Oyster Dissection

At our home-school coop, Eric's class is doing anatomy through dissections. So far they have dismantled an owl pellet (which is NOT owl pool, as I once thought-it is regurgitated remains from the owl's last meals), earthworm, oyster and next a frog. It has been a wonderful science unit.

Because my dad farms oysters at his house, I volunteered to lead the oyster dissection. It turned out to be a fascinating experience. In my experience home schooling, whatever I teach, I end up learning so much more than I thought possible. Just goes to prove that learning is a life-long process.
The oysters were shucked just minutes before class, so they were still very alive. What was so cool was that the kids were able to see the tentacles (yes, oysters have tentacles!) respond to stimuli.

They were also able to see the oyster's tiny heart actually beating. It was amazing. If ever you are interested in doing an oyster dissection and you are in the area, feel free to let me know. Or if you can get your hands on a live oyster, it is a really cool experience. The lab I used as a guide was at this link: Oyster Dissection Lab

If you click on each of the links that are named -Figure 1-, -Figure 2-, etc. you will get some great pictures, but there is nothing like the real thing!

Veterans Day Parade

I have heard that our county hosts the largest Veteran's Day parade in our state. Whether it is or not, it certainly is quite a production for our rural little corner of America. All 3 high school marching bands are there, all of the scout troops, each of the JROTC squads from the schools, each of the rescue squads and fire departments, a set of Clydedale horses, bagpipers, a Confederate Army group, and a host of other patriotic groups.

We haven't been to the parade in a couple of years, but Leah was asking when we would go again. It is a beautiful fall day, so we went. Sometimes it is bitterly cold and not so pleasant! The kids have a great time...

My brother was coming into town and joined in the parade at the last minute with his Humvee. He cracks me up :)

Leah and Granni hanging out on the sidewalk waiting for it to start. The whole parade lasted more than an hour.

Where did she go????

Despite looking extremely bundled up, it really wasn't that cold. We were just very prepared!

Thank you to all those who have served...including my dad, brother and husband...

Happy Veteran's Day!

Halloween

It is finally cold enough to get the wood stove going. I was so excited to start a fire this morning...and it feels soooo good to have that warm heat radiating in the bones. Elsa has officially claimed her spot for the next 5 months. She literally did not move from this spot the entire morning.

The kids had a packed weekend. The kids started it all of for me on Thursday by all making changes to their costumes. Leah was originally going to be a giraffe and Bay the Transformer character, Bumblebee. As you can see, they changed their minds. Leah has a ton of costumes and dress up clothes, so her change of mind was easy. Bay's was a bit more involved, but I was able to use a pattern from another costume to create the basic yellow suit and improvised for the rest. He did get his head shaved for the bald effect. He wanted it TOTALLY shaved, but we just couldn't bring ourselves to do that!
In case you can't figure it out,
Eric is Billy the Mechanic
Bay is Ang, the last Airbender (from this show which our family loves!)
Leah is Tiger Lily (from Peter Pan)


Quick visit with Granni

Dennis thought up our costume this year.

We're M&M's. I am plain and he's with nuts.

We went to a birthday party for our friend, Sam. He was born on Halloween 3 years ago, so he will alway get to enjoy quite a Halloween party! Naturally, everyone dressed up. The kids painted pumpkins, had a pumpkin hunt, and ate scary food :)

On Sunday, we went to a festival at the church we have been attending. The kids had a great time. Eric helped out with the fire-pit and cooking hot dogs for the younger children. Bay and Leah enjoyed themselves playing games for candy and prizes. They had trunk-or-treating and bounce houses.

The only thing we forgot to do this year.....carve our pumpkins!!!! Guess we'll do it after the fact!

Hand Tantalizer

Leah got some of this in a goody bag. She calls it hand tantalizer. It cracks me up.

"Mom, can I use some of my hand tantalizer? It smells good. "