Day 4,529

The 2023 Summer Handy Fair

Happy Handy Fair Day!

This year, the Conley Cottage Cafe was quite the hit with its new menu. The most adorable foursome sold their homemade “Snacklaces,” their beautiful Twirling Ribbons, and a fan favorite: the Ice Italian Sodas!

They had a great day of sales, a great day of learning, a great day of shopping, and an especially tasty afternoon of sweet treats, while surrounded by their homeschool friends at our Living Learning Library. We are so thankful for this special opportunity to learn in such a wholesome and fun environment!

Immediately upon returning home, they kids put all their Handy Fair items away and went outside to hang up the picnic table squirrel feeder that we bought for SEVEN DOLLARS(!) at the fair! Oh, what fun!!



And to top off an already-special day, we went swimming with some friends from Taekwondo. These summer days, we’re taking it allllll in!

Day 4,528

The Campers and Preppers

Drop Baby Sissy off at Camp time!

This big girl got to go to CBC Summer Camp all week all by herself and what a special treat it was!

And once the switch at noon happened, this big girl then got three hours all to herself with Mama and Daddy! Talk about special!

While they were gone, Molly and I finished up some crafting items for our bi-annual Handy fair. This year, Molly wanted to sell twirling ribbons, so here she is taping the stick with pretty washi tape!

All while the big kids spent three hours at their own CBC camp!

:)

When everyone was finally home, we finished up with helping Bearett make his “snacklaces” for the Handy Fair. Any chance for Bearett to interact with treats is definitely his thing. 



And finally, a small preparation and example of what Amelia and Ella Mae chose to sell at the Handy Fair: Italian Sodas!

Day 4,509

The Extra Farm Hands

“Dad! I wanna try! Dad! This is hard!”

Honey from our bees!

“Dad, this is GOOD!!”

“Dad, we just can’t wait to live here.”

Day 4,506

The Kindergarten Mountain Graduation

We slept in. 

Worked out. 

And met Auntie Kim for breakfast!

Where she—unbeknownst to any of us—decided to totally spoil these extra-surprised little children!! It was SUCH a joy to see her again and for the babes to get to love on her too. She’s sure a treasure :) THANK YOU AUNTIE KIM for your thoughtfulness and intentional care! 

We can’t wait to see y’all again! 

:)

AND THEN: KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION ON THE TOP OF A MOUNTAIN!!

Our sweet little Ella Mae completed all her kindergarten work and asked if for her graduation, she could celebrate on the top of a mountain. Uhm, YES. 

And so, to the top we went to celebrate our girl’s massive achievement in graduating kindergarten! Ella Mae, you had such a lovely, fun-filled, exciting first year of school and we are SO proud of how diligent you were in your work, in your effort, and in your attention. We can’t wait to continue through the years of school with you, as you learn all that God has for you. What a joy it is to watch you grow, Lady Kate!

We love you, 1st Grader!!!

She quickly changed, and 20 minutes later, we were halfway down the mountain, standing at the bottom of a GIGANTIC natural rock slide!

Wanna try?! 



Yes?! 

LET’S GO!













It was absolutely freezing but TOTALLY awesome!

Oh, what a day!

Day 4,504

The Pigeon Forge Explorers

Morning exploration. 

Tournament champions!

Bleacher buds. 

Cabin dwelling. 

Afternoon exploration. 

Pool duel. 

Mountain rollercoaster!!

Best ride ever!!

Mama, Baby. 



Bible study buddies.