Into the Woods

And out of the woods to where the bison roam. (Buffalo are only found in Africa and Asia.)

Zane: "Hey! It's that zoo guy!"

Perhaps we've been too connected for longer than I thought?

Impromptu second visit in two weeks to Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park proved awesome.

In This Flower Pot

We're so very grateful for the wonderful year Vanessa had! Gardens full of blossoming love, friendships and care will flourish. Here we potted a few memories from year-end activities. It was quite an extra full week but we were thankful  to capture some shots! What a great year!

 We're still defining what boyfriend and girlfriend mean to them.

Mr. Harris and kids discussed all things they are thankful for. We picnicked on the lawn for the last day.

 Kids danced to the DJ. Then reality set in.

 We weren't prepared for how sad the students got. So thankful for the enjoyment Vanessa has had . . .

Dru kept reaching back . . .

Cousin Convos

Looks serious . . . and maybe a little humorous . . . 

Catch Me If You Can

He's quite the catch!

Twists and Turns

Vanessa loves drawing diagrams, maps and puzzles. She draws mazes and puzzles at school while she's waiting on others to finish. If someone else finishes early too, they get to try her mazes and puzzles. They've had many different themes, like Ninja Turtles and Woodland Fairies. She's always been a little intrigued by maps -- I can remember back to her interest when she was 2.

Here's the beginning of a map Vanessa drew last week. When I looked over the things she was listing in her map key, I laughed so hard on her attempt to spell canopy. :-) She noted my reaction and asked how to correct it. Her finished project was quite detailed and awesome.

Then here's a drawing Vanessa impulsively made at the kitchen island one day. She did it all from memory. :-) Although she could have walked 15 feet to check a real map. However, I'm glad she didn't because it gave us a glimpse into her perspective and acted as a springboard for the real location of things and discussion on size and space of bodies of water, states, countries and continents. (Yes, it's Ohio at top. Then China, cause she really wants to visit there. And West Virginia, cause she loves to hear her mommy talk about adventures in the southern mountains.)

And she's thrilled by the globe in the kids' bedroom at Grandma and Grandpa's house. She journaled her excitement at school the following Monday.

Her intense interest makes me wonder if she will be a geographer . . .