My brother Justin has been e-coaching me with some photo tips. So I had a little fun with the "Back to Studies" photos this morning! How could I not post this one to the blog?

I love these sweet kidlets. Their sweet little spirits just shine from this photo, I love it.

Everything is a celebration around here. Especially getting back into the swing of studies, when we have been more relaxed about our learning over the summer. So today wasn't really "Back to School". I kind of wanted to call it "Back to the Books" but K pointed out that she had never really left the books. So I guess I labeled today as "Back to Studies". Although I also could have called it "Back to portfolio keeping" or some other random title.

Really what today was, was a celebration of us getting back into our learning rhythm. We reviewed what we'd done over the summer, and took a look at our next unit study- get ready for it- Ancient Rome!

Yes, Ancient Egypt was so much fun, we thought we would give Rome a chance! Plus also, we get to read Asterix comics and call it school. : ) And wear togas!

Rob finished work on the observation hive he has been wanting to make all summer! The idea is that it is a hive of bees with a clear side, to allow a good look into a hive. Rob put bees into it, and so far they are doing well! It will live in Rob's office in the house, with access to the outside world through a small tube.

It's so much fun already, I am not sure if I can let it stay in Rob's office, I will want a better daily view!

My cousin Ben (from Australia) has been visiting all week, it's been so much fun. He is taking an opportunity in his life to travel, and is having a lot of fun doing it!

He has been studying in San Diego this year, and during summer break, has been making a trek across the USA in this awesome Dodge Caravan Camper! He has had such a variety of experiences, and been such a variety of places, it's been really inspiring to me to chat with him, and to think about how I can create an adventure like this for our family!

There is something magic about the camper, it's so much fun! Ben bought it from a retired rocket scientist who fitted it out with storage, a mini-fridge, stove and water sink, and pop-up bedroom up top! It has a lot of miles on it, but because of it's age, it's simple and inexpensive to fix. It's not huge like some RVs, so it gets good gas mileage. Wow. And the kids thought it was like a big playroom, when Ben let them play in it!

We had such a great week showing Ben around, the kiddos adored him, and we got to spend some time just hanging out too, which was great. Thanks Ben for such a fun visit!