H is for History - A to Z April Challenge

One of our favorite subjects for homeschooling is history. We have studied world-, American-, state-, and township/city history.

One thing we hadn't yet studied was the history of a nearby city in Minnesota named Forest Lake. When the settlers first arrived in Forest Lake, it was covered with timber, interspersed with marshes and hay meadows. It was one of the last townships in Washington County to be settled because it was 14 miles from the St. Croix River, and because much of the land was not easily farmed.

The north shore of Forest Lake was on the boundary line established by the U.S. government in 1825 to separate the warring Sioux (Dakota) to the south and Chippewa (Ojibwe) to the north. The area was used by both the Sioux and Chippewa for fishing, hunting, and gathering wild rice.

Olivia and Sophia near the northwest side of Forest Lake.

Close to here was the boundary line between the 

Sioux and Chippewa tribes.

Forest Lake Village began as a fuel stop for the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad, which opened in 1868 to Wyoming (Minnesota), and soon ran from St. Paul to Duluth as the Duluth & St. Paul Railroad (later the Northern Pacific). 

Railroad depot in Forest Lake.

Banking on railroad traffic to come to and through Forest Lake Village, Michael Marsh opened a store at Clear Lake in 1867. That building burned; so the following year Marsh started a resort hotel, post office, mercantile store, and boat landing on the northwest shore of Forest Lake.

A woman and children on their wagon 

near the railroad depot.

The Marsh House became a famous resort, entertaining guests from all over the world. Although Presidents McKinley and Cleveland were visitors, wealthy St. Paul people were the chief patrons.

In the 1880s, when the summer resort hotel was the most popular, it had room for 75 guests, who were provided with boats and fishing tackle. For ladies and non-fishermen, the hotel encouraged playing croquet or taking a ride on the small steamboat (the Germania) on the lake.

Before long, more hotels and rental cottages were built.

A resort that offered boats and canoes 

for use on Forest Lake.

Factories in the Twin Cities held their summer outings in Forest Lake. Two dance pavilions were in operation. In the center of town next to the lake were picnic grounds, a bandstand, a coaster ride, tennis courts, and a bathhouse that had bathing suits for rent.

Bathhouse that had bathing suits for rent.

By 1897 (seven years after our home was built), excursion trains ran daily from St. Paul.

Children playing in front of the 

Mary Davis Sunshine Lodge.

Established in 1903 on the site later occupied by City Hill, the Mary Davis Sunshine Lodge drew hundreds of economically-disadvantaged children from the Twin Cities every summer.

Sophia and Olivia are standing by Forest Lake's City Hall.

Over 100 years ago, the Mary Davis Sunshine Lodge was located here. 

Many lakeshore cottages were built between 1910 and 1930. Rustic cottage resorts and housekeeping cabins flourished in the 1930s and 1940s.

A summer cottage/home on Forest Lake.

In the early 1900s, there was a the farming community called "Garen" that was on Highway 61 south of Forest Lake at about 190th Street.

Although the community of Garen doesn't exist today,

we were curious to see where it once was located.

To the west of Highway 61, there is currently a farm and field.

The railroad built a switch line with cattle pens here so farmers could load their cattle into boxcars for shipment to St. Paul.

Cows in a pasture.

Garen also had a store and a school that doubled as the community center. The school had five grades: A, B, C, D, and E.

Looking to the east on 190th, there is a dirt road

with a few houses on each side. 

About a mile down on the left-hand side is another dirt road

that leads to a major organic dairy operation.

By 1969 the feel of the the town had changed. Interstate 35 was completed, connecting Forest Lake with the Twin Cities. This made commuting much faster; and Forest Lake became a bedroom community at that point. Many of the summer cottages were turned into year-round homes.

It was interesting for us to learn more about Forest Lake; see how it once looked in comparison to how it looks today; and to discover that there was a small town south of the city that no longer exists today. Perhaps learning about other nearby cities and towns would help us further appreciate and understand where we live.

Outdoor Hour Nature Challenge - Squirrels

This year we have been experiencing a rather long and snowy winter, so we have done many of our nature studies indoors or outdoors for a limited time. Needless to say, we are looking forward to spring.

For this week's Outdoor Hour Nature Challenge, we focused on squirrels. We read from the Handbook of Nature Study book as well as looked at the Handbook of Nature Study blog for ideas and information about squirrels. We also read a couple of new books this year about squirrels since we did a study about squirrels last year as well.

Last year the girls built a squirrel feeder and put ears of corn on it.

