I'm a little late on this post, but better late than never. The weather was absolutely gorgeous for the boys' first day of school. Both Trent and Grant were VERY ready for the new school year to begin. Trent was also GREATLY looking forward to his new teacher, Mrs. Gregory....
Can you see why? Look at that grin on his face! Looks like the cat who got the canary! He even said, "Mom, Mrs. Gregory is young, blonde, fun and cute! Plus, she wears really cool glasses!" Okay then, that settle that!
Trent joined the Neubert Elementary Drama Club. Mrs. Gregory is in charge of it. Trent will be playing the role of "Tiny Tim" in the school production of "A Christmas Carol". Trent is also glad to finally be able to join the Neubert Choir. He has been waiting to join since Kindergarten!
Grant was ready to be back in school and with his friends in 2nd grade. His teacher is Mrs. Burke. She has 25 years of experience and she is really great. Grant was very excited to learn that his seat was next to "Steven" and "Alyssa". For Grant, its all about the socializing!
Grant joined the Neubert Garden Club. They do lots of hands-on projects with nature related items as well as plant and do grounds work around the school yard. He loves to get dirty and help in the yard so this is right up his ally.
A week later, Brooke started the "Junior 5's Program" at St. Barnabas Christian PreSchool. Both boys went to pre-school there and had a great experience. She was very glad to go and really likes her teachers and new friends.
She does very well, even in spite of her vision deficit. Her teachers are amazed at what she CAN do. Her teachers have been very accomodating already. They labeled a set of markers and crayons with bold words so she can learn to read the colors. They also made a set of alphabet letters for her with hot glue and sand so she can trace the letters with her finger and feel them before she tries to write them. The teacher allows her to use markers instead of pencil on her papers because they are easier to see.
I am so thankful that all my children enjoy and look forward to school each day.
On Saturday, September 26 we went to Cherry Lane Farm in Marengo, IL. Our church family held their annual Fall Harvest Party at the farm this year. It is a beautiful place. The kids allowed me to snap a few photos before running off to play with their friends.
The farm is approximately 80 acres. Of course, we didn't explore the whole farm. The kids enjoyed the huge playground area. We toured the glass shop where one of the farm's owners makes beautiful fused glass creations. The "greenhouse room" is a warm, glass enclosure to sit and visit with friends. And perhaps the most unique building was the littlest of all: the bath house. It was decorated like a tiny antique guest room, complete with daybed and desk, not to mention the "necessities". 
We ate chili and desserts in the finished barn. After dark we gathered around the bon-fire to sing praises to our Lord and give testimonies of thanksgiving. We completed the evening by making smores over the fire. What a wonderful time we all had together!
