Snow Day

Katrina LOVED the snow. She was happy the whole time and threw snowballs and laughed hysterically at you.

So we woke up last Wednesday to 7 inches of snow. It was super exciting. We decided to take a snow day from school. After an hour of scrambling around trying to find snow pants, boots and gloves that fit everyone, we trouped outside. Maggie and Sophie made a snow fort. Caleb wanted a snowman. Grandpa came out and helped us. And as it was just before Halloween, we actually made a snow witch. Then Hannah thought it would be funny to dress her up in a hula outfit. You can't see it in the picture, but she's wearing Hannah's flip-flops.

Our fabulous snow witch.

Then we had to go over to the park to go sledding. We were there for another 45 minutes, until everyone was crying. Then we came home, snuggled up under blankets, drank hot chocolate and read about the Romans. (If you haven't read the Magic Tree House research book on this, you should. It's really interesting.) Then we also finished the Rapunzel retelling that we had been reading. I think it was called Rapunzel, the one with all the hair, or something. It told the story from both Rapunzel and the Prince (who was called Benjamin)'s point of view. Then I think we may have watched Mythbusters. So, let's see--that's PE, history, reading, and science. Not a bad snow day. And no one thought they were learning anything.

Three kids on a sled.

By the time the regular schools got out, the snow had melted quite a bit. There were still big patches in the shade, but nothing like what we enjoyed in the morning.

Home School

As I suppose you are all now aware, we decided to home school our kids this year. For those of you who didn't know, I apologize. I told Emily and Dad Abbott called me about it, so I just figured everyone knew. Let me explain a little about the program we are using. It's called K12. It's an online school, so it's more like a traditional school than what you are probably thinking when you think of home school. It's a charter school, so the state pays for it. They sent us a computer and all the books and supplies we need for the year. There are two teachers who check work samples from the kids once a month. They are also there to make sure we are on track and if we have any questions. The kids do get a grade from the school. There are also lots of chances to meet other kids from the school in outings and clubs.

I really like it because I don't have to come up with lesson plans for three kids. I get up in the morning, check our schedule for the day, and do any minimal prep work that I might need before they start school. It takes me around 15-20 minutes. Hannah does most of her work on her own. I am only there if she has a question. Maggie needs a little more prodding and closer supervision. I especially have to help her in science and history. Sophie can be set small tasks to complete on her own, but I spend most of my time working with her.

One of the fun things is that we can start school when we are ready, usually about 9am. We can also designate fun dress up days. We've had several pajama days and the other day we had hat day, because the kids wanted to.

Hannah, Maggie and Sophie on Hat Day wearing their super-cool new hats.

We use our project room as a school room. All of our computer work is done here. But the kids can take their offline work anywhere in the house they can concentrate. They like to work in the toy room and our spare bed room. Aaron's office gets used and we've even gone outside.

Here's Hannah at our main computer. I love the color scheme in this room. Miekka designed it. It is so fresh and upbeat. We have supplies in the boxes and our school folders on the shelves. To the right you can see the magazine rack we use for on-going projects. And on the left is a spot for posting work. The pink page is an essay Sophie wrote and illustrated about parakeets.

This is our other computer work station. The cupboards holds all of our art and science supplies. You can also see a red topped jar. It holds pom poms for motivation. When you finish a lesson or Mom says, you can put a pom pom in the jar. When it is filled we get to go on a outing.

One of the subjects that I enjoy most is science. Each science lesson has an experiment of some kind. So it's fun to see the science principle in action and do it yourself.

Sophie doing an experiment with parachutes and quarters. She is trying to find which of three parachutes will be safest. She is experimenting with friction.

Maggie had a fun experiment with static electricity. After this we went out to the trampoline and played shock Mom. Caleb was especially good at it. I actually saw the electric shock come to me. Freaky!

I don't have a picture of it, but Hannah finished school in an hour one day, and I asked my Dad to take her up to the canyon to see some recent landslides. She was talking about soil erosion and composition. She and Caleb had a lot of fun climbing around in the dirt. Later, my Dad emailed Hannah some pictures and an article about a big landslide that happened in 1983, in Thistle, UT. It was pretty cool.

