Degen, age 6

Degen seemed to grow up this year, especially after he got his new glasses. He is at the in-between stage of still a little boy and also a big boy. He is just as active as his sister, mostly because he wants to do everything she does and hates when he is left out. These first photos are from this year's dance recital. Both kids started Tae Kwon Do this summer, and Degen started riding lessons this spring. He loves to be busy, just like sis! Degen continued Kindergarten curriculum this year, and he has officially been registered as a homeschool Kindergartner with our local school district for the 2015-16 school year. He is a good student, and our big goal is to get him reading before the end of the year. 

Degen Richard Aurelius

Kindergartner

Weight: 41 lbs.

Height: 3' 9"

Kyrie, age 9

Kyrie has grown into such a little lady this year... if your definition of  "little lady" is a girl who is always running around outside with dirt under her nails and bruised shins! Ha! She is a busy girl, whether at one of her many extra-curricular activities or playing with her friends at home. This year, Kyrie started third grade curriculum via homeschool (& completed grade 2 assessments at our local school). She is doing well academically and wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up. These first pics are Kyrie's ballet costume from this year's dance recital. 

 Kyrie Belle Alyce

 Third Grader

Weight: 55 lbs.

Height: 4' 4 1/2"

Kyrie completed her second and final year as a Brownie Girl Scout this year. She has worked hard during this time earning badges with her troop and independently. She earned all the Brownie badges except for one (Letterboxer) and completed all three of the Brownie Journeys. She also enjoyed field trips, selling cookies, a philanthropy project and a troop camping trip. She is excited for her coming year as a Girl Scout Junior. 

Limerick Lane Barn Show

The kids were very excited to participate in their first barn show at Limerick Lane Farm where Kyrie has been taking riding lessons since November (and Degen began lessons this spring). This was our first barn show, so we weren't quite sure what to expect. We had a gorgeous, blue-sky day, and we got to the barn bright & early to tack our horses/ponies and prep for the day. Degen participated in 5 divisions, mostly by himself, but they really put him through his paces, testing his riding knowledge and his skills. He rode Dolly in lead-line, walk/trot and cross-pole divisions.

Kyrie rode Fancy (pictured above & below) and Donovan. She rode in 6 divisions including walk/trot/canter and 1'-2' poles. She competed with another girl about her age, and they both had a great day of riding. Kyrie has been riding for several years now, and this day of competition really gave her a chance to both show what she can do and get feedback about what she needs to improve upon in the future. It was a day full of learning and fun!  

Degen with his lead-line 'team.' There are not a lot of boys in riding, so I love that he has these boys as role models in the sport. 

Degen on lead-line with his riding instructor.

Degen with the judge. 

Degen going over the course with his instructor. 

Degen doing cross-poles.

He's a winner!

Kyrie riding Fancy. Fancy is a fast pony who loves to jump, which is one of the reason Kyrie loves riding her so much. I think they are a great match. 

Kyrie riding Donovan, a much larger horse. She ran into a few problems memorizing the course and handling such a large horse.

One of my very favorite pics of the day: Kyrie jumping with Donovan. 

Kyrie taking a break between runs. 

The kids watching the competition after their runs. 

One Wild(life) Summer

It has been a wet & wild summer! With lots of rain and cool temps, there have been lots of wildlife wandering into the backyard and eating up the garden. Yikes! Though the garden has gone nearly bust, we have enjoyed watching all the critters who have visited or make our yard home. Our groundhog(s) had babies, which were super-cute! We have also seen several deer, including some fawns. Mostly we see does, but a beautiful buck wandered through, too. They come to eat the mulberries that fall from the trees and taste the tender seedlings that Darren tried to plant early on... a garden fence is in our future. But we love our yard and our neighborhood and are delighted whenever we spot an animal visitor passing through.