Hunter's fabulous weekend

Terry came home Thursday with a surprise for Hunter. He picked up a little 1 person tent for Hunter to use for camping. Of course it immediately went up and Hunter has slept in it every night since he got it. One night he even spent the night outside in the tent; however, we only let him do this on the weekend. Otherwise, he just sets the tent up in his bedroom.

Hunter camping outside

This Friday, Hunter did not have tutorial due to Fall Break. Instead, he got to hang out with his Dad and work. Any time he gets with his Dad is fun! We also had a special surprise this weekend - some of our friends from California were in town. Hunter went to school with Andreas and Sophia for K and 1st grade. He was so happy to be reunited with them - it was like they just saw each other yesterday. Friday night we met them out for dinner and Saturday we went to the Hickory Gap Natural Farm to pick out pumpkins.

Andreas, Sophia and Hunter on the bike at the farm

Hunter, Sophia and Andreas on the tire swing.

Hunter hanging with the chicks

After we finished at the farm, we went to a local restaurant for some lunch before the Vlahos family hit the road. Hunter rode in the car with the Vlahos family which brought back fond memories of the days he used to car pool with them. It is amazing how much they have grown.

It was especially sweet to see Andreas' and Sophia's brother and sister, Matthew and Julia, give Hunter a hug goodbye. Hunter last saw them when they were around 2 years old.

Hugs goodbye!

We so look forward to seeing the Vlahos family again soon. Great friends!!

This week Hunter has a lot to look forward to. (you shouldn't end a sentence with a preposition). Anyway, tomorrow we get together with some local homeschool kids to start filling boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Tuesday he has his rock climbing class. Wednesday our good friend Mike Ashley is in town, so we get to have dinner with him. Thursday is Boy Scouts. Friday is tutorial which he loves and then Saturday we all go camping at the Daniel Boone BSA campground. So looking forward to the freezing temperatures!! Hunter's sleeping bag is good to 15 degrees, Terry's is good to probably below zero and mine is good to 40 degrees. I'm crawling in Terry's sleeping bag!

Hunter bouldering at class

Chimpanzees of the Mighty Jungle

Hunter worked throughout last week preparing for this presentation on chimpanzees for his science class at this tutorial. He gave his presentation last Friday with the below poster board or info, a packet of chimpanzee handouts with activities for the students and fruit snacks (it was the only thing we could find that resembled chimpanzee food). He did a great job with his presentation. Below is a photo of him practicing his speech. He had a lot of fun putting everything together.

Last weekend we spent Friday night in the city. After going out for some Japanese food, we met up with one of Terry's friends who played his guitar at an open mic night at a local coffee shop. Hunter just had to stop for the below picture. On Sunday after church we rafted the French Broad. Hunter was able to guide our raft for small intervals of time. Amazing to see him controlling a raft holding four adults.

Hunter taking on Kayak lessons

Last night Hunter was able practice learning to do a roll
and also his wet exit
He did a great job! You can click on the links to watch video of him doing each.

The move is now behind us!!!

 We made the move to Asheville and are getting settled in. Hunter just finished his third week of tutorial classes and is really enjoying his Science, Reading, Art and World Culture classes. He is doing and amazing job! We were so excited to find a bee display at the WNC Fair in Asheville today. Hunter really enjoyed watching the queen bee. It was especially exciting for him because he just finished studying about bees and other bugs in Science. In fact Monday is his chapter test.

 Hunter also had a chance to do a woodworking project at the Fair. He made a bottle topper. It was so much fun for him.

Hunter with his ancient African food

 This year for history we are doing World History. We recently studied ancient Africa. Our history curriculum gave us several ancient African recipes. So we made Papaya stir fried rice and fired plantains. The fried plantains were a hit, but he did not enjoy the rice as much. I thought is was pretty good.

We were so happy to have Ben, Jack and Sarah come and visit with us over Labor Day weekend. We had a great time and they were very gracious about the house not being quite "normal". It was only our second day at the house when they came. It was an absolute blessing to have them here. The guys went rafting. Sarah and I went and had a pedicure. We also enjoyed a great Indian meal downtown Asheville and enjoyed a street festival they were having down there before they had to head back to Nashville. It was nice to be able to build memories with friends so soon after moving in. I know Hunter especially liked it.!!

Hunter's first day of tutorial

Of course he had a BLAST and made a TON of new friends....but did he LEARN anything? LOL We gave him some grace for his first day of tutorial - plenty of learning to be done this year. There are a lot of boys in his class so he stays very busy visiting and discussing Minecraft. Terry and I are so happy he enjoys his time here. His favorite class today was art, but he also enjoyed science, reading and world cultures.

After a 1 1/2 weeks of fighting mono, Hunter seems to be on the mend right now. We lost a couple 1/2 days of school - but I think we are on track for full days from now on. His tutorial starts this Friday in Asheville, NC - he is very excited. Our move date is scheduled for Aug. 28th. We should be in our new place by the 30th or 31st.

First Day of School - 5th Grade!!!

We officially started 5th grade today!!!  Hunter is very excited as we are working with several new curriculum this year. Hunter's subjects include: math, world history, spelling, logic, grammar, writing, Mandarin, bible and computer programming. He will be taking science, reading, world cultures and art at a co-op in Asheville once we get moved down.