You didn't see me take these pictures!

Trail of History 2013

 

For the first and last time, we stayed overnight at the Trail. The night was cold, but the morning was beautiful, and I pulled out my not-historically-authentic camera. I got teased a little by our Highlander neighbor, but then he admitted to taking some himself, including one with the tipi-framed moon.

 Our neighbors on the other side included an incredibly social and adorable three-year-old.
Laura and David made their own haversacks, with a little help.

Michael went barefoot all weekend.

We volunteered at the Children's Dress Up site during the day on Saturday and slept inside the tent that night. We brought in the straw bales for a mattress and despite the freezing temperatures, most of us stayed warm enough. We had enough blankets!

.:The trail Sunday morning:.

 

.:Sunrise:.

 

 

David walked to the top of the kame with me.

.:View of the Valley Floor from the kame:.

.:Tents:.

The French voyageurs. I never did get to watch them do their canoe launch.

~

My mom took some more pictures of us, so I may post a few of those in the near future. 

Thankful Thursday: Boredom is a Choice

I'm thankful for learning... learning domestic arts, learning mandolin, learning trigonometry, learning Advanced square dance calls, learning how to work with new situations, learning how good and faithful God is. The learning never stops, and I'm so glad!

And in keeping with the post title, here's proof that our home is never boring...

 

(learning how to make videos...)

Thankful Thursday: Luv My Sweet Potato Lunch

Hello again!

Isn't November the perfect month to pull out Thankful Thursdays again?

~

This year I decided not to join my family at our homeschool co-op (though I did love teaching math), choosing instead to spend that day of the week on my own studies, chores, projects, and keeping an eye on our old dog. One perk to this arrangement is that I get to make personal lunches, healthy, filling, and yummy!

I have no intention of making this a food blog, but I am thankful for good food. The sweet potato I grew myself. The salad I did not, although my garden did include lettuce, peppers, and cukes. The kefir in the smoothie was homemade, and some of the fruit came from a neighbor's yard. The recipe came from Trim Healthy Mama, our go-to cookbook nowadays. (E meal, THM fans?) 

The Lord upholds all who fall,
And raises up all who are bowed down.
 The eyes of all look expectantly to You,
And You give them their food in due season.
 You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.

Psalm 145:14-16

A boy I'd like to know better

Kenton, my nephew. :)

His parents are divorced.

I still love them.

The story's not over yet.

I believe God will do the impossible.

Bring it on!

PS: Just for fun, here's a picture of baby Chris:

Belles of the Ball

One of the highlights of my recent trip to Wisconsin was the Civil War Ball, hosted by my wonderful friend Libby S. Besides waltzes, there were old-fashioned country dances, called by Mr. S., and some square dancing, called by Libby's brothers.

     ^ The Ladies ^

   ^ (some of) The Gentlemen ^   

Aleks and Amanda

Lexi

 

Laura and I. I made Laura's dress. My dress was borrowed, but just right. Hoops were an interesting adventure.

Me and Libby :)

Anna and Shelby

Cutie-bug Shelby

And then there were four...

More than a year ago, I posted here why I was thankful for each of my grandparents.
On Sunday, I lost one of them.
I thought it would be appropriate to re-post my little piece about him:

Grandpa (My dad's dad) - He introduced me to a love for playing piano. He was the first piano teacher I had, and the one who challenged me to take it up again when I was a teenager. Now I love playing on his grand piano, not the least because I think he enjoys hearing me! I also love his constant wisecracks and jokes, and the fact that he was a square dance caller!

Grandpa, I miss you. Thank you for the legacy you left in your family - it's a good one.

Wonders of the West

Our recent road trip to California & Arizona was amazing, with so many highlights - one very special one was meeting Kenton for the first time! The video, however, is made up of the best of the nature photos. Enjoy!