Workshops and relatives

Okay, today was the NJ homeschool convention for Bill and me.  We picked up a friend and off to Edison NJ for the convention.   We made really good time.  Saw many different vendors and looked at lots of curriculum.   This was more just in passing as I am pretty set on next year's choice.   Stephen is my one that will be more hodgepodge.   I know what I want for him in regards to Language arts/Literature and Math but still trying to piece the other subjects.   

Well today we were able to pick up some really good choices for writing and some fun choices for listening/audio books.   Both of these have me soooooo excited I am almost tempted to start them with only days left of this year.   The most exciting thing for me is that we will be doing both Stephen and Abigail for the writing curriculum.   This is a tremendous plus.   We also chose the DVD option and they will be sitting down for only 30 minutes to listen to what the lesson will be.   Oh how I am in love with this.  Plus, it is really a great set up with how the build the process of writing throughout the entire year.   Okay I am just so giddy!!!    The audio books were more for Joshua as he loves this type of venue and it will be a nice filler of time productively when I need to be one-on-one with another child.   

While there we went to two workshops.  Each one was for our two older children.  Abigail was on strong-willed child.   Although the approaches/strategies were not anything new the insight the speaker had was tremendous.   He was a strong-willed child and was able to explain so much from their side of the world.  This helped me greatly.    As I usually walk away scratching my head because I truly don't understand!!   Very helpful.   The second was on schooling teenage boys, excuse me, I mean young men.   This too was insightful as I am not one!    It really did help me to understand a lot of where Ste is coming from and where he will be heading over the next few years.   The end result of course is don't give up or in.  These years are extremely crucial.    He wanted us to look into the future  - I mean way into.  Like when our young men will be out of home and raising their own.    That too helped as we are typically looking towards the here and now with maybe college as our future goal.   He reminded us that if our goal was college we would succeed but it would be at a great cost.  That really hit home with me.   While I know I will be the grumbling complaining Mom of a teenage son, I also know it is worth more than gold to train him accordingly.   

With no other things to see, we headed out to get some dinner together.   We went to Macaroni Grill.   Was very good.  Very filling.   I guess I should let you  know the relative part of the title.  You see my brother and (almost) sister-in-law came over today to hang with the kids while we were away for a large number of hours.   While I know they would be okay, I also know that heads can bonk severely and that would not be good.   The kids had a great time.   They went over to the pool here at the complex and enjoyed themselves.  They were like little protective Mama and Papa bears.  There was some rowdy boys that were playing a little rough with my Abs and they were ready to step in and thrown down if needed to.   It was such a sweet tale to hear.  I know beyond a shadow of doubt that my children were loved and protected in a mighty way and that is such a comforting feeling.    

I am now eager to finalize our school year choices for next year and then begin enjoying my summer.  Soon, as the kids have some testing occurring next week and then I will be done with major things and we will be working on skills throughout the summer time.    Looking forward to hanging poolside and oceanside in these next few weeks.    

Recovering Slowly

Still feeling a little under the weather.  Certainly not 100%.   Have some testing to get done in regards to health.  I will update in about a month.  That is how long it will take to schedule and have results sent to doctor and then consultation.  Welcome to getting older.  My doctor, whom I grow fonder every time I see him, told me when you go to a visit with him you want to strive for boring.  I am currently not boring.  I am far too interesting.  Hence all the testing.  Upon leaving he said a toast to hoping I become more boring with each return visit.  

Now my Joshua is sick.  He got hit hard.  Cannot breathe no matter what I give him.   He is just so clogged up.  He actually has a foggy head!   I pray he feels better throughout night or else a problem may occur tomorrow as it is the NJ Homeschool Convention.  Oh well, gotta trust Lord.  He is sovereign.  

The Met

We started our day early to catch the train and then a bus to get to The Metropolitan Museum of Art.  This day we were on the East side of Central Park (we still did not get to go into the park).  We met Barb and her kids on the train.   When we arrived in Penn Station we walked lots of circles to locate a machine for Barb to get a Metro card (easier than having to have quarters).  Then we walked circles trying to find the bus stop as the directions listed the wrong street.  We got clued in when our bus went by and turned left.  Oooops!   We looked over the schedule and saw we needed to be on a different block.   We finally got on the bus for our 50 block ride.  (Remember that is city blocks!!!)   Upon entry of the bus we find out the kids are free.  Yeah, we really did not need to get that card then.  Arghhh!    Nice lady on bus tells us how to push the yellow "tape" when we want to stop.  Very very cool.   We got off and we were one block from Museum.   We were very excited to have arrived all together.

