Monday, November 4, 2013

Joshua's Birthday

My children are getting older.  (Which sadly means that so am I!  LOL)  
Joshua starts his birthday morning in much the same way that he starts every other day.  Taking steps that most of us don't have to and considering things that most of us (thankfully) can take for granted.  He checks his blood sugar level.  This is a tough thing to balance - especially in the midst of puberty.  
Breakfast is always foods chosen by the person celebrating.  Joshua chose biscuits and sausage gravy.  The crown is from a popper - also his request.  :-)
Opening gifts.
Notice anything about this picture?  Like which character is not his favorite.  LOL
Lunch - subway sandwiches.
And now for a clue/scavenger hunt story designed by his brothers.  I love when they do things for each other like this.  Something that I started long ago and is now a tradition that they enjoy doing for each other.
The search is on.



Just what he wanted - a ripstick.
He has gotten to be pretty good on it and really does get great use out of it.
We set up games in the afternoon for a competition.  Ultimate frisbee with our own course around the yard and...
in the woods too.
The trickier the better in their eyes.
Adding up the scores to see who won.
Next up ... bocce ball.

And lastly ladder ball.
For dinner ... "tacos that someone else puts together".
Happy Birthday 14th Joshua.  

I'm so thankful for you and glad that you are my son.  I prayed for you for a long time before you were born and was so very happy to welcome you to our family.  I enjoy your humor and your wit.  I'm thankful for your teachable heart and your willingness to learn.  I'm encouraged by your bravery and your desire to impact the world around you.  I pray for you that you will learn to listen to God's words and follow Him completely.

I love you!
Mom

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Field Trip to Cedarock and to see Legos!

What a beautiful day we had for this field trip.  This was our first official outing (after Pullen Park) to a site with our FIAR group.  We are blessed and excited to have some new families with us this year too!

We visited Cedarock Historical Farm.

From the site website:  The Cedarock Historical Farm provides an example of life on a farm in North Carolina during the 19th Century.  Populated with the farm animals, antique and replica farm equipment, and a farmhouse, the Historical Farm provides a fun, education stop while visiting Cedarock Park.


We first heard about the Garrett Family who lived on this farm.
And viewed the first house.
It was tight quarters for a growing family.

Next we viewed the "newer" home.  Isn't it lovely?


We had a guided tour inside the home sharing details about the family and their life inside this home.
Note the stove for warmth.
The kitchen with the pan for making cornbread on the stovetop.
Another view of the kitchen.
Can you see the quilting frame that has been raised to the ceiling?  What a clever use of their limited space!

We toured the grounds outside which included a dinner bell over the well.
Smokehouse
Post office
The Post office served the small area around the home which included several families.  It was a gathering place to talk, games and more.
The outhouse.  So thankful we don't have to use one of these!
Of course some wanted to explore the inside.
There was a building showcasing some of the farm tools and machinery that has been used.
A small collection of animals.
Including horses in a large barn.
And we wrapped up the tour with a hayride around the property!
We split into two groups for the ride.   Always fun for all ages.


We had a picnic lunch at the nearby (on site) park.

A last look at the house as we were leaving.
We made a stop on the way home ... to see a Lego exhibit!!!  It is fantastic if you have a lego fan and even if you don't!

Waiting to go inside.
The artwork is amazing.

We wandered through the house to look at the various pieces.
Each of us had our own favorites.

This is a self portrait of the artist.
All of it was intriguing.
Eliana wanted her photo taken.
So have you found a favorite yet?  And this is just a sampling and not at all the full collection.  Eliana's favorite was a cat.
There were a few more pieces in the children's museum next door.
The castle coming out of a  story.
These guys hugging were apparently placed around New York City at some time.  That would have been fun to see!

A delightful day with so much fun to see and do!  I'm thankful to have so many interesting things to explore close to our home - and friends to do this with!

Blessings
Leslie