Sick Day

This one's not feeling well today.  Tummy troubles.  Rest is the best medicine!

Ashe County Homeschooler's Science Fair

 Today we got to participate in the second annual Ashe County Homeschooler's Science Fair.  The girls were so excited when we found out about it a few weeks ago.  They decided to sit down with our Astronomy book that we've been doing this year and look through the experiments.  They settled on "clouds."  Their question was "How do clouds form?"  The only requirement was that we use the Scientific Method.  It brought back quite a few memories...

 Here they are in front of their project before the judging.  There were different categories based on grade level and a special category called the "Family Division."  Evie and MF were in that one since they did theirs together.  In their category they placed... 

 SECOND!!!

They were so excited and proud.  So are their daddy and mommy!

During the Science Fair there were 3 different Park Rangers doing experiments and demonstrations.  After the awards ceremony, a gentleman from Virginia set up his animals from his exotic animal rescue business.  Here's what greeted us...

 Yep.  Ball Python around the neck.  Good for him.

 We saw parrots,

 an Albino King Snake (left), another Ball Python (right),

 and a Burmese Python.

 We also were able to pet a hedgehog whom we called "Mrs. Tiggy Winkle" (from Beatrix Potter).

 Chinchillas made a visit as well as...

 ...an Angora rabbit.

Then, we saw something quite incredible...

 ...Burmese Python out of its cage.  See where his right hand is?  That lump would be the half of a rabbit it ate earlier.  Nice. 

 The big snake wanted down, so down it went.  See Mary Fran in the background?

 Evie decided she wanted to pet it.  Mary Fran was thinking about it and...

...down she went.  She was petting it without any suggestion from me.  That's my little MF!  Oh, and they are actually petting two animals right there.  That's the lump I mentioned earlier.  They're petting a snake AND a rabbit. :)

A little close up shot for posterity's sake.

We had a WONDERFUL time at the Science Fair and the girls are already talking about what they want to do next year.  I was very impressed with the Ashe County Homeschooler's Association and all the effort that was put into the Science Fair.  Thanks, Vicki Randolph, and all the others for your hard work and coordination!  We are looking forward to doing a lot more with you!

The Puppies Have a Home!

Last Monday the puppies came home with us.  We have the smallest two of the six, Birdie and Rosie.  We are having a wonderful time with them and the girls are really taking on their responsibilities as "mommies."  Here is a video of them their first morning here.

Don't know if you can hear it but Rosie is snoring.  Must be the incredible massage Mary Fran is giving her.  Wonder if she'd do that to me...