Art Class

Day 272/365
One of my favorite things about Monday: art class with Miss Rebecca. The weather was nice enough to do some work with charcoal outside this afternoon.

Skinny Moon

Day 271/365
A lovely, clear night with a skinny moon at dusk. I am finally caught up with my pictures and I have less than 100 days to go to make it to my goal!

One Last Swim

Day 270/365
The beautiful weather allowed for one last swim in the pool.

Roller Coaster

Day 269/265
Jevin picked up a K'Nex set at a garage sale this week, and spent the afternoon putting it together, with help from his friend Alex. It took the boys several hours, but it is finally finished. I was amazed that the box had all of the pieces and the motor for the roller coaster actually works. As you can see from the picture, it is quite an accomplishment.

Turning Two

Day 268/365
I had the privilege of taking pictures of two 2-year-old cuties this week. I haven't moved that fast in a long time. They definitely kept me on my toes, but they were absolutely precious and I loved every minute of it.

Playing Peek-a-Boo

Day 267/365

Fall Jewels

Day 266/265
These berries look like glowing jewels in the afternoon sunlight.

Changing Leaves

Day 265/365

Pumpkins

Day 264/365
We saw our first pumpkin stand today. I wanted to stop and take some pictures and the kiddos picked out some mini pumpkins. Just in time for fall!

Truck at Sunset

Day 263/265
I spent part of the evening doing an engagement portrait session in New Glarus and I started my drive home just as the sun was beginning to set. As I reached the crest of one of the hills I had to pull over - the view was spectacular. I stopped to snap a picture and caught this truck in the frame as well.

Park Swings

Day 262/365
We spent a little time at the park this afternoon. It was breezy, but warm, and we took advantage of the beautiful weather.

Last of the Season

Day 261/365
There are still a few cherry tomatoes waiting to ripen.

Weaving

Day 260/365
I spotted a fun weaving project on Pinterest a couple of weeks ago. Today we made our own looms using cardboard, and the kids picked out the yarn they wanted to use. They were so excited to see their creations grow.

Fun with Friends

Day 259/365
These girls were having so much fun playing at the park. I'm glad that I was able to capture that joy!

Pops of Color

Day 258/365
I loved seeing these bright, colorful flowers!

The Stable

Day 257/265
Epic is gearing up for their annual User Group Meeting, which begins tonight. Davin will be giving some tours tomorrow and wanted to practice today, so we visited Epic and enjoyed our tour of the farm campus. I had never been in the stable, which is where I took this picture from the bottom of the spiral staircase. Can you spot Jevin peeking over the railing?

Cotton Candy Clouds

Day 256/365

Still Blooming

Day 255/365
The Queen Anne's Lace continues to bloom, even though it is feeling rather fallish.

Suspended Flower

Day 254/365

Atoms and Molecules

Day 253/365
We are studying Chemistry I this year and we have spent the last couple of weeks talking about molecules, atoms, protons, neutrons and electrons. Today we got to build some actual models of different molecules, starting with some pretty basic designs of water and carbon dioxide. The kids both buit more complicated models, including this model of propane (C3H8). Enavi was very proud of her finished propane molecule.

Burke Park

Day 252/365
We discovered a fun park today. The kids played on the playground and I walked on some of the trails, basically scouting out the location for a future photo session. Just as we were leaving we found these cool trees. Jevin thought it would be fun to take a picture that looked like he was pulling the tree apart with his hands and that is our photo of the day.

Waving Hi

Day 251/365
A little fun on the trampoline.

Ironman Bikes

Day 250/365
We stopped to watch some of the competitors in the IRONMAN Wisconsin triathlon. The biking course is very close to our house and we cheered on some of the competitors. It's a hilly, grueling 112 mile ride - that's only the biking portion. These racers were just cresting a hill a few miles outside of Mount Horeb. I am amazed at their determination!

Pottery at the Farmer's Market

Day 249/365
We met my aunt and sister at the Madison Farmer's Market on the capital square. We hadn't been there for several years and really enjoyed the beautiful day, seeing all of the offerings from a wide variety of local vendors. We sampled lots of fresh produce and some baked goods. We also found some local artists selling jewelry, printed t-shirts and pottery. I especially liked this collection of hand made bowls.

Cave of the Mounds

Day 248/365
We took a field trip to Cave of the Mounds today, along with some other homeschooling families. At the end of the tour, the kids were able to pan for rocks and gems. Jevin made a pretty good haul!

More Growing Up

Day 247/365
Here's my big 5th grader! I blinked and he's turned into a young man. I'm wishing that I could slow down time, just a little bit, because he is growing up way too fast for this mama.

Cactus

Day 246/365

Back to School

Day 245/365
Our first day back to school.

End of Summer

Day 244/365
This is our last day of summer vacation. Tomorrow we start back with school, routine, work, chores... but today we enjoyed the beautiful weather and took advantage of all this long weekend had to offer. There are still sunflowers blooming in the garden, so fall may be on its way, but it is not here yet.