Entry in was easy and we began in the Egyptian section.  Stephen was using my old camera and kept wandering off to take photos.  Mama was none too happy.  Needed to set him straight.   There was lots of cool things to take photos of and believe me he did and so did I.   

Next room was Armor.  This place was a favorite by lots of the boys.  There were many different armor from many different countries and time periods.  It was very cool to see the Samurai garb.  There was even some armor from Iran.   Abigail loved that they protected the horses too!

Off to lunch.  We all were hungry and our attitudes reflected it.   We went outside to one of the vendors.  The kids ate hot dogs and I ate a knish.  I was in potato heaven!!!  YUMMY!!  We also shared a pretzel.  

Back inside to the Romans and Greeks.  Abigail really liked this part.  Last year's history still sticks with her.  There were even maps and she was so excited.  

From here we ventured to the African Art.  And then we went off to the Modern Art section.  This was my favorite section.  I love to look at the paintings.  We also walked through the impressionists too.    There is just so much to see and not enough time or energy.   Below you will find all the photos in order of our journey.  (There are lots more, I just did not load all!)

The Met

sphinx

Sarcophageas

Temple

First American Animal sculptor. Lion and cub. Ab favorite.

Very intricate details on this armor from Italy.

Young ones in front of a knights display.

Outside eating lunch.

Italian Marble Sarcophageas

Very long Canoe from Indonesia

Mystery mask worn at death.  Joshua liked this!

Made completely of feathers.  Central/South America

Self-portrait Pablo Picasso

Jesus and Apostles

Sculpture about the a-bomb.

Jackson Pollack called "Outburst" (loved it)

Children done with Modern Art section.

My Day!

Yes, I do consider today my day, as it is my birthday.   I have been running errands and such most of the morning so go figure.  But all-in-all a nice day.  I did leisurely wake up to find all my children awake and Bill still here.  That was about 8 ish.   They presented me with cards and out the door my hubby went.   Only to have just missed the shuttle so the wonderful wife that I am, I took him over.  Showered up and off to doctor for annual check up.  (All okay).

After the visit, I went out to do some much needed grocery shopping.   An hour later it was back home.   Had the kids help be bring in the bags.  Made up some lunches.  Graded some papers.  Then realized it was time for Stephen's basketball at the park.  Packed up the cooler with some water and snacks.  Drove over to park  -  no one was there.  Waited for 10 minutes, still no one.  We left!  I had bills to pay and more papers to grade.   

My sweet hubby is trying to get me a gift.  You see the trouble is when he asked a few weeks ago, my answer was a vacation.  Yes, I was very very serious.  Still am.  So he called from work to see when we could put some time on the calendar for us to all go away.  And yes we are thinking of Disney.   Now I know we have been there a lot but my Joshua is taller now and able to ride the rides he has been patiently waiting for.  Soooo, we figured we needed our next trip to be there so we can put it behind us (not really) and try some other destinations.   We probably need to book in July as the next few weeks in June are kinda busy now.  The middle of July looks good.  I was even thinking we could be there for Abs birthday.  We shall see!

So after my (George Forman) grilled chicken, quinoa, broccoli, and cornbread dinner.  I realized I did not have my small camera battery charger still.  I decided to go out to Best Buy.  Well what a Best Buy I got.  My present from my hubby was (drumroll) a new camera!!!  I know it is hard to see in this photo but it is a burgundy Nikon Coolpix!!  I get to use it tomorrow for our field trip.   I am giddy with delight.  One of my all time pleasures is taking pictures.   ~singing~  Happy Birthday, to me!!  Happy Birthday, to me!!!  

These are yummy cupcakes from "Crumbs Bake Shop" in NYC.  My hubby is such a big food network fan.  Especially that Bobby Flay guy.  Well this bakery was on Throw Down.  So Bill just had to have them.  They are huge.  We actually split them.  More for tomorrow.

It was a good day!!!

Feeling better!

Yes, I am feeling better.  I had a great night sleep and woke up a refreshed.  I still have a little bit of a cough and some sniffles but definitely feeling better.  

Wednesday is a Doctor's appointment so I can find out if I truly am on the mends.  

The kids were troopers yesterday doing a lot for themselves.   Bill cooked dinner as I was afraid to spread my germs around too much.  All-in-all I think the relaxing yesterday worked.   

