We got to see two very interesting places this past weekend.  The first is near and dear to my heart because Jeff and I spent a night there on our honeymoon, years ago.  It was fun to take the kids to see a bit of our history.  Throw in the fact that the town is part of Indiana history, and you have a great way to get some learning in there too! 

In case you did not grow up in IN, Indianapolis was not the first state capital of this fine state.  Corydon, IN can boast that honor.  Above is a picture of the state capital building.  Here is alink if you want to know more. 

Here is a picture of theinn that we stayed at on our honeymoon. 

After a tasty picnic of fried chicken, we headed to a nearby park, The Falls of the Ohio State Park.   We would have spent more time there, but a strong storm popped up and so we smartly took cover.  We hope to go back and explore there more one day.  We did get to spend plenty of time in the interpretive center.    Here are some photos. 

I hope you had a nice weekend.  I am getting us ready to go back to lessons next Monday.  The kids are excited to get back to work and we want to bank some days in case we need them this spring.  My plan is to not turn on the computer until the afternoons.  I think that will help me be less distracted.  At least that is what I am hoping! 

~Jenn

Saturday we went to the zoo as a family.  We cancelled our camping trip because it was too cool to swim, the main attraction as the park we were planning to visit.  And it had been a long week with VBS, so we made the wise choice and sat this one out. 

Here are my sweeties.  You'll notice our extra child.  She and Grace are inseparable these days.  I always wanted four anyway. 

Our zoo is quite pricy, so we always bring a healthy picnic lunch or snack. 

These are our new bears.  The other pair passed away from natural causes, mainly being 15 years old.    They were brothers and a tad grouchy. These are not full grown and are playful, which means they are more fun to watch. 

Notice the jacket?  Yes, it was that cold.  In July it is normally in the 80's with terrible humidity.  It was in the 60's when we first got to the zoo. 

Ryan and his new friend, Sam.  (It's cheaper than getting a real one! )

I hope you've had a nice weekend.  We are gearing up for a big birthday this week.  Grace turns 10 on Tuesday.  We're having a slumber party, her first.  We're also hosting a family gathering in her honor later in the week.  I keep thinking there will be a week of summer where we slow down.  Doesn't look like it will be this week. 

~Jenn

There is a thrill of excitement in the air around here.  It feels almost  like Christmas Eve.  (Only,the weather suggests that with our highs in the 60's for the last couple days.)  No, it's better.  It's VACATION EVE!  Starting tomorrow, we get our daddy home for 9 days! 

(Gnome made by Jeff's grandmother.)

Almost a whole year has gone by since our last big family roadtrip to Arkansas.  It was on the way home that we decided we wanted to try camping.  Talk about a lesson in patience!  By the time we scraped enough camping supplies together, it was too late to camp, so we had to wait until this past May!  I feel almost un-American (in a good way) on this point.  I am glad we did not go into any debt and had to wait to get our supplies.  It's normal to us now, to wait for something we want. 

Today, the kids and I will pass the time by going to get groceries.  Then, I need to work on cleaning some of the camping supplies.  Even though we clean them before we put them away, they always seem sandy some how.  Sand gets everywhere! 

(Also by Jeff's grandmother.)

I am not going to do much blogging until we get back from vacation.  (Really.)  I am so looking forward to being away from technology.  Being away is going to help, I think, break the ties my youngest has to his Wii IN Jones game.  It's funny how when we are camping no one ever mentions computers, Wii games or the TV.  That reminds me.  Since TV has gone digital, we've watched a lot less of it.  The only good channel we get is PBS.  I am so much happier to listen to a record in the evening or watch a Wii Sports match between my husband and the kids.  I feel like things are more in balance.  I know some people like cable, but for me it is a snare.  I am much happier without it in the house, even if it means we only get a few channels.  I don't miss that bill!

(Yep.  This one, too. She loved ceramics.)

I'd better wrap this up and get started.  I do want to say that meals have gone better this week.  I've felt the tug on my flesh on this one!  I also finished two good books this week. ( Go to my nature blog to see those, if you are curious.)  When I get back, I need to really get serious about next year's Science lessons.  We need to start school early this year so we can take some time off later in the year when we move again.  That means school could start back up in some form in just 4 weeks. 

I hope you have a great week!

~Jenn

When we get back from camping we're going to watch this movie. 

Last week we watched this movie. 

I am so excited.  I think I've finally found the movie genre for my boys!  While we are studying WWII and watching these for "educational" purposes, I discovered some real fine action footage that is not too "realistic" for my boys.  I am in love with John Wayne movies!  And so are they!  

Hello Friends.  Well, it was a big, wonderful, success!  I could not have asked for anything more.  The weather was perfect.  The kids had a blast.  We loved every moment and can't wait to go back in 2 weeks!!!  In fact, we now have camping reservations for every month through September!  Here are some photos.  You can also see more photos atmy nature blog. 

Is this a familiar sight in your home?   It cracks me up how intense they get!  I don't even think they noticed me taking their pictures.   

1. Oatmeal craisin, white choc. chip
2. Peanut butter kisses
3. M&M cookies
4. Cut-outs (will make tomorrow) 
   
5. Fudge
6. Russian Tea Cakes
   
7. Gingerbread Boys  (if time, if not this week, then while Daddy is on vacation next week)

 Jolly Days at the Children's Museum, Indianapolis IN