South and Home: Life

Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts

Monday, May 21, 2012

Summer is Here!!

We did it! We actually homeschooled from March to May, and it worked. Homeschooling was never on my radar, but when our move occurred in March it was the best option. Since we didn't know what district we would be buying in, Eric and I hated to start Ethan in a new school in March and possible another new school in the fall. So I filled out the necessary paperwork (which is ridiculously easy), borrowed curriculum from my mom and sister, and jumped in. Ethan did so great, and he actually enjoyed it. I am so proud of him!! I was a little worried because in GA homework was not his favorite thing to do. I soon realized it was because he had been at school all day and was tired. By starting first thing in the morning we had completed all subjects by lunch. The time is so focused with only one. I rarely was met with resistance. He is such a good student (like his teachers have always told us). Graham did great too. I couldn't be as creative as his 4 day church preschool, but I tried. He would do science and social studies with me and Ethan. I'm pretty sure he knows more about the Cherokee Indians and solids, liquids, and gases than most 4 year olds:) I was worried that Noah would be a challenge. Most days I read books to him and played trains while Ethan and Graham were working. He would also sit at the table and "draw, draw". All of them loved music which was sitting in a circle and singing fun songs. Our version of lunch and P.E. was fun too--daily picnics at the nature center followed by the playground and playing tag. We are still not sure where we will buying a home but have narrowed it down to two areas; one with the best public schools and one where a hybrid homeschool program is our only option. It is relieving to know if we go we option #2 I can do it and so can the boys and that it will only be 3 days at home.

Busy at work

Our daily version of P.E.

One of our science projects

But now summer is here!! It's time for swimming, snowballs, vacation, and relaxing.

History and Symphonies

We have been on the road a good bit lately so this past weekend it was nice to stay around Jackson... but in true Whitfield family form it was still packed with activity. On Saturday we ventured to the MS Agriculture Museum. It has been a REALLY long time since I have been here (junior high honors trip to be exact:) It turned out to be a lot of fun. The museum had a huge model train display, and my little Noah loves trains! They also have a historic old MS town complete with a filling station, general store, doctor's office, working cotton gin, barnyard and church. The boys were really into it. It felt very "Southern" sitting on the porch of the general store drinking root beer out of the bottle and eating candy sticks. The magnolias and gardenias were in full bloom--smelled delighful!

Baby birds in the 2nd gourd from the left

After the museum we drove around looking at houses (a frequent activity) and Noah fell asleep. The nap continued at home until the late evening (poor little fella).

Ethan and Graham thought this was hilarious. He normally doesn't take such a late nap so we knew he was going to up late. So we googled events for the evening and found out the MS Symphony Orchestra would be playing a patriotic concert for Armed Forces Day on the historic square in Canton. We loaded up with our picnic blanket, snacks, and drinks. The weather was so beautiful. The kids actually loved hearing the symphony. Sadly, the camera battery died. We did get a few nice iphone shots to capture the moment.

The rest of the weekend was spent swimming, playing at playgrounds, visiting churches, and just relaxing. It's beginning to feel a little more like home around here.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Exploring

We are not a family who sits at home on the weekends--it's just not in us. This past weekend we decided to explore some of the parks around the area. We are also trying to soak up this awesome Spring weather before the MS heat begins.

We visited the MS Petrified Forest in Flora, MS. It was actually really interesting and informative. The kids did great--it is an easy, well-kept trail, and it is shady. There were rumors of baby foxes playing under one of the caves. We missed them but had a good time trying to spot them.

The day ended with frozen yogurt and splash fountains. Good times.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Eggs, Planes, and Gardens

This year we celebrated Easter 2 1/2 hours south at Eric's parent's home. Eric is blessed to still have all 4 grandparents living. It's so nice to get so many generations together with aunts, uncles, and cousins.

We headed down on Saturday morning after we all had 24 hours of antibiotics (strep throat struck again!). Most of the visit was spent outside--the weather was beautiful and the temperature was mild. For an inside break, we dyed and decorated Easter eggs for Sunday's hunt. The kids (and adults) were really creative. They turned out great. It is interesting dyeing fresh brown, white, and green eggs. The colors take differently with each type. My personal fave were the brown eggs.

Another requested activity is to ride around the property on the lawnmower trailer. The boys love doing this with Nana and Pops. Millie, the dog, even got in on the action this time.

Eric's paternal grandparents live down the same road so we decided to make a quick visit. The kids climbed trees, inspected Grandaddy's garden, played on the boat, and fed some fish in the pond. Little boys and the country do go together.

To end the day, Pops and Eric took Ethan and Graham on an evening plane ride over the town. Little pilots in the making.

Easter Sunday started bright and early at Eric's childhood church. It was nice to see old friends and family. We are so thankful to have been raised by families who love Jesus. Ethan and Graham had some really big questions this year about the resurrection. We treasure the moments when we are able to share about God's love with them. We really missed going to Buckhead Church but know there is a church in Jackson for our family. On a side note, only in an old country church do people show up for Easter Sunday on their antique tractors and trucks.