Tyler State Park

We took a family outing to Tyler State Park today, with a few frousins in the mix.

It has always been a favorite spot for us, because I think that deep down we all really miss seeing pine cones..

Little Homesteads on the Prairie

In DeSmet South Dakota, Keira and I visited a few of the Ingall's homestead sites.

First up was Almanzo and Laura's first homestead. The structures are long gone, but the prairie grass remains.

Next up, we visited the Ingall's family homestead (before Laura got married). The structure is a recreation, but it was built on the same spot as the original. 

This was part of a bigger exhibit that included farm animals, prairie era structures, crafts, and a wagon ride.

Reflection

Katharine has been rocking the art class this summer.

Here is a great portrait sketch of Keira from a week ago.

Back from the Prairie

Keira and I returned from our prairie road trip (+ plane flight) yesterday, and had a great time.

Lots of pics to post- but here is Keira's favorite.

Making Ice Cream

I started making my own ice cream, because it is easy and fast and  a perfect thing to do on hot summer days. So far I have made dairy free chocolota ice cream, dairy free vanilla ice cream, regular dairy "filled" vanilla ice cream and mint chocolae chip ice cream with fresh mint.

 This is the dairy free vanilla ice cream with my home made triple berry buckle (oh yes, I have also been baking quite a lot of delicious summer berry dessert cakes).

 Infusing the cream and sugar with fresh mint.

 The finished product. It is amazing how much more refreshing the ice cream tastes when it is made with fresh mint!

Collgege Visit to the 40 Acres

Katharine and I drove down to Austin to vist University of Texas at Austin Wednesday last week. It is a very pretty campus with lots of old, old trees in a cool city, but for sure not at the top of Katharine's list for colleges to attend, however, we did learn a few cool things about the college of fine arts at UT Austin. Also, the sqirrels there are extremely curious and tame. This one came up to Katharine to sniff her shoes. We also found the other Bass performance hall.

Cooper Lake State Park

While Keira and Erik are exploring Minnesota stepping back in time to the pioneer days, I have been at home with the other four. Lukas and Lennon have been working on their general science lessons, Kassidy is reading her summer reading books of choice, and Katharine started her second week of teachinb ballet camp for 3-6 year olds in the mornings. Saturday we decided to go for a quick visit to Cooper Lake State Park which is pretty close by, with only a 90 minute drive from here. We left in the morning so we could be back home before the hottest part of the day. Lukas and Kassidy jumped in the lake for a bit as well. Katharine stayed at home to work on her art homework.

Saturday Sewing

Iria is working on a prairie style dress for Keira's trip, while Keira works on a new rag doll.

This has turned out to be a lot more complicated than originally imagined, but so far everybody is learning and moving forward.

Iria will finally be able to start her own fashion line now!

July 4th

As always, we went over to the Milettes to celebrate the holiday and Gwen's birthday.

As always, Lennon and I ducked out early to attend an FC Dallas game and see some fireworks.

Although (not) as always, I didn't take pictures at the game.

And then (almost) as always, Trinity and Gwen came home with us for late night gaming and a sleepover.

And as always, lots of fun was had.