Electric Co-op Field Trip and Group Learning

On September 23rd, the kids had an opportunity to go on a field trip to the local electric cooperative.  Before the field trip, a couple of the parents taught a brief lesson on electricity for the kids.  

 I'm thankful I was not charged with teaching this mini-unit.  My brain is not ready for such things.

 {little buddies}

The field trip wasn't exactly as planned as the crew that was supposed to be there to show the kids a few things ended up getting called out.  However, the kids still enjoyed what they got to see and learned some safety tips.

Next week we have a field trip day to the local airport and conservation department, and a friend, Shela, and I wanted to pre-teach a few concepts and facts to our children.  I had no desire to teach about airplanes, drag, lift, etc., and Shela said she wasn't feeling a desire to teach about owls (the topic for the conservation department field trip) so we did swap teaching and I taught owls while she covered planes. 

{sweet friends coloring their paper airplanes}

 {flying a plane}

 

{We made owls and wrote a newly learned fact on their tummies...I felt lame because I didn't think the kids would find the activity that interesting and they surprised me by having a great time making and personalizing their owls!}

 

It's so funny that a few weeks ago I was very upset after realizing the science curriculum I'd bought for the year was too hard and feeling worried about what to teach the kids and we've found so much love for the science topics we've chosen.  At home we'll be finishing our rain forest unit, then on to nocturnal animals, cheetahs (Natalee's choice), and maybe ocean life!  We're basically having a blast lapbooking and unit studying our way through science this year, and including friends when they're interested!

The Journey Continues...

Our last couple of weeks have been filled with love and snuggles, learning and laughter.  Our days have found a somewhat chaotic routine - but it's our routine and I think it's working.

Xavier set himself up a craft activity one day out of an Usborne book we have.  He did a good job with his truck! 

Natalee did this writing in three different sittings, adding to the story a bit at a time.  Organizing her thoughts for writing is her biggest academic struggle so I've been trying some different techniques.  

Natalee has also been loving the fall weather and choosing to sit out on the newly redone porch to do her school. 

 We love that Zayden can crawl around and be splinter free!

 Crabby Zayden on Daddy's back, trying to pop his seat and escape!

 Ameliya had her 2 week post op check-up.  She is hearing and has normal ear function.  Praise!

We kicked off our children's church program, JAM, on Sept 21st with 85 kids...we had 93 this week!!

This cutie just keeps getting cuter...and more ornery.  Those perfectly functioning ears have made her speech really take off.  Thanks, Dr. Campbell.

 We had family pictures for Mike's side of the family.  Look at this baby stud!

We spent some time at the park with friends!  Beautiful fall weather and we're enjoying it so very much.

Ameliya had an eye check up Monday.  She has some far-sightedness...normal for her age but it might need corrected next year.  One more year without glasses for this kid, hopefully!

 Zayden doth protest long sleeves and socks this fall!

Xavier had his yearly eye check up Thursday after karate.  

His actual vision has gotten better but his astigmatism has worsened.  New glasses for him!

He's also coming right along with his reading.  He's picking up anything he can get his hands on and reading, reading, reading!

Unfortunately we ended our week with high fevers for three of our kids.  Weirdest thing - all seemed fine Thursday morning and by 10-11 a.m. were dropping like flies!  Seemed to be a 12 hour bug.  The girls are feeling better.  Zayden's fever is gone but his throat is raw (tested negative for strep, thankfully).

 

 (Ameliya when she realized she didn't get to go see Steph at the clinic this morning.)

I'm thankful Mike was able to work from home last night and take a sick day today and help me out.  Sick screaming whiny babies wear on my nerves very quickly.  I mean I love 'em, but when touch is your lowest love language being wallered all day is hard on the patience.

I think we're on the uphill climb of sickness and are looking forward to a low-key weekend together.  We'll be finishing up our rain forest unit (I'll blog about that separately!), doing some light housekeeping, and enjoying each other.  Hoping you all have a wonderful weekend, too!!