Native American Unit

 

We've been learning about the Native Americans. We've been reading about several of the different tribes and discussing where and how they lived, what they ate, how they dressed, ways they adapted to their environments and used the resources they had, their crafts, and their homes. We've been recording this information on a giant chart in our schoolroom.

 

 

 The boys have also been recording information about the tribes in these "comic-style" booklets.

 

We've been enjoying lots of crafts and activities going along with our studies.

 

Inuit Goggles ---

Lego Inuksuks ---

Sugar Cube Igloo ---- (aka "Epic Pinterest FAIL!!!! I promised my friend Becky I'd post this. This is truly an IG-GLUE! A big pile of sugar and glue that really looks nothing like an igloo. But we had fun attempting to make it.)

 

Pottery ---

 

 

Decorated Buffalo Hides --

 

Woven Mats --

 

So much fun! I'll post a follow-up with the rest of our activities when we wrap them up.

Celebrating the Guardian Angels...

... with pancakes!

 

Breakfast for dinner = happy boys!

 

Check out that TWO plate dinner! I may soon be working at a grocery store just to feed these growing boys.

 

Today's Feast Day of the Guardian Angels is a great comfort to me as a mom. I work hard to protect and guide my boys, but I don't have to do that alone. God has given each of them their very own protector and guide --- their Guardian Angels.

 

The Church teaches ----

 

 From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. “Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.” Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God.

Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 336.

 

Thank you God! I think Guardian Angels are one of your best ideas and most glorious creations. You do not send us into this world --- or into any situation --- alone. Thank you for my Guardian Angel and for all of the hidden ways that angel has guarded and guided me throughout my life. Thanks also for the Guardian Angels of my loved ones, especially my active and adventurous little boys. I know those angels work hard and I am so thankful. Amen.

 

 

 

 

Adam... our little monkey.

All he wants to do is climb and jump.

He is in love with everything that is "action-y."

(Obviously English class doesn't qualify.)

 

Both boys really caught on to Fr. Schmit's message in his homily that our Guardian Angels are FIERCE and FEROCIOUS. They must not only protect us from danger, but also fight off the forces of evil that surround and tempt us. That's not the cute, sparkly image of angels we usually think of... and it's one that really spoke to Ray and Adam.

 

Happy Feast of the Guardian Angels!

 

Angel of God,

my guardian dear,

to whom God's love

commits me here,

ever this day

be at my side

to light,

to guard,

to rule,

to guide.

Amen.

New Season, New Team

The fall soccer season has finally begun for us. The rec center where the boys play underwent some renovations so our season was delayed. The boys are on a new team this year. Our friend who was their coach has moved on to another league because his boys are older. We miss him! But they are still on a team with Adam's good buddy Ryan. They are no longer the Red Flyers team. It's hard to get used to it.... but now we're cheering for the Purple Vikings. The boys are less than thrilled to be wearing purple, but I love it! ;)

 

When they first started playing in this age bracket (6-9 year olds) I was scared of how big some of the kids were. Now our guys are some of the big kids! They are definitely improving and making more plays.

 

Saturday was a gorgeous day and my mom came to see the game. Here are some pictures ---

 

Adam has red shorts hanging down below his uniform shorts.
We didn't get the uniforms until right before the game... and his were way too big.
We decided to keep the red ones on in case the others fell down!

Adam is number 10 and Ray is number 11.

Adam got to be goalie in the second half.
He did a good job.
Notice his "sideline coach."



I love this "celebration shot."
Adam transformed into a top rate cheerleader when the team scored a goal.
And Ray is celebrating with his teammate on defense.

After the game I went home to do some work and Jon took Ray, Adam, and Ryan BACK to the apple farm. His office had given him free tickets to the fun area for a special event. They had a BLAST and stayed for SEVERAL hours.

 The "hamster balls" were again the biggest hit. We may have to ask Santa for some!

 

 

These are fun days with our quickly-growing boys!

 

Hello Autumn! Sunday Family Fun

We kicked off Autumn by visiting our local apple orchard with some friends on Sunday. It was a beautiful, fun day!

Adam's favorite part.... running up and down a huge muddy hill!
It may look like he has four arms,
 but the two pink ones belong to his friend who is running behind him.

Mmm.... picnic lunch.

A new attraction this year!
Both boys loved running around in these "hamster balls."
 

 

He claims to be 6 feet tall.... I'm not so sure!



My adorable goddaughter
She was the official "taster."
I think she took a bite or two out of a dozen different apples.

Adam amazed us all by eating pretty much an ENTIRE apple... core and all.
I think he spit out the seeds.
We'll see if an apple tree grows in his stomach.

After the apple orchard, we headed to a local park to meet up with Ray's Cub Scout den for a nature walk and den meeting.

Ray did a great job giving a report about some endangered and extinct animals.

Adam got to release some beautiful monarch butterflies.

 

 

Here's a poem Ray wrote saying goodbye to Summer and hello to Autumn.

 

Hello falling leaves.

Goodbye pretty flowers.

Hello apples.

Goodbye strawberries.

Hello school.

Goodbye long days.

Hello cocoa.

Goodbye juice.

Hello soccer.

Goodbye pool.

Hello Thanksgiving.

Goodbye Labor Day.

Hello Autumn.