Spring is Coming...

 

 

 

Not where I thought I'd be, but right where I should be

 

Homeschooling... With my older two kids back in public school it was only natural to enroll Lucas as well. With a big move for our family a month into the school year, a new job for my husband, and a new baby arriving shortly after, homeschooling seemed out of reach. So off to school he went!

Well, he had a wonderful start to the school year, but around December/January we found out he wasn't being challenged enough and it was causing some issues in his behavior. With homeschooling having been on my heart for so long I saw this as my opportunity to jump back in. I'm convinced that I made the right decision for my son and our family.

He's only been home for about three weeks and I've noticed he's having a hard time getting out of the "busy-work" mode. He wants worksheet, worksheet, WORKSHEET! Something I was dreading. I don't really enjoy busy-work in homeschooling. So the last couple of weeks we've been sort of de-schooling. Working to get the public school out his system. We've been doing a lot of reading aloud, discussion, library visits, art and music, some nature walks and very few worksheets-only what he needs keep up on math and writing. We have also been working on life skills; making better choices in conflict, awareness of how our choices effect those around us, manners, appropriate language, how to become a better listener and big brother. I've also cut down the amount of screen time available to him and his little brother. They have about 1.5 hours of tv/gaming time allowed now. He hasn't been too happy, but I noticing a change in his behavior already. It's been much better! :)

So here's to my family's newest adventure!



 

I am so thankful my morning sickness has subsided enough to allow me to get out with my kids and enjoy the beautiful sunshine. I thought it was never going to let up!

 

Today it was a nice, cool 64 degrees at Nisqually Wildlife Refuge. We didn't make our way out to the boardwalk- not chancing it alone with a 20 month old! Turns out we didn't have to venture that far to see the wildlife anyways. We saw deer, frogs, turtles, and plenty of birds! I can't wait to go back!

 

The next three days are supposed to be just as glorious, so we will be spending as much time outdoors as possible!

 



Road Trippin'

 

Apparently I have not learned my lesson about taking unplanned road trips with four kids, because today we took one to Mt. Rainer at 1 o'clock in the afternoon. I totally planned on having a low key, relaxing afternoon since we all have a case of the crud, but I can't sit still on nice days. Especially, beautiful, warm autumn days. The drive up there was there was gorgeous and for the most part peaceful. Luke is a little rough to ride with most of the time, but he was pretty well-behaved and kept us entertained with music about Jesus from his Cubbies class. We only had one hiccup and that was about 5 miles before we got to Paradise- Seth threw up everywhere. Not talking a little bit of milk spit up, but breakfast, snacks, and lunch mixed with curdled milk. Yeah, it was fun. We cleaned him up and let him walk around for a minute, and hit the road. Here's a few pics from our day. Enjoy!

 



Olympic Game Farm Park

Yesterday morning Shawn and I took the kids to Olympic Game Farm Park in Sequim. It was their last day of mid-winter break and we wanted to do something a bit different. A few of my friends have all ventured out there and thoroughly enjoyed themselves so I thought we should give it a go.

After a lousy and VERY noisy two hour drive and only one stop to nurse Seth, we made it. We took the car seats out and threw them in the trunk to give the older kids a better view. Luke was a bit nervous to see the animals so he rode in the very back of the van. Seth had a nice time swapping laps between Shawn and me. I took quite a few pictures, but I'll just share a few of my favorites.

 

 Yak.

 

I love this profile picture of Jake because it shows just how much fun he was having.

 

Shawn was more excited to see this guy than any other animal in the park.

 

Kodiak Bear.

 

Timberwolf.

 

 African Lion.

 

Siberian Tiger.

 

 

 

I believe this is the Spotted Fallow Deer, I'm not totally sure though.

 

And then this guy...

 

Roosevelt Elk- it licked Seth. Mama wasn't too thrilled.

 

My kids and my husband absolutely LOVED it- Me not so much! There is something very scary about wildlife trying to get in my car and EAT me! HAHA!

 

Incase anyone is interested in checking this place out here is a link-

http://olygamefarm.com/