Sandbox Lot

 

Sandbox
Est. 2007 

Population 1-12

By far, the most used "toy" our kids have is their sandbox. Daddy made it for them six years ago. It is right out our back door, in full view from the kitchen. The kids play in it year round- no matter the weather. I still have vivid memories of Carter sitting and digging with his trucks when he was two, while Billy and I watched him and finishing our dinner in the kitchen. Did I mention it was winter and about 20 degrees?! That never seemed to matter to him or Julia. Whether it's 20 degrees or 100 degrees, it is a favorite spot. It has been a construction site, wild animal park, medieval castle, forest, war zone, kitchen, beach, set of Chopped and Cupcake Wars, and currently Egypt.

Here's just a short stroll down memory lane...

 

 

 

 

 

I pray it sees many more years of imaginary escapades!

History at Home

We've been studying Japan for a few weeks in our homeschooling. The kids have been really excited about this one because I actually lived there when I was their age. Our country studies are based on our monthly shipments from Little Passports. We LOVE this company. The kids start with a suitcase, map, and passport. Then every month they receive a package in the mail with country info, postcards, souvenirs, local items, puzzles, and a code to access online activities. Before we start each unit, we complete a KWL chart together (Know, Want to know, Learn). This helps us with our journaling along the way. Then we dive in with a dozen or so library books about the country, culture, people, etc. Along the way we sometimes try new foods, crafts, or watch you tube videos of native festivals and music. After a recent Japan lesson, Carter asked if he could teach Julia something himself. I told him, "sure". He decided to cover the major Pacific theater campaigns of World War II. He even made his own aircraft carrier out of the base ten blocks. I think he might be taking over as the history professor in a few years :)

A few days later they decided to build a submarine in the living room. It was quite well thought out and they had all kinds of rooms and equipment inside. It was their diving suits that made me laugh...

Peds Oncology Picnic at Camp Carefree

Last weekend we had our annual Brenners Peds Oncology picnic at Camp Carefree. Last year it was cold and rainy, but this year could not have been more perfect weather. The kids were eager to explore and excited to enjoy the camp and all it had to offer.This camp is a free, residential camp for chronically ill kids and their siblings.

After a yummy lunch (including banana splits!!) and some fun in the bounce house, we headed over to the stable and indoor arena. Julia was in her element! I really think this girl would have spent the whole day riding.She was first in line and sprinted up the ramp.

Love that sweet smile!

After riding, we rode the dancing train down to the lake.

First stop? Exploring the ship...

Then the kids wanted to give fishing a try. Carter has been a few times, but not Julia. She was determined give it a try. After some lessons from Joseph, she was digging for her own worms and baiting her own hook!

After a few directions, she was casting with ease...

I loved the chance to sit back and just watch as she figured out fishing. Her joy, determination, and enthusiasm were priceless. After trying for awhile from the shore, she decided to move to the pier. And wouldn't you know it, SHE CAUGHT A FISH! I was shocked. There were only 3 fish caught all day and Julia was one of them! I wish a had a picture, but it had already been thrown back. Apparently she has found a new way to kick back and relax...

The boys preferred something more active...

We enjoyed walking around the camp looking at all the animals- horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, and llamas.

Julia had them eating right out of her hand...

We walked up to the barn to say goodbye to the horses before heading home and the sweet owners let the kids ride again. Julia had a turn on Dixie this time, her favorite...

Thanks Camp Carefree for a wonderful day of memories, time with our families and our Camp Brenner family, and for all the new friends, too.

Stable Creations

We definitely have horses on the brain around here. Julia spends much of her time playing with, talking about, drawing, reading books about, and pretending to be a horse. And I love that in the same way Julia follows along with Carter's passion for sports, military, and legos. He does the same with hers for animals, vets, art, Littlest Pet Shop, and horses. This is their most recent combined project, a stable they constructed... 

Mother's Day Weekend

I had a blessed Mother's Day weekend with the family. Saturday night, Carter and I went to Mother-Son Date Knight at Chick-fil-A. He was very excited and couldn't wait to see what it was like. They did a wonderful job of making the night special. The restaurant was decorated with medieval decorations, balloons, table cloths, candles, centerpieces, and balloons.

 

The servers were dressed in medieval gowns. They had a decorative hostess station where we checked in to be seated. While the moms signed in the kids were discreetly given roses to present to their dates :)

They brought around menus and came to the table to take our orders. While we waited the boys were given shields to create their own crest representing their personalities and values. Carter dove right in to the project.

Our placemats had questions and discussions for us to have during our date. They had some really great, thought-provoking questions!

In case you're curious, all the bravest people he knows are kids who have fought cancer. He'd rather have the ability to fly, be an elephant than a spider, and live on the moon.

He was such a gentleman and I loved having some time to relax and talk- just the two of us. I love that he wanted to do everything they had there for us and was so sweet and thoughtful. It was one of those times my mind was taking dozens of snapshots, wanting to hold on to this moment in time. As I looked at the table next to us where a sweet teenager had brought his mom on a date- I know that time is coming sooner than we think. For now he's still my little knight in shining armor.

The evening ended with free dessert and then they took pictures for us to have as keepsakes. As we left we were given goodie bags with free CFA dessert cards for the summer, movie tickets, free bowling night coupons, and other CFA goodies. Thank you CFA for a great night for moms and their knights!!

On Sunday morning the kids made breakfast before church. They love making pancakes and waffles.

They made cards and decorated the table themselves so they could surprise me.

O love these little ones and feel blessed beyond belief to be there momma. They challenge me every day to be a better person and I am so thankful for the privilege of watching them become the amazing people God created them to be.

Strawberry Farm

One of our favorite spring traditions is our annual field trip to...

The farm is owned by a local homeschooling family and has been farming for over 100 years. They are registered as one of the NC Centennial Farms. The bricks you see above were made during the Civil War. What began as primarily a tobacco-producing farm, has 30 years ago made the switch to strawberries and animals.

Ms. Rhonda is such a pleasure. She has a special place in her heart for homeschoolers and puts on a great field trip. Did you know every strawberry contains 125-200 seeds?And NC is the third highest producer of strawberries in the US?

The mild winter and warm spring we have had has given an early and abundant crop of very sweet berries.

The bushes were so full, the kids easily filled their buckets from just a few plants!

Time for a taste..

Mmmmm....

Some of the sweet baby kids...

Eating all her progress...

The tough life a baby in the field :)

Sweet sticky smiles...

Sweet sisters...

After a morning learning about the farm, picking berries, enjoying a picnic lunch, helping out at the registers, feeding the goats, and visiting the animals... it was time for a yummy ice cream treat before heading home.

We could not have asked for a better day. The weather was beautifully sunny and not too warm. The Ingram family were so welcoming. The kids were wonderfully behaved. We learned lots of new things. All the mama and baby animals were precious. The berries were yummy and abundant. We found some beautiful flowers for our yard. And the company couldn't have been any better!