Today was back to the school grind.  The kids not so happy about that.  We did do some doubling up as on Joshua did all his work in the car on Friday.   They will be doubling up tomorrow too as we have a field trip on Thursday and I am really trying to push and be done next week.   I am not so sure that can happen for all.  Joshua most likely.   But I figured we would be working throughout the summer to keep ourselves fresh for the next school year.

Sick and tired of being sick

Well Monday was a wash.  My body has succumbed to this cold full force.  I have not felt this way for some time so I guess complaining would be senseless.   It was great to be able to relax and fight this thing off.  But I fear my crazy week ago will leave me weak and therefore unable to combat this sickness.  

Some time with Friends

Sunday is church day here.  Has been for all of our lives together.  Yet, eldest must ask every time if we are attending church.  My response, Yes!!!   He goes and has a great time.  I think it is the teenage years thing that has him all caflooy.  

Church was great.  Pastor Scott spoke on Marriage and Divorce as discussed in Matthew chapter 19.  Loved his honesty and down right openness about where God stands on such matters.  Truly wonderful.   I think as a body we need to be reminded that we must, because the Word says so, persevere.  NO short cuts here!

After service we headed out for some lunch.  We went to a pizza shop near church.  The food was good going down but gave both Bill and I some stomach problems.  (Enough said there.)   It did take a looooong time to get the pizza.  Don't think we will go back there anytime soon.   While there our friends the Cherrys invited us over for some dinner and kid swim.

Around 5:30p arrived at the Cherry household.  They have a cute pool that is only 3 1/2 feet deep.   Boy did that help to build Joshua's confidence.  He is the one who is very apprehensive when it comes to anything really.  So it was so good to see him in the pool without any floaties.  Stephen was a great big brother and friend in the pool.  He played with them in a very fun way.  The girls were in the pool for over an hour and only came out because it was time to eat.   All our children are very very cute and sweet together.   

We had a great time and before we knew it it was 10p.  Time for the Sheas to leave.  Well the girls worked out a sleep over.  So we are w/o Abs for a little bit on Monday.   Joshua was asked too but he has yet to sleepover a friend's house.  He said he would and then changed his mind.  There were some thunderstorms.  That certainly did not help the situation.  He was super tired too.  I don't think we even got to the end of their street when he feel asleep in the van.  

Now I am just trying to get rid of a wicked cold I have caught.  Not quite sure where but felt it coming on Friday night when we got back.  Thought I did a good job on Saturday but by Sunday night it was in full swing.  Needles to say, not good sleeping happening here.   Being sick stinks!  

New York City

(A note - there are no pictures attached yet

I need for Bill to set them up as he took the

photos with his camera.  When I have access

I will post them separately and only photos.)

Sorry!!!  :)

Yes, we ventured into NYC today.  What a great day it was!  On the ride home Friday I asked Bill if we could "do" something and after throwing around some ideas we finally agreed on NYC.  You see the kids have been wanting to visit the Museum of Natural History ever since they saw Night at the Museum.  So last night upon arriving here and doing a little unpacking, we rented the movie (as Bill and I have not seen it).  

We woke up early with Bill making us some eggs and bacon on an english muffin.  I was able to only have one cup of tea.  (Doctor will be so proud.)    Bill had no coffee.  Off to the train station.  Purchased our tickets and waited for the train.  Oh, I should back up, before we left apartment we went over some much needed rules for the young ones.  We knew in all the excitement someone would wander off.  Train was pretty crowded.   We had to split up for seating but all went well.   Bill sat with the young ones.  Stephen and I got to sit together.   

When we got into Penn Station we were all thirsty.  We each received a beverage and then off to the subway to get uptown to the museum.   I think the kids liked the subway better than the train ride.   The stop leads you directly into the museum.  You never even have to go outside if you don't want to.  When we were waiting in line, Bill remembered that he should have a corporate discount.  We got out of line and went to customer service.  We all got in for FREE!!!!   I was in a tizzy.  

We found a guard and he suggested you start from the top floor and work your way down to the bottom.  So that is what we did.  4th floor here we come.   There were only so many dinosaur bones one could look at.  All cool and some even interesting but they got old quick - for me!

The third floor brought some Indians, other Native peoples, and African Mammals.  I think the kids liked the mammals the best where I preferred learning about the different peoples and their respective cultures.

By this point we stopped for a much needed snack and beverages.   Then it was off to the second floor.  On this floor were more different peoples and mammals.  This is also the main entrance level.  Where you get to walk through the Rotunda.  We spotted the butterfly part and wanted to go in but found we needed a separate ticket so we declined.  Abs was a little sad so we went off to the minerals and gems section for appease her.

