Author: Joyce

Playing

turtlewalking Twirl Tower ClimbingThe kids and I had a field trip to the zoo and a playground near it. While the kids played, I experimented with my camera.

I am trying not to use the “P” setting at all. So I needed to adjust my camera settings for their playing and the brightness of the sun. Since I am trying to learn to pose people better, the kids let me take two posed pictures also. Then I practiced candid shots.

We played until the zoo opened. Even though it was very crowded, we were able to visit our favorite animals before leaving. We then enjoyed a picnic lunch, and headed home.

 

 

Amazing

Adrian, Megan and I have been exploring the park while the older children have camp. While Adrian takes us wherever he desires, we are on the lookout for flowers, butterflies, turtles, frogs and other neat things. We keep asking Megan, “Who made the flower?”  “Who made the frog?”  She is learning that God created it all.

I was thinking about this verse today as we explored,  The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8 (ESV).  I am so thankful for a God who is real and gives us many amazing visual aides to point us to him! 

After the Rain

Bunny  GrassNeedles The older kids are going to Junior Naturalist camp this week. The class is for 9-13 year olds, so Mark is too old to go as a camper. However, he is able to go as a volunteer.  He is going to be the camp photographer this week.

After we dropped the kids off, Adrian, Megan and I took a walk around the park.  It had rained last night and was still drizzling some. It was beautiful out!

When it was time to leave, Megan had a really rough time. She did not like the idea of leaving the kids behind!

 

Empty Nest

Newborn Bird FledglingThe kids and I have been watching a Robin’s nest for the last few weeks. I don’t remember who discovered the eggs, but since found, we have been peeking inside every few days.

Today, we asked Mark to move the ladder for us for the last time. Audrey ran inside saying that four birds just fell out of the nest. She told me two ran into the woods, but two were just sitting there.

Even though Momma bird kept shrilling scolding us to keep away, we took a few pictures.  We never saw the little ones fly, but we laughed at how they ran!  If we go by the nest, Momma bird scolds us still, so we know that fledglings are around somewhere.

We don’t think the babies will return to the nest.  We will keep watching for them though.

 

Bubbles

Playing with Daddy

Every year, the kids and I experiment with different bubble solutions to find ones that we really like.  Store bought bubbles are good, but home made are more fun.

Before bed, the kids invited Allan to see their bubbles. They had practiced blowing large ones earlier and wanted to show Daddy.  He joined in the fun and blew some for the kids to chase.

We will experiment some more this year. We have lots of ideas we want to try!

We used our normal bubble mix. Mix 1 part Dawn or Joy dish soap (classic is better than Ultra, but both work) with 3 parts soft or distilled water.  Start with a few drops of glycerin, but experiment with how much is needed to get longer lasting bubbles. Let the mix sit a few hours before using. Keep the solution in a tightly covered container so the mix does not dry out. We are looking for a replacement for glycerin, it is slightly expensive, but helps to make wonderful bubbles.

Flowers

Daisies
Daisies
Clementis
Clementis
Columbine
Columbine

When we have a few minutes from school, Audrey and I have been searching for unique flower pictures.  I enjoy comparing the pictures to see how differently they turn out. It is amazing how we can see the same things differently.