Wednesday, June 29, 2011

The World's Longest Post...Seriously!

We enjoyed an end-of-the-year party for the Tallahassee Home School Band at Mr. Charlie's house. The yard was a boy's paradise: a long zip slide, climbing rope, horseshoe competition, ultimate frisbee, fishing, swimming, exploring...and in the house was food, food, food!



And who's wrapped up here?

What a sweet surprise!



Even ChubChub took the plunge!













Some fellows are just too cool...





Mike Todd (on the left, with guitar) flew in from Oklahoma for a few days. He is one of Mean Ol' Mama's earliest childhood memories, and we've been together around the world. He's a great friend and an incredible musician. Too bad you weren't there, too!

Josiah has hatched out some of the cutest bobwhite quail. The boy has plans...

We have enjoyed some great meetings in the migrant camps. The Haitians in the photo below were glad to receive free Bibles and canteloupes (from the U-Pick).




Mean Ol' Mama was in the translator's chair and got the full benefit of the fabulous music!We took the kids bowling one afternoon. Mo'M had essays to score, and Branch and The Girl desperately wanted to finish their 4th grade math book, so we worked between turns.


The drought has really caused the pond to dry up. Anders took ChubChub and the dogs down to see what was going on.

The Girl has been reading Chronicles of Narnia to ChubChub. That kid is all personality and imagination!

The Girl also celebrated her 9th birthday! She's a sweet mix of brains, beauty, and benevolence!She received many lovely gifts, including a pink BB gun, which is a southern belle necessity.


And a cowgirl hat to cinch the deal...

Mean Ol' Mama gave her a bowlful of peas that The Girl had been shelling earlier. We all enjoyed the trick!

Poppins, Uncle Tim, and Mr. Don took all of the kids on a 12-mile canoe trip. They had a great time!

Mo'M has a "Crush" on this little guy!






Get ready! Get set! GO!!




Wasn't it a lovely day?

The Girl found a turtle who was willing to give her a lift!



Another great meeting at a different camp...

Anders, Branch, and The Girl attended a 3-day 4H2O camp. They really enjoyed the different classes, tours, and experiences.






















The Nature Conservancy photographer wanted to catch some action shots of the kids.



And now for a tug-of-war with a tractor!

And a trip to the dam...And a final day at WaterWorld!We've had a "splash" so far this summer!





The older boys should be finishing up at the U-Pick within the next few weeks; Stennes has a major competition in a few days; Patriotic Performances will begin next week and last through July; work at the College is steady for Mo'M; schoolwork is slower because of outside activities; the weather is very hot and dry; getting a few things from the raised beds; around 200 chickens to be sold; lots of recipes to try; busy, busy, busy...