That brought us to the 1st floor.  Saw more mammals, and the hall of human origins.  This hall was not our center of focus as I know better than the beliefs that are stressed at this type of venue.  I did not evolve from an ape!!   Onward to the minerals.  She had a field day.  We could not contain her.  She was running between every display that I really lost track of her.  Thankfully there is a center area and we were able to catch and glimpse of her and slow her down.   By now it was late and we were tired and hungry.  

Left the museum and journeyed outdoors so kids could "see" NYC.   Back on the subway to head back to Penn Station area.  We walked about 40 minutes here trying to find a nice place to sit and relax.  Finally found Brother Jimmy's BBQ.   A combination of City BBQ, Hoggies, and Lulu's.   We were seated upstairs and when I went off to the bathroom I realized we were right across the street from Penn Station.  We literally walked in a square.   HAHAHAHAHA!!  The food was very enjoyable, I would venture to even say better than aforementioned restaurants.  

The desserts were yummy.  Then back to wait for train home. We timed perfectly.  We were only waiting for 5 minutes when they announced our train and track.   We got to ride on the new double decker train.  Sat upstairs.  Fun, fun, fun!  A great way to end a perfect day.  

By 8:35p I was crawling into bed.  Can anyone say exhausted?!?   The kids were still awake just starting a video.  So I kept myself awake and when video was over they hit the pillows hard.   About 10:30p Bill and I were in slumberville too!!!

Some time with Heather

Thursday morning had me waking up to the birds.  (I wasn't happy!)  But then I was reminded that I get to have breakfast with my friend and sister in Christ, Heather.  We ate at Scramblers and I enjoyed my omelet.  We chatted about all things from family to our faith to our fellowship.  Before we knew it time was up.  (Some two hours later!)  

I returned home to some productive children.  Yea, they were working while I was away.  They did some more school work.  Josh and I did some yard work.    Yes, I had to bribe him with a frappucino.   Hey, it works for me!   

Carla and her boys stopped by for some time together.  She had to run some errands and then came back to chit-chat.  Let me just say there are not enough hours in the day!!!  

Our time here has come to an end.  We are sad but looking forward to seeing Daddy.  We also know we will be back in just a short month.   That time will go very fast.  

Come on over!

So here we are at Wednesday already.  Knew this week would go by super fast but light speed?!  I was being the nice Mom and allowed the children to take the day off from doing any type of schooling.  They were in their glory.  You see Stephen slept at Ryan's and Abigail did not come out of her slumber until 9:30 am.   We had errands to run (had to take them since babysitter not home) and then off to pick up Ste.  So easiest solution - no work.  Yea!!!!!  

I knew they were going to try and talk me into eating lunch out.  I did not want to as we are really trying to watch our spending.  (I know - who isn't?)  So before we left I made up the sloppy joes and put them in the fridge to be heated upon arrival home after said errands.    Well sure enough, I was getting all the looks and suggestions in the car when we passed Arby's and they had some free gimmick.  But you other Mom's will be sooooo proud of me.  I did not give in.  

Carla called a few hours later to say she was picking up two of my kids to hang at her place until baseball.  Abs was not one of them as she was waiting upon Meghan's arrival home from school.  So when I went off to pick up Stephen and Joshua she got to stay with Meg.  Then the older boys worked it so Stephen could sleep over at the Stampers.  

Came back home with both boys.  Stephen needed to pack and take a shower (stinky).  Abigail was still playing with Meghan and the group had grown.  Now with Joshua back there was 7 kids.  After all my kids ate, the young ones headed right back to Meghan's.  Well within 2 minutes I received the "get your butt down here" call and have some wine with me.  Suzanne (mother to Meghan) needed something after having 7 kids in her yard for several hours.  So we had a little impromptu happy hour.  

Had to leave to bring eldest to Carla's for sleep over.  But Suzanne made sure I was coming back.  Well as usual we said we would end at 9:00 pm (she has kids that go out to school) we did not depart her home until 9:35 pm.   Glad that Thursday is a field trip for Meghan.  Oh yeah, and her birthday!!!!

Surprise at the Park

My sneaky friends.  We were meeting at the park this afternoon for some lunch and fun.  Well when I arrived they had some cute decorations and such for an early birthday celebration for me.  (Wait I just found out my favorite 6th grade girls decided to plan this for me.)