The squirrels enjoyed visiting it and eating the kernels of corn.

We talked about different squirrels that we have seen around our yard as well as unusual ones we have seen at different locations in Minnesota. The black and albino squirrels are ones that stand out as the most memorable ones.

Albino squirrel we saw at the 

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington.

This past summer we visited Lake Shetek State Park in southwestern Minnesota. There was an interpretive center there that had a variety of [dead/stuffed] animals on display that visitors could touch. One of the animals was a squirrel.

The girls and I took the squirrel and skunk displays outside and took a couple of pictures in a more natural setting. Sophia picked the squirrel to take pictures with while Olivia picked the skunk. 

They were having fun and joking around as they were putting the squirrel and skunk in different settings (e.g., on the grass, holding them, on the tree trunk). Those pictures are some of their favorite ones from the trip.

Sophia holding the squirrel that was on display at the

Lake Shekek State Park.

During the winter, we do see some squirrel activity - mostly squirrels trying to get some food from the bird feeders.

Squirrel eating a seed at one of the bird feeders.

We also see evidence under the pine trees that they have been eating.

Pine cones that have been eaten by squirrels.

We also see little squirrel tracks in the snow.

Squirrel tracks in the snow in the front yard.

Sophia and Olivia both wrote in their nature journal after we read the different books, talked about squirrels, and looked outside for evidence of squirrels.

Olivia's journal entry about squirrels.

Sophia also drew some images that tied into what she wrote about squirrels.

Sophia's nature journal entry about squirrels.

Embroidery Journal Project - September

For September's project for the Embroidery Journal Project, I created an embroidered quilt square that represents some highlights that happened during the month.

The shape this month is the outline of Minnesota. Early in the month, Sophia, Olivia, and I drove up to Itasca State Park in northwestern Minnesota to see where the Mississippi River begins. The girls were able to cross the Mississippi River headwaters...one of the highlights of the trip.

At the end of the month, we visited United Noodles in Minneapolis. It is an Asian grocery store that has a wide variety of items imported from many Asian countries. Since Sophia is studying the Eastern Hemisphere this year as part of the Sonlight curriculum, it was an interesting field trip. Both girls want to go back to United Noodles.

While we there, we saw a display of Lucky Cat statues in various sizes. According to Wikipedia, the Maneki-neko (literally "Beckoning Cat"; also is known as Welcoming Cat, Lucky Cat, Money Cat, or Fortune Cat) "is a common Japanese figurine (lucky charm, talisman), usually made of ceramic, which is believed to bring good luck to the owner.

"The figurine depicts a cat (traditionally a calico Japanese Bobtail) beckoning with an upright paw, and is usually displayed—many times at the entrance—in shops, restaurants, pachinko parlors, and other businesses."

During the middle of the month, we went to a local dairy farm that hosts a gathering each year for children. The girls were able to do some therapeutic horseback riding, go on a horse-drawn cart, visit the calves, see cows grazing in the pasture, and enjoy lunch. It was a nice afternoon.

The leaves have been changing throughout the month, and now are in brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow. My favorite trees in fall are maples - especially the ones that have leaves in rich, orange shades.

This is the ninth quilt square that I have made this year...three more to go until I can begin making a quilt. The embroidered squares will be combined with plain or patterned fabric squares to make it a full-size quilt.

This, by far, is one of the longer-running projects I've undertaken. By the time I the quilt it is completed, it will be reflection of a year filled with many transitions. Seeing the images in the quilt will provide comfort and trigger good memories, despite the grief and loss that occurred at the beginning of the year with the loss of my Dad.

Homeschool Mother's Journal - September 13th

In my life this past week...

I continued working on the 100 Days to a Better Me challenge. Before Labor Day, it was a bit easier since homeschooling and the girls' activities had not all started yet. Now, it's a bit more difficult to do everything I hoped to do.

In our homeschool this week... 

We came back from a trip to Lake Itasca where the Mississippi River begins. Sophia and Olivia saw another part of Minnesota where they had not been before.

Olivia jumping from stone to stone 

at the Mississippi Headwaters. 

Underneath the rocks is a dam which separates 

Lake Itasca from the start of the Mississippi River.

The girls began taking classes again at the homeschool co-op (both take piano lessons and ceramics; Sophia also takes cooking; and Olivia takes art fundamentals). We began doing all the subjects and activities that I had planned starting this past Tuesday - during the second week of September.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share.

