National Night Out!

The kids and I (minus Talmage, who was working), headed over for dinner and fun at the National Night Out in our neighborhood.  It was a great excuse to not make dinner and get out and visit with people in the community.  I will be honest, I don't tend to talk to anyone, but they don't talk to me either.  I'm sure it's just part of life to not visit with people these days.  I did run into our neighbors and so we chatted with them.  Jeff got home from work and joined us for the fun.  

The bounce houses and slides were a big hit!  The kids also enjoyed the food, getting to play games, paint pumpkins, and even get a balloon animal!  I am always impressed with the free stuff that is available!  Happy meet the neighborhood night ;).

A day in the life...

Every day feels the same, yet always a little different too.  Homeschooling makes life a bit more comfortable so that's nice too.  I spend most mornings hanging out with Clark and Lorna helping them get their work done.  Depending on their moods things go smoothly, or not as smooth :).  It also helps that if I'm working with one then the other can have a break as needed.  The older kids work independently, which is nice.  I do help with spelling and review their work.  I appreciate having a co-op that also helps with classes.  The older kids are getting science there, so that makes experiments more exciting!  

Depending on the time of day you will find the kids doing various activities.  Here is just a snippet of a normal day around here ;).

Clark napping.

Grant getting his math done.

Sandra working on science.

Mhari practicing the piano.

Lorna reading.  On nice days we enjoy reading out by the pool.  Her reading has really improved this year!  It's fun to see her enjoy the story and want to keep reading!

Thrill Seeker

On my way to drop off Grant to a meeting I saw a little stow away on my Expedition.  This little green anole hung on the whole ride.  I think he really enjoyed it!  Such a little thrill seeker!

Park Day

One of the best parts of co-op is having park days!  The kids love to get out and play with friends!  I love watching the big kids climb and play!  I got a few pictures of my kids before too many friends showed up. 

Such a big kid!

Clark having fun running and playing with his friends!

Family Bowling

We took advantage of Groupon and visited the local bowling alley.  This was the first time for the younger kids to bowl and the older kids had been so long they didn't remember much.  We ended up playing with the bumpers up so the little kids had a fighting chance.  The kids did well and no one got too upset, even if there were times of discouragement.  During the first game Clark won on his team!  So funny!  We will definitely have to bowl again soon!

Cubs and Art

Clark is doing well in Cub Scouts and is busy earning awards.  He should earn his Bear by the end of the year.  He really enjoys it and spending time with friends too!  He has been enjoying his art class at co-op too.  I know art doesn't come naturally to him so it's good to see him work out of his comfort zone.  He tries hard and works nice and slowly.  I can't wait to see all of the fun things he's going to learn in this class!

Cute Kids

Another Sunday afternoon nap session... even in the middle of the floor :).  Punkin has been progressing with her crochet abilities!  It's fun to see her making a wash cloth!  I think knowing knitting and crochet will benefit her in many ways as she learns to make many different things.  Such cute kids!