tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256610442024-03-13T05:10:36.622-07:00Reddy ZooNurturing Our Wild Life Since 1995Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.comBlogger242125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-77096456049507891542016-01-11T13:09:00.001-08:002016-01-11T13:12:00.689-08:00Been So LongIt's been so long since I've written anything for this blog that I don't think I can claim to have a blog anymore. I would love to say that I'm just too busy to write, but the fact is there are many people out there way busier than I am who are writing blog posts every day. The truth is that it's just not a priority for me. I do enjoy it, but evidently not enough to make time for it. And that's okay. Really.<br>
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I have, however, discovered Instagram. (I know....it takes me a while.) Instagram is much more my speed. Upload a picture and type a caption? I can handle that. If you happen to be a (former) reader of my poor, neglected blog, and you miss seeing pictures of the kids and our adventures, you can head over to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reddyzoo/" target="_blank">Instagram </a> and look for us. And who knows? Maybe I'll pick up the blog again some day. But don't hold your breath.</div>
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Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-20849698296988389822014-08-04T07:37:00.001-07:002014-08-04T07:37:38.994-07:00Outside My WindowA mama cardinal bird built a nest right outside of my boys' bedroom window. The boys said they saw some eggs in there, but I couldn't spot them myself. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lTiFW6AQSRc/U9-ase59yFI/AAAAAAAAAno/eXcvlz7u8C0/s640/blogger-image--669515774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lTiFW6AQSRc/U9-ase59yFI/AAAAAAAAAno/eXcvlz7u8C0/s640/blogger-image--669515774.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A couple of days later, three tiny heads with open mouths could be seen above the rim of the nest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vNo0IHIn65Y/U9-aoA9CiqI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/nika1qdKdR8/s640/blogger-image-874989246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vNo0IHIn65Y/U9-aoA9CiqI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/nika1qdKdR8/s640/blogger-image-874989246.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A little while later, after standing still and quiet for a very long time, we were able to watch the babies' daddy feed them something yummy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A0y-oD2Vy80/U9-apbBDROI/AAAAAAAAAnY/dIVL2puwVjM/s640/blogger-image--1681751192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A0y-oD2Vy80/U9-apbBDROI/AAAAAAAAAnY/dIVL2puwVjM/s640/blogger-image--1681751192.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5cddsW3-A00/U9-adatgDWI/AAAAAAAAAnI/EhhsPyzUezA/s640/blogger-image--1675129606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5cddsW3-A00/U9-adatgDWI/AAAAAAAAAnI/EhhsPyzUezA/s640/blogger-image--1675129606.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-T2oYNTjzO_w/U9-aq-zWjtI/AAAAAAAAAng/Gwq6XTUQyxs/s640/blogger-image-412857075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-T2oYNTjzO_w/U9-aq-zWjtI/AAAAAAAAAng/Gwq6XTUQyxs/s640/blogger-image-412857075.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was so cool to be able to observe this so closely. I only wish I had taken these pictures with a better camera. My phone isn't doing the experience justice.</div></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I wonder how long the cardinal family will stick around in our tree!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-80498090758244084972014-07-25T18:29:00.001-07:002014-07-25T18:34:12.434-07:00Our Summer in Pictures...so far<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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And there's <i>still</i> a couple of weeks left before school starts!</div>
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<br />Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-11036760436650425952014-05-19T06:25:00.000-07:002014-05-19T09:28:21.458-07:00Catching Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started writing a "Catching Up" post in February and never finished it. I figured that it would be hard for me to keep up this blogging thing on a regular basis. "Not enough hours in the day", as they say. But I think my real problem is that I'm not satisfied with just posting a few pictures and a quick update. The perfectionista in me wants a lengthy narrative of all that has been happening here, in full detail and chronological order. The mom in me worries that I need to post about each of my children evenly so that I don't appear to be playing favorites. And the insecure writer in me wants posts that are composed well and interesting to read. These things are definitely hindering me from posting on a more regular basis, and they are issues I would like to work through and just get over already!</div>
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My husband has been getting into photography, taking wonderful pictures of the kids on their birthdays, at their sporting events, and even for no reason at all. This alone should help inspire me to post more. His pictures are beautiful. And, whether I like it or not, they really don't require a bunch of explanation or captioning. After all, "a picture is worth a thousand words." (How many more quotes can I get in here?)<br />
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Many of the pictures I use on this blog are taken with my phone. They are obviously low, phone-quality pictures, but they are useful because I have always have a camera handy, and I can very easily post to the blog directly from my phone. These are NOT phone pictures.<br />
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So forgive me if the rest of this post is simply pictures. They are awesome pictures, and they tell the story of our last few months. From birthdays and First Communions, to just having fun at home or in the park. I am grateful to my husband and his new obsession for capturing our lives so beautifully. Enjoy!</div>
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<br />Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-87733987690452774162014-02-18T10:50:00.000-08:002014-02-18T10:53:38.764-08:00My Homeschool Day in the Life (with a 12, 10, 8, and 5 year old, and a baby)<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is our fifth year homeschooling, yet I still feel so
new at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every year has been very
different, and I am constantly changing what we are doing and how we are doing
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Halfway through the current school
year, when I was feeling haggard and harried, I decided that were going to try
a “relaxed” approach for the remainder of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t exactly sure what this would look
like, and that made me very nervous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one thing that has remained constant for each of our five years of homeschooling was my PLAN: an enormous spreadsheet with individual lesson plans, color-coded schedules blocked out in 15-minute increments, and a weekly checklist for each child. It was truly a thing of beauty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However frightening it seemed to me, I knew something had to give. I am happy to report that we have been “relaxing” now for the last six weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A new
routine has been taking shape for us, and it no longer includes spreadsheets or
checklists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things have been better –
more fun and less frustrating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spend
more time working on things together as a group, and being together is one of the things I like best about homeschooling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our new routine looks something like this…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>6:00 – 7:30</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wake up! My alarm goes off at 5:45, but I usually snooze
until 6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it’s time to make sure my 16
year old is up and gets out the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She attends a traditional high school. She is usually gone by 6:30, and I may or may not have a half hour to
myself before the other kiddos start coming downstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often I am nursing the baby during this time.
If not, I will usually tidy up the kitchen and prepare for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>7:30 – 8:30</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Breakfast and Chores – The kids usually opt for playtime in
the basement after breakfast, rather than getting their chores out of the way
like Mom always recommends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <a href="http://theartofsimple.net/start-your-day-by-eating-a-frog/" target="_blank">"Eat the Frog"</a>, </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I always say. However, they apparently don't like to eat frogs, and chores almost always get pushed off to the end of the day.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>8:30-10:30</strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>This section of our day has come to be known
as “Morning Stuff”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has always been
my favorite part of the day because we are all together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was deciding how to proceed with our
new approach, expanding our group time seemed like the best way to keep
things light and fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still cover a
lot of material during this time together.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Prayer - We start every morning with prayer, each of us
mentioning any special intentions, and we recite the Pledge of Allegiance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We discuss a different character trait -
honesty, diligence and contentment, to name a few - every two weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it’s important for my kids to learn
about the qualities that their dad and I would like for them to encompass as
they grow. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Art Study – Depending on the day, we will either study an
artist, a composer, or a poet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Currently