The kids are also taking piano lessons from Aaron. We are so grateful for the way in which we got Great-Grandma Abbott's piano. It was a real blessing and is a very important part of our home school. Thanks too to Emily for giving us her kids old piano books. They have been just perfect for our kids and very helpful.

Has it been hard? You bet. There have been a few days when I have thought, what were we thinking? But the kids have really enjoyed it, for the most part. Utah curriculum requires that kids take Utah history in 4th grade, but K12 doesn't have a good Utah history course. I decided to supplement it and was looking around for resources, when my Mom suggested that I let Maggie go to the elementary school and take history. I thought she would jump at the chance to hang out with her friends for an hour or two a week, but she didn't want to.

Overall, I think it has been a good experience. I have been able to help the kids in ways that I wouldn't have been able too. And I think that the kids have grown closer together. We have a lot less fighting and meanness. The kids have also been more helpful. There's been less whining at requests for help.

Caleb is starting preschool this next week. It's also a free online school. I think he will really like it. He went in for some preliminary testing last week and was so excited about the test, he wanted to go back and do it again the next day. So, I can't think of anything else to tell you, but please email me or comment with questions, because I would love to answer them.

My Summer

I know that many of you have been wondering how our home school is going. It is going well, and I hope you will forgive me not talking about it right now. I really wanted to post some of the fun things we did this summer. One of the first things we did was get a trampoline. The kids choose it over a new swing set. I bought it in early May. When I told the kids I had brought it home and it was in the car right that minute, they all ran outside and tried to push it out of the car. The kids and I all helped to put it together. I didn't think we were going to make it, but we got it in the end. Then they all jumped on it. They were absolutely exhausted that night.

First time on the trampoline.

Aaron and I went out to Ben and Barbara's wedding in early June. Aaron had a class and trade show in Vegas and the family was going to go out and stay the week with him. But then he had to work and we actually ended up only staying the weekend with him. We had fun in the pool and visited one of the casinos and saw their amazing garden display.

Looking at all the amazing things in the garden with Grandma.

A snail we saw all covered in flowers.

We got a season pass to "This is the Place" monument park. The kids have a lot of fun doing the crafts and activities there.

Maggie trying to walk on stilts. The pioneers make it look so easy.

Their favorite thing was going to the school and learning what it was like for pioneer children to go to school. The teacher taught the kids how to spell their names using the Deseret alphabet.

Hannah's name in the Deseret alphabet.

Fourth of July is generally low key at our house. We decided we don't love getting up early on a holiday to go sit in the sun and see a boring parade. So, we do a celebration at home. We had a water fight, the kids made patriotic hats, decorated the float, and threw candy in our at home parade. Then Aaron set off a bunch of fun fireworks in the front yard.

My niece, Lia, in her patriotic hat.

At the end of the evening, Hannah recited/read the Gettysburg address.

We spent a wonderful week at Bear Lake with Grandmother Renee. We visited the Oregon trail museum, explored the ice caves, and the older kids went to Pickleville Playhouse and saw "Crazy For You." We also rented a water ski and played in the water and sand at Bear Lake. But, wouldn't you know it, I forgot to take any pictures. I guess when we're with the Smalley's we have too much fun to step back and take pictures. But, we did break out the the camera for our last day. With Renee on the steps at Keetch Kottage.

When we got home, I promised Sophie and Caleb that I would paint their room. It took a while, and I let the kids help, but it turned out cute.

Caleb's first painting experience. I love the huge paint shirt.

Sophie was a great helper.

Hannah had a friend over that day and she and Maggie and her friend made a tea party for the kids while I was painting. They made peanut butter chew cookies, tea, and found something else for Caleb to eat. My kitchen was a disaster, but everyone was occupied and happy for a few hours. It was all worth it.

Enjoying the fruits of their labors.

We drove out to California in mid-August for Ben and Barbara's reception. We had a fun week with our family there and especially enjoyed staying with Hilary and Dave. Aaron ran a 5K with a group of guys from the family.

Here they are heading up to the start line.

