Capturing Nature

After our field trip this morning, we took advantage of the beautiful weather and went out for our first nature study of the year. Botany will be our area of study in science for Grace and Leah; Megan will be doing General Science, but will join us on hikes like this. This is the perfect time to capture plants in bloom or those ready for seed dispersal.

Here are a few of my faves from our time outside today.
Leah's drawing her observations of Russian sage.

Same with Megan.

At our petunia bed.

Grace measures the height of our lovely milkweed plants. You might wonder why in the world we allow such mature weeds in our landscape.....we were tolerating this volunteer crop as it grew to see if we could attract any monarchs this year. No such luck. And, in case you were wondering, we will be cutting the plants down before they send out their seeds! They are really cool to observe, though!

Leah measures the width of her flower.

Grace notes her observations.

Then tonight, we wrapped up our day by walking down the street to draw a moon flower, which only opens at night. Sadly, I didn't take my camera, but I did get a flower!

This is just one of the many reasons we love home schooling and feel the tremendous blessings to be able to do so!

~Wee

Safety Village

Today was the first "official" field trip of Leah's school career. We went to Safety Village and learned all about being SAFE! First, we spent some time in the "classroom" learning how to be safe pedestrians. Then, we went out into the village to put our knowledge into practice.

After making sure to look left-right-and left again and obeying the traffic signals, the class safely crossed Live Long Lane.Crossing a driveway safely.
After our walk around the village, each student got their own 4-wheeler to cruise around town on. Leah wasn't so sure about doing it at first, but when she realized that it didn't go too fast, she really enjoyed it. The trip started out on Safety Village Way.

Bringing up the rear of all the little travelers.

Coming to a complete stop before turning right.Crossing the railroad after stopping, looking, and listening.

Navigating the streets of Safety Village, being sure to obey all traffic signals.

They were allowed to make two complete rounds of the village before putting their vehicles away.While Leah and I were at Safety Village, Megan and Grace were right next door at the Survive Alive House (run by the FW Fire Department), where they learned all about fire safety. Here, Grace is making her 9-1-1 call and giving the proper information. Megan and Bethany wait for their turn.

It's a good trip to be reminded of every year or so.

~Wee

Look what she did....

....Leah learned to ride her bike tonight!!!!
Getting started again after running into the grass.
She was so happy!

~Wee

1st Day of School

Well, today began the first day of our 2011-2012 school year. We are heading into our 8th year of home schooling and looking forward to another great year.

Megan is entering 7th grade.
Grace into 6th grade.
And Leah into Kindergarten. She told me today, "Mommy, I just love school; especially with you." :)

~Wee