Freedom Park

Since we didn't have enough time to go home before picking Frank up I took the kids to Freedom Park. We had only been here once before and it was super crowded. Today, however, we had it almost to ourselves.

Do I need to say that I had two sleeping kids after visiting Springs Preserve and Freedom Park? (And another almost asleep?)

Marie-Anne

Springs Preserve

Today I took the kids and Keenan to Springs Preserve. I was thrilled to meet another homeschool mom, who actually lives near Frank's work. We exchanged phone numbers and plan to set up a playdate soon. Her kids are the same ages as mine!

First we visited the Nature Exchange where Alex turned in a report on trees and answered questions for more points. The kids also played with the toys.

Then we went to the playground, where we met the other homeschoolers. The kids played for quite a while in the sand pit.

Keenan especially loved the train. He kept trying to get me to push it.

The boys had fun climbing. (Sabrina was much too busy playing in the sand.)

Eventually we wandered inside and to the other sand pit. Keenan threw a shovel full of sand right in Alex's face! I spent almost a minute dusting sand out of his eyebrows. Ouch! Then Alex tripped and skinned up his hands and knees. Poor guy!

Marie-Anne

Crystal Palace Skating Rink

 

 

Tonight was the kids' first time going to a skating rink. At first there was a whole lot of falling.

As the night wore on the kids' gradually got better.

Finally Sabrina was able to take a few steps without falling and Alex was able to make it, multiple times, around the wall all by himself! Alex wants to go back every week.

Marie-Anne

Goodbye Nana

Today my Nana, Irene, died. She was a very sweet fun lady and she'll be greatly missed. She lived a long happy life; she was in her 90's.

Marie-Anne

Death Valley National Park

 

Our first stop in Death Valley was the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, where the kids earned their Jr. Ranger badges. (I was surprised that Sabrina was able to get one too. It's her first.)

 

If you look closely you'll see a sign 2/3 of the way up.

  Next we visited Badwater Basin- the lowest point in North America.

 

 We took a short walk out on the salt flats.

 We also hiked to the Natural Bridge. On the way back Sabrina got a piggy back ride.

That is not water in the background; it's the salt flats.

Marie-Anne

Rest Stop

On our way to Death Valley we stopped at a rest stop to stretch and take a few pics.

Marie-Anne

Red Springs

Today we went hiking at Red Springs instead of participating in "Covetous Friday". The weather was perfect! I love to be outdoors this time of year!

We only walked part of the boardwalk because the kids were eager to hike and climb.

The leaves are gorgeous and they contrast nicely with the sky. This is the beginning of our hike.

We climbed quite a bit up the mountain. It was great fun. The kids wanted to go higher, but we knew we'd have to help Sabrina going down.

The kids discovered a "cave" with a window connecting the two rooms.

We made it safely back to the beautiful tree near the trailhead. What a great hike!

Marie-Anne

Thanksgiving

We had a potluck at church- it was a real feast! I got to talk with several people that I didn't really know and we all had a good time.

Sabrina made some new friends. These girls have been coming to church for about a month, but this was the first time Sabrina has really played with them. They had a great time.

The younger kids got to watch Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving movie.

Alex discovered a bit of wilderness in the back corner of the parking lot. Normally trees, in the city,  are more manicured, but this one is boxed in by carports and hidden away in the back corner of the lot. I love it! It's perfect for beginner climbers.

Marie-Anne

New chick in town

My neighbors have a new pet that they brought to our house.

My kids spent the last few hours fussing over this little guy. It is too cute and oh so soft!

Even if the HOA okayed it, I doubt the landlord would approve. Maybe someday....

Marie-Anne

Girls' Game Night

While the boys had Men's Discipleship Class the girls had Girls' Night In.

These are the games that Sabrina chose. She doesn't know how to play, but we had a good time. She really enjoyed having me to herself. After we played the games we had ice cream, read books, and watched a movie.

Molehill Mania is a game she got on her birthday. This was the first time we played it. Sabrina couldn't figure out how to get the moles into the hammer. Once she figures that out I think she'll have a lot of fun with this game.

This is a two player game. Each player has a hammer and hits the planks on the side of the molehill which shoots the moles into the air. Then players compete to hit the moles with the hammer, which collects the moles. Whoever has the most wins.  (Reviews for the other two games are already on  the blog.)

Duck- Duck-1-2-3

 

Duck Duck GOOSE

 

Marie-Anne