September began with going full-tilt into our fall schedule. That involved our regular co-op, piano lessons, and Cub Scouts. Two other moms and I also started a preschool co-op through our church, and we met for the first time after Labor Day. Although Jackson and our pastor's son Isaiah are six, they join in as the "big kids," a role which they enjoy since they're not the "big kids" at home. We do an academic session, "centers time," snacktime, an art session, and a Bible session. I am teaching the Bible sessions, and I am really enjoying hearing how much they're taking into their little hearts about the attributes of God (we're learning some of them alphabetically). We're also focusing on catechism and Scripture memory verses, and the kids are doing SO well with them. I'm impressed! Here are the kids at centers: (a big kid in the background doing other schoolwork before our regular co-op)
Art time with Mrs. Overstreet:
Academic time with Mrs. Riddle:
Cora loves her new kitten, and when I went to update this blog and our pictures, I think I had to delete about 1011 pictures of her new kitten. :)
Look at the bluebirds at our birdbath! I LOVE bluebirds, so this is a joy to see them out of our kitchen window.
A bluebird and a goldfinch! At one point, a cardinal was there, too, but I didn't get the camera in time.
September 13th was Jackson's SIXTH BIRTHDAY. Six years ago we were evacuating Florida under the threat of Hurricane Ivan to have him in a tiny hospital in Johnson City, TN. What an interesting journey that was. How surprised we were that he was actually a boy! And what immeasurable blessings he has brought into our lives.
Waiting for his presents. I have no idea where he got that Burger King hat - we never eat THERE. (Kids, be quiet) 
That adorable smile and those blue eyes get me ALL THE TIME.
Waiting for cake in the dining room decorated by Shiloh.
A cake decorated by Star Wars storm troopers, naturally (clone troopers? I have no idea):
Yes, this is a little scary. Shiloh attended a Star Wars birthday party for a friend, and they were given masks. She kept hers to use for Jackson's party. She scared me when I came down the stairs and saw her in it.
The birthday boy and Mommy:
The birthday boy and Daddy:
Kids, start asking Daddy to build us a house like this...
The kids are hanging out with James and Dolley:
The following pictures come from the gardens at Montpelier:
At the end of the month, Jackson's Cub Scout Pack had its first camping trip of the year. It was a family camping trip, meaning that we all could go. We don't have a tent big enough for all of us yet, though, so Daniel planned to take Jackson and the Den mascot, Cora (she's the mascot because she goes with Daniel to the Den meetings to help corral the 13 Cub Scouts and help with crafts). Abigail also asked for permission to go, and Jackson graciously gave it. :) Shiloh and Adah opted to stay in the bug-free air conditioning. We'll make them go eventually. It was only going to be an overnight trip because they wanted to be back for church on Sunday. It was HOT, but they were intrepid. At about 4:30 the next morning, it started raining cats and dogs. It woke ME up and I wondered how they were doing. They ended up coming home before they ate breakfast just because it was too difficult to get breakfast ready in the pouring rain. Thankfully, the campsite was only about twenty minutes away. All of them declared it a success, though, and Jackson can't wait to go again in the spring.
Daddy runs a tight ship at the campsite:
Two of the dads and kids in the Den:
A hay ride to end the night! 
In the tent, preparing for "sleep:" 
1 comments:
Patricia adores birds and cats (not necessarily together). She's also known for taking the camera & taking loads of pics of our animals & any animals she finds outside.
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