we are actually looking at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/13-Sculptures-Children-Should-Know/dp/3791370103/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392608943&sr=8-1&keywords=13+sculptures+children+should+know" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">famous sculptures</span></a>, listening to a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Story-Haydn-Words-Music/dp/B000001KD1" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">story</span></a> about the life of Franz Joseph Haydn, and learning about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Childs-Introduction-Poetry-Mountains-Battles/dp/1579122825/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392609295&sr=1-1&keywords=a+childs+introduction+to+poetry" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Edgar Allan Poe</span></a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>History – Right now we are studying the American Revolution,
and we are using <a href="http://www.libertyskids.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Liberty’s Kids</span></a> to
take us on the journey through history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The show is educational and enjoyable, and we are supplementing with
biographies on some of the key figures from the library.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My kids have never liked history so much!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XrPouoRQzGQ/UrUCVQ1C-6I/AAAAAAAAAVk/sA0K8NX5zBo/s1600/History.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XrPouoRQzGQ/UrUCVQ1C-6I/AAAAAAAAAVk/sA0K8NX5zBo/s1600/History.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Grammar – I decided even grammar could be made a part of our
group time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am only a few lessons into
it, but so far I really like the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/TIME-Grammar-Rules-Editors-Magazine/dp/1603209549/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392611795&sr=1-1&keywords=time+magazine+grammar" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">book</span></a> we’re using.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also LOVE the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Schoolhouse Rock: Grammar Rocks</i> DVD.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>Read Aloud – This is absolutely my favorite thing we do each
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are about a third of the way
into <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ginger Pye</i> by Eleanor Estes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Already this year we have finished <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Secret Garden, The Railway Children, </i>and<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Anne of Green Gables</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<strong>10:30-12:30</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Snacktime! Oh yeah...and Math – Math seems to take the longest of any
subject at our house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With four kids
working at four different levels, it really keeps things interesting for
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Big D does his math lessons on the <a href="http://www.teachingtextbooks.com/?Click=9171" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">computer</span></a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CB’s lessons come from Saxon 6/5, and Banana
and Mr. H use Abeka 2 and 1 respectively. During this time I am inundated with
requests for help, and often have to ask a child to be patient while I work
with someone else for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
their lessons are complete, they're supposed find a quiet place to read (often hard to do at our house <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">).</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ask that each child read for
30 minutes each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Currently, Big D is reading <em>Around the World in 80 Days</em>, CB just finished <em>Half Magic</em>, Banana is reading an American Girl story, and Mr. H just started Judy Blume's <em>Superfudge</em>. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j7vG4cS0U2A/UmhxThS2dVI/AAAAAAAAAMc/Ks4nhczpMpk/s1600/BigD3.45.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j7vG4cS0U2A/UmhxThS2dVI/AAAAAAAAAMc/Ks4nhczpMpk/s1600/BigD3.45.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I almost forgot....the G-man is reading <em>Baby Touch and Feel Farm</em>.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9aC6Z6qZ2q4/Uo-vQnLkFlI/AAAAAAAAARU/jOBAihmR_sI/s1600/blogger-image-1046116337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9aC6Z6qZ2q4/Uo-vQnLkFlI/AAAAAAAAARU/jOBAihmR_sI/s1600/blogger-image-1046116337.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><strong>Afternoons</strong> – At lunch, we talk about how we are going to spend our afternoons. In our effort to relax our days a bit, I have given the kids
the afternoons <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to use as they wish, so
long as there is some learning going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They love LEGOs and playing games of all kinds. We have a variety of card games, board games, and games on the computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is amazing how many educational aspects
there are to some of the things they just naturally do each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also have group science lessons on some afternoons, doing <a href="http://theyoungscientistsclub.com/" target="_blank">experiments</a>, watching videos, or going on field trips.<br />
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</span><br />
I like the flow we have to our days, even without a solid plan (imagine that!) I am a lot less stressed, which means we are all a lot less stressed, which makes for a happier home and a
better learning environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And although I can already see that some things will have to change for
next year, this way is working for us right now.<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-36320976589868850262014-02-03T15:23:00.001-08:002014-02-03T15:24:07.151-08:00Quick PixThought I'd share a few photos from my phone. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Hopefully the next post is more "meaty". For now, though, just enjoy the fluff!</span><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-C9YXmiyIT8s/UvAkobMc__I/AAAAAAAAAbI/VySN-A-WHqw/s640/blogger-image-996064842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-C9YXmiyIT8s/UvAkobMc__I/AAAAAAAAAbI/VySN-A-WHqw/s640/blogger-image-996064842.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2-fLbQ9lUGU/UvAky6QL-EI/AAAAAAAAAcA/21ooG7U5Bus/s640/blogger-image-198469641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2-fLbQ9lUGU/UvAky6QL-EI/AAAAAAAAAcA/21ooG7U5Bus/s640/blogger-image-198469641.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iMH61cWHX5U/UvAk0eJeEZI/AAAAAAAAAcI/tJ0-Cosl7bs/s640/blogger-image-818710356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iMH61cWHX5U/UvAk0eJeEZI/AAAAAAAAAcI/tJ0-Cosl7bs/s640/blogger-image-818710356.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EbKZsWjoUPg/UvAkxcZ7BvI/AAAAAAAAAb4/wE1IfefBqC0/s640/blogger-image-1560957916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EbKZsWjoUPg/UvAkxcZ7BvI/AAAAAAAAAb4/wE1IfefBqC0/s640/blogger-image-1560957916.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rAnYpA-RYlE/UvAks4ZJdrI/AAAAAAAAAbg/VSjFGDS4HiU/s640/blogger-image-1599913993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rAnYpA-RYlE/UvAks4ZJdrI/AAAAAAAAAbg/VSjFGDS4HiU/s640/blogger-image-1599913993.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LgTQdEpaOEs/UvAkqDjJ4gI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/cHj0KN9mp7U/s640/blogger-image--158519649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LgTQdEpaOEs/UvAkqDjJ4gI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/cHj0KN9mp7U/s640/blogger-image--158519649.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-u0brzSrb95M/UvAkrgAiHKI/AAAAAAAAAbY/lf_-6T1KA30/s640/blogger-image-1493544641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-u0brzSrb95M/UvAkrgAiHKI/AAAAAAAAAbY/lf_-6T1KA30/s640/blogger-image-1493544641.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RjAqnCnGp-Q/UvAkuVU6vHI/AAAAAAAAAbo/Q4AtO0Rn0fw/s640/blogger-image-628660241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RjAqnCnGp-Q/UvAkuVU6vHI/AAAAAAAAAbo/Q4AtO0Rn0fw/s640/blogger-image-628660241.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UqN0a0Le7yY/UvAk2CpLIcI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/fQD1h6kM0Mk/s640/blogger-image-1003473665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UqN0a0Le7yY/UvAk2CpLIcI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/fQD1h6kM0Mk/s640/blogger-image-1003473665.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NMw_jL-C4t8/UvAkv5Fza7I/AAAAAAAAAbw/wRW0FKhMJ7I/s640/blogger-image--588429828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NMw_jL-C4t8/UvAkv5Fza7I/AAAAAAAAAbw/wRW0FKhMJ7I/s640/blogger-image--588429828.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HwrNvGuLeiE/UvAk31JI4iI/AAAAAAAAAcY/yP758xg_IdY/s640/blogger-image-664129031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HwrNvGuLeiE/UvAk31JI4iI/AAAAAAAAAcY/yP758xg_IdY/s640/blogger-image-664129031.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div></div>Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-72149528150476562622014-01-16T13:56:00.001-08:002014-01-16T13:59:11.351-08:00A Boy and his Dog, Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VWvjWMuM74c/UthVpLtFnKI/AAAAAAAAAa4/bwwDxGgGLEk/s640/blogger-image--383752849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VWvjWMuM74c/UthVpLtFnKI/AAAAAAAAAa4/bwwDxGgGLEk/s640/blogger-image--383752849.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The G-man is on the move. But only a little bit. He's not quite crawling, but still able to get around to get to what he wants to play with. The world is his playground - literally. It is so fun to watch him play, moving from one toy to the next just checking it all out. He is interested in everything, and his face lights up when he sees something else to play with. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One of his favorite "things" to play with is the dog. And she's so good with him that it's adorably sweet to see them together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mG61xNgPzGY/UthVdhNV0uI/AAAAAAAAAaA/FQdmgJSX2qQ/s640/blogger-image-1924166579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mG61xNgPzGY/UthVdhNV0uI/AAAAAAAAAaA/FQdmgJSX2qQ/s640/blogger-image-1924166579.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oM0qhztnzus/UthViWOgulI/AAAAAAAAAaY/bIElPY6e2R8/s640/blogger-image-658674050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oM0qhztnzus/UthViWOgulI/AAAAAAAAAaY/bIElPY6e2R8/s640/blogger-image-658674050.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4qQVZfLinNU/UthVghzVqdI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/CMP38W1mY-0/s640/blogger-image--826902564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4qQVZfLinNU/UthVghzVqdI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/CMP38W1mY-0/s640/blogger-image--826902564.