Redheads Grey Late.....NOT!!!

I have always been told that redheads stay red forever, or for a very long time. Well, I am proving them wrong. When drying my hair last week I was shocked to find that the baby hair growing in near my temples is about 1/3 pure WHITE!!! Yep, I am wearing 30 well. Isaac has plenty of grey hair and I love it. So, now we can match. WOW. Thanks a lot dad for the "go white early" gene:)

Fall and Field Trips

We have been on three official field trips this year so far! Another perk of homeschooling them. We went to the butterfly conservatory where butterflies and birds flew all around us! Then we went leaf hunting. Bill knows all about the trees and leaves. His father was a guide in the Adirondacks. Somehow Judah remembered EVERY tree he learned about. We took pics of each one (only a few here.) I remembered a few, but Judah is like a little encyclopedia! We gathered the prettiest leaves we could find and preserved them in wax. They now hang on our window for fall.

 It was GORGEOUS, and the kids loved every minute!

 Ummm, forgot what this was, but Judah will remember.

 Ironing the leaves in wax paper.

5 year old with a hot iron = nervous mommy and grandma. 

 Then last week we went to the cider mill and the farmer's museum. We were so happy to have Vic and Tim with us. We were in for a big surprise at the museum. We didn't know what to expect, but it was amazing. It was like stepping into the 1800s. It was a complete town. Women were cooking and baking. The blacksmith was working on guns and axes. Everything was in  working order just as it would have been. We had a blast!

 This carousel was at the museum. I have never seen a more beautiful one in my life!

 The blacksmith shop.

 Nanny gobbling with the turkeys. Judah doing his impression of Nanny.

 Art project for an early Thanksgiving with Vic and Tim:)

School days!!

This was our first year schooling at home. The kids were so excited and we are having a great year so far. The first day we celebrated with donuts for breakfast and a movie after school. It has been one the of the best decisions I have ever made. It is definitely a lifestyle change and it is a perfect fit for us. The kids tell me about once a week how much they love it. It makes my heart happy. We are all learning so much.....together. I hope they remember reading with me everyday and doing math at the kitchen table with the family.  Aside from the great education they will receive, I hope they learn the importance of family time, quality and quantity. I hope their faith and character is strengthened each day.

They loved their art bags and notes from mom:)

 Happy Kids!

 Donut dad.

 She's reading!

 Math lessons taught on dvd.

 Working on punctuation.

 Breakfast and Bible times

 Nature walks with mom.

 Stella is already halfway through Kindergarten! First grade here she comes!

 Judah has already learned his first song on the guitar. What a natural.

Lake Champlain

Another highlight of our summer was our family trip to Lake Champlain. We fished and tubed, roasted marshmellows, and had many family meals. Judah fished ALL day, from sunrise to sunset. We lost count of how many fish he caught! The weather was beautiful. It was a great way to end the summer

The farm table

 Roasting Marshmellows

 Kayaking!

 Look at my girl!

 Fish boy!

 Night Fishing was cool!

 Yep, still fishing!

 View from the lake 

Catching Up

Summer seemed to fly by so fast. Judah had another great beach party. They found a turtle, a large dead fish, and searched for creatures for hours. They went tubing and and sliding down the big slide. It's fun to have a summer birthday in the family! I can't believe we are moving toward double digits next year!

Here is the turtle:) So proud.

 He loves his new laptop and uses it daily for school!

 This boy time was LOUD!

 Face first. Has Papa's blood in him.

 Best pals.

 This chalk did not wash off for weeks:)