GPS Field Trip

We had a homeschool field trip the other day that showed us how to use a compass and a GPS system. 

 

I just love how the girls were standing there, getting instructions and holding hands.  Beautiful.

Trying to find our way . . .

The boys were having fun with it.

And then there was some down time while we waited for the GPS units to be loaded with our destinations. 

This group of girls were their own team--Eden & Eliza and two friends, all close in age.

Striking a pose for the camera!

The boys were with two other boys and did a great job finding all 12 destinations.

Learning how the GPS works. 

 

We were lucky to have a sunny, but windy, day that wasn't too chilly.  The kids enjoyed this field trip and they enjoyed hanging out with friends.

 

"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths . . . "  Psalm 25:4

Band Concerts

Ephraim's 5th grade band career concluded this past week with a couple of concerts.  First, on Monday, May 11, there was the 5th-8th grade band concert. 

 

There were two 5th grade trombones from all three of the schools (Eddyville, Blakesburg and Fremont). 

They did an excellent job and sounded great!

Both sets of grandparents were in attendance --here is a picture with Grandpa Harold and Grandma Twyla.  Yes, it is official that Ephraim is taller than Grandma. 

And a family picture. 

 Then the next Monday, the Fremont band hosted North Mahaska. 

These are just the Fremont 5th graders--not very many of them but they sounded good.  Ephraim is on the right, the only trombone. 

Then the North Mahaska and Fremont 5th and 6th graders played together.  Ephraim is on the far right.  Ephraim knew a few church friends from the visiting school.  Together they played a couple songs and sounded great!

Band is ending for the school year.  Ephraim enjoys playing the trombone and we enjoy listening to his music. 

Mother's Day

We had a quiet, enjoyable Mother's Day at home after church on Sunday, May 10. 

The children made these in Sunday School for me.   :)

These are the cards we made for the Grandmas/Great-Grandam and an extra for me. 

And a nice photo after church.  I am blessed to be the mom of these four precious children. 

From the inside of the card that the children made:

 

"She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue."  Proverbs 31:26

Tulip Time 2015

The kids and I enjoyed a couple hours of Tulip Time on Friday afternoon, the 8th. 

We enjoyed a funnel cake together and some Mango Tree frozen yogurt.  Before the parade we also visited the Veteran's Museum at the Memorial Building. 

We enjoyed all the floats, bands, and equipment in the parade.  I'd have to say that the boys enjoyed the pick ups pulling some of the floats the most ;)  We also enjoyed seeing family and friends in the parade. 

Emmet got a badge from Wyatt  Earp. 

 

 

We don't have Dutch costumes, but we are all Dutch and enjoy a good parade, treats, and family time. 

 

 

Waterloo museums

Our Homeschool group hosted a field trip to the Grout Museum District in Waterloo.  We visited two museums and will definitely go back to visit two others. 

We spent a couple hours at the Imaginarium.  They did an excellent reptile show for us and then allowed us time to do all the hands-on, science-related, exhibits.  Just a lot of great stuff and all four of my kiddos enjoyed it.  We are grateful our group provided this opportunity for us. 

 

Using a claw to pick up a ball and put it on a stand. 

A lesson in pulleys and trying to lift your own weight. 

Miss Eliza loved all the snacks and reptiles. 

 

Our new meteorologist--Miss Eden!

Sending up smoke signals. 

Flying an airplane. 

A lesson in levers and lifting. 

This was the 2nd museum we visited.  They gave us a nice tour of this 1860's house, renovated to the time period of 1890. 

 

After this, we enjoyed a planetarium constellation lesson on the April night sky. 

 

We will go back sometime this summer to visit the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum and the Grout Museum of History and Science. 

ACTS Service Surge

Our church was partnering with ACTS (A Call To Serve) Ministries of Iowa to perform service projects in our area on Saturday, April 26.  The boys heard about it in church and asked to get signed up.  Thankfully we were given a job within our skill set--painting.  We would be giving two coats of paint to the interior of the new Mango Tree frozen yogurt shop that will be opening in Oskaloosa.  It is a mission-minded, frozen yogurt shop run mostly by volunteers and the income generated goes directly to Haiti and local mission organizations.   

 

The girls were helping paint the tan walls. 

Ephraim got some of the high places.

Emmet got pretty good with a paint roller.

Uh-oh, looks like Eden's crew (a group of guys from Third Reformed in Pella) are letting her do the entire wall--way to use two hands!  There were lots of funny jokes about this being nacho-cheese colored. 

Lunch was provided and Eliza decided that she could eat and paint at the same time. 

We had a great time of serving in our community, met some new people and we'll be ready to try out some of that frozen yogurt when the Mango Tree opens in late May (hopefully). 

 

"God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts.  Use them well to serve one another."  1 Peter 4:10