Unfortunately, my camera died at this moment, so I didn't get their triumphant return. But they got a cool T-shirt out of it and had fun. On our way home, we picked up Grandma Abbott's piano. It was pretty exciting getting it home, but we made it. And Aaron, especially, is loving having it. He is teaching the girls piano right now. They have been excited about learning and are doing well.

Maggie got a cabbage plant from her school class that we planted in our garden. It was huge. I think it weighed almost 8lbs.

"Mom, take the picture, this is heavy."

For Labor day we decided to go up the canyons and have a picnic. Of course we climbed all around on the big rocks they have there. It was a cool day, but nice in the sun.

Posing on the rocks.

Finally, on September 11th, we had a family reunion with my side of the family. It was only one day, but we packed in lots of fun activities.

Katrina made two necklaces and decorated a hat.

My Tante Wendy brought all her beading stuff and let the big girls make bracelets and necklaces. Hannah made a beaded glasses chain. They were so excited about beading.

Tante Wendy, Sophie and Grandma beading.

My Dad brought his rocket launcher. Everyone made a rocket and we shot them off across an open area. Caleb especially loves shooting off the rockets and retrieving them.

Caleb and Grandpa getting ready to shoot off a rocket. My uncle Doug on his cell phone.

And finally, what day of camping would be complete without s'mores.

Roasting marshmallows around the campfire.

I always go into summer thinking that it will be a quiet relaxing time. And for part of the summer it was, but as usual, we planned so many fun things, that in reading this I keep thinking "I need a vacation from my vacation."

Sophie's Special Treat

You know, I kind of felt bad that I had blogged about Maggie and Hannah's birthdays, but hadn't published anything about Sophie's birthday. As it turns out, that was a good thing. Don't get me wrong, Sophie had a great backwards birthday party with lots of fun friends. But, on the 7th of July, my Mom came over and said "Hey, come to Disneyland with us." They were leaving in half an hour. "No," I said, "I can't afford it and what will I do with the kids." An hour later, we were all packed and walking out the door. Hannah and Maggie went to the Smalleys for a fun filled weekend with Allison. Caleb was camping at a Fathers and Sons outing with my Dad, Aaron, and my sister's husband and kids. So, Sophie, Katrina, and I went to Disneyland with my sister, her little girl, my Mom, and my aunt. Sophie had lots of fun.

Here we are on the first day, heading into the park. Yes, Sophie got her own stroller.

We started out in California Adventure. While my aunt and sister were getting tickets for the World of Color show that night, my mom and I took the kids to the Redwood Adventure area to climb around.

Sophie and Katrina on some rocks. I told Katrina to take her binky out and smile.

Katrina loved putting her hand on the wall in the Brother Bear cave. Apparently her sister animal is a deer.

One of the things I like about CA Adventure is Bug's Life Land. It is fun to see all the big things that make you feel small. Sophie liked it best of all. She even requested a Bug's Life ride as her last ride of the evening.

Yumm! Candy corn!!

World of Color was fantastic. The fountains were so pretty and the way they lit everything up with colored lights was amazing.

My niece, sister and mom waiting for World of Color to start.
Look Mom, pretty!

After a super late night, we got up early the next morning so we could be in Disneyland when they opened. As we walked along Main Street, all the shopkeepers were out waving at us with giant Mickey hands. We rode all the Fantasy Land rides that morning. There weren't many people and we were able to walk on to almost everything.

You gotta ride Dumbo. Sophie steered--up and down, up and down.

Here's a side of my mom you weren't aware of--wild animal.

Do you think my aunt looks a little nervous that Sophie is driving?

Going to Disneyland with my Mom is the absolute best. She doesn't like to ride the roller coasters, so she watches the kids for you while you go. My sister, aunt and I rode on almost all the roller coasters. My favorite is Splash Mountain. But I couldn't talk Sophie into going on it.

My sister thought her boys would get a kick out of her funny face.

When you're the only kid, Mom caves much more easily to the cotton candy requests.

Sophie shared a few pieces with us, but she mostly ate the whole thing.

We always buy a souvenir when we go to Disneyland. My Mom found this fantastic crown for that Sophie absolutely loved. We gave her the fairy princess treatment. I put her hair up in a bun on top of her head, she put on the crown, and she had a wand for making magic.

