Tent City

We are in a tent making phase here. I think if I let them they would make, furnish, and then abandon tents in every room of the house and every sector of the yard. Right now we are holding at two.

Post Halloween Post

The day after halloween I found these great dresses for 75% off. They are pretty well made and more substantial than the average costume. I also bought a really nice giraffe costume for Caleb. It may or may not fit next year and he may or may not want to be a giraffe, but for $5 I figured we could find some one to use it. There were no super deals for Nate, so I splurged and spent $14 on a Darth Vader costume (including light saber).

Also, Nate continues as the undefeated champ in the annual candy binge. About 24 pieces--and this was on a full stomach and with a slight fever. Unfortunately they are figuring out that they actually get less of their candy this way, so I think next year they are going to petition for a new system.

Trick-or-Treat

 

Basketball player, Man with the Yellow Hat, Ninja, Fairy

 

This one deserves a close up shot. (consume credit: once again my resourceful mother is the heroine of the day.)

 

Neighborhood Pals

Buddies

This is Caleb’s friend, Adam, whose family came over for lunch on Sunday. Don’t be fooled by the sweater vests! They are wild Indians together in the nursery.

Fall 2011 Poetry Recital - Meg

Fall 2011 Poetry Recital - Nate

Fall 2011 Poetry Recital - Kate

North Georgia

Today the kids and I and a friend enjoyed an outing to Blue Ridge and Elijay.

What’s a visit to a quaint mountain town with out a little fudge?

 

The kids took turns viewing Amicalola Falls through this telescope, then we hiked to the base of the falls to view it up close.

 

Pumpkin shopping at Burt’s farm.

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Side note: Meg and Nate have accumulated a little money through allowance, acorn collecting, birthday gifts, etc. It is entertaining to see how they handle their newly acquired wealth. Among other things, today they funded their own telescope viewing, purchased their own pumpkins, and (they’re currently on a benevolent kick) also bought mini pumpkins for Kate and Caleb.

Nature Walk

On Tuesday Meg and Nate presented their Roman speeches at a homeschool group Social Studies Day. Then we took a picnic lunch to the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and walked through the woods. Nate was stepping across some stones in the creek when he looked down and saw a snake. I’m not sure but I think it looks similar to pictures of a Northern Water Snake (non-venomous).

Botanical Garden

Last week friends from church generously gave us passes to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. I wouldn’t have guessed fall would be such a nice time to visit, but we spent a wonderful five hours enjoying the pleasant weather and beauty of God’s creation.

Another little step toward independence

Family Reunion

Over Columbus Day weekend Erik took all the kids to his family reunion in Michigan while I stayed in Atlanta to attend a women’s conference (and I had a whole day ALONE in my own house—extremely enjoyable and productive! Thanks Babe!) Everyone had a great time at the reunion. Here are a few photos taken by Erik’s cousin Kali.

Sand dunes at Lake Michigan

 

Game night

 

Good meals

 

Movie time

 

Fall festival

 

Deer sighting

 

Family time