We're reading the classics! (well, almost)

Kiddos #1 and #2 just finished reading the Classic Starts version of "Swiss Family Robinson." What a wonderful introduction the classics! This series includes a large number of the classic novels of the past and they have been rewritten at the reading and interest level of children their ages. They loved it. The idea of life on a remote island and the escapades of the 4 sons in the story definitely kept their interest. They would beg every night for another chapter. Last night we started "Robinson Crusoe." Another great adventure for them hopefully to enjoy! :-)

Peter Wentz Farmstead

Last Thursday, we visited a historic farmstead. Kiddo #1 wrote an essay for school about the trip. Here it is:

"On Thursday, May 8, we visited the Peter Wentz Farmstead in Worcester, PA. This farm served as headquarters for General Washington during October 1777. On the grounds are the main house, barns, pastures and fields for crops. It was fun seeing all of the animals. They have sheep, cows, goats and horses on the farm. It is just the way it would have looked in the 18th century. We were given a tour of the house that Washington stayed in during the winter and saw the actual room in which he planned the Battle of Germantown. One of the guides let us touch and hold items from during that time and we had to try to guess what they were and how they were used. We learned a lot about farm life and America's early years during our trip to the Peter Wentz Farmstead. It was a fun morning for all of us."

This sums up the morning really well! The weather was "iffy," but literally held out until we were heading to our cars (then we got poured upon, LOL!), which was great since all of the kids really wanted to see the animals outside. The farmstead is on over 1000 acres and walking around on its grounds was literally like stepping back in time.

The hands on portion of the tour was especially interesting and fun for the kids. Having to guess the use of some peculiar-looking items kept them thinking!

The animals, as you can see, were especially friendly and made the kids feel welcome.

The kiddos are here modeling what colonial children would be very familiar with- a tool used to carry two heavy buckets of water from the well to the house or farm, depending on where it was needed. Of course, all of the kids looked aghast when the tour guide told them that if they were alive during colonial times, they would awaken before dawn to work the farm and house!

My, How They Have Grown!

About a month and a half ago, the kiddos planted carrot seeds in see-through containers so we could actually watch and record their growth. It has been awesome to watch the development of the carrot, something none of us would ordinarily see.

They all are very proud of how well they have taken care of their plants and how well they are growing. Look at the silly grin on kiddo #4. Her carrots have really taken off!

Kiddo #2 looks especially happy with his and he has even promised to eat some of his carrots once they are fully grown. This is great since we all know that kiddo #2 can be a pretty picky eater! :-)

Kiddo #1 has been very diligent in making sure his plants have plenty of water and sunshine.

The process thus far has been a lot of fun for all of the kiddos. We'll be sure to post pics of our "finished products" as soon as they are available! :-)

Happy Mother's Day!

Kiddo #4's preschool had their annual "Mother's Day Tea" on Friday. The children sang for us and presented us with homemade gifts and refreshments. It was a lot of fun. Listen in to kiddo #4 singing....

Tony Stewart's #1 Fan !

One would only have to look at our kiddo#1's room (#20 sheets, comforter, curtains, rug, posters, etc., etc,) to see that he is surely Tony's #1 fan! And, what completely seals the deal is that they share the same birthday. (May 20th- kiddo #1 will be 10 that day and was absolutely beside himself when he found out that his favorite driver and he shared the same day)

Today, at our local Home Depot, kiddo #1 was able to get photographed with one of Tony's new Camry racecars (kiddo already has a framed pic with the Chevy Monte Carlo in his room). Despite the nasty weather, he had a great time and was actually the first person there to see the car!

Here's wishing Tony luck in tomorrow night's race!

Goodbye Butterflies and Godspeed!!

All 8 of our butterflies emerged from their chrysalides! Yesterday afternoon, we bid goodbye to 6 of them (2 more that weren't quite ready will be released today). The kiddos were sad to see their new "friends" go, but they know that with a lifespan of only a couple of weeks, the sweet creatures deserve to fly free and not live their whole lives in a small enclosure.

"Just living is not enough," said the butterfly, "one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower."-- Hans Christian Anderson. We gave our butterflies sunshine and freedom. Here's hoping they found their little flowers!

It couldn't have been a more perfect day. The butterflies seemed to know when they were brought outside. The sunshine and fresh air had them pumping their wings with excitement. Each of them, as if to say goodbye to the kids, flew around the backyard for a bit, even landing in the grass, and then circling around before taking off high above the trees and other homes.

"If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies."-- Author Unknown

How appropriate for the amazing changes that take place during the butterfly's life cycle. Scientists still cannot explain what exactly happens inside the pupa. Perhaps it's just good enough to be amazed time and time again with one of the little miracles of nature.

"May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun

And find your shoulder to light on.

To bring you luck, happiness and riches

Today, tomorrow and beyond."

--Irish Blessing

We have butterflies!

As of this morning, we have three beautiful butterflies! One emerged last night and two more joined him/her this afternoon. There are four more chrysalides, so we're hoping that those butterflies will emerge soon so we can release them all.

The kids put some flowers with sugar water on them and a slice of watermelon in the habitat, which the butterflies are already enjoying.

Kiddo #1 decided to name the three Anthony (Tony), Robert and Thomas (Tom). :-)

The picture doesn't do this Painted Lady butterfly much justice, but it is beautiful. They are in a large mesh habitat, so the pictures come out a bit fuzzier than I'd like.

As much as we take the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly for granted, it is absolutely extraordinary; even more so when you witness it first hand and up close. Just one of many everyday miracles that I am so glad I am able to share with my kids!