Reformation Day

October 31 is really the day but since that didn't fall on a weekend we celebrated on the 27th. It was the first time we held this church event at our house. We had the traditional play, hayride and bonfire. Some of us even dressed for the occasion.

Huckleberry hideout

This swing set was not your Daddy's swing set. We had to take this whole set apart and rebuild it on site when we moved. I kept the lumber in the barn until I could work on it. We were having a big party at the house and that was incentive enough to get it built. The timing was right. Michael and Phillip helped a lot.

Fall Camping

The weather was next to perfect and we enjoyed our stay. We are fortunate that there are some campgrounds nearby that are beautiful.

Run for Rabies 5k

Beth, Michael and Julia went Saturday morning to the Run for Rabies 5k event here in town. Michael and Julia took photos while I was running with Sam. It was perfect weather. Sam came in first.

Photo Contest

Michael took these photos for the Refuge photo contest.

We went out specifically to phototgraph alligators and cattle egret, we ended up finding both.

The great egret/alligator shot took second place and the mushroom shot took third. Way to go Michael.

Memphis Visit

We visited Memphis for a home school field trip. Found this cool replica of the Mississippi River at the Memphis river walk park. (Mud Island)


At the Memphis welcome center there is this mosaic egg. Julia is looking at her photographic results.

Webkinz

The latest craze. Julia with her new webkinz kitty. Thanks Baily!
You might also notice Julia has lost some more teeth.

Sam gets his regular bath

Sam gets his regular bath as Maggie looks on. She knows she
's next.

On the way Home

I've been wanting to photograph this ever since I moved to our new home. I see this red caboose every day on my way home from work. The cows gather around it at times and I wanted to capture the moment. So I hopped the fence and snapped a few shots. I was worried that the bull was a little mad (bottom photo) , but he kept on eating after looking me over.

Mushrooms everywhere!

These mushrooms popped up after a long drought and a little rain. We walked through the woods and couldn't believe the varieties of colors and shapes. Michael and I took these photos I challenge you to guess which images are his and which are mine. Click on the photo to get a better view.

New friends

Puppy and kitty get along just fine.

Hot dog day!

Sam uses this baby pool for a giant water dish and to cool off when its too hot. We have had some record breaking heat and drought this year and are now at approx -20" of rainfall. http://www.usatoday.com/weather/news/2007-06-15-southern-drought2_N.htm

"Most adorable pup ever!"

That's what Beth told me when she called me from work one day. "I have a surprise for you when you get home." So be prepared." UHHH.... was the only thing I could think of. She couldn't pass up this pup that was rescued from being mistreated. I am still in shock that we now have yet another adopted pet. She is so sweet and fluffy. We call her Maggy for short. Her full name is Magnolia.

Chicago

Visited Chicago and took these photos from the Sears tower and the chrome sculpture at Millennium Park.

Baby Bat

Phillip found a baby bat when we returned home from Applebees.

Fathers Day fun

The kids took me to Applebees for Fathers day.

Kitten

Well we have new addition to our pet population. I still don't know what to name her but I think the girls want to call her:

Cassiopeia (IPA: /ˌkasiˈəʊpiə, ˌkasiə(ʊ)ˈpɪə/) a northern constellation which Greek mythology considered to represent a vain queen who boasted about her unrivaled beauty. It is one of the 88 modern constellations, and was also one of the 48 listed by Ptolemy.

The boys want to name her Puppet from the movie, Pirates of the Caribbean. I think that name fits better.

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.