If possible, start homeschooling a few weeks ahead of time by gradually introducing some subjects and activities. By the first day of the homeschool year, the transition back from summer to fall isn't as overwhelming.

I am inspired by…

The beauty of nature - especially as the colors of the leaves are changing.

One of the many flowers at a rose/flower garden

in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

It was one of the stops we made on the way to Lake Itasca.

(Taken on September 4, 2012.)

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

We are excited to see friends visiting from Massachusetts. Last year, Sophia, Olivia, and I visited them and we had a great dinner together in Boston. This year, we are going out to eat and then spend time at the farm. The girls already know what card and board games they want to play.

My favorite thing this week was…

By far, the favorite thing we did this week was spend time at Lake Itasca, and then see two of the largest lakes in Minnesota (we saw the largest lake in Minnesota earlier in the trip).

Sophia and Olivia by Leech Lake -

the second largest lake in Minnesota.

(Taken on September 6, 2012.)

What’s working/not working for us…

The Sonlight curriculum that we're using this year has been wonderful. It's nice to have the schedule of books to read and activities to do for the history/geography of the Eastern Hemisphere.

This year is the first year both girls are using A Reason for Spelling. Although spelling is not the girls' favorite subjects, the way this curriculum is presented is engaging and fun for the girls.

Things I’m working on…

I'm continuing to work on organizing and simplifying my home. This has been a year-long goal, with small projects each month through 3 in 30. I've set a goal for the next 100 days to de-clutter one area in the home each day for 15 minutes (105 minutes per week). This is going very well.

I’m reading…

Buddhism - Explore the Teachings and Traditions of this Ancient Religion. It's actually geared for children (it's a DK Eyewitness Book), and one of the books that Sophia will be looking at and reading for the Eastern Hemisphere lessons/activities she's doing.

I don't know that much about Buddhism, so I thought I'd better read at least one book so I'm familiar with the history and beliefs of the religion about which she needs to learn.

I’m cooking…

A variety of healthy food. We're eating a lot more fresh vegetables and fruits since the beginning of the month. Pinterest has been a great resource for finding new recipes and ideas. I put links to what I've made recently here.

Fresh fruit with yogurt and granola in 

wonton cups.

(Taken on September 11, 2012.)

I’m grateful for…

Cooler weather and being able to open the windows once again. The high heat and humidity of the summer was difficult...at best.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Sophia spreading milkweed seeds and

watching them float away.

(Taken on September 29, 2007.)

"The milkweed pods are breaking, and the bits of silken down, float off upon the autumn breeze, across the meadows brown." (Cecil Cavendish)

100 Days to a Better Me - Check In #1

Since September 1st, I've been doing a "100 Days to a Better Me" challenge in which I've been working on activities that seem most pressing at this time for me and are a continuation of what I have been working on during this pivotal year in my life.

I am keeping a chart for each the challenge so I can mark off and write about the 100 day journey I'm on. This also helps keep me accountable and on track with my goals.

Here's an update about how I've done with each of the things I'm working on:

Health - Food and Fitness

- For the next 100 days, eat three servings of fruit or vegetables every day.

I found that this was very easy to do. For some reason, I didn't think I was eating at least three servings of fruits or vegetables per day. My favorite: fresh strawberries and blueberries.

- For the next 100 days, get at least 20 minutes of daily exercise.

The times ranged from 20 minutes - 1 1/2 hours of exercising each day. The key for me is variety.

The walking path through the bog

at Itasca State Park.

I walked the dogs, did Keeping Fit in Your 50s (even though I'm not 50 yet, the focus was on stretching which is important to do with Degenerative Disk Disease), and walked/hiked multiple times at two different state parks.

Part of the hike we took one day involving

going up and down this rock staircase.

Even parking far away from where we were going to sit for a parade is a form of exercise. The walk was pleasant with cooler temperatures and a nice, crisp wind.

It's not every day that you see a gnome walking down the street.

He was one of the many participants in this year's parade.

- For the next 100 days, instead of 2 cans of Diet Cokes or Diet Pepsi, drink only 1 can. 

Surprisingly, I was able to drink only 1 can per day. The "big test" came as I had to drive Tuesday and Thursday for more than six hours. Normally, I can easily consume 3 cans of Diet Coke during the driving time just to stay alert.

What I did was stretch out drinking the can of pop and alternating it with Cucumber-Lemon Water, and taking breaks about every hour to get out of the car and walk around. That seems to do the trick in terms of staying alert.

