The Museum of Life and Science

Another highlight of our trip to Durham was visiting the Museum of Life and Science. I love this museum! It is engaging, educational, and there is plenty to do. Since we have last been there they have added a treehouse addition, which was a hit with the children of course. 

Hampton and Everett at the farm exhibit. 

 I think the pig was Eleanor's favorite animal. Although the alpacas had her laughing pretty hard. 

 The children loved playing in the boxcar. 

 Train ride! This was the best part of the day for our Thatcher Reid. 

 Noni and the big boys. 

 Climbing and exploring in the treehouse. 

 Thatcher is quite a little climber. He did all he could to keep up with the big kids. 

 Exploring barefoot in the creek. 

 Uncle Scott assisting our baby bear. He loves his Uncle Scott. 

 Playing hide and seek

 Reptile gazing

 At the butterfly exhibit the children were most interested in the coy pond. 

 With ALL the babies!

 Cooling off (which was needed at this point) in the "hill of mist."

We had so much fun at the museum! As we were leaving I even let the children pick out a small souvenir to remember the day. 

Meeting Baby Keller

My sister Mary's sweet baby was born (6 weeks early) at the end of July. Last week we finally got to meet this precious one. I was beyond excited and so were the children! We travelled to Durham and got to spend a few days visiting. Keller Shay was very loved!

Of all the children, Hampton was the most into loving on Keller. He kept asking to hold him every chance he got. I love his caring and nurturing heart. 

 Big boy and littlest boy.

 Note the fact that Keller is smiling. Love!

 Swoon and be still my heart! I just love this baby so much. What a sweet temperament he has and I was sure to store up on cuddles and snuggles. 

And it should be noted that Thatcher Reid is in none of these photos! Not so sure he is ready to give up his title as the "baby." Ha!

Homeschool Enrichment Classes

We feel very blessed that the children get to participate in another year of homeschool enrichment classes through our church. And this year Eleanor gets to join in on the fun and learning! Here is their class line up:

Hampton/Eleanor:

PE

Art

Swimming Creatures

Everett:

Astronomy

Critical thinking/logic

Drama/pantomime

They all have an excellent first day last week (they go one morning a week) and it gave Thatcher Reid and I some special time together. While the children were at school Thatcher and I went to Target, Hobby Lobby, and then home where I cleaned our home and he watched Mickey Mouse. A very peaceful and productive morning. 

Pairing these two up was very intentional. She felt less nervous with him by her side and I am hoping this will bond them (they can be at odds!)

 First day of classes!

Chef Thatcher

When your 3 year old requests a chef's hat because he wants to be a baker, you happily oblige........

Playing in Pisgah Forest

We went on another field trip this week. This time to Pisgah National Forest with our dear friends the Kruegers! We called it the traveling field trip as we went to several places. Our first stop was the Gem Mine. Our children have never been gem mining before and had so much fun! I was impressed at their finds. 

 Next stop was Sycamore Flats. The children had such a fun time wading and exploring in the water. They were still in gem mining mode, so there was a lot of rock collecting going on. And Eleanor and Abby made a lovely mud soup. I was not one to get dirty when I was a little girl. Elle has no problem with that! In giving showers/baths later that day, Eleanor was by far the filthiest of them all! There was some serious dirt under those painted fingernails. 

 She was just so happy, as she always is, when there is water involved. 

 I say we had a beautiful backdrop for our play that morning. 

 And Thatcher Reid was happy watering everything. 

 And we had a picnic lunch to follow. 

 Our final stop was Looking Glass Falls. 

 What a wonderful trip of learning and fun!