End of August {a Visit from Big Daddy}

During one of our trips to the library, the girls found a princess hairstyle book.  Let me just say that if you have girls who rarely want to do anything with their hair beyond brushing it (if that!), you should give this book a try.  Our bathroom has been transformed into a styling salon and we're having so much fun!  

Bridgette needed a new helmet.  She was so excited about the one we found at Target, she decided she needed to wear it for the rest of our time shopping! (Yes, she is wearing her swimsuit.  I can't remember why, but I know there is a good reason!)

Trying out the new helmet - "It matches my scooter!"

I.  Love.  This.

Ryan was away for a training course and I had a family orientation meeting that week for the homeschool group we have joined.  I offered to host the meeting.  Nothing like welcoming a dozen total strangers into your home to kick the unpacking motivation into high gear.

Since Ryan was away, I challenged the kids to put themselves to bed while the parents were having our meeting downstairs.  We practiced the night before.  I had them mostly ready for bed and set up with a video before people started arriving.  They knew what was expected after the video ended and a reward was offered.  It was SO FUN to reward them when they met the challenge!  I was so proud of them!  A new lovie from Ikea for all! =)

Mom and Rooke on the lose with a wonky shopping cart while the girls played in the kids' room.

Saturday morning after Ryan got home we walked on the "woodland" trail near our house to the neighborhood farmer's market.  

Sunday morning we left a little early for church to surprise the kids with a stop to a shop we'd passed many times already.  Yum!

Big Daddy came for Labor Day weekend!  My mom was visiting friends out of town, so we encouraged Dad to give up his quiet, relaxing weekend of watching sports without interruption to join our chaotic fun for a few days!  It's a good thing he loves us so much. =)

After BBQ for lunch, we went to the gorgeous Great Falls National Park.  Truly beautiful!    

KayeK is usually the one giving nature lessons.  Apparently Dad felt he needed to fill that role while she was away!

The kids are blessed that both their Big Daddy and their G Daddy will get down on the floor and play with them!

Dinner is over, the sun is setting, and someone is scoring a touchdown. 

I LOVE this.  Dad was reading his Bible on the front porch.  Slowly, each of the kids joined him with a book or Bible in hand.  He patiently allowed them into his quiet time, shared what he was reading about, and in doing so watered seeds he has faithfully been planting in their little lives.   

We celebrated Uncle Steve's birthday together with BBQ and German Chocolate cake!

 

Before taking Dad back to the airport, we spent a beautiful afternoon at Gravelly Point Park. 

Adventure Days

We soaked up the hot summer weather last month.  Maybe a little too much heat some days!  Mango Turtles are always a yummy afternoon snack =)

One of the things I love about living in the DC area are the easy opportunities for "Adventure Days" - the kind of day where you leave mid-morning with a picnic lunch and a plan to keep everyone happy and busy for the rest of the day, working in two or three school subjects while exploring something new.

Adventure Day to the Navy Yard:

Once a month, the Navy Museum hosts a science project for homeschoolers.  Yes, please!  I didn't know we were supposed to bring our own two-liter bottles, so we ran to the corner store and purchased three two-liters of soda.  The kids thought it was so fun to take a few drinks before "watering" the grass with the rest of the liquid so our science project could commence. =)

Of all the rockets launched, Bridgette's had the record for greatest distance traveled at 75 feet!

After launching and picnicking, we checked out the surprisingly impressive museum.  We only made it through the first half and are already looking forward to going back to see the rest.

We learned the basics of how a submarine works, and played with the working periscopes for.ev.er.  

After changing into swimsuits, we walked (and rested) along the Anacostia River . . .

 . . . to the Yards Park where the kids had the shallow pool mostly to themselves. 

The ice cream shop around the corner gave everyone the energy needed (and gave us a chance to dry off) as we walked back to the van parked at the Navy Yard.  Such a FUN day for everyone!

 Adventure Day to Rock Creek Park:

We took our notebooks to the Rock Creek Park nature center and spent time looking and drawing.  Gretchen loved how her sketch of the Blue Heron turned out.

The kids got to help feed the turtles. 

Rock Creek Park has a free planetarium!  It was the girls' first planetarium show - we all loved it.  The ranger told some great stories.  We went on a nature walk and started working on our junior ranger badges before heading home.  If it wasn't for all the traffic, we'd be at Rock Creek Park on a regular basis!