Monday, November 21, 2016

Thanksgiving Performance

Everett's drama class put on a Thanksgiving performance last week and Thatcher and I were excited to attend. Everett had his lines down, knew when it would be his turn to speak, and had all the moves of the song memorized. He did wonderful. He spoke with clarity and confidence. He was full of expression. Recited his lines with a loud voice. I could not be more happy for him. He was proud of himself and so was I. 
Everett has come such a long way in his eight years. Once a timid and shy baby, then toddler, then preschooler. And somewhere along the road there was a shift. Although he is still very much an introvert, and large unknown crowds unnerve him, he is able to perform. He is able to overcome it and with such excellence, making friends wherever he goes. 
I enrolled him in drama for several reasons. I knew he would love it, as well I knew it would force him to have to put himself out there. And he has enjoyed every minute. I felt all these same feelings earlier this year at his Spring Recital when he waltzed up to a microphone in a crowded room, introduced himself, and played a beautiful piece of music on the piano. 
I love this sweet boy more and more with each passing day. It was been a wonder watching him continually stretch and grow before our very eyes. 







Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Trick or Treat!

We had a great Halloween this year trick or treating in our new neighborhood with friends. Poor Thatcher had a bad fall 5 houses in and had to go home with Eric. He was able to recover and other than that the night was a success! The older three and I were able to fill their buckets pretty quickly!

Princess Ariel
 Kylo Ren
 Boba Fett
 Firetruck 
 Ready to go trick or treating!


 We ran into these characters and had to take a picture!


 The princesses of the night


Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Field Trip at the Cradle of Forestry

Today we had a wonderful time with my aunt Jenny visiting the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest. There is a wonderful exhibit where the children went on a scavenger hunt and got to go in a helicopter simulation. 
 Smoky the Bear
 Sweet little friends walking the trail. Thatcher was such a trooper and lead the way most of our hike. 

 They loved exploring and making lots of "discoveries."
 A caterpillar discovery
 Tree hugger!


 Exploring an old logging train. They loved ringing the bell. 





 Going to Dolly's Dairy Bar afterward for ice-cream.
 Such a fun trip!

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Apple Orchard

Last week we went to the apple orchard with our friends. It was a chilly morning that slowly warmed up. We had a wonderful time and the boys could remember some things we had studied about apples at the beginning of the school year.  Another field trip success! 
 Our gang! Baby Caleb was staying with his grandmother that morning. Also, getting Thatcher to smile on demand can be a challenge. 
 Waiting for fresh apple donuts!
 About to go on the tractor ride through the orchard. 



 Chickens, roosters, a peacock.........we saw a variety of animals!

 Abby and Elle petting the sheep
 Don't worry. We did not damage the bamboo!

Gem Mine

We got an opportunity to go to the gem mine again, this time with our friends Abigail and Madilyn! Besides having fun, it was perfect because we were studying rocks and gems that week in our homeschool. A fun field trip!