Nate's Field Trip

At the end of the 08-09 school year, we discovered the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve down the road from Perimeter. At the time we could only take a quick peak in the visitor center (which had tanks with turtles, frogs, and snakes) and glance around the grounds. Nate repeatedly asked to return and spend more time there. We finally made it back this spring as a "last day of school field trip." Nate had such a great time. We walked on trails through the woods and viewed a tenant farm house from the 1800s filled with typical early 1900s furnishings. (It took Nate and Kate many guesses and several hints to figure out how people of that day could heat their irons without electricity.) Nate's favorite part was the reptiles and amphibians (he selected photos 2 & 3 below for this post). A great finale to our school year!

Graduation!

Erik finished his studies this May and graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity. Congratulations Babe! Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate with us!

Big Boy

Hard to believe, but we're almost a diaper-free house! (Still some accidents and soaked every morning.) Here is a photo of training in progress. (Note the hair. It actually grew for another month before I cut it.) The bottom photo shows the new 'do and undies.

School Days

We are excited about homeschooling both Meg and Nate next year, but very sad not to be returning to Perimeter. We have been so pleased with Meg's whole experience--the teachers, administration, families, philosophy, atmosphere, education, etc. Throughout the year they have several special days: a tremendous Veterans' Day program, an Arts Festival, service projects, and more. Here are photos from Meg's 1st grade Seder celebration, class poetry recital, and Shakespeare Day. For Shake Day I helped the Nature Study teacher teach all the students to make Elizabethan-era tussie mussies. Not having any 16th century upper class garments on hand, Meg and I dressed as peasants.

Spring Break

We spent part of spring break week with Pappy and Mema in Birmingham. The Botanical Garden was hot but pretty. We also enjoyed a morning at the children's museum. But the favorite activity was definitely the old rusty "whirly jig" Mema got at an antique store.

Resurrection Celebration

Happy Hunters

We had Easter dinner with some good friends from church. Everyone contributed to this delicious spread (not pictured: Cortney's fabulous desserts.)

Easter nap

Daffodils

Ok, time to catch up; starting back in March...

The kids brought me these flowers from our yard. Don't worry, the toilet bowl brush that goes with this holder has never been used on a toilet. It is the spider web remover for the playhouse.