Welcome to our School House (and Maryland Life)!

After a busy week moving in last week, we're ready to begin this new chapter of our lives in Maryland. Hunt starts work tomorrow, and the kids will continue their home school. Thanks to grandparents keeping the kids the first few days of our move, we're almost settled. I'll post other pictures of the house as soon as everything is presentable. I got the basement done first.

Grandma bought the kids this cool school/playhouse. We have two chairs, a turned over crate table, and a lantern for a light. They LOVE it!

 Corner 1 of the basement school room:

Office Corner of the school room:

Corner 2 of the school room where most work will be done.

We can't wait to get re-started tomorrow!

Archie and Grace and the Coats of Many Colors

In our homeschool for history, we've been studying different ancient cultures which, of course, includes Jewish history from the Bible. We made life-size pictures of Archie and Grace modeling Joseph's coat of many colors. They love making crafts, and the book we're using has lots of craft ideas to go along with the lessons. Next up is a study of ancient Africa and India. We'll even get to China eventually!

Archie's Gymnastics Party

Archie loves gymnastics. He stands on his head half the day while at our house (feet propped against something) and is constantly rolling around. He had a blast this summer at gymnastics camp so Virginia Techniques gymnastics was the only logical place for his birthday party. While we were in Blacksburg last week for Hunter's defense, he got to have a birthday party with all his friends. I think gymnastics lessons might be in his future. Here are some videos:

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Congrats, Hunter, on a SUCCESSFUL DEFENSE!

We never thought the day would come, but it did! Hunt finally defended and it was successful. He is only a few formalities away from a Master's in Electrical Engineering and, hopefully, only a few weeks away from starting his new job in Maryland!!! This calls for a big, family celebration!

Happy Fifth Birthday, Archie!

I'll probably never stop saying this on birthdays, but I can't believe my baby boy is FIVE!
What's the best part about a birthday? The cake, the presents? Archie was pretty thrilled by it all. So far, his favorite present has been his Hess Jet. (Yes, the collectible truck series from the gas station.) We're going to take him to pick out a brand new bike when we get to Maryland, but I guess since he hasn't actually seen it yet, he can't get but so excited. We're planning another "friend" party next week when we visit Blacksburg to see his old friends and so Hunt can FINALLY defend his thesis :)

Opening the Hess Jet:

Grandpa lighting the candle on Grandma's classic "sad cake"

Awwww....My little pumpkin five years ago in Bangkok, Thailand. How precious! We love you, Archie, and can't wait to see what changes the next five years will bring.

Coasting on the Flat Lands!

One really great thing about Chesapeake is how FLAT it is! That makes biking easy and fun. Grace loves her new Dora bike. Archie got his first 16 inch bike and is now riding it without training wheels. Archie wasn't exactly thrilled with the prospect of learning to ride it the "hard"way, but I think it was worth the effort.

Swim Like a Fish!

I am SO happy for Archie and Grace. They are both going underwater now. Archie is even swimming with his face in. Way to go!!!