Self-Improvement/Education

- Make it a point to learn at least one new thing each day.

I enjoyed this part of the challenge. Some of the things I learned during the past nine days include:

=> Confucius believed people should live in harmony - with each other and nature. He felt he served as a creative transmitter of the wisdom of the past.

=> The northern part of Vietnam was one part of China around 111 B.C. Although they spoke Chinese, wrote it, and followed Confucian ideals, they clung to their identity - long hair, tattoos, black-lacquered teeth, and chewing betel nuts.

=> It is 233 miles from my home to Lake Itasca. It will take 4 hours and 19 minutes in driving time alone to get to the state park.

The headwaters of the Mississippi River actually 

is a dam that is covered by hand-placed rocks, boulders, and pebbles

that are pressed into concrete.

=> If you step on moss in a bog, it can leave a foot print there for an entire summer. //// Tthe house in Little Falls (Minnesota) is where Charles A. Lindbergh, Sr. spent the majority of his time...not Charles A. Lindbergh, Jr. (the aviator) who spent limited time there as a boy.

Went through parts of Red Lake Nation 

on September 5th.

=> "Minn" means "water" (it's a Native American word).  ////  The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the world. The headwaters cover a man-made dam that is covered with sand, pebbles, and rocks that are embedded in concrete. //// There is a lot of poverty in the reservations that we drove through. The people we met there were very friendly. //// Saw how wild rice is produced.

Raw wild rice before it goes through the sorting process.

We were able to see this and get a lesson about wild rice

by going into the office of Gourmet Farms 

in Clearbrook, Minnesota.

=> The Old Timers Cabin was the first one built at Lake Itasca State Park. //// Read about how the Ojibwe were promised provisions and shelter at Sandy Lake. Over 3,000 people showed up. They never received what they were promised. Many Ojibwe died; and others had to hike back to their home territories without much food or energy.

=> Leech Lake is mostly in the Leech Lake Indian Reservation and all in the Chippewa National Forest.  //// Found out the name of the town where I spent the first few weeks of my life. The camp where Dad was a camp director is no longer there, but now I know where Mom and Dad stayed when I was about 2 weeks old to 5-6 weeks old. Mom said there was no running water in the cabin, and it was a struggle trying to care for me when I was so young.

=> In Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, there are lock-shaped pendants that are engraved and put on a neck ring. It is believed that these "soul lockers" protect a person against illnesses and keep the soul inside the body when s/he is sick.

- Homeschool 5-6 days each week, and take one day off to ensure I don't burn out from teaching.

I took one day off during this time period, though some of first few days of September were not as difficult since I hadn't officially started homeschooling.

Sophia lighting a bulb using a battery and 

a piece of tinfoil that has scotch tape on the inside.

It was part of the lesson on electricity this week.

 Nonetheless, we made food for some of the girls' lessons and spent part of one day hiking at William O'Brien State Park.

Sophia and Olivia having dinner by the cabin

we stayed in at Lake Itasca State Park.

After Labor Day, we began the year by doing our annual "Not Back to School Trip" to Lake Itasca State Park. This was a great opportunity to learn about geography, history, culture, food, nature, map reading, and science.

The girls wanted to do something, so I had them work together

to make brownies. The recipe is from the Iowa chapter

in "Eat Your Way Through the U.S.A."

These are probably the best brownies I've ever tasted!

Organization and Home Maintenance

- Declutter one area in the home. (Spend an average of 15 minutes per day on this project or 105 minutes per week.)

The first five days I didn't do anything with this goal. When I returned from Lake Itasca, I spent 110 minutes on the 8th organizing paperwork and receipts for taxes. All of the these items which were in a drawer or in a bag to be filed are now in an expandable file divided by category (e.g., medical records, mortgage, electricity).

The expandable folder that holds paperwork

for 2012 taxes.

- Work on the list of items that need to be done to address water damage. Do at least 10 items on the list (there are 74 projects) over the next 100 days.

The main thing I did was continue to empty the two dehumidifiers that are running continuously on the 1st and 2nd floors. The big dehumidifier in the basement, which also runs continuously, I checked on daily to make sure the hose was draining in the sump pump/well area.

The deposit for the gutters is in, and gutters are going to be installed next week. With the rain this past week, I saw exactly where the water is leaking into the basement. Once the gutters are installed, it will be a test to see if they address the leaking or if exterior drain tiling is needed.

Spiritual Growth

- For the next 100 days, make a point of doing some form of prayer each day in preparation of and during the Wellspring program.