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r0Eq7DsH5Lc/UthVcJnAxSI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/Pv_cJFV66uo/s640/blogger-image-159129724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r0Eq7DsH5Lc/UthVcJnAxSI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/Pv_cJFV66uo/s640/blogger-image-159129724.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aHXRVnJbfzE/UthVe9ZKDYI/AAAAAAAAAaI/U1kJV0DUgEk/s640/blogger-image-15304826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aHXRVnJbfzE/UthVe9ZKDYI/AAAAAAAAAaI/U1kJV0DUgEk/s640/blogger-image-15304826.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CZVyOX6KJLA/UthVkEzkQgI/AAAAAAAAAag/poXmSQGeOEg/s640/blogger-image-2129659503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CZVyOX6KJLA/UthVkEzkQgI/AAAAAAAAAag/poXmSQGeOEg/s640/blogger-image-2129659503.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SzJxyDisMgM/UthVnH9o98I/AAAAAAAAAaw/0tLKUGULNuI/s640/blogger-image-1076586224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SzJxyDisMgM/UthVnH9o98I/AAAAAAAAAaw/0tLKUGULNuI/s640/blogger-image-1076586224.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D7ULLtZYAm0/UthVlrHPe3I/AAAAAAAAAao/M35r2_cdK5o/s640/blogger-image-769974015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-D7ULLtZYAm0/UthVlrHPe3I/AAAAAAAAAao/M35r2_cdK5o/s640/blogger-image-769974015.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our sweet dog, Penny, will be staying at the doggy hotel this weekend while our family goes on a trip to Galena, IL for some skiing. And maybe a little swimming. And definitely a whole lot of eating. That is, <b>IF</b> we survive the 6-hour drive with all 8 of us in the car. Wish us luck!!</div></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div> </div>Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-90191354797779896922013-12-25T09:34:00.001-08:002013-12-25T17:39:13.832-08:00It's Beginning to Look like Christmas...Finally<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aWpyNuC5oTE/UrsXHUQISpI/AAAAAAAAAYk/oUUZxPpP5p0/s640/blogger-image--118330054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aWpyNuC5oTE/UrsXHUQISpI/AAAAAAAAAYk/oUUZxPpP5p0/s640/blogger-image--118330054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1llqMAiTJY0/UrsZr1vjL6I/AAAAAAAAAZg/nEYXWsGvv-w/s640/blogger-image--987905790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1llqMAiTJY0/UrsZr1vjL6I/AAAAAAAAAZg/nEYXWsGvv-w/s640/blogger-image--987905790.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jyeGbnuEzVQ/UrsXBeUkDwI/AAAAAAAAAYE/zXs5PqjDajs/s640/blogger-image--1339407734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jyeGbnuEzVQ/UrsXBeUkDwI/AAAAAAAAAYE/zXs5PqjDajs/s640/blogger-image--1339407734.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5zxgpEVAKj0/UrsXAFXi3EI/AAAAAAAAAX8/LAfdNpcIxWs/s640/blogger-image-53347907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5zxgpEVAKj0/UrsXAFXi3EI/AAAAAAAAAX8/LAfdNpcIxWs/s640/blogger-image-53347907.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yes, the Christmas tree is up, the stockings hung, and cards and letters adorn the front door. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We attended Christmas Mass late last night, getting home just after midnight. The kids went to bed pretty easily, and didn't come into our room until almost 7:30 this morning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kigY1yomtZ0/UrsW9WqdArI/AAAAAAAAAXs/5hwbgTT_DZ0/s640/blogger-image-1471846961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kigY1yomtZ0/UrsW9WqdArI/AAAAAAAAAXs/5hwbgTT_DZ0/s640/blogger-image-1471846961.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-K9GImToU33A/UrsW-xfiQiI/AAAAAAAAAX0/y8ApOnJ4SdE/s640/blogger-image-1704315422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-K9GImToU33A/UrsW-xfiQiI/AAAAAAAAAX0/y8ApOnJ4SdE/s640/blogger-image-1704315422.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The stockings were emptied first. Then the pile of gifts under the tree was attacked. Many happy gasps and squeals were heard. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WTPwBGhdBqU/UrsXKGFiGjI/AAAAAAAAAY0/I_8J6hss63M/s640/blogger-image--1630181688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WTPwBGhdBqU/UrsXKGFiGjI/AAAAAAAAAY0/I_8J6hss63M/s640/blogger-image--1630181688.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Banana and her dolly got matching outfits.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5f9QjzN7IOU/UrsXI071ZtI/AAAAAAAAAYs/DPireK6MHLg/s640/blogger-image--1981127335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5f9QjzN7IOU/UrsXI071ZtI/AAAAAAAAAYs/DPireK6MHLg/s640/blogger-image--1981127335.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div>The G-man was thrilled to find a remote control in his stocking. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UhJABQAw6Yg/UrsXFtP0gJI/AAAAAAAAAYc/mWPWveJtTsQ/s640/blogger-image--695707930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UhJABQAw6Yg/UrsXFtP0gJI/AAAAAAAAAYc/mWPWveJtTsQ/s640/blogger-image--695707930.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The big boys (and Dad) got airsoft guns. After opening that, Big D stated that this was the "best day ever".</span></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PpSpx8nB1S0/UrsXLQCakPI/AAAAAAAAAY8/svVc2-hmF6I/s640/blogger-image-742148186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PpSpx8nB1S0/UrsXLQCakPI/AAAAAAAAAY8/svVc2-hmF6I/s640/blogger-image-742148186.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">CB was happy to welcome the white Angry Bird to the family of birds he already had. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-w33OwJuoOZ4/UrsXCkCfbcI/AAAAAAAAAYM/15pSINBKXdo/s640/blogger-image-1261289663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-w33OwJuoOZ4/UrsXCkCfbcI/AAAAAAAAAYM/15pSINBKXdo/s640/blogger-image-1261289663.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mr. H loves his new watch. He has been learning to tell time this year so having a watch will be good practice for him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Miss M is happy to have a new coat for the cold weather. We are planning a family ski trip in January and it will be much needed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3Tjn4p1bWoc/UrsXEHQhkDI/AAAAAAAAAYU/gkSpn3exLyQ/s640/blogger-image-1393262467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3Tjn4p1bWoc/UrsXEHQhkDI/AAAAAAAAAYU/gkSpn3exLyQ/s640/blogger-image-1393262467.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bMXZfjSx5bo/UrsZtvMBnWI/AAAAAAAAAZo/kmQk_5eew7w/s640/blogger-image--2145032562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bMXZfjSx5bo/UrsZtvMBnWI/AAAAAAAAAZo/kmQk_5eew7w/s640/blogger-image--2145032562.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One of my favorite things is the aftermath. The stuff lying all over the floor. The wrapping paper and boxes. Evidence of the fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F4EdjAO33jA/UrsZqegS9qI/AAAAAAAAAZY/PREwfjLo2Gs/s640/blogger-image--981873977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F4EdjAO33jA/UrsZqegS9qI/AAAAAAAAAZY/PREwfjLo2Gs/s640/blogger-image--981873977.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The boys spent some time gaming this morning,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V_ASsCV6zBk/UrsZo-pqdSI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/zv8Trjq1YFU/s640/blogger-image--591105028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V_ASsCV6zBk/UrsZo-pqdSI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/zv8Trjq1YFU/s640/blogger-image--591105028.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While the girls caught up on a missed episode of the Sing-Off. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uItNhwSvu3A/UrsZmWO3JPI/AAAAAAAAAZI/SxVGuY7O4dE/s640/blogger-image-1547527348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uItNhwSvu3A/UrsZmWO3JPI/AAAAAAAAAZI/SxVGuY7O4dE/s640/blogger-image-1547527348.jpg"></a></div><br></div>I had to get a picture of these two in matching Christmas pajamas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now it's off to Grandma's. Merry Christmas!!</div>Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-91385464314650983712013-12-20T20:03:00.001-08:002013-12-20T20:03:35.881-08:00Wrapping UpNo, not the presents. We don't even have our tree up yet [<em>Gasp!</em>] I'm talking about wrapping up school before the holidays. It was my plan to be finished up by today. We actually still have a couple of things we need to do over the weekend, but we're almost done. Here are some of the things that have been keeping us busy for the past few weeks.<br />
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<strong>History:</strong> We are learning about the Revolutionary War by watching the PBS series <em><a href="http://www.libertyskids.com/" target="_blank">Liberty's Kids</a></em>. I don't think my kids have ever liked history so much.</div>
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We went to the History Museum and we were able to participate in "High Tea" the way George Washington or Abigail Adams would have. We learned the do's and don'ts of colonial society. There we also saw the <a href="http://mohistory.org/node/8724" target="_blank">Early American Silver Exhibit</a> which included items made by Paul Revere, Jr. We were impressed!<br />
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They also offered the opportunity to ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Despite the freezing temperature, we took a quick ride around the outside of the museum.<br />
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<strong>Art:</strong> I recently relocated and organized our art supplies, which sparked an interest in creating things. They stamped and stickered and glued and painted. There were pages that were covered with paint from edge to edge. Those are tough to dry. We discovered a new way to hang our artwork to dry using the stocking hooks on the fireplace mantle. <br />
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<strong>Advent:</strong> We have been enjoying the <a href="http://www.holyheroes.com/default.asp" target="_blank">Holy Heroes</a> Advent Adventure, using their printable ornaments to decorate our Jesse Tree. The videos and the printable ornaments for the Jesse Tree trace the roots of Jesus through the Old Testament Bible stories. (So we <em>do</em> have a tree up at our house. It's just not a Christmas tree!)</div>
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The kids took part in a Christmas program at a local retirement home. The three older boys were all shepherds. Mr. H looked so cute in his costume.</div>
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The G-man had the honor of playing Baby Jesus this year. He almost made it through the whole program without getting fussy.<br />
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And just in case you think this doesn't look quite school-ish enough, here is proof that we do use books. <em>Sometimes</em>...<br />
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Sometimes we even use desks.</div>
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But most often we don't. <br />
