Rock Quarry Field Trip, this and that

On Friday, I had the pleasure of taking Tucker and Charlie on a field trip.  This is one of the first ones we have ever gone on without the older children.  We had a great time.  We saw a rock quarry-

We went to two excellent classes on dinosaurs and rocks and their uses.  I was so fascinated- I had no idea how many things we use have various rocks and minerals in them. 

He let them put their own rocks into a rock grinder/sorter-

Then we drove down, down, down into the bottom of the quarry- the boys loved this part-

There are beautiful waterfalls where groundwater comes through-

 

 

 At the end they were given "pet rocks".  Tucker has already gotten his decorated.  :) 

Speaking of Tucker's art projects- he made the most beautiful mobile for Julia's birthday.  She loves wolves and has a little handmade book on wolves that she made.  He took the various wolf drawings she had made and copied them on this mobile.  What a sweet brother. 

On the backside were the descriptions-

And when Marky was coming back from Ireland, Tucker, OF COURSE, made him a welcome home banner-

And here are a few Annie Rosie pictures from the week-

 

We took her to the park to swing for the first time!  She LOVED it! 

She's 13

We now have two teenagers living in our home.  Our sweet little Juliabug has turned 13!

(Here she is age 2)....How is she a teenager???

Julia you have had a wonderful 12th year.  In April, after your turned 12, you had an art show and we were blown away-

You loved spending time at BB and Poppy's farm-

We also had a baby shower for your baby sister!  You loved sitting and opening all the presents with me. 

In May we went to a week-long beach trip that was so wonderful.  You went on a dolphin cruise, which you absolutely loved. 

You also had your piano recital!

In June you went to sewing and horseback riding day camps.  Then we welcomed your baby sister, Anastasia Rose.  You could not stop crying with joy at the hospital.  You adore her!

 Then you went to your annual summer camp and had a ball.

We went to the farm for July 4th and you fished, which is something you have always loved to do.

Also in July, you were a counselor for Catholic Kids Week. 

You also went to a High Adventure Camp with American Heritage Girls.

In August we went back to the beach with our little Rosie.  :)

In September school got started again- you love to read your assignments outside on the porch-

In October we went to a barn dance-

 
And we rode the Pumpkin Patch Express out to the pumpkin patch-

You went to your first county fair-

And we went to the mountains and to Virginia.  You got to go to the Aquarium of the Smokies, and ride the mountain coaster.  You loved ice skating and riding in ice bumper cars. 

You were an "archery girl" for Halloween-

In November, you took up a sewing class.

And we had our family up for Thanksgiving-

We saw The Nutcracker and The Sound of Music at Christmastime-

And you received the sacrament of Confirmation.  It was a beautiful day.

We had a wonderful, special Christmas in our home. 

After Christmas we celebrated Tucker's birthday and Epiphany and then got back to work.  You have learned to do school with a baby girl nearby.  :)

We had portraits made in February-

In early March you had a dressage horse show-

Then we went on a trip to Florida and to Disney World.  We went to all FOUR parks with a special VIP tour.  You loved all the rides and weren't scared like you were in the past.  You are growing up!

We celebrated St. Patrick's Day-

And you have loved taking western horseback riding lessons.  You go to Rodeo Camp on Saturdays and rode your first five hour trail ride- you love it all!  Here you are learning to barrel race.  You have also roped and tied up a live goat!!!

You are still the sweetest little girl.  You are such a big help with Anastasia.  You can do everything and she adores you!  You play the piano all the time and are loving your western riding.  I think rodeo suits you to a T.  You are doing very well in your studies and enjoy your various classes and tutors.  You are a gentle girl in a culture where girls are told to be loud and sassy.  You don't have a sassy bone in your body, and we love and appreciate your sweet spirit.  We love our little lamb.  Happy Birthday sweet girl!

You didn't want a party this year; you just wanted special time with our family.  We are planning a family outing or two.  :)  Aunt Amber sent you some legos.  We met BB and Poppy for lunch yesterday to celebrate you and Marky.  They gave you money and you bought a bike with it tonight!

This is you today- AGE 13.  You sewed this shirt yourself!  I am so proud of you!!

You loved your little presents from us including a bridle bracelet, and a horse and girl figurine along with money.   Our beautiful little girl- thank you, Lord, for this sweet angel.