A frog that Abigail and Kyle caught.  He now lives in 

our pond!!!

Dee Dee found this man playing at the park and

asked him to come and play happy birthday for me.

Burt was funny.  He tried several times to play but

was getting messed up by the singing.  He only just

started playing about a year ago.  He was an interesting

part of this day.  Not what I went to the park for but 

definitely will not be forgotten.

My daughter loving the dessert.

Best Buddies

Older kids hanging out by the river.

Favorite Tree at park.

Happy Birthday Me!

Enjoying some watermelon at our house.

It was another great day that felt so much like old times!!!  8 hours of together time was just not enough.  How can that be?!  Lots of chattin, eatin, talkin, and laughin done by all who participated.   My thanks for a great day especially as it was to celebrate my birthday!!  

My eldest got to sleep over Ryan's house and I fear the repercussions tomorrow.  He was eager to get there but just as eager to spend time with the friends we were with.  Oh, he was torn.  He commented yet again about why we had to move.  As I stated in a previous blog my kids shine here.  I tell them that NJ will bring good into our lives too.  It will just take a little time.  

BTW - Carla had forgotten her memory card for her camera, so she decided to use mine.  She took most of the pictures you see above.  I only shot a handful!!

Like old times!

Well it all felt very familiar and natural today.  Worked the morning and some of the afternoon.  Meghan came by to play with Abs and Josh.  Suzanne stopped by to chat a bit before she had to run off to a meeting.  Then The Ball family arrived for our dinner together.  We had a stir meal of sorts.  Yummy!  Dee Dee brought a brownie mix that was new to both families.  Not too bad.  We all had a great time together and as usual 9:00 pm rolled around and we could not believe how fast the time went.  The young girls begged for a sleep over.  So I am one child down this evening and will be for tomorrow morning and schooling I might add.  I know she will school good there, she is always better elsewhere.  

It really felt like old times!  Thank you Ball Clan for making our day "awesome" (Joshua's word)!  

O-H-I-O

We have arrived in Ohio.  The drive was easy and uneventful which makes it very  pleasant.  There was some movie watching, ds playing, and even some reading got done.   We departed NJ at 11 am and arrived at the Ohio homestead by 7:30 pm.  Not too bad.

We are glad to be here and are looking forward to the remainder of the week.  We hope to relax, spread our wings, and have some fun!

A house is a beautiful thing!

Right before I left for some grocery shopping my sweet Abs gave me a huge hug and said, "I love you Mommy, I don't know where I would be with out you!"   (Can you tell she is very happy to be in her "own" digs.)

Joshua is looking forward to seeing is buddy, Thomas.

And Stephen already has an invite for a sleep over.  

My child shine here!

Recital and such

Today was Abs' piano recital.  That girl was so nervous and excited all rolled into a cute adorable package.  My Mom was able to come and watch her perform.  That really made her day.   It takes about an hour and we got to hear 29 different students.  Some played two pieces.   Those that played two pieces created  their own compositions for a contest held earlier in the year.   It was a great time.  The boys were getting antsy at the end mostly due to hunger.  

Since it was all for Miss Abigail we went to eat at her favorite place - Ruby Tuesday's.  She was introduced to this restaurant last year via The Ball family.  Let me just say that she was giddy with excitement when we got there.  She loves loves loves the salad bar and boy did her plate show that.  It was stacked up like a volcano.   Not only does she get the salad bar but also the pasta marinara.  I think she smiled the entire time.  Her only disappointment came when Daddy said no to dessert.  Only to find out that he had other plans.  (DQ).

Then off to DQ for some yummy dessert.  I think both Abigail and I wore about as much as we ate.  For some strange reason my ice cream melted quicker than I was able to eat it.  Such a rarity.  We are ice cream consumers in this household, so it is shocking when there is a meltdown.  All except Abigail.  I believe I stated it before  - she is never able to sneak any food as she always ends up wearing it!!  Her pretty dress was dripped upon.  Thankfully it was after the recital.  

Stephen had another youth group outing this evening.  He was off to a scavenger hunt at Peddler's Village in Lahaska, PA.  (I know I mentioned this place before, I think it was on the other blog so I will digress again.  This town has a special place in my heart as Bill and I were engaged there on a cold snowy December night 14 years ago.  I also had my bridal shower at one of the restaurants there.  It really is a great place to walk around and eat and such.)    I tell you he has more of a social life than I do.   (I am very happy about this!)   He is usually the youngest boy that shows up for these functions but I am ever so grateful that he has made some good connections and has had these many opportunities with various outings.  I honestly don't believe he would have had the same experience if we stayed in Ohio.  

