Cotton,cotton & more cotton

The kids and I were driving home from a homeschooling field trip when we came across several cotton fields! Of course we pulled over to inspect and admire this awesome sight! It's unbelievable to see how we get our cotton! There are literal cotton balls at the end of the stem - just like the ones we use to remove our polish. We were in awe as you can image being the desert rats that we are. :) I suppose the southerners would feel the same if they laid their eyes on a saguaro cactus for the first time!

Awesome sight!

"THE REST OF THE SUMMER..." You might wonder why I'm posting summer pictures in Oct? Well, up until a week ago it still felt like summer! We returned from our five week trip, and the rest of our summer flew by. The kids enjoyed some free time, and I got ready for the new school year - ordering curriculum, working on schedules, organizing, etc. Anyhow, here are a few pictures of "The rest of the summer..."

In Sept., Max had a conference in Tampa, and the kids and I got to tag along. We were blessed with a free pass to to Epcot. (Thanks again, Mark & Angela!) We also spent a day at Busch Gardens where the kids got to ride their favorite roller coaster...over, and over, and over again! (Just 'one' of the perks of homeschooling, going to an amusement park when all the tourist go home!) :) It was a little warm, so the water rides were taken advantage of. Two years ago, we gave the kids a trip to Disney World for Christmas, but Payton wasn't tall enough for all the BIG rides. This trip they they could ride everything together! :)

Give kids water, sand, and an occasional snack, and they are content for hours. They were such troopers when we dragged them from museum to museum in Germany. So, it's their turn to enjoy this assignment.  The water is warm enough for even a wimp like me. Unfortunately, the warm water is what attracts the hurricanes. We are almost out of the woods for this season. Whew!)

A friend from work was patient enough to give my guys some sailing lessons. 

 When we first arrived in Florida we rented some kiaks, it was a lot of fun... until the wind picked up, and we had to row our little selves back to shore. I thought my arms were going to fall off, and float away. It was brutal! That was the day I hung up my paddles, and fell in love with "motors!" :) My family is much tougher than me.

Summer in the Southwest

Here are just a few hi-lights of trip. It was wonderful to see family and friends. We pray you all have a blessed summer! Sky City, the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America, the mesa-top village. It is located 13 miles from my home town. ( Don't mistake St. Augustine, the nation's oldest "city"is here in Fl.) Having a goofy time with cousins! Lady and Payton - she adores horses! Before we left on our trip we celebrated Landon's 13 birthday. It's hard to believe.  We gave Landon some challenges (The Maxwell Challenge) when he turned 13 i.e. spiritual, physical, academic, and life skill goals. 

The three prisoners with Alcatraz in the back ground! :) The Golden Gate Bridge and us too!

Landon having a drink at the falls in Yosemite.  (Having a little photography fun!) Payton adding to the beautiful view. We are little people next to this tree......