Just stuff

 We're off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. St. Ambrose Academy, once again, performed fabulously! The glasses were to make Oz look even greener.

 We have another baby chinchilila! SO cute!

 Not sure about the comedians around here.

 We went on a field trip to the MacKenzie Center with a homeschooling group.

 Our group was divided into 2 groups. Group 1 learned to build shelters in the event they get lost in the woods. Group 2 was on a scavenger hunt (then we switched).

 They did a great job!

 Group 1 now on to their scavenger hunt. Very fascinating.

 Imagine your horses pulling this wagon load of logs. Gives new meaning to "horse power"

 Snowy Owl (winter migrant)

 The older children built some pretty intense safety shelters, this one is family sized... well, maybe not our family sized, but smaller family sized.

 After a picnic lunch in the cold, we went to see their wildlife exhibit.

 Close friends of ours had a boy! Isn't he adorable!!!

 Back at home it was time to build some safety shelters, just in case they are stuck out in our woods, lost or something... :D

 April 6th brought us to Naperville for a Class A Taekwondo tournament for Frodo, Rosie, Merry, and Pippin. This is definitely not my favorite tournament as I remember from last year as the judging is (often) terrible. Playing chess is one way to bide one's time.

 One of our judges from our school ( a good and fair judge). But this photo was actually suppose to capture the judge on the far right. Generally tournaments mean lots and lots of waiting so Rosie started drawing the judge who was right in front of our waiting spot.

 The detail is pretty light in the photo here but I was able to recognize who it was right away. There is not a whole lot to do...

 Judging (fairly)

 bird's eye view

 Pippin and a friend were in a healthy competition for first in state in weapons.  They are now tied (or at least hope to be at our inschool tournament).

 great big ring

 Rosie came in first in forms, sparring, combat and weapons!

 Pippin came in 2nd for combat. This was a tough ring with very biased judges. It's too bad some don't take their oath seriously. :(

 Merry came in 1st in combat, 2nd in forms, sparring, and weapons. Another ring that had some judging issues.

Frodo came in 3rd in combat and sparring. He had at least one of the worst judges ever. Lessons are learned over the years of competition that one should never let a tournament define a person. It's really not whether you win or lose. Regardless of the outcome, disappointments help mold character.