Speaking of Ohio we will be leaving here Sunday and having a quick visit until Friday!  We are excited about getting back even if it is only for a few short days!

On a separate note - you haven't seen any pictures because my pocket-size camera's battery died and I have not been able to locate my charger.  I am thinking I may have left it in Ohio from our last trip back.  So hopefully I can locate it.  Otherwise it is off to Best Buy for me to purchase another charger.  I am truly lost without it.  I do have another camera but it is big and bulky and not very convenient.   Prayerfully by Monday all will be well again!

Lots and Lots of shopping

This lady here just spent 4 hours on Friday at various malls shopping for clothing for my kids.  Let me just say that that was surprisingly not too bad.  If any of you don't know, I must tell you  that I don't like to shop!  Yes, I know that is an anomaly but it is true.  So imagine my surprise when I totaled up the hours yesterday and realized that it all went okay.   We began our outing looking for clothing for Stephen.  In the past few months he really has grown into young man sizes.   We spent hours doing that.  If I am doing this I make them try on the clothing so that I don't have to go back to the store and exchange.   

We then enjoyed some lunch in the food court.   The young ones hopped on the carousel.  Then a little more shopping.  After that it was home in the car.  We were on a time schedule as Abigail had her rehearsal for her recital.  

On the way home from piano class, Abigail and I stopped at Hoagie Haven for our dinner.  (We got 3 long subs for dinner.)  Yummy!!

Then it was out the door again for Stephen to his youth group.  It was on the way home from there that the young ones and I stopped at a different mall to shop for shoes for Abigail (we also looked for a dress for Uncle Mike and Rose's wedding - no find yet) and more summer shorts for Joshua.  

I think this year really marked a first for us.  Having to buy all 3 kids new clothing.  Abigail's clothes shopping was done online a few weeks ago.  I am definitely going to be in for a shock when the credit card bill arrives.  Yikes!!!

I do hope all the shopping is done.  I know we will still have to find wedding clothes for everyone and that can be more annoying than what we normally wear.  Those clothes just sit different and my kids are not used to being formal.  As I am a jeans and t-shirt kinda gal, I rarely think to buy them fancy clothing.  

Performance and the Pond

We knew going into this day that we were going to be busy.  Woke up, ate, started school, jumped into car (with work) for a performance by the NJ Symphony and Enchanted Theater group, back home, lunch, more school work, back in car for Pond exploration at The Watershed, stop at store on way home, shower, wash clothes, make dinner, and finally sit down and relax.

Let me back up.  The performance at the War Memorial Theater in Trenton was amazing.  The Enchanted Theater group performs different parts of the 1001 Arabian Nights all while the symphony is playing music to correspond to the different parts.  Wow, Wow, Wow!!  I can't say it enough.  I did not take any photos as I did not want to distract from the performance.  It was an hour long and the kids were glued to their seats.  Not a peep in the entire place.   There were multiple groups there and I must say all were enthralled.  

Before we left.

The Performers and Conductor

Seidles, Simpsons, and Sheas

The next field trip was with The Watershed people at The Pond.  This was very very cool.  Lots of mud.  Lots of water and lots of different critters.  

The Pond House

The Hike - We walked all around

the pond.

There is a painted turtle in there.

Upon our hike we found this skull of a deer.

We also found this cool moth.

Resting before heading into Pond.

Fish from pond net.

Telling us about the pumpkin fish.

They were allowed to go into the pond

and try to catch their own.

Abigail found this snail shell.

Sayen Gardens

Barb and I are so much alike that we decided we needed to see more of each other.  This week we met at a really nice park called Sayen Gardens.  Just beautiful.  We met for lunch and had a picnic on the lawn.  Then we walked around all the different paths.   We were allowing the children to lead as we were deep in conversation and before we knew it we were off the beaten path and going through some thickets and pricker bushes.  What were we thinking.  When we finally made it back to the correct path, we did the leading and they did the following.  (They were actually still in front of us, we just told them which paths to take.)  It was a great 1 1/2 hours together.  Thanks again my dear friend. 

Today Stephen asked to use the camera and capture some pictures.  Unfortunately my battery died in the camera, so there are not too many pics.  I remembered that my phone takes photos and used that as well.  So I do hope you enjoy looking at what we captured and that they can depict the beauty that we enjoyed this afternoon.