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The couches are very popular.<br />
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So is the floor.<br />
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Big D's top bunk is his favorite place to work.<br />
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It feels sooooooooo good to be wrapping up the first part of our school year. Now I need to get busy wrapping Christmas gifts :-)<br />
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Happy Holidays, everyone!!<br />
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Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-17585422468829207872013-12-10T17:49:00.001-08:002013-12-10T17:52:12.317-08:00A Boy and his Dog<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EBaUht3Pi4g/UqfElRCv24I/AAAAAAAAAU4/urVDuguk8Rg/s640/blogger-image--1835508858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QuzHBQq0FR0/UqfDpzWpI1I/AAAAAAAAAUw/ek-RD0BRl3Y/s640/blogger-image--2108651955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QuzHBQq0FR0/UqfDpzWpI1I/AAAAAAAAAUw/ek-RD0BRl3Y/s640/blogger-image--2108651955.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sIHDrwWn_-4/UqfEoreWhoI/AAAAAAAAAVI/tpFW9Jtujek/s640/blogger-image--323298727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sIHDrwWn_-4/UqfEoreWhoI/AAAAAAAAAVI/tpFW9Jtujek/s640/blogger-image--323298727.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3s49YYuWjqs/UqfEmy1YTAI/AAAAAAAAAVA/50Y28K2-E5o/s640/blogger-image-633098633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3s49YYuWjqs/UqfEmy1YTAI/AAAAAAAAAVA/50Y28K2-E5o/s640/blogger-image-633098633.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Paw-fect pals!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-21876716385490652482013-12-06T07:37:00.000-08:002013-12-06T07:37:43.223-08:00Rockin' Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Mr. H is a music fanatic. He already has his own individual musical taste. </span></div>
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He wants to share his love of music with his little brother.</div>
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The G-man isn't sure what to think about that. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Perhaps if he just skipped to the next track.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Yeah. Now <i>that's</i> a good song!</span><br /></div>
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Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-72653226225761592242013-12-04T14:31:00.001-08:002013-12-04T18:43:23.134-08:00Is it Really December?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I actually have to ask. And not just because time is flying by so fast that I can't keep up with the changing months. But also because today looks like </span><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">this</i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> outside:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Yes, those are shorts and t-shirts they are wearing</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The G-man can hardly believe it either. </span></div>
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And, as you might expect from St. Louis weather, it's supposed to snow tomorrow!<i> </i> So naturally it's appropriate that I was serenaded by a couple of cute Christmas carolers this morning. </div>
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It was a rousing rendition of "Jingle Bells"<em> </em>on a sunny December day. I guess it's a good thing they weren't singing "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas". </div>
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Because it's not :-)</div>
Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-39687356106911386872013-11-22T11:23:00.001-08:002013-11-22T11:40:41.489-08:00Reading Lessons <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AqKuKCkH1T8/Uo-vJtrY8yI/AAAAAAAAAQw/n4vGV76g35o/s640/blogger-image--1779560877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AqKuKCkH1T8/Uo-vJtrY8yI/AAAAAAAAAQw/n4vGV76g35o/s640/blogger-image--1779560877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kikrp9hjgJs/Uo-xirv9QnI/AAAAAAAAARk/bYBTWm4y0jg/s640/blogger-image--1251422161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kikrp9hjgJs/Uo-xirv9QnI/AAAAAAAAARk/bYBTWm4y0jg/s640/blogger-image--1251422161.jpg"></a></div>T<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">he G-man read his first book today.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KvUWugUXXYI/Uo-vPDI3VtI/AAAAAAAAARI/xHCJ3z74foM/s640/blogger-image--2023699668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KvUWugUXXYI/Uo-vPDI3VtI/AAAAAAAAARI/xHCJ3z74foM/s640/blogger-image--2023699668.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We're homeschoolers, you know, so we start 'em early around here :-)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9aC6Z6qZ2q4/Uo-vQnLkFlI/AAAAAAAAARQ/G_D4Kevy35Y/s640/blogger-image-1046116337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9aC6Z6qZ2q4/Uo-vQnLkFlI/AAAAAAAAARQ/G_D4Kevy35Y/s640/blogger-image-1046116337.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This must be an interesting story. He usually has such a short attention span. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tuOvcNdYBO4/Uo-vLvPbKwI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/YP4cR6R0qok/s640/blogger-image-595574195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tuOvcNdYBO4/Uo-vLvPbKwI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/YP4cR6R0qok/s640/blogger-image-595574195.jpg"></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Yes, that </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">is</i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> a Halloween sleeper. Don't judge. It's warm and it fits him perfectly!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E-ZzI7jBLLc/Uo-vNYuuaQI/AAAAAAAAARA/Y4kOnLXP4Go/s640/blogger-image-424774080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E-ZzI7jBLLc/Uo-vNYuuaQI/AAAAAAAAARA/Y4kOnLXP4Go/s640/blogger-image-424774080.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">That was a good book!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-u7H2SLiLPOs/Uo-xkoQ_5jI/AAAAAAAAARs/KKTOHvPtBVY/s640/blogger-image--971801009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-u7H2SLiLPOs/Uo-xkoQ_5jI/AAAAAAAAARs/KKTOHvPtBVY/s640/blogger-image--971801009.jpg"></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Now big brother tells him what it's really all about.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next up for the G-man.......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qCweNyViTf0/Uo-xgd_kfvI/AAAAAAAAARc/3oIy0S-JUdQ/s640/blogger-image--1682420364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qCweNyViTf0/Uo-xgd_kfvI/AAAAAAAAARc/3oIy0S-JUdQ/s640/blogger-image--1682420364.jpg"></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Piano lessons!!</span></div><br></div><br></div>Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-67943813067016544822013-11-15T15:11:00.000-08:002013-11-15T15:11:59.208-08:00Pleasant SurprisesI have to admit...I am a "glass is half empty" kind of person. When I set out into the world with my children, I rarely set out with the notion that anyone will be happy to see us coming. I usually expect people around us to be bothered by our presence. By our noise. By the sheer amount of space we take up! So last week when we attended a play at the history museum (it was FREE for homeschoolers!) I was pleasantly surprised by the young man at the museum desk who said, " We are so glad you are here!" as he handed me my six tickets. I realized how infrequently I actually hear that. It brought a smile to my face.<br />
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About a month ago I took the kids to the zoo. Banana and Big D had free lunch coupons for their birthdays so we decided to go the the restaurant there, which we <i>never</i> do. I quickly remembered why we never do it as I waited in a long line to order. There were no tables available. We had to watch for one to open up and then I sent the kids over to sit there while I continued waiting in line. The G-man decided he was starving while we waited, so I ended up nursing him in line - while standing up and pushing a stroller. He was still nursing as I ordered and even when the food appeared. I wondered how I was going to manage getting the food and drinks, the baby, and the stroller over to the table? The stroller actually came in handy with its cup holders. The Banana was my hero when she came over and asked if I needed help. Did I ever! By this time I was sweating. We made it over to the table only to find out that we needed a bigger table for all of us and our lunches. We had to move in order to find two empty tables to push together. Finally, we sat down together to eat. I was still sweating when we were cleaning up, and was completely taken aback by the woman who stopped me and said, "Whatever you are doing with those kids is amazing. They are the most well-behaved children I have ever seen." I went back to the table and shared that lovely thought with the kids, all the while tears were streaming down my face. </div>
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Another instance of my pessimism being blown out of the water occurred when I had something I needed to bring to Miss M at her school. I was lamenting the fact that I had to bring five children into the school office with me just to drop off a tote bag. I was sure we would cause a ruckus and maybe even distract a classroom or two while school was in session. So imagine my surprise when the school secretary met us with a huge smile and joked with the kids a bit before we even got the chance to tell her why we were there! When Miss M got home that evening she told me that the secretary told her she had a beautiful family. She said they were quiet and well-behaved; better than some of the two-kid families that have been in the school. My glass was half full. Fuller even. </div>
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Maybe these events will help me to reverse my thinking when I take the kids places. I really should bring them along proudly, knowing that they are more likely to brighten a person's day than they are to ruin it. I mean, honestly...how could this face not brighten your day?</div>
