Today we went to the African Art Museum for Fierce Beasties and Funny Faces- Animals and Masks in African Art.  The youngers really enjoyed the presentation, and exploring the collection was amazing.  We had never gone to that museum – it’s likely we’ll return again.  We sat out in the sun and had lunch together afterwards. 

We began to drive home and thought to go to the Jefferson Memorial, as we haven’t been in some time.  We didn’t make it – made it to Hains Point for The Awakening, though.  And then they asked to go the Museum of Natural History.  Regan loves the mammals and Braeden loves the dinosaurs.  Then, we went home.  We need to go back for the IMAX film, Wild Safari 3D – maybe next week. 

We joined another group for Thursday outings.  They have children Regan’s age and up, with some siblings Braeden’s age, rather than the other way around as it usually is.  We went to the I-66 Citizen’s Recycling and Disposal Facility.  Next week is bowling! 

On Monday we met up with friends at Frying Pan Park.  Had a great time – there are two calves, now.  The best part for the children?  Regan’s friend, who is also homeschooled, was able to have a sleepover that night.  We didn’t have to worry about getting kids to school in the morning – it was great.  I love when these things can happen when we want them to happen - and not have to wait for the weekend.

Flag football began today.  The dad who organizes this is a homeschool dad, who has organized a homeschool field day before for homeschoolers.  Really nice family.

Braeden has an affinity for grabbing flags.  He wants to snap the ball so we’ll see if he practices this week to do it.  And there is also a new coach on his team – Coach John!

We have a chipmunk. This is exciting because this is the first time in 5 years that we have seen a chipmunk here.  So welcome to our new friend, who likes the leftovers from the bird feeder!

How lucky are we for great resources that cater to homeschoolers?  This time, it was the Maryland Science Museum in Baltimore that opened their doors, free, to homeschoolers.  It was so good that we didn’t leave until they were about to push us out the doors!

We met some of our friends up there and went wild – from Newton’s alley – lots of principles of physics that they kept being drawn back to – to dinosaurs – to the human body – to the Chesapeake.  They had fun doing this with their friends, having lots of hands on time and lots of time to explore what they wanted to explore with no rush.

  Regan and Braeden hoisting themselves up on a pulley machine

  Reg and Brae with a tornado behind them

In a dinosaur nest with eggs – and with their hs friends

 Braeden on a real bed of nails! 

Monday night was the first night of Regan’s 4H club. They do dog obedience, agility and dog dancing!  This is exactly what she’s been looking for, with others who really want to do this.  Charlie, our mini poodle, is learning.  He’s thick, but he WILL learn – lol!

She and Charlie have a couple of things to have mastered by the Oct meeting. 

I think that dog dancing is the 25th…..

The Fall Lacrosse Clinic started on Sunday. Regan has been waiting to get into lacrosse for some time – her dream is to be the goalie, just like her Aunt Lauren was!

Sunday was a beautiful day for the Maryland Renaissance Festival. What a great year to bring the kids - they were so into it.  Braeden called it the mid-evil fair.  LOL!

This is Squire Braeden:

  and with Robin Hood: 

Slaying a lion:

Driving the pirate ship: 

Getting knighted.  Each child was asked why they deserved to get knighthood.  He said that he gives his mom a back massage (he does, too!).  They were impressed!

Here is Regan on the stocks – she was a Thief –

And our own family, gossip, Sir Braeden: 

Regan and I had a great time shopping!

They also got to see Saint George and the Dragon; a Sword Swallower, Archery, Jousting.  There were booths for making soap and dyeing silk scarves and we didn’t have to do such – we do that already with one of our hs groups.

Oh, he is so handsome and ever ready to defend me.