Buddy Walk 2015

This year we did the Buddy Walk for JJ with my brother's family.  It was a short walk, only about 1 mile around the park.  That was plenty, since it was hot and pushing a stroller and dragging little brother S along at the end was a challenge (hubby was at work).  They had a lot of free fun activities after the walk. First we had a picnic lunch served on frisbees:

Baby L missed a lot of the fun:

All the cousins got their faces painted:

 

There several blow-up playground things to play on:

A little petting zoo:

And of course cotton candy:

The kiddos had a grand time running around with the cousins. And they were all sleeping in the car by the time we got home that night.

Family Schooling Summary

 Co-op school is back in full swing. Weeks 1&2 went smoothly. The kiddos have some creative classes this time. Big sister A has a music theory class (using pipe chimes), a sewing class, and 18th century games (history class). M and S are in a Chesapeake ABCs and 123s class.
They are happy to meet with old friends, have picnic lunches, and play in the yard together again.  I am teaching a class called "Celebrate America" to ages 5-10. It is based on this book:

In addition to horseback riding, they are all doing a soccer/sports class together.  Brother S so far has mostly sat on the sidelines. Too shy.

Baby L has been pleased to join in the fun by attacking and tasting all the balls that roll her way.

Family Schooling Summary: Art Class and Pottery Lesson

This our third time visiting a pottery studio.  We purchased a formal lesson this time though. Ms Jenny let the children roll out the clay and imprint leaves into the inside before laying it over a plaster bowl shaped mold. Then they made hungry caterpillars to decorate the rim of the bowls with. It was great!

Ms Jenny even let them throw clay bowls on the wheel.  She said that most teachers would say that they are too young to try it, but she likes to let people try things while they are interested in it. 

Big sister A had a very steady hand and succeeded in making a nice bowl shape.

This week we studied Winslow Homer in our "Meet the Masters" class. The kids (and I) learned about value and contrast.

I just thought this picture was a funny crime photo. They were supposed to be working on their art projects. I bet you can guess who dun what.

Family Fun

In the last days of preparing to sell our house, things got a little crazy.  Most of the toys and books were put away.  We had some library books and a few toys from the fair.  We had to get creative with our kid entertainment activities. 

We also had a lot of meals like this.  Sitting on various boxes and containers eating pizza and rolls.

We are staying in my brother P's basement until we get tired of each other or build our house, whichever comes first.  The cousins are so happy about this arrangement.  S. and JJ. hung out together sharing their mutual interest in loud rug cleaning trucks.

Big sister A had her first 2 horseback riding lessons at a local stable.

Cousin L joined during her second lesson. She is taking private lessons for now.  That is what the instructor recommended until she gets the hang of everything.

We joined the cousins for their local town fair. The sun was so bright no one could look at the camera.

I think these are the same 9 piglets that we saw at the county fair a couple weeks ago. They grow fast.

And we also tried to help with some of the typical homeowner fun that my brother's family has had going on recently. Leaking pipes and also a leaking HVAC system in the basement.  I love the way the 2 young cousins are just eating dinner watching the antics. 

Family Schooling Summary: Science Museum

Last year we had a family membership to the National Zoo.  This year we decided to get one to the Maryland Science Center. It was on sale through Living Social.  

We have been twice already and discovered new exhibits each time. Our favorite spot is the kids corner. It's gated and geared for kids under 8.  They can just run free and explore that whole area.