Our Bodies

Our kids are learning about their bodies.  Sis W and Sis D had this great idea!  They had the kids trace their bodies and then we're adding the organs to the picture as we learn about them.  Here they made the outlines and then added their hearts.  Since then they've added their lungs and bones.  Next we will add the muscles.  The kids LOVE it!

The Smiths Come for a Visit!!

Spencer had a guys weekend.  His brothers and dad came from Utah and they all went fishing.  We got to see the guys for a bit too.  John just loves his cousin Zack!

Orient and Flume Field Trip

 We took the kids on a field trip to Orient and Flume.  Sis. W had taught them about the brother of Jared and how he asked the Lord to touch the stones to give them a source of light.  We thought Orient and Flume would be a great place to take them after that!

 Most of the kids were really into it.  They watched intently and asked good questions.  John, not so much.  He played in the dirt.

 This is one of the glass artists at Orient and Flume.  He made a beautiful vase.  In the picture above he was adding flours.

In the picture above, the artist added a bottom to the vase.  He then put it in the box behind them to cool  very slowly, and evenly.

The Beginning of Chico Independence Academy

 September was a big month for the Smiths!  We started homeschooling all of our children this fall.  We are together with a group of great friends who all joined in together.  Three times a week the kids go to the Chico Independence Academy.  Sister D and Sister W teach, while the other parents help out in the class and/or on field trips.  The rest of the time they learn at home.  They've had some great adventures!!

 This was our first official meeting all together as a class.

 This was the first official day at school.

 Our office space was not ready yet, so the first couple of days were in our home.

 John loved having everyone around that first week.

 When we got the office space, everyone helped to move in!!

 A couple times a week, the kids go down to the Pings to learn about Physics.  She is very hands on and has terrific experiments for them!!

 John got to build this great tower!  It's a challenge to help him be quiet while the other kids study.

John decided to be helpful and do his own hair for me.  He knows that I'm busy in the morning getting everyone ready.  SO, he put ample amounts of gel in his hair and thought he was good.  Ha!

 In class the children take turns doing devotionals.

 The kids study the scriptures.

 They study history, language arts, science, and math too!

 They take a 15 minute break for a snack and a little exercise.

 The kids have worked on memorizing famous quotes.

 Here's another one of John.  I thought he was being good and quiet while the other kids worked, then I found him outside...

 So, I ordered some activities for him.  This is a great product called Inchimals.  It's a really fun tool for teaching him to add, subtract, count, etc.

 Ryan really wanted to learn how to sew.  He had his first lesson with Aunt Shannon.  He picked out the fabric and everything and then Shannon helped him to sew up a nice pillow case.

 For PE, the kids take turns walking the dog.  Isn't Lucky cute?!?

 Grandma and Grandpa went to Texas to visit Uncle Steve.  They brought back these great tattoos.

Ryan and Maddie finished their school work early, so they got to make some cookies.

 This is another Physics experiment.

 Spencer and John love Lucky and spend lots of time training him and snuggling him.

 Shelby was super helpful in teaching Ryan his times tables.  It's really fun to see the older kids helping the younger ones.

Lake Oroville and Stitches

 Tyler and Brynn Davis invited us out on their boat for some end of summer fun.  We went out on Lake Oroville.  This was the first time I've been out on this lake since moving back home!  The water was wonderful.  So much warmer than Lake Almanor!!  Mac was the first one to go out and try out wake boarding.  He did fantastic!  He was able to go outside the waves and really have fun.  On his second run, though, he cracked his head open.  SOO, we had to go back to the marina and send Spencer, Mac, and Ryan off to prompt care.

 While they were gone we all got to have a turn wake boarding - even me!  When Spencer got back, he helped Maddie surf behind the boat.  She was so brave!!

 By the end of the day, we took some time for the kids to just swim together.  It was a great day!!

A Couple of Pictures that I Forgot...

 Our friends invited us to a super rad party at the Chico Regional Theater.  Super fun!  Two bouncy houses inside!!  Maddie dressed up as a fair maiden.

We got to visit the Stapfs for a bit - here are some of the kids all piled up together and having fun!