Science Fun!!

We’ve spent some time learning about earthquakes, and today we’re putting some of that knowledge into practice by building a structure that can withstand the forces of an earthquake. They kept in mind the shape, foundation, height, weight and other factors that may influence the stability of their structure while building.

They also had to decide on details of the earthquake that would hit their structures; the number of shakes it will have, its magnitude, the direction it will shake, and the kind of seismic waves the shake will represent. Can you tell which structures stood, and which fell?

Happy 1st Day of School!

It seems like just yesterday that we started our homeschooling journey, and here we are 8 years later with a 20 year old, a 7th grader, and a 5th grader! Crazy!

Every year I try to capture their favorite things at the start of the school year. This year they’re both still loving gymnastics, basketball is a new favorite, and Katie is head-over-heals for her new kitten, Estella. (We recently learned we are no match for the relentless onslaught of a 12 year old girl on a mission!)

    

    

Here’s to another great year of learning, loving, and growing…together!

Cousin Time!

As summer starts to wind down, we’re enjoying as much time as we can just hanging out and loving on our people before we start school.

As much as we love the slower pace of vacation, we’re all looking forward to getting back to school and into our routines again!

Love is in the Air!

Today Sam took another step on the path to adulthood. She was a bridesmaid in her dear friend’s wedding!

    

Her dear friend happened to be our dear friend’s daughter, so we were blessed to bear witness to the momentous occasion. It was a beautiful wedding on a beautiful summer day; truly perfect all around.

Welcome, Estella

We have two dogs and two cats, in a little tiny house along with five people. When Katie learned that my sister’s cat was going to have kittens, she decided she needed one. Had to have one. Couldn’t live without one. We told her absolutely not. Out of the question. This inn is full.

Meet Estella. She joined our family today. Seriously, we were powerless under the relentless onslaught that is our 12 year old girl with a singular purpose in life. She is madly in love and has made blood oath promises about what a good kitty momma she’ll be.

We’re all a little smitten.

Oliver!

Opening night for our theater bug!!

    

      

 

 

  

Katie played an orphan-one of Fagin’s boys-and loved every single second of it all. It’s that love and seeing her do something she’s passionate about that made driving to rehearsals three times a week worth it. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for her next!