The Leafy Leaf Pile

Yesterday I was thinking what should me and Joseph do. Then I thought lets build a leaf pile. So we got the rake and piled leaves. I thought I should snap a few pictures. Here's what I got.-John

rolling around

my leaf pile picture (Joseph took it.)

in a jumble of hose

finally spraying off (just kidding)

Canaan Valley Vacation

We spent the last few days in Canaan Valley with Matt's family. It was a very nice trip just hanging out and enjoying the fall color.



Dolly Sods Overlook

2008 Chili Cookoff and Highland Games

What is October 5th, is it the chili cookoff? Yes, today was the chili cookoff and Highland Games, and it was fun. What was there? There were different scottish games like the rock throw, board walk, pan toss, and a spear throw. Here are some pictures. Enjoy! - John

overview of games


scottish Joshua


board walk gone wrong


The Clan Munro


Spear Throw

Happy Fall

Treasure Mountain Festival

We went up to the Treasure Mountain Festival in Franklin on Saturday.  Watched the Parade, then went in to mingle among the crowds.  Food smelled good, but we opted not to eat the high calorie high fat foods like battered, deep fried twinkies, rolled in lard and butter then glazed and sprinkled with powered sugar, ................OK, it wasn't that bad, but almost.

History

In history today, we were studying about Egypt and mummies.  The activity was to make a mummy...................well here is our mummy.

Have you ever seen a smiling mummy?

Montpelier Field Trip

We had a great time yesterday at the Montpelier Restoration Celebration.  Montpelier was the home of James Madison our 4th President and is located in Orange, VA.  The boys got to be part of the 2,600 students that made up the human flag.  We also got to hear speechs from Chief Justice John Roberts and the Governor of Virginia.  The 2,650 acre grounds are quite beautiful.  

Enoy the photos.

Home school group

Boys holding their placards

Helicopter with the camera man

(AP Photo/ P. Kevin Morley/Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Chief Justice John Roberts

New Camera

I (Rose) have been wanting a new camera for quite some time now.  I wanted to get a SRL but they were just too expensive.  I have been saving some money from my bonus from Matt.  And saw that Costco had a really good deal on Kodak Z1012 IS with a 4 GB card.  

It has a great zoom (12X) with picture mode.  I am going to have to really study up on all the features.  

I can't wait to get out and take some good photos.  

Here are couple of photos from yesterday.

Joshua's 1st Hair Cut

Before


After

Joshua is quite "the big boy" these days. Loves playing outside and climbing on everything.

Canaan Valley Trip

We traveled to Canaan Valley for the day on Saturday, August 30th. John and I did 7.5 miles of mountain biking (mainly on Back Hollow Trail). Rose, John and Joseph played one round of mini-golf, with Rose finishing at +2. John and Joseph each enjoyed a turn on the "Euro Bungy", and we even discovered one Geocache during the day. Weather was cool and overcast which made for a great day!

WV State Fair

Joseph as Bozo...........Boys on the Rock Wall


John at the "Mooternity" Ward
Calf only 12 hours old


John's Magic Show
John was chosen from the audience to be in a magic show.

Waves of Fun

Boys got to enjoy a trip to the good old Wave Pool in Teays Valley, WV. John survived all 3 slides, and the multiple times he flipped his tube in the waves. Joseph mainly enjoyed karate chopping and kicking the waves as they came in.............no wonder Brad calls him "fightin' Joe".

Trip to Tucson

I had a good trip to Tucson, Arizona at the end of July...........a business trip............ but still a good trip. Got to tour the desert, and enjoy the Saguaro cactus. I had no idea how tall those things were! Temp was nice and hot.............."but it's a dry heat", they say. I say, "so is an oven, but it will still cook you, ha ha". Evenings were wonderful though.

Joseph's 1st Fish

Joseph was the most excited I have seen him. He couldn't wait to go fishing.
This weekend we had a yard sale with some friends down town at her house. Joseph went shopping while we were there.....he "bought" some lures from his new buddy (Mr. Vern). That is what he calls him.....my buddy Mr. Vern. It got him so excited to go fishing and you can see he did a good job.

Garden

Just a little update on our garden. It is going much better than we ever thought. We have been enjoying squash and cucumbers for the last week or so. We are looking forward the the rest very soon.

Sweet Baby Girl Tomatoes



















Banana Peppers

Exercise

In our effort to get some exercise, Matt made us a trail in the field above our house. He spent about 2 hours mowing through weeds. It turned out really great. It's beautiful...It's like our very own small Canaan Valley. That's what it looks like.....trails over in the valley. We have seen deer, woodpeckers, birds, and even kitty enjoying the trail. You can even stop and pick some berries if you like.









John is riding his bike about 2 miles a day around the loop. I am walking/jogging (mostly walking) around a mile to a mile and a half. Matt is jogging about a mile or two. We are really enjoying getting out. .......well most of us.
Joseph is not so happy about the trail....well I didn't tell you about the not so good part. There are several ant hills along the side of the trail. You don't want to stop anywhere near them. That is good motivation to keep going.....which is good. but Joseph always stops for something and he gets a couple of ants on his feet and you can hear him for miles.

John's New Toy

We went to pick up Matt's bike at the bike shop and look what John fell in love with. He is getting really good at riding and he really loves it too. It will be good exercise for him. Everyone needs that......especially at our house. Joseph has moved up to training wheels......we will get picture of that soon.

Congratulations to Jennifer & Lee

Our family has the first baby girl. It's so exciting. Can't wait to see her in person.

Madeline Grace

Born: July 1, 2008
5 lbs 13 oz
19 inches

Joshua Walking

Joshua is completely mobile now. He starting trying to walk at the beginning of June and by his birthday was pretty good. Here is a little video to see him walking today (July 2). Enjoy.

Joshua's 1st Birthday

Joshua had a good birthday. He really enjoyed his cake. Thanks for all the cards and money. We really appreciate it.