Bike Ride

Glad that we made it to the meet-up with another homeschool group in Elk Grove Park. The bike park is totally built by volunteers (mostly bikers, I assume); it is really neat although still work in progress.

When we got there, surprise--Daniel's bike had a flat tire! Besides, I forgot the boys' helmets. I had to drive back home to get the helmet, and two boys graciously lent their bikes to Daniel. While the kids were having a very good time riding bikes and climbing trees, I gladly chatted with homeschooling moms there.

Christmas Memories

Pictures from last Christmas.
Our homeschool group had a Christmas tea party for the children. It was fun and the food was mouth-watering.
I shot some last minute Christmas pictures for my boys. Unfortunately we didn't have time to do a family one.
During Christmas break, our family entertained a good friend of mine from college and his son. Coming from Jinan, China, where I used to live, he is doing an one-year fellowship study at a hospital in Huston. He and his 8 year old son Peter stayed with us for about a week. We took them to old town Sacramento, Friary Tale Town, Sacramento Zoo, and Nimbus Fish Hatchery.
Among all my friends in China, he is the first and the only one (so far) who has come to our home. Being the incapable homemaker, I'm not the cut for a good hostess either. But I did my best, and luckily my friend has always been very laid back. I was glad that we had time to talk about not only the old times and old friends but life and God also. He used to write poems and was interested in philosophy, but does not believe in God.

Nature Bowl 2013 Semifinal

Nature Bowl 2013, sponsored by Department of Fish and Game. Daniel is part of the SCOPE team competing in one of the semifinals on April 10, 2013 at Nimbus Fish Hatchery. Their team did very well on Bell Ringer and Environmental Commercial. Overall, they got the 2nd place among the 8 participating schools.

Before the competition.

Getting ready for Team Problems and Bell Ringer.

"What do you think?" Working on a Team Problem.

James got bored watching the competition, snuggling with "salmon eggs".

Taking a break.  They met a friend from church who was on another team.

The 3rd and 4th grader SCOPE team with coach Mrs. Fenner.

Award Ceremony.  

Homeschool Project Fair

The whole week before the SCOPE Project Fair, Daniel did not do any regular school work but worked on his project. It's his first time participating. Because he is in 4th grade, he has to do written work besides an exhibit (a display board). He did most of the work, including reading a book, researching on the internet, drafting the written report, and designing the display board. I was his secretary, helping him with editing, formatting,  purchasing materials, and putting the pieces together for the board. While it was busy and fun working on the project, seeing all the wonderful works done by these homeschooled children at the Project Fair is truly inspiring and encouraging.

Here are a few selected favorites.

Attracting Pollinators. By Daniel, 4th grader. He got a blue ribbon!

He picked a few wooden accents and drew a diagram of the inside of a flower.

Art: A Reflection of Western Philosophy. One of my favorite at the fair. Very well researched. Beautifully laid out. Pleasing to the eyes and a delight to the soul. Done by a highschooler.

Hunting with Dogs. This is James' favorite. With lots of interesting objects on display, such as animal skins, horns, feathers, and skulls, and bullet shells, etc.

All About the Yo-Yo. By Nolan, a friend of Daniel and James. He had a video showing himself demonstrating some cool Yo-Yo tricks.

Some of the fine art entries.

Human Anatomy: Medical Illustration. Both Daniel and James liked it. 

American River Ecology. Another favorite of mine. A group project by eight highschoolers. Very comprehensive and intriguing! It came out of their high school biology co-op class and was based on three field trips to the American River.

Wild Edible Plants Sacramento Region. A unique collection of wild edible plants.