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Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-48717230463289686202013-11-13T06:43:00.001-08:002013-11-13T06:46:23.312-08:00Is There a Doctor in the House?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P3yz2mcpJwk/UoOQEtyVpXI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/KGBBDjGt1Z4/s640/blogger-image-1532767502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P3yz2mcpJwk/UoOQEtyVpXI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/KGBBDjGt1Z4/s640/blogger-image-1532767502.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YAgXsaCzdE0/UoOP_quhEkI/AAAAAAAAAOw/OVpuN2ygvc4/s640/blogger-image--184632678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YAgXsaCzdE0/UoOP_quhEkI/AAAAAAAAAOw/OVpuN2ygvc4/s640/blogger-image--184632678.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CRTjqlm3UxQ/UoOP79tDgpI/AAAAAAAAAOY/HbtkPZrctXQ/s640/blogger-image-1818576985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CRTjqlm3UxQ/UoOP79tDgpI/AAAAAAAAAOY/HbtkPZrctXQ/s640/blogger-image-1818576985.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The G-man played the patient today. Mr. H and Banana were the doctors. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rFv4C5vTXlI/UoOQF8rdAvI/AAAAAAAAAPY/pyI2jOnToAg/s640/blogger-image-1396918442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rFv4C5vTXlI/UoOQF8rdAvI/AAAAAAAAAPY/pyI2jOnToAg/s640/blogger-image-1396918442.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">They discussed their diagnosis...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VrpDM_pQiRs/UoOP9C0j0QI/AAAAAAAAAOg/pSjgKZboC8w/s640/blogger-image-397615066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VrpDM_pQiRs/UoOP9C0j0QI/AAAAAAAAAOg/pSjgKZboC8w/s640/blogger-image-397615066.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">...while the patient waited patiently. And cheerfully!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OX39PCfdEO0/UoOQCI1tYII/AAAAAAAAAPA/fLfckEQebOY/s640/blogger-image--691257164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OX39PCfdEO0/UoOQCI1tYII/AAAAAAAAAPA/fLfckEQebOY/s640/blogger-image--691257164.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1MmfKjuDg6o/UoOP-Rfzk-I/AAAAAAAAAOo/4A4uHV9pQxE/s640/blogger-image-1215885611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1MmfKjuDg6o/UoOP-Rfzk-I/AAAAAAAAAOo/4A4uHV9pQxE/s640/blogger-image-1215885611.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Further examination was required.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cucmyI14DY8/UoOQA2Sed1I/AAAAAAAAAO4/acNpa88qMHA/s640/blogger-image-1429883720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cucmyI14DY8/UoOQA2Sed1I/AAAAAAAAAO4/acNpa88qMHA/s640/blogger-image-1429883720.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-taGDIDMnQkU/UoOQDWTU-1I/AAAAAAAAAPI/b-sEQ3PNpf0/s640/blogger-image--1957651841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-taGDIDMnQkU/UoOQDWTU-1I/AAAAAAAAAPI/b-sEQ3PNpf0/s640/blogger-image--1957651841.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Medication was prescribed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lORV-pp67as/UoOQHNi3-HI/AAAAAAAAAPg/J8hEEpIXEYU/s640/blogger-image--1329537547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lORV-pp67as/UoOQHNi3-HI/AAAAAAAAAPg/J8hEEpIXEYU/s640/blogger-image--1329537547.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And the patient was all better. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The G-man is lucky he has such highly trained medical personnel in his immediate family. Their advice to you? Take 2 Skittles and call them in the morning. </div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-29377448521445163402013-11-03T14:47:00.001-08:002013-11-03T14:51:48.552-08:00The Day AfterI have always worried about the amount of candy my kids collect and consume on Halloween. I usually try to limit the amount of candy they can have - "You can have two pieces after lunch, and two pieces after dinner". It's not a lot of fun being the candy master, and it only makes the candy stash last even longer. But it's what I do because too much candy is bad, right? Well, with that in mind, imagine how I felt when I came downstairs the day after Halloween and saw this....<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qNu5Kq9jc5I/UnbSacDIY2I/AAAAAAAAAN4/JkknmfzXVwM/s640/blogger-image-447380543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qNu5Kq9jc5I/UnbSacDIY2I/AAAAAAAAAN4/JkknmfzXVwM/s640/blogger-image-447380543.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The good thing is that they were quietly sorting and trading their candy with one another. Some of them were even making a small pile for their dad and me! And, yes, there were plenty of empty wrappers on the floor also. The candy feast had begun. </div><div><br></div><div>We had the marvelous idea to make cookies using Halloween candy. We chopped up Reese's, Milky Ways, and Three Musketeers. We emptied fun sized packages of M&M's into the batter, too. They were delicious!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tJrxHn0vix0/UnbSZBHTWdI/AAAAAAAAANw/sTSyKRQOnhc/s640/blogger-image-245873571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tJrxHn0vix0/UnbSZBHTWdI/AAAAAAAAANw/sTSyKRQOnhc/s640/blogger-image-245873571.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Everyone contributed to the cookies if they wanted to enjoy them. This helped reduce some of the stash.</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> We're thinking it should become a day-after-Halloween tradition. Our only improvement for next year is that we would use MORE candy! </span></div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It was not really a conscious decision on my part, but the kids have, so far, had unlimited access to their candy. And, so far, no one has gotten a tummy ache or even experienced the legendary "sugar high" that parents are so often warned about. Maybe the lesson I am learning is to let go of some of that control I think I need to have over things. It's a lot less stressful not to have to tell them how much candy they are allowed to eat. And it's more peaceful, too. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Now...if I could just transfer that lesson onto other areas of my life. </span></div>Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-6945619483129190122013-11-02T12:21:00.001-07:002013-12-04T14:49:57.944-08:00It was a dark and stormy night....<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">No, seriously. It rained all day on Halloween, scaring children everywhere that there would be no trick-or-treating to be done. Fortunately for them, the rain let up just after dark. The costumes and makeup went on, and the kids went out.</span><br />
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A goblin.</div>
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The bride of Frankenstein.</div>
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Captain Jack Sparrow.</div>
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And see if you can guess this one.....</div>
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Did you guess it? He's a ceiling fan. Get it? A fan of ceilings. I know. It's pretty lame. Don't worry....we gave him plenty of trouble about his lack of effort this year. We should expect great things from him next Halloween. Or else he'll decide he's too old to get dressed up. I guess we'll see!</div>
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Update: Miss M went to a costume party dressed as her cousin. And he dressed up as her!</div>
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Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-28331114975682264572013-10-23T21:34:00.001-07:002013-10-23T21:34:10.999-07:00More Milestones<div mwref:hw="adolescence" mwref:subj-code="PI#LW#PS#MD" style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xmlns:mwref="http://www.m-w.com/mwref">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-style: inherit;">From the Merriam-Webster dictionary...</span></div>
<div mwref:hw="adolescence" mwref:subj-code="PI#LW#PS#MD" style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xmlns:mwref="http://www.m-w.com/mwref">
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<div mwref:hw="adolescence" mwref:subj-code="PI#LW#PS#MD" style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xmlns:mwref="http://www.m-w.com/mwref">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ad·o·les·cence</span></strong> </span></span></div>
<div mwref:hw="adolescence" mwref:subj-code="PI#LW#PS#MD" style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xmlns:mwref="http://www.m-w.com/mwref">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pronunciation: <span class="pr" style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">\<span class="unicode" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ˌ</span>a-də-<span class="unicode" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ˈ</span>le-s<span style="font-size: small;"><sup style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ə</sup>n(t)s\</span></span></span></span></div>
<div mwref:hw="adolescence" mwref:subj-code="PI#LW#PS#MD" style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xmlns:mwref="http://www.m-w.com/mwref">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Function: <em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">noun</em></span></span></div>
<div mwref:hw="adolescence" mwref:subj-code="PI#LW#PS#MD" style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xmlns:mwref="http://www.m-w.com/mwref">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Date: 15th century</span></div>
<div class="d" style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1</strong> <strong style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">:</strong> the state or process of growing up<b>. </b></span></span></div>
<br />Big D turned twelve today. TWELVE! It sounds so grown up. So ready for new opportunities and responsibilities. So...so...OLD. And so soon! Where did the time go?<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kR3P4TDd-4/UmhJ7fHBJWI/AAAAAAAAAK0/gpnVBh11joU/s1600/BigD1.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kR3P4TDd-4/UmhJ7fHBJWI/AAAAAAAAAK0/gpnVBh11joU/s320/BigD1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />As I said <a href="http://reddyzoo.blogspot.com/2013/10/it-happening.html">yesterday</a>, I am often reluctant for these naturally occurring milestones to come along, but this one seems really big to me.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ypi0tkL6HUc/UmhofiJGS6I/AAAAAAAAALE/a76b_1FUv1I/s1600/BigD2.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ypi0tkL6HUc/UmhofiJGS6I/AAAAAAAAALE/a76b_1FUv1I/s320/BigD2.JPG" /></a><br /><br />You'd think I'd be okay with this, since I already have a teenager. But for some reason my little boy turning twelve is hard to swallow. I mean, just look at this...<br /><br /> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cpzVqAqrr80/UmhxTNIBBLI/AAAAAAAAAMM/HaN3LNjCXHc/s1600/BigD3.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cpzVqAqrr80/UmhxTNIBBLI/AAAAAAAAAMM/HaN3LNjCXHc/s320/BigD3.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />He's still got that great smile, which I love. And while he is no longer a fan of hugs, and he doesn't sit on my lap anymore, he's still got a big heart and a whole lot of love for his family. He has no problem teasing his brothers or sisters, but if anyone else gives them any trouble, you can bet Big D will stand up for his siblings. And, if you judge by his tough exterior, you may not guess that he's so incredibly good with little ones.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hXgmkLcjGlQ/UmhxZ1dl-QI/AAAAAAAAAMs/Ig9taEEcgmI/s1600/BigD3.5.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hXgmkLcjGlQ/UmhxZ1dl-QI/AAAAAAAAAMs/Ig9taEEcgmI/s320/BigD3.5.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CG1k4b1rH_8/UmhqWwg4KpI/AAAAAAAAALY/gJJIl3cakPk/s1600/BigD4.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CG1k4b1rH_8/UmhqWwg4KpI/AAAAAAAAALY/gJJIl3cakPk/s320/BigD4.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Not just with our G-man, but his other siblings, little cousins, and friends as well. I can't even count the number of times people have told me how sweet or how helpful Big D was with their kiddos.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j7vG4cS0U2A/UmhxThS2dVI/AAAAAAAAAMc/Ks4nhczpMpk/s1600/BigD3.45.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j7vG4cS0U2A/UmhxThS2dVI/AAAAAAAAAMc/Ks4nhczpMpk/s320/BigD3.45.JPG" /></a><br /><br />He is a great help to me at home, even with changing diapers! So maybe I shouldn't lament his adolescence so much. There are definitely some positive things that come with growing up. And I am so proud of the young man he has become.<div>
