Claire continues on with her study of the book "A Pair of Red Clogs" this week. Mostly, her books take a week to go through, but this one has so much and we are still having fun, so we are taking our time. The story is about a little girl in Japan who gets a new pair of wooden, red clogs but cracks them playing the weather-telling game. She goes on to try and deceive her mother into buying her a new pair, but then realizes that would be wrong. Lots of lessons here! When we are finished we will have studied Japan, weather, weather forecasting, honesty, warm colors, various artistic choices, and origami to name a few. Anyway. Today Larry was home because of the rain, so I handed the kids' schooling to him. Their assignment was to make a pair of clogs just like those in the story. Sam learned how to make the pattern, measure and saw the wood, sand the clogs, and measure and place screws in the right places. Claire helped by painting, sanding, and telling the guys all about the book.
Sanding
Painting
Measuring the ribbon
Using the screwdriver
Sam's turn
Ta-Da! A pair of her own!
She promptly stepped on Daddy's toes. hee hee
Fun times with Daddy!
Sometimes we need a day away from the books to learn real-life, hands-on skills. I was reminded through something I read today of how thankful I am to God that we have the FREEDOM in this country to be able to educate our children in the way we feel called to do.
We spent a beautiful Fall day at a pumpkin patch and apple orchard yesterday.
Claire tried to talk me into this giant pumpkin to carve. I didn't think Larry would appreciate that much.
Flower Sisters
Sam loving the corn
Claire jumping in
Kate tossing it!
The corn was fun to play in, obviously.
Kate cut out on the group picture. She had apples to collect.
Apple Inspector
Claire was gettin' down during a cheer.
Huddled for part of the dance routine
Receiving her Homecoming rose.
There is something very telling about this photo...the differences between boys and girls. Notice the girls blissfully smelling their roses as the boys reluctantly yet dutifully stand in their places. Get used to it girls!
She didn't win Homecoming Queen. But she should have. Not bitter. Ha! It was actually only a name drawn out of a hat, and she didn't care one bit. She even quickly gave her rose away to Lauren, so apparently not a sentimental moment here!
We finished our study of Japan today with Claire dressing up in a kimono that had been her Great-Grandmother's, chopsticks in her hair that are her Granny's, home-made clogs, and holding a Japanese doll bought in Japan by Grandaddy for Aunt Rhonda when she was little. Fun!
Sanding
Painting
Measuring the ribbon
Using the screwdriver
Sam's turn
Ta-Da! A pair of her own!
She promptly stepped on Daddy's toes. hee hee
Fun times with Daddy!
Kate has been working on some new teeth. Can you see the little toothies poking through? She also has new ones on top. 
Current favorite word: CUP
Claire had to pose on the dog at the Asian restaurant
The kids enjoyed the show.
Well, maybe "enjoyed" is not the right word for Kate. Intrigued, but cautious describes her.
Eating with chopsticks!
Sam gave it a try too.
And the road trip begins! Chowing down on Tootsie Rolls before we even reach Murfreesboro. 
1st night out. The twins are headed to check out Disney.
They were in awe of the castle and show going on in front of it as we entered the park the first day.
About to watch fireworks over the castle!
The princesses had an appointment at Cinderella's Boutique.
A princess must pose, you know!