Random Night of Fun, Fun, Fun!

A slow but steady rain started soon after we got the whole family loaded into the van and headed to soccer practice tonight. Instead of turning the van around and heading home, Daddy surprise us all by pulling into Fun-Fun-Fun. I have to say it was a really great surprise and it certainly was fun. 

I really appreciated the designated area with games specifically designed with the height and skill set of little-er ones in mind.  They were so excited to see so many games that were just their size! 

Big brother and little brother

Mikey was surprisingly good at this game! I caught a picture of Gabriella hugging him tight, she was so proud of him. 

This next picture isn't one of the best I've taken. Nonetheless, I can see how much I favor my beautiful Grandma Ella and so for that reason alone I absolutely love it.

Gillis Hill Field Trip

We love Gillis Hill. We love picking strawberries in the summer and taking wagon rides in the fall. We love visiting the rye maze in the spring and corn maze in the fall. We love stopping by for ice cream and taking leisurely walks around the farm visiting the animals. 

Today we had the opportunity to participate in an official field trip at Gillis Hill with a few other homeschoolers from the area. It was no surprise that we LOVED it! 

Look at these cuties! 

We watched a video titled "A Day on the Farm" that was made roughly 20 years ago for the very farmer presenting it to us. He was the star in the movie as a young boy, showing all of us what a day on the farm would be like. I value the opportunity it presented my little ones, who may never know what it is/was really like to live on a farm, see farm life though the eyes of a child. Very informative and entertaining! 

Teaching us about the ears of a corn stalk...

We loved getting an up close and personal look at a few of Gillis Hill's farm animals. 

The puppet show was HILARIOUS! 

We took a trip back in time as we toured the farm. Here we were learning all about how people used to wash clothes before there were washing machines and dryers. We also learned all about a well and how to draw water.

I left feeling like I needed to repent over complaining about laundry piling up.

Teaching us about wagons and their uses...

Remembering that there were not any grocery stores around, we learned about how important it was to maintain a garden vegetables. 

We had a wonderful ride in a covered wagon all the way around the farm

and ended our time with lunch and...

ice cream! We can't visit Gillis Hill without getting ice cream! 

Sunday Naps

This Sunday was full of so many of our favorite things...worshiping Jesus in Little River, crisp, cool air, layers of warm fall clothing and naps (well, naps that is for everyone but myself :)).

It's been really hard lately to slow down long enough to do nothing other than hold my sweet baby right in my arms until he falls asleep and then just sit there and stare at him. It was so nice to stop and do that very thing. I sure needed it. Oh, my heart. 

Mommy's sweet, sweet boy. 

There's no resisting the temptation to curl right up and cuddle with this one. My three year old boy sure is growing but will never, ever, ever outgrow his mommy's arms. He is so lovable 

A true princess. 

This next picture...I can't look at for longer than a few seconds without it sending my heart racing and tears streaming. I just can't even explain what it does to my heart.

What a lucky girl. What a lucky daddy. 

Rare beauty, this one possesses. 

Headstands

Headstands have been of high interest around here lately. Gabriella has the process down to a science. She knows exactly where to place her hands, how far away from the wall her head should be and also knows that not wearing socks help. She says the "sticky-ness" of your feet help you stay up...a science. 

She has eagerly taught all who are willing to learn, even Josiah. :) 

School room shenanigans. :) 

A Lovely, Lovely Weekend

Nature Hike at Clark Park

I recently joined a Facebook group called Raeford Homeschoolers. It consists of many wonderful parents who take the initiative to set up field trips as well as share homeschool-friendly happenings around town. It has been a wonderful resource that we have been able to take advantage of signing-up/attending a few exciting events, Clark Park's Nature Hike being one of those. 

Ranger Mike did such a great job leading our adventure through the park. 

Carefully listening to the park rules.

I just love how Josiah blends in with the big kids in all of these pictures. He sees himself as an equal, as he should, and I absolutely love it. 

Teaching us about the persimmon fruit. 

Explaining where the original Root-Beer came from.

The Backwards Walking Bridge Challenge

Bones Creek

And my favorite, 

Fascinated by a scampering squirrel! 

Happy Birthday, Grandma Ella

You the very reason we are all here. Your loving spirit, your determination, your positivity and your kind heart have helped mold each of us into the men and women that we are today. You have raised us all to love the Lord and taught us to serve him with all of our hearts. You are to be celebrated! Today and everyday. 

Gabriella helped me set the table tonight. She took much care in setting Grandma's place. 

We had lasagna for dinner and birthday cake for dessert. Gabriella and Mikey were more than happy to help Grandma blow out her candle. 

It was so nice to have Aunt Ann join us! 

We love you, Grandma Ella.