Biology - Experiement #1

The Professor is taking high school Biology this year.  He was pretty excited about it.  Then he found out he doesn't dissect anything until lesson six.  He's doing fine though.

 I have to make sure he has access to experiment supplies, like a pond.  It took me a few days to find a great pond.  It just happened to be right next to Grandma Patty's house.  

 At the moment I'm totally bummed we had to give back a super nice microscope when we left the parent partnership program.  I saw one at Value Village the other day for $25.00 and I'm contemplating going back and seeing if it's still there and the condition it's in.  But the thought of taking everyone into a store dripping with less than tasteful Halloween costumes makes me think twice.

  
We need a microscope to view slides of the pond water he collected. He collected four samples and stored them for a week in different jars with different protein.

I was so thankful for the sun that came out and made it a really nice outing.  The water level was low so the boys walked way out into the pond.  And of course I hollered at them to come back.  Tis just my nature.

I love how they turn back into inquisitive, exploring boys when they get into nature.

I Had to Share...

Celebrating...

 It's wasn't fancy but we celebrated our October birthdays with favorite meals, waffle breakfasts, cupcakes and pie. 

School Pictures 2014...

 The Professor - age 14

The Architect - age 11

The Scientist - age 9

Thank you Little Earthling Photography!

Birthday Ramblings...

October...
The month that has two birthday boys less than 7 days apart.  Each year this month tries to do me in.  With school in full swing, activities, holidays approaching and then !BOOM!, two birthdays to arrange.  I love birthdays.  I enjoy making the birthday boy's favorite meal and doing extra special stuff during the week.  It's just that squeezing that all in is challenging.
Studies still come first.

Yes, you have to do school on your birthday.

Those bookend boys are turning 9 and 14.  Look at that stair step.

 October is the final month of youth football.  These Lynden Vet Raiders are 4-1 and scheduled to play in a big game at Civic Stadium this weekend.  I do enjoy watching them play.  Go 54!

Blossom enjoys looking at books during the games.

And at home.

We're still a little distracted over here watching the Blossom grow.  I did manage, just barely, to get a birthday gathering pulled together and I paid Amazon dearly for it in shipping. 

More Than Piano Lessons...

There are many things I cherish about homeschooling.  One of them is finding those gem teachers that absolutely love what they teach.  I mean really love it.  Their enthusiasm flows out of them like a river and a person can't help but smile and be caught up in it. 
Our Piano teacher is one of those teachers.  Her enthusiasm is contagious and her hospitality, the way she opens her home up to her students and their families, is inspiring.  My boys have been students of Mrs. VandenBos every since we started homeschooling in the fall of 2009.  This year starts our 6th year.

 Every fall the trampoline is set up, every lesson the kids can pick one piece of candy from a bowl.  Tea and hot water are ready for the moms.  Chocolate chip cookies are ready to be snatched up when we head out the door if I've given the OK.  My rule:  cookies are only for good, cooperating boys who do their school lessons and play nicely with their brothers. 

In the previous years there has always been new puppies or kittens to cuddle.   This year the cats are exciting for little Blossom.  We're helping her learn new words and live action nouns are very helpful!

We are being purposeful about naming things to help Blossom and her word/object association. She's doing great and making progress towards crawling.  Currently she will push herself backwards all around the living room. 

Blossom - 8 Months Old...

Blossom turned 8 months old in September. 

Our dog is quite content to hang out with the baby.  And I find it a little interesting that the puzzle held her attention even with the fluffy dog right next to her.