Have a Blessed Christmas and a Joyous New Year!

End of CC Semester

The phases of the moon. And a tin whistle class performance. :)

Lucas Back from Japan Travels

He went for work, and he brought back some little souvenirs... fans, origami earrings, chopsticks, Pokémon cards, etc. We were very excited to have him return to us. 

Week in WI

Lucas had some meetings in WI, so he took Clara along to spend some time with family. (The blessings of still being homeschooled!)

Homecoming Week: Spirit Days, Football Game, Dance

Pickleball with Neighbor Kids

Lake Day and Hawaiian Dinner (Even Dole Pineapple Ice Cream)!

Clara Gets a New Bike - Bigger Wheels

Happy Birthday, Lucas!

We had a little birthday celebration after Lucas and Amber returned from VT. 

Quick Trip to VT

Lucas and Amber were able to fly to VT for a quick weekend to be a part of the "celebration of life" for Granny Davis who passed away last year. They were able to stay with Gpa and Gramma Smith in a cottage, and they saw other family members as well. A special weekend! 

Volleyball Player #12

Amber has noticeably improved her overhand serving and defensive passing (what we older folks used to call "bumping") over the past 3 months while she has been playing for Legacy. We are proud of our #12 girl. 

Start of New School Year

Clara and I are continuing with our Classical Conversations co-op (25 kids) this year, but Amber and Brent are now attending a Christian (K3-12th grade) school nearby (1200+ students total). Clara is in 5th grade, Brent in 7th, and Amber starting 9th grade - she made the JV volleyball team too which has been fun for her this summer/fall. 

Little Miss Baker and Reader

Fun in Corpus Christi

Brent swam well at State; he enjoys competing. But he did not place.

However, Lucas and Brent had lots of fun enjoying the Corpus beaches & wildlife, touring the state capitol and some caves too. 

14 and a Freshman!

Amber had a quieter birthday this year...two friends over to share some cheesecake and ice cream. Then she enjoyed opening gifts on her birthday morning. Amber is getting excited to start high school in a few weeks. 

Brent Going to State

Brent qualified for state, which was his swim team goal this summer. He will be swimming the 50 breaststroke and the 50 backstroke down in Corpus Christi. 

TX Summer Sun

You may have heard, but it's been unusually hot here for July. Our Gaga ball pit has seen better days. But, with daily watering, our second crop of produce is coming along alright. 

WI Highlights

Our blog is filling up; we can't submit many pics anymore. But here are a couple moments from our week in WI in June. My friend Michelle got married - picture-perfect day! So happy for her! Then Lucas went on a fishing trip with most of the men in the extended family for a few days while my Mom and I hung out with my kids and cousins and friends. Then by the end of the week we drove out to Madison to see Sara's new home/renovations. And before we knew it, it was time to drive back to Texas. 

We of course enjoyed Culver's together! 

This Culver's had a Norwegian troll out front. Too funny. Uff-Da!

Garden Produce

Cards From Friends, Time with Family, Thankful for a New Decade!

School is done! Clara is 10! Summer break is here!

Clara and End of School Year

Clara is finishing 4th grade. She (and Brent) were recognized as "Memory Masters" at our CC co-op. This is where they memorize and recite 24 weeks of information across 7 subjects. It takes lots of practicing throughout the year, and then about an hour of reciting in front of their teacher and Director. We are blessed by both Clara and Brent's good work this year.  

Clara enjoys playing with the neighbor girls. And she's very excited to have peas in her garden now!

Our celebration of end of CC year...lunch at Panda Express.