.

It's been hard work!

Huh?

Science.

The girls hanging out in Jennifer's room, looking after babies together.

We had some snow in January...the go-cart did it's best to help in the deep snow, but it definitely did not have an easy time. If the snow gets really deep it goes right over the top of the shovel. And you really need to keep moving fast if you want to shove lots of heavy snow around. Sometimes you have to break it up in pieces if it's wet and heavy. The go-cart is a lot of fun to drive!

That wet and heavy snow is even harder to clean up off of the skating rink. But Melanie's got this!

The rink is back in business!