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Happy Birthday, Big D!</div>
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And definitely more quickly than you would like. It seems like as soon as your baby becomes a toddler it's time for Kindergarten already, and suddenly you have a teenager in your house!<div><br></div><div>We've experienced a couple of major milestones at the Reddy Zoo this week. First, the G-man started eating baby cereal! <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">While I had tons of fun taking pictures of him eating breakfast this morning, it hardly seems possible that he's old enough for cereal already.</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yfAoQgmZjS8/Umaqd88mKeI/AAAAAAAAAKU/wlW4GOXM6jg/s640/blogger-image-366665738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yfAoQgmZjS8/Umaqd88mKeI/AAAAAAAAAKU/wlW4GOXM6jg/s640/blogger-image-366665738.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He's not exactly sure what to think of this mushy stuff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TaHLxMFkB9U/UmaqfEEul_I/AAAAAAAAAKc/xruUP3kwEkk/s640/blogger-image-309304152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TaHLxMFkB9U/UmaqfEEul_I/AAAAAAAAAKc/xruUP3kwEkk/s640/blogger-image-309304152.jpg"></a></div><br></div>And he would much rather just grab the spoon himself.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4qQGUr4Imic/Umaqbe_U_uI/AAAAAAAAAKM/hA7ofdZc1CY/s640/blogger-image-2012142744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4qQGUr4Imic/Umaqbe_U_uI/AAAAAAAAAKM/hA7ofdZc1CY/s640/blogger-image-2012142744.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But he's getting the hang of it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3BsZeeO451A/Umaqg2OnclI/AAAAAAAAAKk/j8qGW1bOAW0/s640/blogger-image--1165880288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3BsZeeO451A/Umaqg2OnclI/AAAAAAAAAKk/j8qGW1bOAW0/s640/blogger-image--1165880288.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And, of course, he had a large audience cheering him on. The other kids always make him smile.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PH6IRU4RJc0/UmaqaE1mlAI/AAAAAAAAAKE/8_l4yRSbr5g/s640/blogger-image--510788096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PH6IRU4RJc0/UmaqaE1mlAI/AAAAAAAAAKE/8_l4yRSbr5g/s640/blogger-image--510788096.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And if that wasn't enough of a shocker for a mama, Miss M got her driver's license!!!! Yes, I know that Miss M's news is <i>slightly</i> bigger than her baby brother's first bite of cereal, but unfortunately I didn't think to document the event with even a single picture. She probably would have killed me for posting it here anyway :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As reluctant as I am for milestones such as these to occur, it really will be nice having another driver in the house. Especially one so willing to run to the grocery store for that forgotten ingredient, or to drop off a sibling at soccer practice. Now, if only a reliable third car (preferably a cute little crossover in a fun shade of red or blue) would just show up in our driveway. Then we'd be all set.</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-53423341776705110882013-10-16T08:38:00.001-07:002013-10-16T08:52:19.116-07:00Birthday Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HLRmIXJampA/Ul60J8zC_2I/AAAAAAAAAJg/W0trgYLg8IE/s640/blogger-image--1786234150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HLRmIXJampA/Ul60J8zC_2I/AAAAAAAAAJg/W0trgYLg8IE/s640/blogger-image--1786234150.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Believe it or not, Banana turns eight today. She's been looking forward to it for quite some time now. "Eight is great!" has become her motto. <div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UB1o4nhc_kY/Ul6y45WZsHI/AAAAAAAAAJE/QkFOl7zu1xs/s640/blogger-image--1865241195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UB1o4nhc_kY/Ul6y45WZsHI/AAAAAAAAAJE/QkFOl7zu1xs/s640/blogger-image--1865241195.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qUNCZXARUaQ/Ul614kA3f6I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/nEOvacaCrA0/s640/blogger-image--543252941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qUNCZXARUaQ/Ul614kA3f6I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/nEOvacaCrA0/s640/blogger-image--543252941.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Banana is such a good big sister to G-man and super-sweet with Mr. H. She is my extra set of hands most days; not to mention the only other female in our male-dominated homeschool. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FAm3EQ2481M/Ul60K0G0mxI/AAAAAAAAAJo/hRT1lY_hSXQ/s640/blogger-image-1607775208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FAm3EQ2481M/Ul60K0G0mxI/AAAAAAAAAJo/hRT1lY_hSXQ/s640/blogger-image-1607775208.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">She often laughs at inappropriate times (like when someone trips and falls), but her laughter is so infectious that the whole family tends to join in, including the person who fell. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1WV4MrnC3ws/Ul60IsAc4WI/AAAAAAAAAJY/AKppdZv0mD8/s640/blogger-image--142040805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1WV4MrnC3ws/Ul60IsAc4WI/AAAAAAAAAJY/AKppdZv0mD8/s640/blogger-image--142040805.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She and Big D share a birthday celebration, as their special days are only a week apart. They enjoyed a beautiful day at the park with 18 of their cousins this past weekend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BANANA!!</div><br></span></div></div>Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-43470918154513763972013-09-27T18:07:00.001-07:002013-09-27T19:27:47.673-07:00Will it Work?I miss posting to this blog. It was such a great way to journal what was happening in our family and share with family and friends. It was more than I could keep up with when we started our adventures in homeschooling. But what a wonderful way to document our adventures!<br />
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So I'd like to give this another try. I found an app for my phone that's supposed to make posting a breeze. This is my test post. Will it work? I guess we'll see how it goes.....</div>
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Here is a picture of our youngest. He's four months old and just as happy as a baby could be. We'll call him G-man here, since we have <a href="http://reddyzoo.blogspot.com/2007/04/names-have-been-changed-to-protect.html" target="_blank">changed the names to protect the innocent</a>. The rest of the Zoo just loves him. They can't wait to hold him, push him in the stroller, even pick out his clothes! He is a joy and a blessing to our family. Haven't met him yet? Give us a call and see when he's available. </div>
Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-42769958495724433122011-09-28T17:32:00.000-07:002011-09-28T17:34:39.175-07:00Labor Day Three Weeks Late! :)<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Labor Day for the Reddy Zoo means heading out to our grandparent’s lake house. But first we had some things to take care of, meaning sports! Big D and C had their first soccer game and it was a lot of fun to watch. The whole team did really well and didn’t even let the other team score! The Final score was 1-0. I had my first volleyball game that night as well and lucky for us it was at the same place. All in all I think we did alright. The other team had very good teamwork though, so we ended up not winning any of the three games. But we all had fun anyway! </span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The boys were so anxious to get out to the country that they caught a ride with their cousins. The rest of us just waited until morning. All our bags we packed so all we had to do was load up into the car as soon as we woke up. Upon our arrival we found out that the first activity of the Labor Day Regatta had already begun - the Walk/Run. We weren’t too disappointed. The boys were really the only ones interested anyway. After we had a delicious breakfast of pancakes and sausage the run/walkers returned with prizes! For every activity that you participate in you have a chance to win a ribbon for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place. The family and/or cabin with the most ribbons at the end get to put their name on a big stone for everyone to see. That has been us for two years in a row now! The next activities in the regatta are the sandcastle and sand sculpture building contests. Those are closely followed by kayaking, paddle boat, sail boat, swimming, and rafting races, plus a water balloon toss! During all that our family hosts a hole in one golfing contest, to see who can hit it closest to the flag. We all had so much fun in the sand sculpture contest building a flip flop, a digital clock, a bumble bee, and so many others. How did we fare in the swimming races? Almost everyone who swam got a ribbon! Of course after this we are all very tired, but the fun has only just begun because then there is church on the hill and a big party! We all celebrate mass together and then have a Bar-B-Q and dancing. Everyone had a blast doing the Cha-Cha Slide and the Cotton-Eyed-Joe! We also participated in a Hula-Hoop contest but none of us won anything except Banana. She won a black eye from getting hit with a Hula-Hoop! Everyone was pooped after all of that, but it’s the country so of course we stayed up until about 11:30 playing games! Another thing people like to do out at the country is fish, but not MiMi, KK, and Me. We went with Grandma to look at some of the houses that were having open houses. We just think it’s cool to see other people’s cabins, but for Grandma this just means DECORATING IDEAS!!! All the houses were very cute, but when it was all over we decided that our cabin was still the best! Dinner that night was pork steaks. YUM! After we were all stuffed we loaded up into the car to head home and say good-bye to the country house for awhile Monday morning we woke up in our own beds.