Homeschool Arts Festival

This Arts Festival was held at our church. Many of us participated. Rebekah did a dramatic reading of "Hungry Mungry" by Shel Silverstein. Sarah displayed two of her paintings: "Blazing Sunset," and "Quiet Garden". Hannah made the cakes for the reception (many were impressed with her culinary art...and it tasted good too!). Josiah dressed nicely and was a welcoming door man. And I planned the cookies and punch for the reception.

More Biltmore...the blacksmith, and house

Here are pictures of the blacksmith.



This was taken in front of the house itself. We were waiting for the shuttle to take us back to the parking area.
Sarah liked this long hallway in the winery.

More Biltmore...the petting farm

Sarah and Joshua especially had fun chasing the animals around..chickens...goats...sheep.

There was a lady there who played the violin for the goats, but they seemed more intent on eating her bow than listening to the music.

A visit to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville

We visited Asheville in February on a very nice day. I had never seen the petting farm, and my parents hadn't tried the winery, so we had a chance to do both. We also saw a blacksmith make a leaf key chain while we watched. It was interesting for the kids to see a craft from long ago that people can still do now. All in all, it was a fun, but long day.
These first pictures are from the winery.

Look! I finished Josiah's sweater (and even before it was too warm to wear it)! I was pleased the arms were the same length, and the seams, while they could be better, were not too bad. Josiah was so happy that he allowed me to take this picture.

Almost 20 years and Jazz

This year marks our 20th anniversary (although officially not until May). We decided to celebrate early with a trip to the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC and their Jazz Weekend. We enjoyed our 1 night stay and 2 concerts. We also took a day trip to the Biltmore Estate, and had a tour of the winery. We heard Manhattan Transfer singing some of their best and the John Pizzarelli quartet (very good too, although more mainstream jazz), and we heard a few songs from Joe Sample and his band before we had to get back to the kids. Happy Anniversary, baby! (a little early)

Hannah's 18th birthday trip

New York, New York what a wonderful town...
the Bronx is up...
and the Battery's down...
people ride in a hole in the ground...

A few days before Hannah turned 18, she and I flew to NY city to see Mary Poppins at the Amsterdam Theater (thank you Nye-nye and Bappu!). We viewed the city from atop the Empire State Building...walked all over...had a great Italian dinner at Allegria Restaurant...stayed at the Hyatt...rode the subway and visited H&H Bagel and Zabars (thank you Mrs. Pearson)...and just had fun as Mom and daughter.