Math Factors - Keva Style

A great way to disguise the repetition of memorizing math facts. The structures below represent all the multiples of 5 :) It give another opportunity to visually see the difference in growth resulting from multiplication over addition, and combines it with creative building.

Keva planks are a "super toy" anyway - this was just one more way to incorporate them into learning. Happy multiplication!

--Bill

Keva Source: http://www.amazon.com/MindWare-44156W-KEVA-Contraptions/dp/B002V7YBNC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316456568&sr=8-1
This is the most cost effective way to purchase them. For some reason this set is cheaper per block and comes with the added bonuses.

Stony Brook

We like to try to make it out to Stony Brook at least each summer.

So we were thrilled to go see the falls, and play in the water again this year.

Maybe one year, we will get the courage to actually camp there!

And this is what my little ones always do..throw rocks. Gotta love those
little boys!

Sitting right in the waterfall. Exhilarating!

See those stairs in the distance? next to the waterfall?
That was the short set of stairs on the hike.
My legs are still a little wobbly...

Tree Fort

My Kids LOVE going to Grandpa & Grandma's house.

I mean, they just LOVE it!

Grandma always has time to sit down and listen to each of their
stories and watch any trick or thing that the children want to show her.


She even keeps em' loaded with squirt guns and sand boxes
to play in.

Grandpa is a kid at heart, and built this tree fort in the back yard for them...

We were SO excited to see it completed last year.

It was such a joy to build, that once Grandpa realized that the porch
was a little small for kickin' back and relaxing on, he had to make an addition..

So now we have a big porch! Since this picture, Grandpa has finished it
out with planters and a patio table that He and Grandma have breakfast on sometimes.
Thanks Grandma! Thanks Grandpa! You've outdone yourself!
We love you!
~Rachel

Piano

David just completed his first year of piano lessons.
Bill joined him in lessons halfway through the year.

The end of year recital was very exciting for both of them.
It was SO neat to see them play a duet together!

Thanks Mrs. McGinnis for being such a great teacher!

Trip to the Beach

There's something special about this picture.

Call me sentimental, and I won't disagree.

My kids grandmother played in this creek as a child.

My husband played in this creek as a child...and I think

it's sweet that my kids play here too.

Oh, the kids couldn't wait to get their feet wet.

Another beautiful sunset on Lake Ontario.

Happy 4th of July!

Seabreeze

Every year we try to make it out to this place called Seabreeze.
This year, it worked out and boy did the kids have fun!

Matthew thinks he's a big kid, so he was all about the rides.
He liked the boats in particular. He even managed to dip his foot into the water.
I think he rode this like 20 times...

Maggie takin' a cruise with Matthew.


Johnny riding the swings with Maggie...

Bill rode a number of rides with the big kids. This is David, Bill and friends of ours.

Here's Papa with Maggie and Luke on a small rollercoaster.
I think this is the first year that I have gone to the park and not
hopped on a few rides. Maybe next year!

Our Boston Trip

We recently took a trip to Boston to visit friends.
We had such a great time, that I don't even know which pictures to share, so I've just done one big collage.
Bill and I weren't sure about traveling with the kids, but it turned out to be a ton of fun.
The kids did great, and we got to do quite a few things.
I'm especially thankful to have visited my close friend, Kate and her family.

Angry Birds

So I'm a little late posting this, but better late than never!
Here's the start of my many layered "Angry Birds" cake for Luke's Birthday. 
Boy was he excited about this one! I'd dare to say that his friends were equally excited to eat it!

Happy Birthday Luke! You are growing up so fast!

The Beach

I'm going somewhere this weekend...

It just happens to be here...to the beach.
OH, I CAN'T WAIT!

The fireworks on the beach will be beautiful.
The lightening bugs will be out...
Do you have plans for the 4th?
I hope so! Enjoy your summer!
~Rachel

Homemade Meatballs are the best!

I have this wonderful cookbook from MOMYS that caters to large families.
I was able to get permission to share the recipe!
Gotta say, since I've started making these meatballs,
my family has rejected the store bought ones.
They are YUMMY and freeze well.
I like to add some shredded cheddar cheese and sometimes
Parsely and chili powder.
Try em'! I think you'll like em'.

David's First Parkour Class

David tried learning parkour at a gym right next to my boxing club.
He started learning how to vault obstacles, and the teachers were excellent.
They were very good at presenting new concepts in an orderly way, while still keeping an attitude of fun and play.
I will start with him next class, but wanted to watch him do his first one by himself. It was exciting to see him maturing in his ability to interact with older folks.

Parkour defined: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkour
Our local club:  http://www.rochesterparkour.com/

This art of movement lays a foundation for all other sports and physical activity, and he seems to really enjoy it.

--Posted by Bill

Reading to the children

We had a friend recommend this series called "Classic Starts" to expose the children to classic books.

I've been very happy with them so far.

We found a number of them at the library, and they are a reasonable price on Amazon.

Check em' out!

Gardening

I sure am looking forward to spring!

I took this picture a few years ago of my hens and chicks plant as it started

to bloom. Each of the buds there opened up. Pretty amazing!

It doesn't do this every year. I wonder if it will this year?

Guess which baby! part 4

Guess which baby! part 3

Ok, maybe not a guess. She's too obvious...still cute though.

Guess which baby! part 2

Who's this?

Guess which baby!

I just love this game. Can you guess who?

Favorite Snack

We seem to cycle through snack type foods.
Recently, we've rediscovered granola. YUM!
Here's our recipe:

BEST GRANOLA
4c. rolled oats
3/4c. whole wheat flour
1c. coconut
1c. chopped nuts
1/2c. honey
1/4c. sesame seeds
1/3c. coconut oil
1/2c. water
1tsp. vanilla
1tsp. cinnamon

Mix all together.
Place in a roasting pan or cookie sheet.
Cook for 1 hour in oven @ 350 degrees.
Stir occasionally.
After the mix has cooled, add whatever goodies you like.
I add yogurt covered raisins or pretzels.
Pretzel sticks, mini m&ms or chocolate chips.

~Rachel