Presidio La Bahia

A couple of weekends ago we went to visit some cousins and watch the reenactment of the Goliad Massacre in the Texas war for Independence. It was quite an experience and a wonderful way to learn Texas history. It was also a great excuse to get together with family.

The reenactments of the skirmishes were impressive with sword fights on horseback and the core shaking booms of the cannons, but the most interesting aspect of this reenactment was the candlelight vigil. We were lead through the mission by a tour guide and witnessed different scenes, each acted out by a talented group of volunteers, which gave us a glimpse events that took place before the Goliad Massacre. The whole event was very moving and allowed us all to step back in time and really experience history. But getting to spend the day with your "best cousins" as the little blonde cutie above says, makes the trip even better!

xo

nessa dee

Hello, Monday!

Hello, Monday! How are you?

Tell me, tell me, what is new?

How are you, first day of the week?

What is new? Please tell me. Speak.

I do so love this day today!

The kids are back in school. Hooray!

What's that you say? Oh, I didn't know.

I'm so sorry... your kids don't go.

This year, I'll be juggling a 7th grader [eek!], 2nd grader, 1 year old, and an attention-starved dog. I often wonder if I'm losing my mind.

Wish me luck.

Happy first day of school!

Happy Monday!

xo

nessa dee

The Military Forces Museum

In honor of Veteran’s Day, I’m posting pictures from our recent field trip to the Military Forces Museum here in Austin. The museum is full of artifacts, military machinery, weapons, and giant dioramas featuring different battles in history. The museum’s collection spans from the time of the Battle of the Alamo to present day.

I’m always in awe when standing in the presence of history. Right now we’re studying the Civil War, and to go to this museum and see actual uniforms that the soldiers wore, or weapons they used in battle just brings everything to life.

We learned a lot about our history at this museum. If my kids took anything away from the trip, I hope it’s the realization of the great sacrifice the men and women who serve our country have made to preserve our freedom. Our docent spoke very passionately about thanking people in uniform and our veterans. So to all of those men and women who have served and are serving…

thank you.

nessa dee

1st Day

Every year I take pictures of the kiddos on their first day of school, and since our homeschool cooperative started last Friday, we counted that as our first day.

The pictures always start off with pleasant smiles…

The kids hold up their grade or age in fingers…

Then the frenzy of silly faces begin…

Sometimes we have a reluctant participant…

who just needs a hug instead of the paparazzi…

But once he gets the right gear on for school, things begin to look sunny [or maybe goofy’s a better word]

and the first day of school starts with smiles…

xo

nessa dee

Getting Ready…

Guess what I’ve been up to this week. Here’s a hint…

Yep! I’m prepping for school. I can’t believe summer’s almost over. I can’t believe school’s about to start. I can’t believe we’re over half way through 2010. My how time speeds up each year.

This year should prove to be interesting. Not only am I starting Finn on a more formal school schedule, but I’ve joined our homeschool cooperative. We’re going to meet every Friday, and each of the kids will be taking three classes. Finn will have some regular preschool classes, while Audrie will be taking a sewing, Ancient Rome, and literary class. I’ll even be teaching an Exploration in Art class which will probably be frequently documented on this blog as I’ll be using my kids as test subjects for the art projects I’m planning for the class [aka Crafty Friday will return!]

Well, I’ve gotta run and do the soccer mom thing. Be checking back for new shop updates. I’m awaiting an order of a bunch of new prints, and I’ll have some originals ready as well.

xo

nessa dee

The Aquarium in Pictures

Shark:

Shark face:

Thank you, Jen, for such a wonderful trip! We had a blast.

xo

nessa dee