Homeschool | Entomology Field Trip

A few weeks ago the kids and I joined a group of our home school friends for a field trip to the ASU entomology department.  Since Bobby works at ASU, he walked over and joined us for most of our trip.

I'll be the first to admit that bugs are not on the top of my list and spending a morning looking at them wasn't all that appealing to me (or Samuel either for that matter) but I am so glad we went because it was so fun!

We started with a 20 minute "classroom" discussion and it was cute and funny to see my kids sitting at an actual desk.  We learned how bugs/insects can be useful to our environment as well as harmful.  Then we broke into four groups and rotated through four different stations.

Our first station was looking at insects under a microscope and observing live bugs -such as horn worms and a tarantula.

Our second station gave us the opportunity to learn about the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach.  Hannah was the only one in our group who was brave enough to hold one.  Really she was the only one who was eager to hold one.  The rest of our group pretty much thought she was crazy.

Third we went outside for a bug catching lesson.  Amos was the only one who caught something, a baby praying mantis.  Hannah & Sammy were really disappointed that they didn't catch anything but I think because there were two groups before us, the bugs probably made a break for it.

Last we learned how to press and mount flowers.  Hannah & Samuel each took a turn mounting a flower while Shiloh and Amos did a leaf rubbing.

We left excited about what we learned and a little less grossed out by bugs.  We're looking forward to our next ASU field trip!

Amos | Turning 5

Oh sweet Amos!  Why did you have to go and turn five!  My sweet baby boy is growing up so fast and this mama can hardly handle it.

Amos is such a sweet, kind hearted kid.  He loves to make friends and play with other children but then he's completely happy to play by himself.  He's so witty and there is NEVER a dull moment with him around.  You just never know what he'll say or do.  Amos is so snuggly and freely hugs and kisses us.  He loves Hannah & Samuel and is a really good big brother to Shiloh.

His birthday was on a Tuesday so I made his favorite meal -tortellini with alfredo sauce- then we headed to the mall so he could pick out his birthday gifts.  He chose a few Star Wars figures and a big set of Avengers action figures.  We came back home and sang Happy Birthday and enjoyed some delicious cake.

We had his party the following Saturday and he chose a Star Wars theme.  I had so much fun planning this party and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.  Amos clearly had a blast!!
Bobby was out of town due to a work trip so Hannah & Samuel worked so hard to make sure that everything was ready and that Amos has a great time.  They're amazing kids!

Food included:

-tie fighters (oreo wafters and marshmallows)

-Light sabers (pretzel sticks and melting chocolate)

- Wookie Cookies (chocolate chip cookies)

-Vader Veggies (carrot sticks, cauliflower, bell peppers and cucumbers)

-Sarlacc Pit Dip (Ranch dip)

Our sweet friend from Verge offered to make these cupcakes for Amos and they were so adorable!!

We were glad sweet Audrey joined us for the party!

Tracy S & Amy N

Hannah & Samuel wrapped the forks into the napkins and taped on the light saber handles.

For gifts he received a ton of action figures, a Cars set, a Star Wars car set, some Matchbox cars and a remote control car.

Summer Goals | Pictures

My main goal this summer (other than rest, have fun, get ready for next school year 😏) is to take more pictures of and with my children.

I normally don't like how I look in pictures so I tend to take them and not be in them.  But lately I've realized that I want my children to have those pictures and memories of  me when they're older.  So I'm going to be in more pictures with my kids.

So far I'm off to a good start.

Family Vacation | Panama City Beach

We didn't think we were going to be able to go on a vacation this year since our house in SC hasn't sold yet.  But in the spring, Bobby surprised us and told us we would be able to go.  The kids were so excited!

This year was so much fun and so relaxing for me.  In the past I've had to keep up with Amos and Shiloh (who hated the water).  But this year Amos learned to swim and Shiloh decided that perhaps he does love the water after all.

We spent most of the day at the beach and we would come up and swim in the pool before lunch and supper.  We went out to eat one day and Bobby took the kids out one afternoon for souvenirs.  That was it.

I didn't take as many pictures as I wanted but ya know, I was too busy swimming.