Starting on the 1st of this month, I've been taking time each morning (anywhere from 20-30 minutes) to read the daily passages in three meditation books and/or do the prayer beads I created this summer.

One of the many flowers at the 

rose/flower garden in St. Cloud.

I also took pictures of the hummingbirds; walked the dogs and thought about Dad; walked in state parks and  appreciated the natural beauty of each area; walked around a flower/rose garden in St. Cloud; walked through a bog and took time to notice a little stream and waterfall as well as the beauty of Lake Itasca; and listened to crows cawing and watched a pileated woodpecker fly overhead.

On September 5th, I spent some time sitting by the fire

reading, writing, and reflecting.

September 5th marked the eight-month anniversary of Dad's death. Eight months later, I was camping with the girls at Lake Itasca. I think of all the camping Dad did and how much he loved nature. Going over the headwaters was something we did as a family when my sister, brother, and I were kids. It is a memory I've now given to Sophia and Olivia. A legacy gift...in essence...from their grandpa.

We took a short hike to see the tallest white pine

in Itasca State Park.

Caring for and Connecting with Others

- Continue participating in the 3 in 30 Challenge as a way to stay accountable for setting three goals per month and reaching them.

During the first week of September, I focused on the goal of setting up and following a meal plan. That worked very well, and we ended up trying a lot of new recipes.

I also finished organizing all the paperwork and receipts for taxes. This will save a lot of time at the end of the year/beginning of 2013.

- Begin participating in the 30 Days of Lists and Autumn Blog Challenge.

I have kept up with doing each day of the 30 Days of Lists. I have posted the majority of them on my Flickr site, the 30 Days of Lists forum, and blogged about them HERE and HERE.

One of the lists I did for 

30 Days of Lists.

Out of 8 prompts for the Autumn Blog Challenge, I chose to write about five of them.

- Complete the 12 in 12 Challenge that Sophia, Olivia, and I are doing by December 12, 2012 (12-12-12).

Olivia and I filled the bird feeders and cleaned the bird bath.

One of the hummingbirds visiting the feeder.

I also prepared the hand-embroidered toy that we will put somewhere for someone to find by packaging it up in a bag with a note that the toy is free.

- For the next 100 days, actively look for something positive in each person in my family every day, and write it down. Use these for Christmas gifts.

I have done this each day, and am so excited to be working on this project. I think when the people see and read 100 positive things about themselves, they'll each find meaning in the gift. Hopefully it will be an uplifting and memorable gift for each of them.  

- Continue with Foodie Penpals as a way to introduce others and myself to healthy food options.

I was assigned a penpal whom I contacted to see if she had any food preference and/or dietary restrictions. I also was contacted by the person who will be sending a package of food to me.

While I was on the trip, I found a few things that I want to include in the package to my penpal. I will be looking for more items and/or making food during the upcoming week since the package needs to be mailed by September 15th.

Creative Expression

- Continue with Take a Stitch Tuesday; and do a weekly journal entry which includes the stitch of the week, personal reflection, and gratitude list.

I read what the challenge is for the week, but have not done any stitching or the journal entry yet.

- Continue with the Embroidery Journal Project and do one embroidered quilt square for each month (September, October, November, and December).

I did not start working on this yet. Usually I end up waiting until the third week to start working the EJP because I want to see what stands out as the most important and meaningful things that happened during the month. Then I search for images to reflect those things, and begin doing the embroidered square.

- Complete Coloring Mandalas - For Insight, Healing, and Self-Expression.

I did two mandalas this week - on the 1st and 6th. As I looked at the dates of when I had colored the other mandalas, I realized that I stopped doing them during 2011 and until now - the time that Dad's health was steadily declining; he died; and Mom was hospitalized/in the Transitional Care Unit/Assisted Living apartment.

It feels good to begin doing the mandalas on a regular basis. I'll look forward to seeing the book completed - a reflection of creative expression from 2008-2012.

Financial

- Don’t buy anything that I don’t absolutely need for 100 days. Use any money I save to do one of the following:
=> Pay down my debt.
=> Put it toward my six-month emergency fund.
=> Put it toward a car to replace the one with 214,000+ miles on it.

Out of the 8 days, I didn't spend anything on 4 days (50% of them)! I'm very happy about that.  On 2 days, we spent only what we needed:
=> Battery for Sophia's camera (the camera is used for homeschooling and 4-H - for educational purposes which I consider a necessity).
=> Gasoline - for the car and mowing the lawn.
=> Cat and dog food.
=> Cat litter.

