Pie night!

Normally this would be a Jammy drill, but since we were already out for the AWANA registration night, we went as we were.... ;)

Some kids were very serious about their food.

This end of the table was at least willing to look up for the picture.

Miss C loved getting to help take care of Miss A.

This little guy can always make my day with his great hugs!

Do you see the grin behind the fork?  She's swiping MY pie!

This guy was having too much fun with the shopvac earlier in the day.  Including reversing the flow and having it blow on his face.  The red splotchy look is the result of the fun.  Boys. :)

Garden of the gods and a picnic!

We started school this week.  We're starting off by studying Colorado a bit.  We made a quick trip to Garden of the gods on Friday.

Turns out that the visitors center is being remodeled.  Not much to see there.  We'll go back later.  The view was still great!

We found a little spot for a picnic after driving through most of the park.  It was quiet here, so could let the kids spread out a bit more. 

The first day of school!

We had our first day of school this week!  We even did school pictures first thing in the morning.

I had some special goodies for each of them in their space at breakfast.  I even found chocolate crayons!

Yea, Miss C is the crayon eating kid in the class. ;) 

Our first day flew by with passing out books, going over the schedule/routine and such.  We even managed to get to the park for an ice cream social to learn more about a local Homeschool Science group.  Mr. R is very excited about it.  We're all very excited about the coming school year and the many things we have planned.

Soccer game fun!

One of our neighbors is the Academy Soccer Coach.  We thought we'd head up to show some school/military spirit and enjoy some time with our friends.  I just love the views up there up in  the mountains.

We took our dinner up.  Everyone had fun munching and watching.

The kids had fun playing on the side lines.

Fire Station Open House

The Base Fire Station had an open house this past week-end.

Here we are waiting for the working dog demo.  Mr. K was quite concerned when he saw the dog "attack" but I think I was able to help him understand that the dog was working/helping.

Getting to play on the trucks was fun too!

Happy Birthday to the birthday buddies!

Miss E and Mr K are birthday buddies.  This is our third year doing a double birthday, and its just getting to be more and more fun.

We took them out on a double date.  These two are so much fun, and I loved watching them interacting together.

Happy Birthday you two!

It's still summer, lets go play!

We had quite a bit to do (at the house) today, I had no intention of going out.  Least of all to go play.  However, when Miss J came running in from having her snack in the back yard saying "its HOT today mom!  Can we go play at the fountain?"  Our plans quickly changed.  I'd been wanting to take the kids to play in the fountain since before we moved here, but it had not worked out yet.....Kids worked together to quickly make up sandwiches, get swim suits on and find sandals.

The little kids mostly watched, but they still had a good time.

Miss A was interested in the water and Miss A was happy to help her check it out.

Before getting in the van they took some time to play and dry off.

Miss A had a good time hanging out with her favorite brother.  Yes, she does have a favorite.  It is very obvious to all of us. He has baby magic!

I'm so glad we took the time to go play.  Now off to sort clothes for the big fall switch.  Now thats quite a job!

collecting fire wood

We have a fireplace (with stove insert) at this house.  We're all looking forward to some cozy fires this winter and even heating with wood most of the winter.   The base has a spot where they put all of the trees/logs they had to cut down (for various reasons) that we can go to to collect fire wood!

The catch?  They are full sized logs.  They have to be cut up before loading them up.  Daddy cut them up....

...while the kids loaded.

We've made 2 trips so far.  We will make a few more before splitting the wood.

Exchange program

Miss E has always had a heart for missions, so when she found out that there was an opportunity to serve with a group of Chinese exchange students it was no surprise that she wanted to go.  She has spent the last three weeks helping with this group.

The first week they did a Thanksgiving Dinner and our family was able to attend.  Our little ones were a hit.  The Chinese students wanted to hold Miss A and talk to Miss C, Miss J and Mr K.

The last couple of weeks have been spent helping out in classes and field trips.  The students are here for some cultural emersion.  When celebrating "Christmas" and "Easter" the gospel was shared.  Miss E has been having such a good time.  Miss J, Miss A and I were able to join her for a good-by dinner last night as the program wrapped up.