Ben and Parker, up a tree as usual.

At the creek.

Cool old stagecoach!

Inauguration party (not all of SMILe, just those of us who were celebrating!)

The moment we’d all been waiting for…

Impromptu microscopy.

Performance Club

The audience..

Kevan inspired some dancing.

How many kids can cram into this vw.. I mean, this poor coin-operated moving car?

First, from a get together at Carmen’s house to fly paper airplanes and, of course, play around.

And then a trip to Avila Valley Barn to pick out some pumpkins!

Our homeschool co-op activities:

Well, the plan was to build a tree house, but there was a lot more hanging around (in hammocks, on ropes and swings, and in trees) than there was building!  I don’t think anyone minded though.

The kids found this vertebrae piece somewhere.

These pictures didn’t come out great, but this was quite impressive; Scarlett climbed the rope and got into the tree from there!

This week we went to the beach.  There was boogie-boarding by the waterbugs (Kevan, Kira and Parker were out there for about three hours; Coleman and Ben for about 2 hours), singing and dancing by the amazing Nathaniel, clam digging by the talented clammer Scarlett, hole digging by the civil engineer Michael among others, kite flying, quite a few whole sand dollars found, and castle building (or at least mound building).

(See those dots?  Those are the boogie boarders, hehe).

Kimberly took some gorgeous shots yesterday!  Here are my favorites:

It was time to hit the waves again before the beautiful late summer weather leaves us!  Today we were at Avila Beach.

The inflatable boat was a hit!  The highlight seemed to be getting flipped completely over by the waves, although being swept around like a roller coaster ride seemed like a close second!

At first I was kinda bummed that this picture came out dark.  Then I decided it was one of my favorites because it just seems to show pure, joyful boy energy.

Lots of boogie boarding going on as well!

The seals were plentiful and near by.

Of course Buddy was there to look out for us!!

Add your pictures if you have any!  It’s really easy, just let me know if you’re interested in posting some!