Ancient Chinese Warriors

See the last paragraph for the description of the above picture :-) Sorry, out of order, but don't know how to fix that!

The boys, as always, have taken what we learn in history into our home. We've been learning about Ancient China, and a few of the dynasties, and many of their inventions. And silk has me amazed! Did you know that when they make real silk, they unravel the silk thread from a silkworm cocoon, and it's made of one continuous strand which is approximately 1 mile long! Then they gather the strands together to make a thicker thread, and then weave it into cloth and dye it beautiful colors. So, James wanted to be a Chinese warrior... and he promptly made Glenn the emperor with the beautiful silk robe! Glenn, the emperor fought just as hard as the warrior!
James was SO excited about doing calligraphy yesterday, that the first thing he did when he got up was walk out to the backyard to gather a few blackberries. Then he got my potato masher, and mashed up his ink.. all completely on his own. A few years ago, we were doing school with a friend of mine who taught him this trick... he was ready to go, whether I was or not!! James pulled out a feather and started dipping away to make his constitution (no, not related to ancient china, just wanted to try out the ink!) ... he wrote all of our family names on a piece of paper. Then Glenn wanted a turn, and he scribbled a bunch of lines on a piece of paper as you can see.... he said it was his treaty for their war. I was not to hang it up, because he was going to use it to play war with James.... where does he get these things???!!!!

This is James writing his Chinese characters with the blackberry ink. We got this great book from the library which teaches basic strokes. We use lines when we write, the Chinese use strokes. It really is beautiful writing!

I could NOT pass this picture up. Isn't she just adorable! Ellie is enjoying school as well... we spend our transition time between subjects cooing and playing with her!
The boys have THOROUGHLY gotten into ancient china, and found these robes. The one James is wearing, my mom JUST sent home with us when we came back, and James accessorized it with his yellow belt from karate. Glenn is wearing James' old robe that Papa brought back from Japan when he was there, and Alex, as you can see, is just trying to keep up with his brothers! I teach them the history, but then they always take it beyond, and re-live what they are learning about to the 'T'. Last night, they even got the neighborhood kids to get their robes out, and start their Ancient Chinese warrior fighting. It really is hilarious! I'll try to add the neighborhood picture, but it'll probably end up at the top.... so look back at the top for that!

Other than that, still enjoying the mid 80 degree weather! FANTASTIC! And I made another batch of zucchini brownies last night... Todd said, again?? I assured him that summer is almost over, and the zucchini plant will eventually die... but until then! :-) My friend just hopes that I don't try to keep their seeds, cause this plant is a maniac!

Take care everyone! And hope all is well!