Well where to begin....

Elias has been whittling sticks since the summer. His favorite has been to make magic wands. After whittling and sanding them he has been decorating them with leather, beads and feathers. He has also been hand sewing some felt to make cases. He has been wanting a venue to sell them, the profits going to fund the world vision project our coop has taken on. We tried a few different ways but nothing seemed to fit. I decided to organize a Christmas Market with our homeschool group. It was a place for kids to buy and sell in a friendly environment, show off their talents and be encouraged by friends. It was all that and more. Elias, who was nervous at first his craft wouldn't be received well, was thrilled by the sold out response. An unexpected bonus was all the wonderful bartering that went on. My kids felt totally empowered to use there crafts to trade for others. There were some hard deals struck, we came home almost sold out and our box filled with new treasures.

















We attended a couple of Santa Claus parades, which are always enjoyed. It has become tradition that we watch our local one and then watch the one in Milton combined with a birthday party for my sister.























Another dance season, still loving it! We have really noticed how much Aria remembers the dance step names, how seriously she takes it, yet how much enjoyment she gets.

Another Christmas tradition that always seems to mark the beginning of the season is Chris' work party for the kids. It is literally something out of our 'world', filled with candy, dances, contests, flashy battery gifts, loud music, 200 children and Santa!

Shai has just turned 11 months. No one is more caught off guard then me! The past month has brought steady walking, signing words (daddy, more and all done being the most common), singing volume increasing, Elias carries him in the sling (melt my heart)and more interactive play. What hasn't changed is his big beautiful smile!

Felting,handiwork, sewing, weaving, baking....tis the season and not just the Christmas season but the whole fall/wintry season. I have always been a big crafter, having travelled to music festivals selling our wares. We have taken a little break with a new baby, but have been enjoying the ease of working along side my kids again. A few members of our coop got together to put shoe boxes together to be given to families around the world. Its become something we do every year and our wonderful Nana works hard gathering things through out the year!

The Guelph Homeschool Lego Team (a name formed by consensus) went to the Ontario Science Centre to show their wonderful creation of a Hydro Electric Dam. After lots of hard work and research within the community they presented at the Junior Federation Lego League. They enjoyed the whole process, left feeling proud and excited for more.

Nature centre programs(orienteering and predator and prey), lots of hiking, learning about animals in the winter and favorite trails. We were even in the river in the middle of November and found some frogs!