(That we had to make right away because Mom was in one of those cleaning moods.) Yay for us, right?! So we cleaned and cleaned until we were all really hungry. Mom and Dad took everyone out to Macaroni Grill for Mom’s birthday a day early! We had so much fun over the Labor Day weekend and we hope you had a good one too!</span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Miss M :) </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Banana, Mr. C, and El getting comfy in the recliner</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTU06iwt3Cs/ToO6N9A5-xI/AAAAAAAAAHM/wWoe5QEKaZ0/s1600/FamWalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTU06iwt3Cs/ToO6N9A5-xI/AAAAAAAAAHM/wWoe5QEKaZ0/s320/FamWalk.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The Run/Walkers!</strong></span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mdNswmPmu44/ToO6OxprK7I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/gs-DjHj9wfI/s1600/FBall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mdNswmPmu44/ToO6OxprK7I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/gs-DjHj9wfI/s320/FBall.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FOOTBALL!!</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qHk7DfHYZ40/ToO6Q9HKiVI/AAAAAAAAAHY/Q76ETImw8GI/s1600/James.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qHk7DfHYZ40/ToO6Q9HKiVI/AAAAAAAAAHY/Q76ETImw8GI/s320/James.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Little Cousins are so cute! :)</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xdzCFMgoCeY/ToO6S3kpfpI/AAAAAAAAAHg/bEazWjost8Y/s1600/MoreLunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xdzCFMgoCeY/ToO6S3kpfpI/AAAAAAAAAHg/bEazWjost8Y/s320/MoreLunch.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lunch on the beach</span></strong></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-14687677384670797932011-08-29T20:17:00.000-07:002011-08-29T20:17:17.847-07:00Back to Busy-ness <span style="font-family: Calibri;">We kicked off our third year of homeschooling last Monday, and the day went quite well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better than I ever expected, in fact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">too </i>well, if you know what I mean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being the planner that I am, I had a schedule –with start times and end times – from which to work, and we pretty much stayed on schedule all morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We prayed together, I read aloud to the kids, and we studied a painting by C<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">é</span>zanne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of my elementary kids got to practice reading, we talked about Vikings, went outside to study ants, and the younger two made boats out of egg cartons while the boys read to themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Banana said that she loved school.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Around noon the Hot Lunch Crew, a.k.a. Grandma and Grandpa, came to feed the kids and help with the last few subjects of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I get the chance to go grocery shopping and run errands in the afternoons on Mondays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God bless the Hot Lunch Crew!!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We attended a Back-to-School Barbecue with our homeschool group that evening, after which the boys had soccer practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to end the day properly, I made sure to look over the kids’ math and grammar before going to bed so they could look over their work the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, Monday went very well indeed!</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then came Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a little less enthusiasm for school that morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hadn’t even started yet when Banana declared, “I’m quitting school!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had been a Kindergartener for exactly one day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She definitely had a difficult day on Tuesday, but things got better after that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She realized that the older kids have more on their agendas than she does, much to her delight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is always finished before lunch, while the older kids still have a few things to work on after lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">seriously</i>…who would want to quit Kindergarten??</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am pretty excited by the number of things we accomplished this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To increase the level of couth in our home, we listened to a little bit of the life of composer Franz Schubert, and began learning a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, in addition to the C<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">é</span>zanne painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh yes, we are civilized here at the Reddy Zoo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also worked on the kids’ handwriting and reading, not to mention the other educational basics - grammar, religion, history, nature study, and Banana’s new favorite subject – Math!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Miss M is doing well with her studies so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hangs out with us in the mornings for a little while, but she does the bulk of her work independently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, since I have 3 elementary kids and a preschooler this year, I am extremely busy throughout the mornings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means that I don’t read e-mails, make phone calls, or check off anything on my to-do list until after lunch at the earliest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never had this level of busy-ness in my entire life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is also the BEST kind of busy-ness I have ever had.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are a few pictures from our first week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope to take more pictures of our activities this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do so many things I would like to capture and remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are just a couple of pictures of the kids reading...</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bb2-x7M1lCI/TlxVrSLYrKI/AAAAAAAAAGk/pRcXHjsHOlU/s1600/_MG_1724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bb2-x7M1lCI/TlxVrSLYrKI/AAAAAAAAAGk/pRcXHjsHOlU/s320/_MG_1724.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">...doing math</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQbZy4xARh8/TlxV0NfxuGI/AAAAAAAAAGo/CAwQeE5nXzY/s1600/_MG_1726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQbZy4xARh8/TlxV0NfxuGI/AAAAAAAAAGo/CAwQeE5nXzY/s320/_MG_1726.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>...and <span style="font-family: Calibri;">cooking! (Isn't that one of the 3 R's?)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNkdmy3s35Q/TlxWA-aAWDI/AAAAAAAAAGs/82Q-ZCXOwOE/s1600/_MG_1722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNkdmy3s35Q/TlxWA-aAWDI/AAAAAAAAAGs/82Q-ZCXOwOE/s320/_MG_1722.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-46267887668559374822011-08-27T20:02:00.000-07:002011-08-29T20:29:46.819-07:00A Reddy Zoo Summer 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana;">A whole lot happened this summer so I will just give you a little summary. One of the first things we did was go to Texas to visit with family down there on Mom’s side. We had fun visiting with cousins and going to a really cool lake. It had waterslides and diving boards. It was a lot of fun!</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dyCF-QOx8Uo/Tlmq2WZ8PcI/AAAAAAAAADg/He5U1OV94Dg/s1600/Texas+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dyCF-QOx8Uo/Tlmq2WZ8PcI/AAAAAAAAADg/He5U1OV94Dg/s320/Texas+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UCFIPQBBEJM/Tlmq4wbmL6I/AAAAAAAAADk/Lk6KT7PinXI/s1600/Texas+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UCFIPQBBEJM/Tlmq4wbmL6I/AAAAAAAAADk/Lk6KT7PinXI/s320/Texas+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DBh0jHIX6qU/Tlmq6ZLonCI/AAAAAAAAADo/N-Hb2kKyFPM/s1600/Texas+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DBh0jHIX6qU/Tlmq6ZLonCI/AAAAAAAAADo/N-Hb2kKyFPM/s320/Texas+%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RFDLd4w_VBI/Tlmq7c72IyI/AAAAAAAAADs/d7t41Ah0Mt0/s1600/Texas+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RFDLd4w_VBI/Tlmq7c72IyI/AAAAAAAAADs/d7t41Ah0Mt0/s320/Texas+%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana;"> Also in May we had a music recital.</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9hGewW_87Y/TlmrJIN3oXI/AAAAAAAAADw/aF3ilHTS2J8/s1600/Recital+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9hGewW_87Y/TlmrJIN3oXI/AAAAAAAAADw/aF3ilHTS2J8/s320/Recital+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BKPup-MEqus/TlmrK9nKUUI/AAAAAAAAAD0/x_XbffF9DIM/s1600/Recital+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BKPup-MEqus/TlmrK9nKUUI/AAAAAAAAAD0/x_XbffF9DIM/s320/Recital+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrQMiXR8rn8/TlmrM5ffLkI/AAAAAAAAAD4/I4HFExWh-X8/s1600/Recital+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrQMiXR8rn8/TlmrM5ffLkI/AAAAAAAAAD4/I4HFExWh-X8/s320/Recital+%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"> And to end the month of May C.B. made his First Communion with his cousin El!</span> </span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWSEwrDWAIA/Tlmrf4hmWqI/AAAAAAAAAD8/HtFlJPJ6IyE/s1600/Communion+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWSEwrDWAIA/Tlmrf4hmWqI/AAAAAAAAAD8/HtFlJPJ6IyE/s320/Communion+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bll7Y8KqnPo/TlmrgjftWII/AAAAAAAAAEA/rP5jFlrGyBY/s1600/Communion+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bll7Y8KqnPo/TlmrgjftWII/AAAAAAAAAEA/rP5jFlrGyBY/s320/Communion+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana;">To start off June Grandma and Grandpa Reddy celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary! There was a very special mass and a really fun party afterwards.