Family Fun Day

We had a great family fun day today.  I am SO thankful that I am no longer working weekends and able to spend time just having FUN with my family!

We started off at our local bookstore where they had an annual "Bubblewrap Explosion & 4th of July Party".  We had never attended this event before, but the kids had a blast.  Well, it was actually geared a little more towards the younger set, so the boys were a bit pouty at first, but then they got into it.  

They all got to make jingle bell noise makers and patriotic visors and then had a "parade" around the store.  (It is a HUGE 2 story book center, so this wasn't just a march down a few aisles of books.)  The boys thought marching was a bit goofy, but Ella was loving it!  

Then they brought out the bubble wrap and let the kids STOMP away.  It sure did sound like the 4th of July in there.  I am attaching some pictures and may even try to get a video clip on here (don't know if I can figure that out of not).  

After the party we came home and had lunch and then took the kids back out to see WALL-E.  It was very cute and they really enjoyed it.  As an added bonus, there was another family from church in the theater, so we got to visit with them for a bit.  

The kids are signing their VBS songs in both services tomorrow morning, so hopefully I will get some cute pics of that.  

Happy Wednesday!

I usually enjoy Wednesday better than any other weekday because Grandma Cheryl is off work.  This generally means I get some type of respite from 1 or more of my children for SOME period of time.  Right now all three of them are swimming (with their cousins).  YIPPIE!

I am also VERY happy to report that I have finished the boy's portfolios for the 2007-2008 school year.  (For those who don't know, one option for year end evaluation in the state of FL is to complete a portfolio of their work from throughout the year.  While I am pretty good about keeping all of their papers and things together, June usually finds me scrambling to get it all completed.)  I was concerned because this was the first year I had to do 2 portfolios.  Just wait until I get to do 3 of them!  Now I just have to get my friend (a certified teacher) to sign off on them and we will be DONE with this year. 

I was a bit apprehensive about "completing" this year because I feel like we didn't do very much "school".  I have told a lot of people this, but I counted up the nights I spent away from my home this past year - it was 62!  So, I was feeling a bit like the "slacker" homeschool Mom when it came to "checking off the boxes".  However, I have come to the realization that we have had a landmark year as a family and the things we learned, you can't get from a book.  I have found peace in God's amazing ability to provide for us - exceedingly and abundantly above all that we could ask or think.  (How do you quantify that into a portfolio?).  

Off to make the bed and do some ironing.  Sound fun?

Testing 1,2,3

Here I am!  In the wonderful world of blogging.  I decided that it is time to retire the kid's Babies Online pages (since the "baby" is now 4!).  I am looking forward to keeping everybody updated on our school and family life. 

Here is a pic of the kids getting ready to head to VBS! 

ENJOY!