House guests

We had lovely houseguests over the weekend. Pastor Mike and his lovely wife Gail. They came with their granddaughter Hurray and her daddy Andy for a quiet time on the farm. Adyson and Caiden loved being "babysitters". Hurray is 15 months old and is quite fascinating to my kiddos. They did a lovely job of sharing toys and looking out for her around the house.



Monday Morning we all went for a long hike...maybe 5 miles. Back behind our place to the spring and the old Applegate trail and a pond or two. It has been cold enough to make thin ice on puddles. The kids enjoyed stomping on frozen puddles to break the ice. We got to see lots of animal tracks and enjoy good company. Another lovely deal with homeschooling? When company comes there's no guilt about spending the day with them, and adjusting our lessons for the week. I would certainly consider a 5 mile exploration outside worthy of school time though, wouldn't you?

A little mud. This pond has almost an inch of ice, and so small rocks skitter across, but large rocks crash through which is fun to do as well.

This large puddle is in the shade and so was frozen all the way, a miniature skating rink...we may have to go back!