Mock Trial

 Along with all our other activities this month, it also brought the culmination of a mock trial class Nathan and Samuel participated in this year at co-op. 

Since Spring Break, they've been working diligently to prepare for their trial. There were two trials that day. Samuel was bailiff in the morning trial. He escorted in the jury and swore in all the witnesses.

He looked so handsome! He usually doesn't like to be the center of attention, but he did great saying all his lines and executing his responsibilities. 

Such a wonderful group of kids. They all prepared and performed so well! It's a joy to do life with each of them. 

Nathan's turn came that afternoon. He was a defense attorney alongside his best friend, Daniel. Those two worked so hard preparing and strategizing. 

These book worms brought their books to read before their brothers' trial started. 

And these supportive sisters were excited to watch the action. 

Nathan's assignment for the trial was delivering the opening statement and cross examining the plaintiff's witnesses. 

I thought he did an excellent job with his opening statement. I've seen such improvement in his writing skills this year. 

He had to think on his feet during the cross examination. He made some great points and was able to poke holes in the witnesses' testimonies. 

At the end of the day, the jury decided 5-4 in favor of the plaintiff. Nathan was definitely bummed, but it was such a tough case to defend! I considered a 5-4 split to be a victory for the defense. By the end of the night, he had recovered and was talking about how fun it was and how he can't wait to do it again in high school.

I was so proud of both of the boys and thankful for such an enriching education they are receiving. They learned so much about government and the judicial system this year as well as improving critical thinking skills, debate, public speaking and teamwork. Well done to all 22 students! 

I left the courthouse that afternoon with a heart full of gratitude for each family those 22 students represented and the joy we have to learn and do hard things together!

FlightSafety Awards Ceremony

 Earlier this year, Matt was notified that he had been selected to receive an Extraordinary Leadership Award through FlightSaftey. Along with a cash award, he was also invited to attend an awards ceremony in Columbus, and bonus, I got to join him! We spent two days feeling pampered and spoiled. It was wonderful.

We flew into Columbus Tuesday morning, grabbed some lunch and checked out our hotel. 

We had some time to explore the area around the hotel which included lots of shopping. We walked around for a few hours and played a game before the festivities officially began that evening. 

That evening we had dinner with all the award winners and some game show entertainment. It was a really fun evening getting to know other employees. 

After the entertainment, we walked back to the hotel for ice cream! They fed us well while we were at the event. Matt will never turn down icecream. 

After breakfast on Wednesday, Matt had a couple of meetings to attend, so I took advantage of a quiet hotel room and read a book. It was perfect!

That afternoon we toured a FlightSafety Learning Center in Columbus, and then spent some time exploring some gardens in Columbus. 

The indoor conservatory butterfly exhibit was the stand out of the afternoon. 

The blown glass decor added to the beauty. 

We also walked through a bonsai exhibit. 

When we returned to our hotel, we were greeted with some treats. 

That evening we enjoyed the Awards Banquet. It was a really special night. FlightSafety did an incredible job honoring all the award winners. 

So proud of my man! He excels at his job through his diligence, integrity, servant heart, and desire to achieve the highest potential he can. His hard work allows me the privilege to be home full time with the kids giving them an enriching, home education and a sweet, experience filled childhood. What a gift!

Gosh, I love doing life with him!

We flew back to Tulsa and our crazy kids after breakfast on Thursday after a special time away. 

April Happenings

 

We've had a busy and fun April. Earlier this year, Elisabeth and I joined a Keepers of the Faith Group with some co-op friends. At one of the meetings, she created a stained-glass art. It turned out really great!

Our Thursday co-op has been winding down and full of special end of the year activities. These two girls have bonded this year. Liana is the sweetest role model for Katherine. They've been practicing soccer together a lot this Spring. 

Since the elementary science class studied land animals this year, they brought in some exotic animals for one of their classes. 

Also in April we celebrated Brooke's milestone birthday with dinner, cake, games and the best fellowship. Amazingly, we were both free for her birthday weekend, and we made the most of it. I love that friend of mine! I can't believe we've been friends for 19 years!

Sweet Honey has been keeping us laughing (and frustrated with her constant chewing at times). She likes to hang out on the brick by our fireplace hiding next to the curtain. 

Of course we had to have a science lesson about the solar eclipse in April. The kids (except Nathan) drew a picture of it, and we watched a couple of videos about it. 

Our friends came over to watch it together. 

I can't wait for a reunion in 20 years for the next one! That's crazy to think about!

We also celebrated with eclipse treats from Sonic. 

Katherine has been attached to the stuffed teddy bear Matt bought for me back when we were dating in college. She sleeps with it every night. 

Nathan and I went on a field trip to a Jewish Art Museum this month. It was sobering and educational. This piece of art was my favorite. I thought it was very well done and told such a poignant story. 

Our museum tour guide shared so much information about Jewish history and traditions. 

Samuel and Elisabeth presented animal reports for their final projects in science. They both created clay models of their animals and presented on them in class. 

Elisabeth researched sloths since we're going to visit them next month on our cruise. Instead of making a poster like her brother, she wanted a costume!

April also included a field trip to the Tulsa Botanical Gardens. I took way too few pictures, but these Lego bunnies were adorable. 

I attended a ladies' retreat at church in April also. Again, I didn't take enough pictures- only to poke fun at the amount of cups, women need for an all day retreat :)

We also celebrated Elise's baptism this month. It was a joy to share in her  and her family's joy. 

Even though this is such a busy time of year, I wouldn't trade any of it!