Phillips Graduation

Phillip graduated today. We had a good crowd for the homeschool graduation ceremony. Phillip played guitar for the opening song and I presented him with his diploma.

LFR Church Camp

Our youth group went to camp at LFR for a church weekend retreat. I brought the whole family except for the cat. Sam got his own bunk below Michael. We had a hard time getting him to give up his bed.

Tales from the Crypt

We went to a semetary in a town close by and enjoyed a community drama portraying the history of the towns people.

In the pond

Sam's favorite place is in the pond. I run with him in the mornings, Michael takes him in the woods for lunch and
Beth walks with him in the afternoon around the pond.

Julia and Michael

Julia and Michael try out one of the tire swings next to the tree house.

We love Sam

Having this dog has been the best thing for us right now. I can't say enough good things about him. He learns quickly and needs lots of affection.

Sam

We named him Samwise. (For Samwise Gamgee on the Lord of the Rings)

Sam for short.

From Wickpedia:

In J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium, Samwise Gamgee, commonly known as Sam, is a fictional character who was Frodo Baggins's servant and companion on the journey to Mordor. He is one of the major characters in The Lord of the Rings.

I will post more photos later. This one is of the first time we met. Someone gave him as a Christmas present and they couldn't keep it so they were giving it away to a good home. He is a pure bred border collie, smart, obediant, and loving. The kids love him and he has plenty of room to run at our place.

He is only 7months old and will get just a little larger. I have been running with him in the morning. He has been a great companion.

Bald Eagle

We had lots of fun at the refuge. Lately Bald Eagles, like this one, have been nesting and have made the refuge their home. Time to invest in a longer range lens.

I got my chance to photograph this is immature Bald Eagle while he was circling overhead in search of food.

Bagheera

Our newest addition to our cat family, Bagheera was stranded and left to die near a busy Hwy. Beth couldn't pass her up. She is sweet but very bold for her size. She doesn't mind crowding out the larger cats to get her share of food. We hope someone else will adopt her permanently. However, we wouldn't mind keeping her.

Fall color in November

For the first time in a long time our area has some color. The trees have been so pretty, we just had to go for a walk before the sun went down.

Reformation Day Party

We usually kick off our Reformation Day Party with a bonfire. This kept the chill off.

Our new home

After a long wait and search, God provides. We signed the contract and paid the deposit. Seems like we will have a homeschool block. A lot of our neighbors homeschool. This property comes with 10 acres a barn and a pond. Front
Backyard
Barn
Pond

Mom and Dad's 50th (51st) Anniversary Party

The Boat show in Madisonville

 

October Camping

Our yearly camping trip in October. We get together with a few friends from church and enjoy our time roasting marshmallows, playing cards, hiking, and trying to catch fish that aren't interested.

This little tree frog found his home in one of Beth's hanging plants. Taking a break from the heat he would climb down from the plant and take a swim in the watering trough. 

Anniversary 24...planning 25

Beth and I went out for dinner and coffee. When we returned our children gave us a little surprise. 

Boyscout Camping

Michael and I camped out at a local park with his troup. Michael looks over an interesting lizard....pretty small.

  

No room for Dad

Michael and Phillip spread their toes while Julia and Beth snuggle. I just take a picture while waiting to get in bed. Can you make a little room for a tired old guy. :-)