Ho, Ho, Homeschool Christmas Party time!!

Our Christmas Party!!! Originally the party was scheduled for 12.15.14 however, sickness over came most in our group (the violent projectile kind, actually it overcame most of the ward due to the ward Christmas party 2 days prior, but....When we got together a week later than planned, we had fun eating pizza, creating gingerbread/graham cracker houses (with lots of candy!!) and having a "nice" white elephant gift exchange.  It seems this is the year of the white elephant.  Cailin said she's never heard of one before, yet this year she's had one for our homeschool group, Young Women's group and seminary!












Our high schoolers had more fun just hanging out and being together!

Delaney's confectionery creation!

A Glorious Christmas Story

The ward Christmas party was full of really cute actors (and tainted food, as per our violent sickness a few days afterwards along with many, many others from the ward. Yuck!)

 

We had cute angels and handsome shepards.  Liam got to be a Nephite praying for the coming of Christ in America....and then later one that threw foil rocks at Samuel the Lamanite!  Quite the highlight of his night.

  Delaney played the part of the Innkeepers wife.

A Youth Temple Trip to Washington

What a wonderful way to kick of the Christmas Season.....attending the temple with my wonderful children, Cailin and Connor and all their church friends.

 Mikayla Morgan, Hope Richardson, Helena Garcia, Ignacio Salamanca, Jerrica Morgan, Beryl Brame, Jared Mattson, Breeona Rakes.  2nd row:  Garrett Smith, Noberto Garcia, Rosie Salamanca, Liliana Salamanca, Clarissa Mattson, Connor Hale, and Donovan Wall.

Science Fun--- A Study of Birds

 Exploring the life of birds.....while using our Latter-day Learning curriculum we again take flight in learning this time with birds.
We explored:
--Beaks and feet  (in the pictures shown we used tweezers, tongs, spoons and clothes pins to try to "eat food" as if we were a bird.  We learned that God created each bird with a special beak suited perfectly for their environment, along with their feet!
--Body adaptations
--flight
---feathers
---nest   For this study we went on a nature walk and found an abandoned nest (because it's winter) We brought it home and dissected it....sadly this bird had lots of trash in their nest, which shows how untidy the park was during the time this bird built it's nest.
---eggs
---migration
----feeding  We made some bird feeders using peanut butter and bagels.

 

making bird feeders for our feathered friends using bagels, peanut butter and lots of bird seed.

making edible nest....yum!

Interpretations of the Iliad

Connor's Challenge IV Classical Conversations class is studying ancient literature, world history and theology this year.  For the lit class, they recently finished reading The Iliad by Homer.   They were required to memorize five minutes worth of dialogue and present it for the class.

Connor here--The scene I did was of the "Final Duel" between Hector and Achilles. Some of the other scenes were Agamemnon and Menelaus preparing for battle, Helen and Hector insulting Paris, and Iris bringing a message to Athena and Hera.

 

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving

Such cute creations....Liam and Delaney had fun with their friends creating these cute turkeys which, beautifully graced our thanksgiving dinner table!



Our front door was graced by a multitude of sticky notes from our beloved sister missionaries:  Sister Wahin (Wall-lean) and Sis. Zschokke (Shock-E)  What a fun treat!!  We sure do love those gals!

 Amongst all the wonderful food, Delaney graced us with her decorating talents and created this cute turkey cake!

 The greatest blessing was being together as a family.

 Brian, Risa, Logan, Brenenan and Ellie drove down for the weekend.  We were also graced by our friends Aaron and Jen McGrady.  A lovely evening!

It was quite fun to see the littles 'read' books...Brianne did too, the camera just didn't grab her in time :(
Other fun:  Trampoline time!
                   Watching the boys play and follow Liam around....and watching him dote and care for                         them too!
                    Shopping!!!  Loved the Friday shopping time with the girls--Ellie included
                    Football on the big screen...not sure but I think Barry stomped all over Brian this year.