Spring is officially here which means that we are only a few months away from finishing 3rd grade.  This year, we've been studying early American history.  Boy, have I learned a lot. In fact, I've learned so much that sometimes I wonder if we even studied history when I was in school.  I can say without a doubt that I have a better understanding of our freedoms and I have a greater appreciation for our founding fathers.

This month, we've been learning about early pioneer life.  Jackson has learned about uses of corn, maple syrup, and honey.  This week, we followed a recipe for honey butter.  We even put it on our rolls for dinner.  I've posted pictures below.  We've also been reading about varieties of wasps and bees; and thanks in part to the honeybees and bumblebees, everything is in full bloom in our yard! 

Sawyer is pulling up and climbing on almost everything these days.  Just yesterday, I caught him climbing out of his activity station.  I'm not sure how he managed to do it. I think that he might take after his granddaddies and mommy; he's got very strong legs.   

A few weeks ago, we attended NC State Farm Days with the cousins.  We always enjoy that annual field trip.  I love getting to see all of the animals.  Quite honestly, I'd go just for the free NC State ice cream!  Each year, the boys enjoy the roping station.  The student running the station this year told Jackson that he was really good at roping.  Jackson has already asked for a lasso so that he can practice more. Speaking of practicing, it seems like Jackson has been practicing ball like crazy.  At West Raleigh, they practice at least four days a week before the season opener.  It seems like he and Webb have been gone quite a bit but they are certainly enjoying the practices and scrimmages.  Jackson has been playing catcher quite a bit.  We'll see if that's where he plays once the season begins.  We know that being one of the younger kids sometimes means that you have to wait your turn.  Regardless, I think it's going to be a great season with a great group of coaches and players.

See all those teeth!

West Raleigh Sand Gnats

Swinging!

These bulbs have rapidly multiplied over the years!  They originally came from my Granny's neighbor's garden in Wilson. 

Chicks at Farm Days

Roping

Cousins

  Here's a link to Sawyer laughing at Jackson's deer call:  http://qik.com/38263526/368f4058
I've also included a few pictures from today.  

The Paper Caper

Sawyer has a new obsession!  He cannot be left alone with paper or magazines.  He will absolutely destroy them!  Twice this week, I've had to do finger sweeps to get paper out of his mouth.  Both times, he got to paper before I could catch him.  We now call him the "paper caper".  He is now army crawling so it's even harder to keep things away from him. 

Jackson has said several funny things this week.  Just yesterday, we were reading about Robert Fulton, the man who invented the steamboat.  We read that he often didn't do well in school because he claimed his head was so full of new ideas, he didn't have much room left for school.  Jackson said, "That's what I've been trying to tell you about me!" He also said to Webb this week, "Dad, can't you just get Aflac and stay home?"  If it was only that easy! On another note, he decided to wear Webb's boots down the steps this week, while carrying two drinks, and fell down the last five.  It really has been one of those weeks!

Jackson had his first baseball practice of the season tonight.  He came home with a new helmet and two practice shirts.  He's excited about a new season with the Sand Gnats and Webb and I are excited about his team and coaches.

Below are some pictures from this week.  Enjoy!

Ummmm...paper!

Notice the torn magazine cover. 

I also like putting Earth's Best wipes in my mouth.

More wipes!

Tonight I got to rinse off in the kitchen sink.

I  love sink baths!

Playing with the rolling pin

Brother showing me his new helmet.  Go Sand Gnats!