Peachy at the Beachy

 So my computer got a virus, and then it wouldn't let me download pictures. Sorry. Plus, we went to the beach last week. Since we're moving in December (I don't think I've mentioned that? Let me address that in a moment), we decided we needed to make it down to South Padre Island one more time. We had a grand old time once more. This time we stayed in a condo, and that was well worth it. Plus, since we were staying during the off season, we got a steal of a deal. Saving money always gives me a little rush, as you know.

Okay, so about the move. Joe is deploying to the Middle East in January, so I'm going home for Christmas in December and then just staying. Then, Joe comes home in August, and we will immediately move afterwards, most likely to DC. So, you can see why I felt the urgency to try out homeschooling now, this year. I'm glad I started in the fall instead of the winter, because that would have been even more disruptive to my children's lives. It's good to get them into a groove before the
move (I rhymed!).

My kids have an odd penchant for balconies. They were pretty much besides themselves when they discovered our condo had a balcony.

These were from the night we arrived. The beach is a 5 hour drive, so we left on Friday at 1:30, getting there around 6:30. We ate quickly so we could run to the beach!

Even though it's October, the ocean felt like bath water!

I love the way Ruby runs. We call her Prancer because she has to dance whenever she moves.

If I were in this picture, I think this would make a fine family Christmas picture.

Ta da!

We thought this design on the sand was pretty rad. Dad, why is it that way?

This was a beach at the northern end of the island where it is unpopulated. There were a plethora of shells. Dottie was in heaven.

The vegetation and animal life was different this time, because we were there in June last time.  All of the sand dunes had flowers blossoming. It was quite scenic. The one thing I neglected to get a picture of were these cute little sand-colored crabs that scurried around the beach, then burrowed into tiny holes when it got windy.

So, Joe and the kids found this coconut (I've never seen one still in its plant shell). It was covered with little barnacles. This picture doesn't do it justice. It was pretty gnarly.  Joe tried to smash it in the parking lot, but she wouldn't budge.

And here's our pumpkin! It is already moldy, thank you Texas. I should have taken my friend's advice to soak it in vinegar first.

In homeschooling, I finally broke down and bought Elliot a math curriculum. It was 60% off. See? I love me a deal. It's the same curriculum that Dottie uses, Saxon Math. I bought the 1st grader set, even though he's in kinder. He was ready.  He asks me every morning, first thing, "Mom, can we do math?" I love that little sweetheart. Oh, and Ruby...now that Elliot is doing "serious" math, she wants to do it too.  She's already colored a little too much of one of his workbooks, so I had to make her her own "math book." She's very proud of the work she's done this week.