Every year around this time we usually study the pilgrims & The First Thanksgiving. I feel like we have given adequate attention to that topic so I asked my DC if they wanted to let's take a different approach this year in our study & they said yes. That's when we decided to study the Indians & their side to the story.

     It has turned in to a major indian study, not just the Wampanoags that were at the First Thanksgiving. We started with the Wampanoag & then my daughter wanted to study Sacagawea. So now we have pulled in the Shoshoni & the other tribes associated with them. My son said he wants to study Geronimo so we are going to pull in the tribes associated with him.

     We are going to do lots of comparisons with clothing, homes, traditions, tools, diets, etc. I have an indian DVD set that come from Sam's that has a great deal of the different cultures so we are going to use that. Between these DVDs and our library books we should have an abundance of study on our hands. I know this is going to take us through Christmas I'm sure.

     Oh, & I almost forgot, their dad & they are building a wigwam & a teepee. The children are excited over that. They are actually going to camp in them & cook like the indians. I don't know any better way to learn something better than just putting your hand in it & doing it. Hands on, they should learn so much.

     Our other studies are coming along. I need to clerify that I have a fifth & sixth grader. When I say we are getting ready for the S.A.T. it is the Standard Acheivement Test. Don't ask me why, but our covering that we are under calls it the S.A.T. so I have gotten used to calling it that also. This will be our first year to take it. We have wanted to do it in the past, but something would always prevent it. Hopefully this year in March we'll get to.

     We are just sitting here tonight riding out the storm from Ida. So far it's just a lot of rain. The wind hasn't been bad, thank God.

     Enough for now. I think this is a pretty good update of what we are currently doing. Until next time, Traci

Kaira was a very excited princess when the big day finally arrived.  We were were joined by Lady Beverly, Sir Richard, the Bowman James, Lady Lorelle, the beautiful princess Kaitlyn, and the delightful jester Sirhc!  The games were underway when the Royal executioner showed up, escorting a servant girl he had found fleeing the Manor of Lord S and Lady K. 

The servant girl threw herself to the ground and begged the princess for mercy, and the executioner inquired what should be done with the servant, who was no doubt an accomplice in helping the Lord and Lady escape.  Kaira looked upon the groveling servant girl in mercy and answered the executioner emphatically, "Let her have fun!" 

And so, have fun we did.  The games included a quest for the grail, tests of archery, musical chairs, and tiara and shield making.  James the Bowman provided a demonstration of his skill, putting arrows through our bales with such force that we found broken shafts the next day!  The Lady Lorelle even brought along her pet draglet, whom Kaira took to immediately. 

Kaira's cousins attempted to present her with her very own prince, (who had journeyed all the way from Prague) but alas, her mischievous cousin, the wee jester Sirhc had enchanted the poor fellow and turned the Prague Prince into a Frog Prince.  The counter enchantment required she recite "Prairie Frog Fairy Prince" seven times in succession before kissing him three times.  (Seven plus three adding up to ten--her age, of course!)  Poor Kaira failed to recite it properly each time, and he remained amphibious.  Fortunately the fellow seems content to remain a pet.  (She's too young for a real prince anyway, so I'm secretly relieved.)

"Kenneth O'Laughlan" read the Fools Prayer, and the wee jester Sirhc did a Sirhcus act for us!  We feasted on shish kabob and raspberry cream filled cake. 

I should have required a few guests stand still for a quick photo op.  I didn't manage to capture my niece and nephew's beautiful costumes as fully as I'd like, and somehow the Lady Beverly managed to avoid the camera lens.  I also neglected to capture my own wee knights, Sir Keegan and Sir Kieran before they shed their armor.  (And, I was behind the camera instead of in front of it.  Which is all very good and well.)

A good time was had by all!  Huzzah!

Edited to add clarification regarding one of the couples pictured: Two separate bloggy friends emailed convinced that I was mistaken in declaring myself absent from the photos.  Drawing my attention to the upper left of the collage, they pointed out that I was right there, next to my husband, Ken.     

In the interest of autonomy, I should explain that the lovely lady in that photo isn't me, but rather my sister.  Likewise the gentleman beside her isn't my husband but her own--Ken's younger brother.    They are a cute couple, and especially since they are younger than their aging, older siblings, the confusion is considered a compliment.  (Shhh... please just don't tell "the sibs" you mistook them for their Froggy northern relations....) 

It's time to change the video at the top of my blog, so my darling  daughter asks me to post the "Beanie Weenie" video from the Skit Guys. How could I resist?

So, I said, "Okay."

And she said, "Okay."

And I said, "Okay."

And she said, "Okay."

And I said, "Okay."

And she said, "Okay."

And...just watch the video. You'll understand.

After mailing out the invitations, Kaira was delighted to see her courtiers respond.  Here are a couple of the more interesting replies:

To the Attention of Princess Kaira,

It is my grievous duty to bring a matter of utmost importance to your attention. Reliable sources have informed me that the party invitees of (Lastname) Manor are planning to be late for the festivities. Such blatant disrespect for the royal Princess needs to be dealt with quickly and harshly to keep order in the kindgdom.  Therefore, on the appointed date, I will personally apprehend the culprits and bring them in haste for you to make a ruling on their punishment. I pray this will not cause too much disruption in the roayl festivities.

Signed in my own hand

X

His Majesty's Royal Executioner

And a little later, from her Aunt:

She sent invitations: sealed in wax, and delivered by national courior:



Most PrairieFrog birthdays are quiet affairs, with just our own little family.  Every ten years, however, for the entire duration of their childhood, we'll treat each child to a party with other guests! 

This year, as Kaira celebrated the completion of her first decade,  we hosted our first such event! 

I'll confess that the date gave me pause.  Although we do give a nod to Reformation day, the 31st of October is typically just another day for us.  We don't recognize the event our neighbors celebrate, or do any "alternatives".  But, with Kaira's birthday falling on Sunday, the day prior became a perfect choice.  (I think we've celebrated Ken's birthday on that date as well--He was born on October 29th--but it was a quiet family affair.)  Hosting a costume party on the 31st was new for me!

Stay tuned, for the courtiers' responses!

My blogging has been sporadic lately.  Last week consisted of beautiful snow storms that kept my sweetie home by my side.  We were delightfully derailed by family time, and I was blissfully kept from the computer by snug, homey delights!

This week another phenomenon has kept me busy.  Although we are typically home-bodies, it seems we've had more going on lately.  When extreme weather shut down the city, last week became rescheduled to this week.  This week, however insisted on continuing a forward march of its own, and the two are rather superimposed atop each other!

Busy as the week may be, an important update is in order!  After pressing "post" on this blog entry, I will make a subtle but important change to my blog sidebar.  Kaira's age requires updating!  She refused to remain a nine year old, and has now accomplished a decade!  She had lovely medieval-themed party which shall be blogged as soon as I finish sorting through pictures. 

Have you downloaded your free holiday e-book from The Old Schoolhouse? What are you waiting for? Just click on the graphic below and check out this fun freebie!