ice cream and water balloons

 For our last homeschool group meeting of the year, Uncle Bob volunteered to show us how to make homemade ice cream.  He also arrived early at my house that morning to help Dylan fill up water balloons. They look so pretty, but take a long time to fill, and take a while to clean up.  Was it worth it? I think everyone would say yes!

 Bob explained to the kids why we need to use salt mixed in with the ice.  Some of the kids even tried a piece of rock salt.

 Everyone also brought one of their favorite story books to read to the group.  All of the kids have come so far in their public speaking abilities.  This was a fun challenge.

 Isaac picked If You Give a Moose a Muffin

 Luke picked Mo Willems' new book titled That is NOT a Good Idea!

 Gracie helped Caleb read one of his favorite Piggie and Gerald books, I Can Fly

 Abby picked a Fancy Nancy book

 Weston picked The Little Engine That Could

 Winona shared a book called, The Korean Cinderella. The illustrations were amazing.

 Gracie picked one of my all time favorites, Owl Babies.

 Reuben read If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.  I didn't get a picture of Wade and his book about Michael Jordan. My boys were very interested in that one.

 After we were done reading it was time to see if the milk mixture had turned to ice cream.

 Then time for water balloons.  Bob helped me come up with a few games so that the balloons would last a little longer.  I know the kids wanted to just have a big blown out water balloon fight, but that would have been over in 2 minutes.  We had fun playing hot potato and throwing them back and forth.

 Then we finally divided up the rest of the balloons and put them into two baskets.  The kids split up into two teams and went for it!  It was over quickly but it was a blast to watch!

 Everyone pitched in to clean up the balloon pieces.  After that, they were ready to fill up some more balloons on their own.  I was impressed with how quickly so many of the kids got the hang of it.  Bob helped a little, but they did most of it all on their own.

 Water fight #2!  Caleb finally got into the spirit and threw one!

 After lunch, no one could hardly wait for Bob to dish out the ice cream.  Clay brought lots of extras for toppings.

It has been a great school year.  We have shared our love for books, and grown in our love for the Lord and each other.  I am so thankful for this group of kids. They encourage and support each other.  It is  a blessing to watch them grow and learn together.