Oh Christmas Tree...

It began with a drive to the tree farm of choice,

we learned the price was the same regardless of height, 

So of course we selected a rather large tree,

- get the most for your money right?

And that is how we ended up with this beauty...

 Yep, 11 feet tall!

We gave it a little chop before the decorating began...

Ornament inspector

Alia

I took Alia's portraits today in the creative mode on my camera. This was my first time. I felt a little bit like Bob Wiley from What About Bob- "I'm sailing!! I'm sailing!! I sail!...
I didn't make any adjustments on photoshop - nice!

Here's my beautiful subject...

Cuteness

Portrait time began this week...

School

We are well into our 9th year of "officially" homeschooling. I've learned much and gained a lot of experience. I've learned that there is still a lot more to learn on my part. I've found things that work and things that don't. I have come to love this experience more and more each year.

This year we have a preschooler. This is a highlight in our day. We do alphabet activities with him and little science and math activities. It is so delightful to initiate the simple beginnings of education.

Morning walks

Ashlie works with Matt on a experiment with mixing colors.

Floating letter "F's" and testing objects to see if they sink or float.

Alia doing her own floating experiment

Nathaniel's quilt

The quilt is all done and Nathaniel approves.