Well, learning is actually occurring around here despite big brother's absence.  Joseph is loving American History.  Since I had planned to cover this with Gabe as well, I asked Joe if he would rather learn about another time period (he loves Ancient Egypt and Rome), but he said, "No, I' ve had enough of that old stuff for now."  We are using The Light and the Glory for Children, by Peter Marshall, plus lots of  other books from the library.  He is immersed in Christopher Columbus and the early explorers.  We're also using Sonlight 1, Saxon math, Prima Latina and Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind.  Ben again insisted on "official" schoolwork, so he is enjoying Sonlight's PreK currculum.  He is also exploring his career options.  On the way to co-op yesterday, he announced that he wanted to be "a priest" when he grew up.  Since we are not Catholic and our kind Presbyterian minister goes by "Pastor Paul,"  I wasn't sure where he'd heard that term thrown around, so, in an attempt to not diminish his choice, I gently asked, "So you want to help people know more about God?"  And he practically shouted from the backseat, "No, Mom, I want to shoot bad guys!"  After a little digging, I realized he had said "police man" instead of "priest."  Hey, he's only 4.  He still has some speech issues. 

Despite the heat, we have been enjoying the land.  Took a hike the other day and found 4 Eastern Box Turtles within a few yards of each other.  Ever seen turtles mating?  Well, we have now. 

Awoke to cooler weather (finally) and enjoyed a trip today to the Deer Farm and Petting Zoo in Sevierville with a group of homeschoolers. 

Oh, back to the funny pronunciations.  I was enjoying a quiet moment on the porch swing yesterday when Ben comes out with a huge sandwich.  I asked him what he had and he said he had made a "messipe."  Bread, peanut butter, jelly and pimiento cheese.  He said, "It's gonna be delicious."  He took a huge bite and literally spit it out all over the porch.  So much for that.

I've gone to great lengths to teach the boys an appreciation for our local flora and fauna.  They love hiking on the land.  They always take shovels so they can bring something back from the adventure.  Joe frequently reminds me that "wildflowers are not just weeds, Mom."