Preparing Presents

We prepared presents for the ladies who cook, clean and do laundry for our family and guest housing. The kids helped put a dishcloth, coffee, milk, and sugar into each bowl. It gave us a chance to talk about loving and serving others at Christmas time.

Isabelle is learning to sew.

Caleb loves to help in the kitchen.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

These are a few pictures from our Christmas Eve party for the mission staff.

Ian, Isabelle, and Caleb recited Luke 2:1-20. They did a great job!

The Lookout Tower

Time for another activity from The Ancient Chinese Treasure Chest.
We worked on putting together a watch tower from the Great Wall of China. It looked fairly simple, but turned out to be a bit complicated. Isabelle and Caleb helped up to a certain point (pictured above) but the lost interest.
I persevered, and twenty minutes later, with Coyote to keep me company managed to complete the tower.

Meanwhile, the kids took the figures of soldiers included and made a tower out of blocks.

Like all the great historians, they melded facts with their interpretation and imagination as evidenced by the large hammer and the giants (paper dolls) that were involved in the battles.

After School

Isabelle helped me put up a few Thanksgiving decorations that Caleb and I printed off of the internet.
Below is Isabelle reading one of our science books after school was finished. Often we do school out on the screened in porch.

Chinese Chess

Another activity from the Ancient Chinese Treasure Chest was Chinese Chess. The boys both know the fundamentals of chess and were really excited to try the Chinese version.

Climbing Trees

Calligrapy

We have been studying the Eastern Hemisphere in history. One of the books we are using is the Ancient Chinese Treasure Chest. It comes with activities that the kids have been really excited to try. The first one we did was calligraphy with a brush, ink stone and ink stick.

Gratitude Party

Instead of a Halloween Party we had a Gratitude Party. We started by reading some of Celebrations That Touch the Heart.
Did you know that during the Pilgrims first winter they were rationed just 5 kernels of corn each year?
We passed around a bowl and each child took 5 kernels of popcorn. Then we went around the table and they each said 5 things for which they are thankful. I was impressed by their maturity. They have all had a chance to see many children (and adults) less fortunate than themselves, and they are grateful for the things and the opportunities that they have been given.
We also made a gratitude journals (based on these) together, and, of course, had a snack. :)

Starting School

No, we're not just now starting school! But school and a trip to Brazzaville in October have left me with little computer time. Now that we are winding down for Christmas break, I am *hoping* to get caught up with some posts over the holidays.

Before we started school this year, I planned an open house. I sat down with each child and gave them a small present. Then we went over the books they would be using this year and what our schedule would be like. It made the beginning seem more official, plus they knew what to expect the first day.

Thanksgiving

We had Thanksgiving at the Harvey's house again this year. I forgot to take pictures, but Laura shared hers with me. :)

The tables set and ready for the meal

The kids table

The other table

My turkey place card (made by Caleb)

Laura's turkey place card, made by Claire

Time to eat!

Dessert time!

Ian in the tree after lunch

Hanging out after lunch (not sure why this one is so small)