Dismal Swamp

This weekend Avery had the opportunity to tour the Dismal Swamp, which is on the coast of NC. So he and his Dad made the 5 hour drive and went out all day Saturday. Avery had a very good time and they were able to see alot of interesting things. These are a few of the pictures Avery got to take with the digital camera he got to take on his trip.

"Goblin Hunting"

This is the kids going "Goblin Hunting" at 9:30 am! This was one of those days when playtime seemed to be more important than interupting it with schooltime. We need those days every once in awhile.

The Zoo

We took a trip to the Zoo last weekend with the kids. We had fun although it was too hot and my recovering broken ankle suffered greatly for it a few days later! Having an injured ankle is becoming very inconvenient.

Gem Mining

We went gem mining this morning at Castle Mcculloch. We had a very fun time even though it was raining. After we mined we got a tour of the rock quarry, THAT was the neatest part. That big hole was mined since the 1940's one dump truck at a time!

Chasing Zephyr!

This is a beautiful rainbow dyed playsilk I got from A Toy Garden, I just love the colors. So when my very naked 2 year old decided to wrap himself with it and run around the house I just had to grab the camera! When you give your child a name that means "the wind" expect to be doing a lot of chasing.

Watercolors

We have watercolor painting day once a week. This is Zephyr's favorite afternoon activity. I am trying harder to paint color instead of obsessing about a perfect picture. I think the kids are figuring this out as well.

Our New Kitchen

We got a wooden kitchen for the playroom, and the kids love it! I am so glad and had to include a few pictures of them.

Playroom - Schoolroom

I have been dreaming of a playroom/ schoolroom with all of my ideals. I am proud of our room, and it has become my favorite in the house!

The Moon

I don't have the best camera, but on the way home from the lakehouse I made my husband stop so I could take a picture of the moon.

Visitor

This past weekend we went to the lakehouse. my husband found this field mouse who made a home in the bird house. I guess a house is a house!

First Day of School

The treehouse at night

We love our Stockmar crayons!

The camera didn't like the lights, but at least you can see our treehouse!

I finally got the wonderful idea to put light in the treehouse so we could be up there at night. Avery loved it so much he decided he wanted to color at 9pm. So we colored in our big treehouse. This was the first time we really hung out there at night because it had been so dark so we were all fairly excited. This treehouse is huge and I am trying to make it a place where the kids can be alot more often.

"The Treehouse"

These were taken in the fall right after we bought our house because I never could convey just how amazing this was. My husband decided we were getting this house after seeing this treehouse before he ever saw the inside. It is literally 3 levels high. I post them now just because when I say it's huge, I mean it!

Happy Birthday!

Oh wow, my oldest just turned 13! He has been reminding me (and everyone he meets) that he will be a teenager soon. He had a huge birthday bash at Pump It Up and it was everything he thought it would be. His two best friends were there and that made it perfect. He talks on the phone daily and ignores me alot, just like a teenager I guess!

Baby Birds

Zephyr found two baby birds hopping around in the backyard. He was truly fascinated and the birds kept a close eye on him as well! There were two birds on the fence making lots of noise. Must have been Mom & Dad looking over the babies flight attempt.

Return from Never Never Land

I am back although I didn't really go anywhere. I have just been neglectful i guess. We are enjoying our summer and spending lots of time outdoors. We have a small vegetable garden and an herb garden. The kids love taking care of it and watering everyday is a treat for them because they make sure to spray Mom & Dad. Zephyr says "Mommy, wet" and I know to run!
We are also taking a break from any "schooling" right now. I need it and so does Avery. I think we will restart with some changes, which is why I believe it is important to step back and take a breath for a period of time, to reflect on how things have been going or not going.

Holiday Pictures

We had a wonderful holiday season! On the night of Winter Solstice we lit lots of candles, opened a few presents each, and made holiday goodies. The big gift of the night was Daddy's new guitar. Making cookies was the big hit for the kids! The next day we had family over and opened more gifts. The big gift of the night was Mommy's new ring! We spent all of Christmas Eve in Va. with family.

Christmas Castle

We went to Castle Mcculloch which was all decked out with lights and entertainment! I think everyone had a good time, although it was a long walk around to all of the different displays. It was somewhat sentimental because my husband and I got married there.