Johnny Appleseed

This week we're studying Massachussetts, and today I introduced the kiddos to good ole Johnny Appleseed.  I stumbled across this Disney video clip which brought me back to my childhood, and I of course had to bring it into my kid's childhood (Micah watched it half a dozen times at least and loved it).



After reading a book from the library, and watching the aforementioned video clip, we grabbed a couple of Mr. Jazz's apples that we still have left, stamped with them and made our own apple trees. (Thank you, fellow mommies, for sharing these ideas online that I could find!) ;-)

  

Library Card(s)

It was a big week in our household - the older 2 got their first library cards!  I have to admit...I had ulterior motives.  I have been reserving books out the wazoo the past couple weeks for our unit study of the 50 states in home schooling this year - books on landmarks, state facts, historical figures, etc.  Only problem is, I can only reserve 10 books at a time.  So once I maxed out mine and Scotty's, I knew something had to be done - get one for the kids too (librarian said I could). ;-)  I made sure to make a memory of it; I took pictures, had them sign their names on the form, made sure they listened to the rules from the librarian, and let them use their library card for their very own first books.  But I also have been using it online to get more books on hold...Hehehe. 

We really are SO thankful for our local library!!

Glasses

Scotty has had the same prescription glasses since our first year of marriage - bless his heart, he has really made that purchase stretch!  Needless to say, it was time for a new set of frames.  The kids had a fun time helping dad pick them out a couple weeks ago.  And God had a nice surprise for us - the glasses store was having a BOGO deal, so Scotty was able to get prescription glasses and sunglasses!  Woo-hoo.  I told Scotty he doesn't have to stretch these new pairs for 7 years, since we got such a good deal on 'em. ;-) 

 

Last Minute Family Get Together

My sis-in-law called Scotty yesterday and invited us to have pizza and ice cream with them in a quaint little nearby town, their treat! Food and family - how could we refuse?  It was the first time all of the cousins were together with all the parents at the same time.  The kids were smitten with their twin cousins and we enjoyed a nice stroll and chat.  Mighty nice!

Our Second Little Lamb

Since Joy is officially 2 1/2, she started Little Lambs at our church this fall.  Yesterday was her first day in this big kid class.  I can remember when Micah became our first Little Lamb.

Fall!

On our way to church today I noticed some trees along the way had leaves that were changing colors, and coupled with the chill in the air I'd say fall is in full swing!  The start of a new season has brought about a new school year, and Micah and I are enjoying a unit study based on the 50 United States this year.  The whole family has begun Bible Study Fellowship - the start of Matthew has been great!  Micah's such a big kid this year - he's going with Scotty for the mens'/school age children class; I still take the younger 2 with me for the womens'/preschool age children class.  Along with school, work, household duties and Bible study there's always time to play, have fun, and enjoy a family adventure here and there.  Here's a little peek at us (well, just the kids - they're the cute, photogenic ones). ;-)

Climbing buddies.

New Hot Wheels from auntie Sarah!

Working in the "quarry."

Made our own "Pea Patch Island" while studying Delaware.

My "Sous Chef" - making peach crisp for our Delaware dinner.

Micah's State Quarter Collection from great g'pa Ruth - great resource for our study!

Joy "checking on Noah" (emptied complete tote of soft toys into crib)!

STICKER QUEEN!

Making pancakes.

Strawberry Shortcake are her "cute ones" from g'ma Sovilla. LOVES THEM.

Loves her new shades from g'ma Sovilla too.

Mr. Jazz's Apples

Our next door neighbors have an apple tree that produced quite a bit this year, and they said we could pick as many as we wanted!!  So with buckets in hand, the older two and I ran over to pick "Mr. Jazz's apples." (Our neighbor's nickname).  We had fun, and now we've got to get crackin' in the kitchen - I'm thinking some apple butter and apple crisp...