School Daze -- Week 3 Complete

Wow, I can’t believe we are done with our 3rd week of the 2010/2011 school year. The kids got into the groove pretty quickly and have been doing well keeping up with what we have set for them to do. K is in 6th, M1 is in 3rd, M2 is in 1st and J is just into trouble. Ha, not really, he has been doing pretty well playing and keeping himself occupied. We have gotten out the Legos a couple times this week and I helped him build a small house, dog and truck. That kept him busy throughout the mornings. Today he asked me if I would play with him. I asked what he would like to play and he answered “Star Wars!” Hmmm, I don’t think mommy plays Star Wars very well.
First Day of School

My Grandpa - Chalmer Eugene McCall

Fireworks, Flowers Beds, and a Dragonfly

Sean hates to mow the lawn near the pond so this last week we turned it into a flower bed. Thanks to Rebecca who got the flowers for me. It's still not quite done, we want to edge it with rocks but for the time being this is what it looks like.

Before:


After:

On the 4th we spent the evening with the Thomas'. They have a great view of the fireworks out town puts off. The town's fireworks were postponed on Wednesday but we put off a few of our own.

Yesterday we had a little visitor at our pond. The kids thought it was pretty neat but at first they were afraid that it might hurt them.

Happy Independence Day

America, America

by James H. Lee (c)2004

America, America
I love this land, America,
From sea to shining sea,
And love the things it stands for,
The fact that I am free,
Because of those who fought and died,
And gave this right to me,
And to the ones I dearly love,
My friends and family.

I love the Flag, Old Glory,
And what it stands for here,
And when I see it waving,
I want to stop and cheer,
And lift my voice in singing
Its anthems, loud and clear,
And offer up a prayer to God,
And even shed a tear

For those who do not understand
The feelings that I feel,
This pride and love for country,
Which has a heart appeal,
And for the victories we have won,
Which I declare are real,
Knowing God is blessing us,
Each time, in prayer, I kneel.

I love the Founding Fathers,
And love their families, too,
And every sacrifice they made
To keep this nation true,
True to God and true to man,
And our Red, White and Blue,
One nation, indivisible,
Their gift to me and you.

America, America,
I salute you every day,
And I salute your patriots,
And heroes in harm's way,
Who also love as I do,
The good old USA,
And love our flag, Old Glory,
So proudly on display.

Let's rally 'round the banner,
And 'round our President, too,
Who loves our nation also,
And our Red, White and Blue,
Whose goal is to vouchsafe freedom,
That's worthy to pursue,
And keep this "One nation, under God,"
As He wants us to do.

Camden & Philly through K's eyes

This weekend we took a field trip to Camden and Philly. On Friday we went to the Adventure Aquarium then on Saturday we rode the train into Philly to see the historic sites. The kids loved evey moment, with the exception of walking all over the place. Over the two days K took 398 pictures. Here are a few from her point of view.

^Adventure Aquarium Camden, NJ^

^View from the train^

^Philadelphia^

Stouffer Reunion

Thanks to Uncle Vance and Aunt Mary for hosting the reunion. Everything was great, the pig was delicious. The kids loved playing on the swing, running around in the yard and meeting new cousins.

Ducks!!

For the last few weeks we have had a duck couple visiting our neighborhood. They really like the neighbors pond and we really like to watch them.