Birthday!!!! And other things

We had a very busy week this week! It started out on Saturday at the Dutch Fair at church. This is a large rummage sale, plant sale, craft fair, kid games and silent auction among other activities. Brian helped cook a chicken and biscuit dinner which Maddie and I helped to serve. Maddie did a great job for her first time out! I was so proud of her and it was fun to hear our "customers" tell me how much they enjoyed her. So many of the older people said "I just love your daughter. She really talked to me and so many kids don't do that these days.". Once they told me that I was quick to point out that we homeschool and let them know I thought "talking to them" was a direct result of that. It left many people with a little something to think about I think. Brian did an excellent job of course! The dinner was yummy. We were also happy to help because $10,000.00 of the money raised went to flood relief. It added an extra special feel to the day for everyone involved. On Sunday we had Mamaws, Poppas and Aunts over to celebrate Maddie's 8th birthday. We had Maddie's special request of hot dogs, kraft macaroni and cheese and a salad bar. Lots of fun was had by everyone and the birthday girl enjoyed it all.

We tried, well ok, I tried to get some schoolwork in but it just didn't happen this week. Maddie's birthday was on her mind and getting her to calm down and concentrate wasn't easy. We did do some and one thing was an attempt at another Chemistry experiment. Often people ask me how day care and homeschool work together. Here is an excellent example! Maddie, as you can see, is working hard!

with toddler breakfast going on at the other end of the table. "Whats ya doin' Maddie?"

We were trying to see how minerals make "hard water" but our ground up chalk didn't work. I had to give in and buy a giant box of plaster of paris for 1/4 tsp. If you need to repair a wall, give me a call!

On Thursday we had the day off for Maddie's real birthday. We went apple picking which involved a lot of dodging mosquitos! The apples are huge and yummy this year though and there are still a lot on the trees despite Hurricane Irene.

After lunch we went to see The Lion King in 3D which was really good and have dinner at Maddie's favorite resturant, Ruby Tuedays. Today we are baking cupcakes and getting crafts ready for tonight's party with a couple of her best buds. Hopefully we can get some schoolwork in today....