Civil Wars Days

October 26, 2012

 Our weekend started with a hike near Calico Basin and a brief lesson on how Nevada was involved in the  Civil war(1861-1865).  Nevada was a silver mining territory before the war.  The Government wanted funding for the war, so Nevada became a state even though it didn't have enough people to legally become a state.  Did you know 86% of Nevada is still owned by the US Government?  I didn't.

  After that we headed to Spring Mountain Ranch for Civil War Days with our cousins, Megan and Daniel.  We learned new things, watched the reenactment, held a real musket firearm, pet the horses of the Cavalry, and even got a free bag of caramel popcorn.  Megan learned how and why Nevada was involved in the civil war, so on Monday when she went to school she was the only one in her class that new the answer,  She was very excited about that.  It's fun being one step ahead of the game.  Check out this video.

Topsey, Texas Animal Park

One of our most memorable moments during our Texas trip was the Topsey Wild Animal Park!



Topsey Wild Animal Park is a drive through zoo.  You buy food for the animals before going in. Then drive your own vehicle through the many acres of land and feed the animals.  My family got to enjoy this from the back of Uncle Pete's pickup.  Can I just say, if you haven't been you need to.  It was an experience we will remember forever!  I felt like I was on an African Safari.  Herds of deer and rams running behind the truck to get fed.  Some where to scared to get close, but others ate right from our hands!  Warning- there is a sign that says "Do not feed the animals out of your hand".  We didn't see it until the end.  If you feed the animals out of your hand you are doing it at YOUR OWN risk.  Myself nor the park is responsible if you get bit.

The animal were so close to us and very gentle.
Only a few animals made a little nervous...
   The ostrich.

I thought it was going to peck at my head.  These strange looking creatures can be quite intimidating.

Look at those horns!  Don't make him mad.

 Our favorite most memorable animal was the camel.  He snuck up like a cobra snake weaving its head from side to side until his head was in the back of the truck.  He was on a quest...sniff, sniff...

 He ate all of the food we had left.

Including the paper bag it came in.  Can you see it in the picture above?  It was hilarious! We enjoyed the drive so much that we had to go again.  On the second trip we bought 10 bags of food, hoping to catch another glimpse of our sneaky camel friend.  Unfortunately, we didn't see the camel again but we did some other awesome photos.  Check them out.

A special thank you to Auntie Sheryl for sharing this adventure with us.

 just some pictures of the silly billy goats

I'm telling you, if you haven't done something like this before.  Please do.  It will bring a smile to your face =o)

The Dr. Pepper Museum

While staying in Texas we visited the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco, TX

 Joie and Jayden really like Dr. Pepper so I thought it would be neat to learn a bit of it's history.  Did you know it was created by a doctor?  When it first became available it could only be purchased at a pharmacy.  It was medicine.  Pretty tasty medicine, huh.

 Jayden and Joie sniffing out the flavor and Uncle Pete testing his 1937 IQ

 My mother-in-law checking out one of the many displays and Joie posing in the #1 photo-opp spot.

 Don't forget* the best results for Dr.Pepper drink at 10a, 2p, and 4pm.

Female Blue Land Crab

Mommy Crab

Looking at those eggs give me the heebie jeebies.   At first I thought it was dirt. but as I got closer I could see this was not dirt.  It's quite rare to get this close to a crab.  I am so thankful that we were able to see this mommy carrying her babies.  It opened up the door for another learning opportunity.

Grand Cayman Homeschooling

It has been an interesting process to get approved for homeschooling in Grand Cayman.  As the process is coming to a close it seems so much easier than I first thought or was informed.  The most stressful part for me was regarding curriculum.  At first, I was told that the curriculum must be accredited.  Not that I have anything against accredited programs, I just haven't been led to teach my children with one.  I'm not saying it won't happen, but with our life changing move to Grand Cayman, it is nice to keep some things the same.  We have used My Father's World for a couple years and have been very happy with the results.  It is not an accredited program, but it was created by an accredited teacher.  The lesson plans and curriculum are thorough and flexible.  I love how it is history-bible based.

Here is a neat little blurb on accreditation.

The Department of Education has to approve each family's curriculum.  When I submitted the appropriate information in April, I just gave it over to God.  Not thinking more of it until last week; I had yet to hear back from the Dept. of Ed.

  " I needed to prepare for next year.  I am not going to order anything until I get the "OK"

When I contacted them my curriculum was approved, yay!  All I need to finalize my application is proof that I purchased the materials.  Now it's time to see where I can get the best deals.

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I guess I forgot to post this one.  Materials were bought, but they won't be used in Grand Cayman.  

Graduation Day!

Oh me, oh my!

I am very behind on posting.  Here is a few pictures of our simple 2011-2012 graduation at Treasure Island in Grand Cayman.  July 16, 2012

A special thank you goes to Faith Crooks-Young for setting up this celebration.  We finally met some other homeschoolers in Grand Cayman.  Joie and Jayden were a bit standoffish at first.  It can be scary meeting new people.  With our travels they are learning how to communicate with strangers and make friends quick.