Sophie likes this picture because you can see the bun.

Sophie works her magic.

One of the best things about Disneyland is that all the workers are trying to make sure that you have the best experience possible while you are there. When Sophie had her crown on, lots of workers went out of their way to say "Hi, Princess" to her. She giggled every time.

All the girls at Disneyland.

It was a really fun trip. Sophie loved being at Disneyland. She loved hanging out with me. And she loved having this special time that was just for her. One night as she was going to bed, she put her arms around my neck and whispered in my ear, "Thanks for bringing me to Disneyland, Mom."

Sophie says, "I want to go to Disneyland with Mom again." Maggie says, "Hey, what about me?'' And now she is threatening Sophie. It's time to post before this gets any sillier.

Ragnar Relay

Aaron, Emily and I ran the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay last weekend. It was a lot of fun. Here are some pictures and some stats.

Team Name: The Hopefools.
Number of people on our team: 12--6 in each van.
Number of people on our team from Emily's ward: 9
Times we saw the other van: 3

Here is our van of six runners at the starting line. The costumes were loud and jingly. Aaron, as the first runner, got to wear the crown. No he didn't wear the costume while running.

Total time our team was running : 31:58 hours
Total miles run 189.5 (They added an extra mile and a half to a leg because of an obstruction in the road.)
Meaning of Ragnar: Viking God of self inflicted pain.
Amount spent to inflict this pain on ourselves: $85

Emily before her first leg. She looks heroic, doesn't she?

Months spent training: 7
Longest training run: 13.1 miles (run by Emily and her running buddy Sarah)
Training run that seemed like it would last forever: 1:25 minutes with my kids on scooters. (Who knew 50 minutes of training would take so long.)
Pounds lost: over 50

Aaron and I after our first legs. The country we were running through was so beautiful.

Number of times we were road kill: You don't really want to know. (Road kill means someone passed us. Some teams kept track.)
Number of showers we wanted to take: 3
Number of showers we actually got to take: 1 (It was transcendent)
Hours of sleep we got: 3 and a half--plus that extra 30 minutes or so in the car trying to get to the finish line.

Here's our van after our third legs. It was so good to be done. Everyone was tired, but glad we had run the race.

Fastest leg by Emily: 9.1 minute miles

This is Emily on her hardest leg--8 miles uphill. She powered up the hill. It was almost her fastest time. And she looks so good.

Fastest leg by Aaron: 9.3 minute miles

Aaron's first leg--Woohoo!

Fastest leg by Marrisse: 11.0 minute miles

Marrisse's first leg. Aaron would like to say woohoo here too.

Number of burgers inhaled at our table when we were done: 5 (My parents joined Aaron, Emily and I for an obscene eating frenzy. People were turning away from the carnage.)
Days to recover: 2
Number of hours slept Saturday night in our own wonderful beds: 12
Getting to drive around with the bumper sticker on our cars: priceless

End Note:
Emily is planning to run a 5k with Andrew in the fall. Aaron and I have yet to decide what we'll do next. But we will be running another race, not this crazy maybe, but something to keep us training.

Hello, my name is Baby

The other night we were sitting around doing scripture study and Katrina went around the circle pointing at everyone and saying their names: Bub--Caleb, Aggie--Maggie, Fee--Sophie, Na--Hannah, Mom and Dad. Then she pointed at herself and said "Baby." I tried to get her to say Katrina, but she's pretty sure her name is Baby. Luckily, she answers to both.

Maggie's sdrawkcab Birthday

Maggie's birthday was earlier this month. She had a fabulous backwards birthday party.

Maggie got a Webkins cat.

A backwards birthday party is where you do everything backwards. She got the idea from American Girl magazine. She greeted her guests by saying "Goodbye!" We started by opening presents and eating cake, upside-down cake, of course . Then we played backwards games.

Maggie playing Blindman's Bluff.

We played Blindman's Bluff--a sort of backwards tag. There was also pin the donkey on the tail and freeze dance--no dancing to the music, just when it's quiet.

Playing Freeze Dance.

At the end, the girls all painted their nails with Maggie's new finger nail polish. The girls had lots of fun. It was a pretty easy party, too.