Little Reader

Silas was more than excited for us to go to the library yesterday afternoon. All three older children have gotten small weekly prizes for time spent reading this summer through our local library. But Silas met the big goal and earned a yard sign. He was jumping all over; the librarians seemed to have never seen a child more giddy about his achievement. The whole thing was great. And needless to say, I never once asked him to read to get his time in...and I didn't exactly track his hours. He was waaaayyyyyy over!

More Family Fun

We spent our last week of summer with Judy and Lee here to visit. It was a week full of the beach, the Museum of Science and Industry, the pool, and the zoo. Not to mention, our kids have developed a love of games this summer so we welcomed Grandma and Grandpa into our world with countless rounds of Uno, Sorry, and Old Maid. So fun!

Practicum and Some Thoughts on the Richness of It

The children and I spent three days this past week at Classical Conversations Practicum. The days were long but so rich and so wonderful. 

Silas, Simeon, and Lieren were all together in Geo Draw Camp while Blaise had tons of fun in Play Camp. 

Day 1... 

Day 2...

And Day 3...

Simeon had a bit of an upset tummy this day so he came with me for the morning. He didn't seem to mind but after lunch was ready to join his class again. 

The Geo Draw group presented a song they learned this week about the continents and oceans. It correlates with what we will learn on Week 1 of CC this year (our focus is world geography and Europe). They did excellent! Silas is in the red shorts and Lieren is in a pink shirt and her skirt has a thick pink stripe across the bottom...

This is the first year I have gotten to go to Practicum. I was so thankful I was able to be there. I spend most of my time with other moms who are like me and have children in the Foundations years. We are just starting out. But this week I was surrounded by moms who have children in the upper levels. Hearing their stories, watching their children, and seeing them reap the harvest of years sown into the education of their children spoke volumes to me. In every family's circumstance, God has been faithful. Never have I been more thankful that the Lord led us to CC two years ago. We are definitely an accidental classically educating family. But never have I felt more grateful or more excited or more committed. 

So here is my pile of reading and resources as we get close to starting school again. It may be hard to see, but Teaching from Rest and Trusting God are tucked in the midst of it all. I am not sure that two titles could better sum up my hopes and prayers for my approach to this new year. 

There's Nothing Like Family

My sister was here to visit this past week. Our three big kids looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed having sleepovers with her at my parents house while she was here. They love their Aunt Tara. 

I also love her dearly. She endured a day at our house with no air conditioning, helped me deal with the strange and sensationalistic repair man, and bought us water balloons to entertain the afternoon away. I am thankful she's the sister God saw fit to give me. 

My aunt and uncle came for a visit this past week too. We had a great day at the beach, played lots of Sorry, and celebrated my dad's birthday together. 

It's really true. There's just nothing like family. 

Fourth Fun with Family

Little Princess

Lieren went to dance camp in the mornings this week. I just love our dance studio. It is a Christ-honoring company that has scripture on the walls, encourages the girls to flourish in modesty, and selects Christian music for their traveling dance group. It is a lovely place to go each week. 

Dance camp taught the girls to be a Princess of Kindness and Courage using Bible themes. It was darling. 

The girls could dress up in princess attire or dance wear. Lieren loved picking out something for each day. 

Day 1...Lieren went as Belle. 

Day 2...recital costume. 

Day 3...Ariel. 

And Day 4...Cinderella. The girls did a dance they had learned at the very end of the morning. 

The boys were so supportive and told her she was beautiful 💜