Reformation Day Faire ~ Peoria, IL

This past weekend we left the "city" and headed to Southern Illinois - or more specifically Peoria. Neither Daniel or I can remember ever being in this part of Illinois. The drive was absolutely beautiful. The sun was starting to break through the clouds, trees were all adorned in the fall colors and the small towns were quaint. I wish I had thought to take some pictures. Here is a photo album of our day.

When we arrived at the park, we were welcomed by several young ladies dressed in medieval costume. Thankfully they knew where the bathrooms were. After coffee, cappuccino, and water on the trip, we were in desperate need. The outhouses fit really well into the whole theme!

The park was set up as the town of Wittenburg in the 1500s. There were booths set up by different families from Providence Church. The boys made boffers for the Boffer War after lunch. Here they are practicing and then participating in the War. Mathias's boffer was a bit big for him, but that didn't stop him from having fun!
The Evans family taught the girls how to spin wool into yarn using a drop spindle.
The Price family showed Ashly and Cara how tedious printing was. Now-a-days we have it so easy with computer run printing presses.
In additional to these booths, families were also demonstrating beading, sketching, candle making, and soap making.

On the outskirts of Wittenburg there were games and archery contests. Justin was top scorer in the spear throw for a while. Daniel threw the shot put quite far. The children also challenged each other in checkers. I don't know who won all the games, but Cara and I tied!

Finally it was time for the Feast! The day before a pig had been roasted. MMMMmmmmm All the dishes were wonderful, as were the desserts!

After the Feast we gathered together for some hymn singing, a skit, and narration by Martin Luther. This service was to remind us of the what the Reformers did for us. It was a very moving service.

After Chapel, the Boffer War began! Boys young and old were out on the battlefield. There were a few casualties, but most just came away tired.

To close the Faire, the young ladies hosted a dance. It was a lot of fun watching the young people.

Thank you McDonalds, and the members of Providence Church for hosting the Faire! The day was wonderful ~ the weather was cool and sunny, the fellowship was sweet, and new friendships were formed among the adults and children.

A Day of Fun and Relaxation at the Zoo

Today we had a nice relaxing day at the Zoo.

Daniel has been in California since Sunday, and things were lonely around here. So we headed out to Brookfield Zoo. It was free day, so we only had to pay for parking. The weather was sunny and in the upper 50's - just beautiful weather for a walk around the zoo. Mathias has looked forward to this day. He doesn't really remember the zoo, because it has been over a year since we last went! The thought of seeing bears unnerved him a bit (Daniel takes him on scary "Bear hunts"), but he loved them!

The zoo was quite empty, so we were able to see the animals without having to fight the crowds. Most of the animals were out for the public, but seemed to be laying around. The polar bears were the exception. They were in and out of the water, putting on a show for everyone.

Mathias enjoyed seeing all the animals, but he really disliked the smell! He reaction EWWWW!

In the penguin house, there is a waterfall that looks like it is going to come right on top of you. The older children thought is would be really funny to see Mathias's reaction. Here is a picture of that reaction:

Whenever we go to the zoo, we have to get a picture taken with the gorilla statue. Along with calling himself a "bear", Daniel also calls himself a "gorilla". So the children have affectionately named this gorilla, "Dad". Being pregnant and going to the zoo was also interesting. The children think that we should be marsupials, so that I can carry them around in a pouch. Thankfully we only have one child at a time. Otherwise this is what I may look like!:Overall, we had a great day. Everyone had a day of no school work and was able to relax, enjoy the animals and enjoy the weather. Mathias now has memories of the animals at the zoo. He also was able to spend the day shadowing some of his favorite people.

If you'd like to see the rest of our day, here is the photo album.

Hiking at Starved Rock

Psalm 8
O LORD, our Lord,how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.

From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise

because of your enemies,to silence the foe and the avenger.

When I consider your heavens,the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars,which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him,the son of man that you care for him?

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings

and crowned him with glory and honor.

You made him ruler over the works of your hands;

you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds,and the beasts of the field,

the birds of the air,and the fish of the sea,all that swim the paths of the seas.

O LORD, our Lord,how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Saturday we went hiking at Starved Rock. For those of you who are not familiar with this state park, it is a wonderful place fullof God's creation. There are trails for hiking, canyons for exploring, beautiful autumn colors on the leaves, and waterfalls. My pictures do not do any justice to the majesty of the creation seen here. (To view the photo albumn, click here)

Happy Birthday! Cara is 6!

Cara worked very hard in losing these 2 front teeth!









Six years ago God blessed our family with another beautiful little girl. On Friday, this girl turned six. Cara Grace has been such a blessing to our family. She is funny, loves to smile, and has such a sunny and caring personality. Thank you God, for giving Cara to us.



Cara with the purse and apron Jesica and Ashly made for her birthday.








Her brothers bought her 2 sewing kits to practice her sewing.












A new mini trampoline to practice her jumping and to burn off extra energy!




A bright yellow star cake for the star of the day!

Wedgits!

For those of you who don't know what Wedgits are, they are building blocks that can stack inside each other and can also interlock. All ages have fun with them. Today Josiah and Mathias each spent some time building. Mathis built a tower and Josiah built "X-orbiter". Wedgits can be purchased from Timberdoodle.

A glimpse into our mornings

It's Tuesday morning and our school day is into full swing. It didn't start off as a smooth day. Jesica made scones and put in baking soda instead of baking powder. YUCK! However, she quickly made a new batch and they were YUMMY! I wish I had pictures of the faces when they tasted the bad ones. Now we are finished with violin and piano practicing, things have settled down, and everyone is busy studying. Well, everyone except Cara and Mathias. They are busy playing house and learning on the computer - their favorite things to do!

Not all our days are this quiet, with everyone doing what they should be. However, we are getting better and having a routine has really helped. Daniel has been Justin's primary teacher this year, so that has freed up some of my time. Cara is in the process of learning to read and having the extra time has been beneficial for both her and I.

Last week a bought a stick vac for vaccuuming the kitchen/dining room/entry way. Everyone has been eager to use it! Justin even volunteered to take over Ashly's chores for the day, so he could use it! Mathias has had the most fun with it. He does a pretty good job for a 3 year old!

"Even a child is known by his deeds,Whether what he does is pure and right."

Proverbs 20:11

Day of Painting

We finally did it....the trim on the house has needed to be painted for a while and it is now finished! We even have the trim for the shed painted! What a successful day. The best part is the house looks so bright and fresh with the new paint. Jesica took most of the pictures, so she's not in any. She painted the trim around the garage and helped Ashly with the garage trim. Here are some picture of the day.

Ashly painting the trim for the shed

The men, who hate heights, up on the ladder and roof. Mom couldn't go up because she's pregnant, otherwise she probably would have been the one on the ladder!

Grandpa came out for the day to help with the painting. Grandma is in North Carolina helping take care of the newest grandson, Ethan.

Now it is time to relax and listen to Dad read "Journey Through the Night". Josiah, Cara, and Mathias fell asleep early, Jesica is crocheting, Justin is relaxing, Ashly is holding a sleeping Mathias, and Mom is blogging. What a great way to end a busy day.....

Thanks everyone for a job very well done!