Weekly Review - No School

This, this week, is the reason that we school year round.  I hadn't planned on a week off, but that's what happened.  On Monday and Tuesday I wasn't feeling well, Wednesday I had to catch up on the house, Thursday Miss R had a birthday party (this was planned, so no surprise there!), and by Friday, I just decided we might as well take it off too.  ;) I love that we can have the flexibility to do this, although I did miss my reading time with Miss R. 
I was able to get some personal reading accomplished, which is a benefit to feeling ill.  =) 
Today was Miss R's 7-year-old well-child appointment.  She is doing great for her height/weight and all looked well, except that she may need glasses, which of course, thrills this child!  We go in on Monday to get her eyes officially examined.  It looks like the problem is her right eye, which is the same eye that both I and Miss O have problems with.
While at the doctor's office today, Miss R brought along a notebook and pen.  After awhile I noticed that she was writing funny - she was trying to write in cursive!  She actually didn't do too bad.  I think I may have to pull out my italics book and work on cursive with her.  *Sigh*  These kids just keep growing up!
There really wasn't much else happening at our home this week.  It was pretty quiet, which was a really nice change from the crazy day-to-day.  =)

Happy Birthday Miss R

Happy Birthday, Miss R.,

For your birthday, you requested a breakfast "feast" for dinner.  We ate blueberry pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes, maple syrup, strawberry puree, and bagels and cream cheese.  A feast it was!

Our guests were our family, Grandma and Grandpa, and your friend H and Mrs Malissa.

First you read a card from Grandma and Grandpa...

then you opened a clue...a bell for a bike...

Have you guessed what they got you yet?

A new, beautiful bike!  Just your size!

You were so surprised and excited.

I love this picture of you. Such a pretty girl with a beaming smile!  And an even more beautiful heart!

We gave you this "bug-sucker"...

and a princess tracing set.  I love that you are all girly girl, but then you can get down and play in the dirt too!

Mrs Malissa and H gave you some fun crafts - you will be busy!

Of course, your birthday was more about you than about what you got.  I just loved that your presents were such an expression of who you are - you are creative, energetic, beautiful, busy with your hands, and curious.  I love you and the little lady that God is making you to be.  I pray that this year will be your best one yet, and that you would know the love that we have for you.  And not only us, but more especially, the love that Jesus has for you.  Happy 7th birthday, precious baby girl.  Mommy loves you so much.

Bookworm Gardens

Miss R turned 7 today!  For the kids' birthdays, we try to do a special activity together as a family.  For Miss R we went to Bookworm Gardens - perfect for celebrating my little bookworm's life! 

Today was a special ladybug day!

Miss R on her 7th birthday

Miss O, 4 1/2

Mr N, 2 1/2

At the Laura Ingals' log cabin

The 3 Bears!

Building a Fairy House

Pooh's House!

"Under the name of Sanders"

Mr McGregor's Garden

Where is that Peter Rabbit?

Ladybug crafts

Can you spot Charlotte?

Learning about the stages of a ladybug's life

Baby G and me on a cow

Miss O with Wilbur

Each child got a raisin soaked in water, and one or two ladybugs that they could hold and then release in any of the gardens.

"Riding" in a covered wagon!

Mr G in his "covered wagon"

Goldilocks sitting in the Bears' Chairs

Do you see the 3 Bears in the background?

Washing Harry, the dirty dog

They had books at each of the garden areas for the children to read.

On the way home, playing with a noisemaker

Miss R picked out a nature journal from the gift shop.  She was busy making entries right away!

Oh, let's not forget the Magic School Bus!