</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5oVoBVVmKQw/TlmrrO741fI/AAAAAAAAAEE/t8xTtnkG9c8/s1600/Aniversary+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5oVoBVVmKQw/TlmrrO741fI/AAAAAAAAAEE/t8xTtnkG9c8/s320/Aniversary+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4gobDWJ3ZSU/Tlmrr7lLnoI/AAAAAAAAAEI/Nl5kk1UcQQo/s1600/Aniversary+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4gobDWJ3ZSU/Tlmrr7lLnoI/AAAAAAAAAEI/Nl5kk1UcQQo/s320/Aniversary+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8gmmEb0Pwk/TlmrsUnvXqI/AAAAAAAAAEM/lxIMmyMiNJs/s1600/Aniversary+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y8gmmEb0Pwk/TlmrsUnvXqI/AAAAAAAAAEM/lxIMmyMiNJs/s320/Aniversary+%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jU5SUiBWpEE/TlmrtCRLtxI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/CIR8JzHpoyc/s1600/Aniversary+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jU5SUiBWpEE/TlmrtCRLtxI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/CIR8JzHpoyc/s320/Aniversary+%25284%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana;">Big D’s baseball team started pitching this year. Big D and two of his cousins got to pitch.</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHEepsn-6-E/Tlmr5kJXo-I/AAAAAAAAAEU/tZPRY8hnKU4/s1600/Baseball+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHEepsn-6-E/Tlmr5kJXo-I/AAAAAAAAAEU/tZPRY8hnKU4/s320/Baseball+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ02vljv_hY/Tlmr6S6bWZI/AAAAAAAAAEY/fMX5KbFT-Bw/s1600/Baseball+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ02vljv_hY/Tlmr6S6bWZI/AAAAAAAAAEY/fMX5KbFT-Bw/s320/Baseball+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"> I also had a good season with softball. We did really well. We only lost two games! We went to City County for the third year in a row!!! It was really fun!</span> </span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QqanM2BT8oM/TlmsKLcrB-I/AAAAAAAAAEc/rhZm1s1HJrE/s1600/Softball+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QqanM2BT8oM/TlmsKLcrB-I/AAAAAAAAAEc/rhZm1s1HJrE/s320/Softball+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q01GImbnzS0/TlmsLCYbX3I/AAAAAAAAAEg/wrjtY81qbu8/s1600/Softball+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q01GImbnzS0/TlmsLCYbX3I/AAAAAAAAAEg/wrjtY81qbu8/s320/Softball+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Now moving right along to July! We all took a little trip to St. Francis state park to float down the river. We went with some cousins and friends. We had a lot of fun jumping off cliffs, swinging on rope swings, and sliding down a mud slide!</strong></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mVydoJZ2tyM/TlmsmooNu3I/AAAAAAAAAEo/3Z0rboBYpCw/s1600/FloatTrip+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mVydoJZ2tyM/TlmsmooNu3I/AAAAAAAAAEo/3Z0rboBYpCw/s320/FloatTrip+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana;">Big D. took a camping trip with cub scouts and had a lot of fun. He brought home so many stories and songs.</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22eVuitqwQU/TlmtqjPBwBI/AAAAAAAAAE4/l7BT13iY6Co/s1600/Scout+Camp+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22eVuitqwQU/TlmtqjPBwBI/AAAAAAAAAE4/l7BT13iY6Co/s320/Scout+Camp+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EvSMpsM4fxs/Tlmt06itUDI/AAAAAAAAAFY/dn13YlLdAzc/s1600/Scout+Camp+%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EvSMpsM4fxs/Tlmt06itUDI/AAAAAAAAAFY/dn13YlLdAzc/s320/Scout+Camp+%25289%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana;"> </span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana;">This month we did a lot of stuff as well. We spent a whole week at the country house in Warrenton. We had so much fun visiting with both sets of Grandparents and cousins! We also started school Monday the 22nd!</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"> Big D. and Dad went to a Ram’s practice! They said it was cool! Our cousin even caught a field goal. They were kicking them right into the crowd!</span> </span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0e-brw3TWw/Tlmumgzjd8I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/DM57aLo2T5o/s1600/Rams+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0e-brw3TWw/Tlmumgzjd8I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/DM57aLo2T5o/s320/Rams+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCqgxGJw1HY/TlmuqgoNguI/AAAAAAAAAGg/hFSx573dKG0/s1600/Rams+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCqgxGJw1HY/TlmuqgoNguI/AAAAAAAAAGg/hFSx573dKG0/s320/Rams+%25285%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>There’s a little bit of our summer! I hope you had a good one! </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"> <strong></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Miss M :)</strong></span><br />
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Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25661044.post-49152271316576205532011-07-27T13:42:00.000-07:002011-07-27T13:43:31.870-07:00Adventure Time Girl Scout Camp!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey everybody it’s Miss M! It’s my summer project this year to take over the blog for awhile. I just got back from Girl Scout Camp. It was a lot of fun! I went with my two cousins and one of my friends. It was nothing like we expected, though. It was a very go, go, go camp. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were on the Ropes Courses almost the whole day! The first courses that we did were the easier ones. Like the one where all seventeen of us had to stand with at least one foot on a 3 foot by 3 foot square box for the time it took us to sing the ABC’s. Then there was a log across to large trees about 7 feet in the air that we had to climb over with the help of the rest of the girls. After that we went to the more advanced courses. First we had to get helmets on and get harnessed up, then walked out to the course. The first thing we did was climb up a pirate’s mast rope ladder, then walked on a tight rope, climbed up a little higher, walked on another rope ladder between two trees, climbed up a little more and then zip-lined down to the ground. All while being almost 30 feet in the air! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friends and I were not used to this type of camping. They called it the backpacking style because we learned how to survive in the woods with as little as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instance, we didn’t use our water bottles out on the courses. They gave us fold-over sandwich bags and showed us how to drink from them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cooked all of our own food and we didn’t really use our mess kits. They let us use our cup and spoon but nothing else, not even our forks! They gave us a bowl but we still had to eat salad with a SPOON! Some of the food looked pretty gross while we were cooking it though, especially the bag of eggs that we put in boiling water and squished with tongs. EWW! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some pictures from our Adventure Time! We had a lot of fun!</span></div> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Me at Adventure Time!</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>This was our camp site</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The Bowl I was talking about and my cup</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx-Rs7IDjNE/TjBz9D8GcfI/AAAAAAAAACk/UPPoKajkmlE/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx-Rs7IDjNE/TjBz9D8GcfI/AAAAAAAAACk/UPPoKajkmlE/s320/033.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>My Bed for two nights</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0aoUjv8smqI/TjBz-j7JuDI/AAAAAAAAACo/Uplg6Fv5MYI/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0aoUjv8smqI/TjBz-j7JuDI/AAAAAAAAACo/Uplg6Fv5MYI/s320/034.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>From left to right- My Cousin MiMi, My Friend Ria and My Cousin KK</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dvjVD8Jw70g/TjB0AOfMOgI/AAAAAAAAACs/os11F7Yf64g/s1600/IMG_0855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dvjVD8Jw70g/TjB0AOfMOgI/AAAAAAAAACs/os11F7Yf64g/s320/IMG_0855.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The first night it rained really hard so we all had to sleep in the shelter</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QJFRCI1yv2M/TjB0DM7Lo9I/AAAAAAAAACw/EZ5zLspBBP0/s1600/IMG_0875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QJFRCI1yv2M/TjB0DM7Lo9I/AAAAAAAAACw/EZ5zLspBBP0/s320/IMG_0875.jpg" t$="true" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Me on the log course</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pHQX5M1tzeY/TjB0E7OsmVI/AAAAAAAAAC0/w3z5UksAtNE/s1600/IMG_0892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pHQX5M1tzeY/TjB0E7OsmVI/AAAAAAAAAC0/w3z5UksAtNE/s320/IMG_0892.jpg" t$="true" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>KK on the log course</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AoH1OO8Te_M/TjB0Klnje6I/AAAAAAAAAC8/aZY-Sv-eyFU/s1600/IMG_0897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AoH1OO8Te_M/TjB0Klnje6I/AAAAAAAAAC8/aZY-Sv-eyFU/s320/IMG_0897.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>MiMi was the last one so she only got help from the people already on the log!</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jGi2CykoIUw/TjB0MxQj0KI/AAAAAAAAADA/e9XwE4i19KM/s1600/IMG_0902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jGi2CykoIUw/TjB0MxQj0KI/AAAAAAAAADA/e9XwE4i19KM/s320/IMG_0902.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Blindfolded pool games</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_AOrcCctXqA/TjB0PPkFwSI/AAAAAAAAADE/xBDO5T0nIrU/s1600/IMG_0905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_AOrcCctXqA/TjB0PPkFwSI/AAAAAAAAADE/xBDO5T0nIrU/s320/IMG_0905.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>More Blindfolded pool games</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MfyvMTcHa_4/TjB0RHHUm8I/AAAAAAAAADI/A-RV_Ta2W6o/s1600/IMG_0922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MfyvMTcHa_4/TjB0RHHUm8I/AAAAAAAAADI/A-RV_Ta2W6o/s320/IMG_0922.jpg" t$="true" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>KK on the Tire course</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSEsRBZsmFc/TjB0T5c9IJI/AAAAAAAAADM/EbuB6uDJDLU/s1600/IMG_0923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSEsRBZsmFc/TjB0T5c9IJI/AAAAAAAAADM/EbuB6uDJDLU/s320/IMG_0923.jpg" t$="true" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Ria on Tire course</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nc0tsmUteaw/TjB0VBhCs8I/AAAAAAAAADQ/EC8DD3L_WD0/s1600/IMG_0931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nc0tsmUteaw/TjB0VBhCs8I/AAAAAAAAADQ/EC8DD3L_WD0/s320/IMG_0931.jpg" t$="true" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>MiMi on Tire course</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4xeO4unwL5c/TjB0WWYW7HI/AAAAAAAAADU/6d0CeGJmPdY/s1600/IMG_0935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4xeO4unwL5c/TjB0WWYW7HI/AAAAAAAAADU/6d0CeGJmPdY/s320/IMG_0935.jpg" t$="true" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Me on the Tire course</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl4PsD8sypg/TjB0Y1zN9FI/AAAAAAAAADc/lHfeBJBB8tk/s1600/IMG_0977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl4PsD8sypg/TjB0Y1zN9FI/AAAAAAAAADc/lHfeBJBB8tk/s320/IMG_0977.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Everybody!</strong></span></td></tr>
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</div>Zookeeperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03529189710882928154noreply@blogger.com1