It was going to be a great day! Tot and I would do school, play, draw, and then I’d head out for Geron (my hair magician). I always send Daddy a pic. Geron is the secret…not me!
Later, we’d go see Tom Cruise in the new Top Gun.
Doug and I discussed with Tot the issue of the bad language, and we prepared her for all the difficult scenes. We don’t want her to learn about these things with her friends. If we can discuss these rationally with her, then it won’t be “taboo” and thus be a temptation for her.
We waited for Daddy as the previews played.
Well…not a good choice to see the previews. Lesson learned. Very inappropriate. Ugh. Why do they do this?
Anyway the movie was amazing. A true representation of Jesus. Sacrifice for your friends. Sacrifice your own life to save a life. Loyalty. Doing what is right. Patriotism. All the things that matter to God.
Now, sure, there was bad language, but we assured Tot to look beyond this and see the point. What a great time and great lessons learned.
It’s the big day! She had her expander put in a few months ago, and now we add to the mix: BRACES! Nowadays, you can put colorful bands on. Times are so much more fun now.
We arrived on time at 9:15.
Dr. Barakat has such a sweet disposition. She made Tatum feels so comfortable.
She got to choose the colors of bands! Pink and green won the day.
Look at that smile!
She taught us how to brush and what not to eat. Goodbye popcorn for now. (All of a sudden she is craving popcorn; funny how that is when something is taboo …we want it more!
Mommy, Daddy, here is the start of my story. I just wrote this.
It was 9pm at night. She had been penning for about 20 minutes and this was the result.
I LOVE her word choice and voice! It is so vibrant and fluid.
The next day, she wanted to start our summer school. She didn’t want to wait! I bought her a journal, and I challenged her to write in it daily. It’s a fun, make your own cover, journal…like a LEGO design. Perfect!
What did you see today? What did you learn today? Let’s just observe and reflect.
For example, these glorious irises. Just observe how they make our mood calm and joyful.
Alright…here is the schedule. We’ll use our Art/Play/Explore room.
I’m using these “PUNCH CARDS” when she accomplishes her goals for the day.
We love to PUNCH as much as possible! HAHA
First, the pledge and the Bible pledge.
Now, Bridges.
A little math…a little grammar….reading… I love this book! We also augment with more math, grammar, etc. I also am doing Bible lessons; she must read 20 each day also. She is loving it.
Here is our art lesson today thanks to Artforkidshub.com
We look forward to this summer! Only 30 minutes to an hour of this (except Fri-Sun).
We also discuss our quiet time insights on M, W, F. Stay tuned for some of the fun.
Seeing friends….. (Vivian) and laughing at Coopy are some examples!
(Coopy getting a shoe caught on his leash and not quite sure what to do!)
It’s Memorial Day, and we will be starting school tomorrow in the Hay House! But first….
Daddy put up the flag. Look it how beautifully lit up it is.
And of course, Tatum was all patriotic too.
We love our country….truly. And we patiently await the day when our current President is out of office. (sadly). We appreciate the freedoms we have and what our patriots died for. Amen.
We are all packed and ready to head on our adventure.
The 3. 5 hour drive was nothing for Tatum. She had plenty of books, music, and STAR WARS (thank you, Daddy) to keep her busy.
I also bought her a Travel Journal to accompany us. She can document all the excitement as we learn about God’s Creation from the Grand Canyon experience.
But first…ice cream! McDonald’s ice cream is our fav. We love to comparison shop and see what each place charges. Here in Scottsdale, it’s about 59 cents to a dollar. At the G.C, it is the most expensive we would ever encounter. $2.79!!! And it’s so teensy weensy! Still, it’s delicioso!
When we arrived at our hotel, we immediately sought out the workout room and the pool.
On our descend to the pool, this was our view!
Tatum has the world in her hands, but she gives all the credit to our CREATOR!
Tot wrote in her journal later, and we all shared our gratitudes. Tomorrow, we shall see the footprint of God!
We woke up early, worked out, and headed to Starbucks for a treat. The line was out looooong, but it was fun just to not be in a rush.
Now, thanks to Tatum, we had a FREE pass to get in! Since she is in her 4th grade year (next year), the government has a program for 4th graders, a Jr. Parks Ranger program. She gets 2 adults with her to join in FREE ACCESS to any park in the country for this year. That is so cool that the year we decided to go to GC, she happens to be this age. (SO GOD!)
It’s not too busy today! We came the few days before the Memorial Day weekend because we wanted to avoid the crowds.
We headed to the Visitor Center first, and watched an 8-minute video about the history.
The video was very interesting, yet, it gave no reference to the original creation! It did say the land had moved and that there was a big flood. HOWEVER, FROM WHERE? WHO? HOW!? From our amazing Father. Our Creator.
We made sure Tatum understood that piece. OK…off to see the VIEW! She is ready and going!
We are headed over to the rim.
Approaching the rim, my heart is racing, and I am goosebumped all over. I’m overtaken with awe.
More views.
Let’s head to the lookout!
We decided to drive to the next area, the Bright Angel Trail, and travel down. But first, more AWESOME views. VAST. WIDE. DEEP.
My honey.
WE used our Nikon for these pics.
Just magnificent.
Ok, off to the trail! It’s about 1.5 miles down, so we would go just a bit since we knew going back it would be all uphill!
But first, Tatum met a friend or two.
And this little guy had no fear.
Ok, on with the hike! On the way down, a few beautiful rock formations.
Let’s keep going!
Just breathtaking! We are getting tired, however, and it’s hot; we weren’t trying to break any hiking records, so we decided to head back up. But first, Tot took this pic of my honey and me.
We stopped to use the restroom at El Tovar, a beautiful hotel.
And visit the gift shop. Always a must.
We decided to go to the IMAX, and again, we just made it in GOD’S timing! Perfect.
So cool. GC is one of the 7 wonders, and the only one in the USA!
Ahhh…now our ice cream treat, swimming and decompress.
But first, elk, all around us! More of God’s creation.
Tot is sporting a beard.
WE discussed our gratitudes and enjoyed our family. THE BEST EVER.
We headed home the next morning nice and early and saw all the traffic COMING! We timed it just right. Thank you, God for your provision, love, and beauty.