Because of the trip, 2 days didn't go so well because I spent money on things that we didn't truly need, but wanted to get:
=> Treats at Dairy Queen on the trip to Lake Itasca.
=> Food for my Foodie Penpal.
=> Gift for a friend's birthday.
=> Breakfast at Douglas Lodge at Lake Itasca.
=> Ice cream treats on the trip back home from Lake Itasca.

What I need to remember is that depriving myself and the girls isn't healthy behavior either. That will only result in reckless spending. Responsible spending is key.

As I wrote in the journal/checklist I'm keeping: "We ate breakfast at Douglas Lodge. Wanted to give that experience and memory to the girls so they had it. Was it needed? No. But it's a legacy gift and memory...and to me that is equally as valuable."

*~*~*~*~*~*

All in all, I'm very happy with the progress I'm making. It's good to have these goals and be making a conscientious effort to reach them.

P52 Photo Challenge - Back to School - Week 36

Today's theme for the P52 Photo Challenge is "Back To School." For the past few years, the first week after Labor Day has marked our annual "Not Back to School Trip."

While other children return to public, private, or charter school...we have chosen that week to take a short trip since it is one of the quietest, most peaceful, and uncrowded times to travel. Most the people we see traveling are seniors and people who camp (either in tents, campers, or RVs).

I wrote about and included some of Sophia's and Olivia's first day of school pictures in this post. By far, one of my favorite pictures from the trip is of the girls at Leech Lake.

Sophia is in sixth grade and 

Olivia is in fourth grade this year.

Leech Lake is Minnesota's third largest lake; and it is located mostly within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation, and completely within the Chippewa National Forest.

What was interesting about this lake was that we were able to see wild rice growing naturally by the shore. We had never seen it growing...just packaged in the grocery store.

Anyway, the girls crawled from rock to rock to get to the one furthest out in the lake. The post I wrote about the first day of school pictures shows a cropped view of the same picture.

For me, seeing the girls sitting so close to one another and smiling is reflective of one of the benefits of homeschooling: that they are able to develop a close relationship and friendship with one another that will last a lifetime.

First Day of School Photos

For the past several years, the day after Labor Day marks the first day of homeschooling. It also is the day when we leave for a trip - whether it be for a few days like when we we've traveled to Grand Marais:

One of my favorite first day of homeschooling pictures is this one 

taken when the girls were playing in Lake Superior in Grand Marais:

(Taken on September 9, 2010.)

or over a week - like last year when we traveled throughout New England:

Last year we were in New England
during the first week of homeschooling. 

One of the places we visited was Newport, Rhode Island, and 

we were able to see and tour some of the mansions there.

(Taken on September 5, 2011.)

This year, we headed up to Lake Itasca State Park where the Mississippi River begins. This is where I took their first day of school pictures this year. Both girls said that crossing the headwaters of the Mississippi River was the highlight of the trip.

As a side note, we learned something new about the start of the Mississippi River while we were at Lake Itasca State Park. We found out that back in 1941 the CCC hauled 40,000 cubic yards of fill to create a 44-foot dam topped with stepping-stones across the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

Most people - including me - always thought that the stones were just a natural part of the start of the river. I had no idea that we were literally walking over a dam...a.k.a. the start of the Mississippi River. Knowing this as we walked over the stones gave us a greater appreciation of the talent and hard work of the CCC.

Anyway...back to first day of school photos. This year, Sophia is in sixth grade:

Taken on September 5, 2012.

Here she was 5 years ago...when she was in 1st grade:

Sophia's first day of 1st grade.

(Taken on September 5, 2007.)

This year, Olivia is in fourth grade:

Taken on September 5, 2012.

Here she was 5 years ago...when she was in preschool:

Olivia's first day of preschool.

(Taken on September 5, 2007.)

Since the pictures at the headwaters of the Mississippi River didn't show the girls up close, I wanted to take another picture of them. On the return trip home from Itasca State Park, we stopped at Leech Lake which is southeast of Bemidji. As the third largest lake in Minnesota, it is located mostly within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation, and completely within the Chippewa National Forest. 

Here's a close-up of the girls on the shore of Leech Lake in northern Minnesota:

Taken on September 6, 2012.

It's hard to believe how quickly time goes by. I am so happy to be able to homeschool both Sophia and Olivia; and to be able to take many pictures during their school days as they learn and gain new skills in so many areas that I could have only dreamed of when I was their age.