To the Kingdom of Discovery...

...or, in other words, "To Discovery Kingdom"!

Yes, on Monday, we went to Discovery Kingdom. Kelsey coordinated a Homeschool Day trip, so a ton of people showed up from the trio of California churches to ride some rides, watch some shows, and all around have a good time!

Here's a nice picture of the park sign!

My family got to the park a little late, but a lot of the group is pictured above. People that were there that are not in the picture include us, the Larssons, the Gonzaleses, the Ottos, the Khachadourians, the Vander Dussens, and more - so you can see, there were a lot of people there!

The first ride we did, of course, was Medusa:

Looks intimidating, doesn't it? Well, you're right - but it's the most fun ride out of every ride there!

Kevin and I wait in line for the Medusa.

Climbing up to the top!

Here's a shot of the elevator climb at Medusa.

After Medusa, most of us headed to the dolphin show. It was pretty impressive - the dolphins are very smart!

Here's a dolphin just jumping out of the water.

This move has to take a lot of muscle strength!

Here's another shot of a fish out of water.

The dolphins decided to take a break and tan on the side of the pool.

This was the most impressive move - two dolphins propelled this guy about 15 feet into the air! Here he is seen falling to the water again.

After the dolphin show, we headed to the kid's area so the kids could do some rides.

NOOOOO! NOT A MASCOT!

 Flying Caleb...

Flying Hope...

Driving Hope and Caleb (and a whole convoy of other vehicles)...

While we waited for Hope and Caleb, some of us decided that this picket fence looked comfy. We were wrong...

Kevin and Amy waiting...

The following two pictures were taken at different times during the day - they are of vicious animals:

Vicious tigers...

And vicious penguins!

Next, we headed to Superman, while all the little ones joined up and did some little kid rides:

This ride is seriously exhilarating - and very loud! While you wait in the lobby, you are deafened by the sound of those cars passing several times through the building...

Hope, Gwyneth, and Caleb on the "bouncy thing", in lack of its actual name.

After Superman, some of us joined up and visited the shark aquarium. In addition to sharks, they have lots of other fish. For some reason, I don't have any shark pictures! I do have some fish pictures, however:

This fish is appropriately named the "Queen trigger fish".

And this parrot-fish is very creepy - he looks like he belongs in a movie as some sort of dorky fish...

They had many shark jaws with teeth and all - some of them wanted to eat us!

After that, Kevin wanted to go on a "Pirate Ship" type ride - which is a very sickening ride. Some of us decided that we would rather not get sick, and watched as Kevin, Corey, and Hannah got sick instead.

*insert screaming sounds here*

The ride took so long that some of us decided to go to sleep.

 Kelsey dreams of castles on clouds...

Hannah dreams of a world without steel roller-coasters - notice the smile on her face...

After this, we split directions - Kevin wanted to go on the huge swing thing that goes in circles (another stomach-unsettler), so the rest of us headed to other rides. After that, we joined again, and did Medusa - one last time. After that, the park closed, and we had to bid adieu. I end with the following picture:

Caption contest time! Give me your best shot!

That's all for now!

Casey

Keep Walking!

On Saturday, we held a run/walk-a-thon to raise money for Paige and Katelyn to go to Uganda and help out at Yesu Asobola ministries there. We had around 20 people running doggedly around our house for an hour - and we raised quite a lot of money!

 The twins and Mrs. Olson watch the runners go by.

 

Aidan "The Machine" and I run. Aidan clocked 25 laps (over 6 miles), just behind my dad, who clocked 25 1/2. I did 22 - almost 6 miles.

Mom waves as she passes by.

Dad runs around and around our house.

Nora joins in the "fun".

Matthew smiles (or is that a grimace?) for the camera.

Justin takes a much-needed water break.

And here's the whole group! We look pretty good for having just run an hour!

Of course, this is what we really felt like after running...

And I end this post with a picture of Caleb - try and give me a good caption for this one; you'll get 5 points ;)!

Casey

The Church in History 2013

This last Saturday, the 28th of September, was the annual Church in History Festival of 2013 (formerly known as Reformation Day). Ben and Tiffany organized it this year, and did a fantastic job! It was a fun day, full of fellowship, learning, and fun!

Caleb as the "knight in shining armor".

Hope as the..."damsel in distress"?

There were stocks for all the thieves and other assorted criminals, like Seth.

His mother doesn't look too concerned.

Corey tried to steal someone's purse, and so he was punished.

The town beggar (who looked and sounded suspiciously like Mr. Hector)...

The leather-making table for your leather-making needs.

I was a worker at the weaponry table, where one was able to make a model trebuchet, chain mail, and little Q-Tip and Popsicle stick bows and arrows.

The apothecary table, for your sweet-smelling and medical needs.

"Dad! You can make yourself a trebuchet! Just stand exactly where you are (don't move!) and I'll demonstrate how it works..."

The Popsicle sticks for the bows.

Our model trebuchet.

Hope playing "Pin the Jewel on the Crown".

While Corey and I manned the weaponry table, Mom, Hope, and Caleb played some games. This one is "Jousting".

Faster! Faster!

Mr. Oliver showing Caleb how to play another game.

Back at the weaponry table, I help Emma make a little bow and arrow.

Kelsey threatens to shoot me, while Rachel gives a "Rachel" face...

Corey demonstrating a portion of the trebuchet.

Back at the game field, Great Grandpa, Hope, and Caleb spectate.

As do Mrs. Bolles and Kelsey.

What's this? Another person in the stocks?

After the crafts and games, the main speaking session was held. No, Ben didn't speak, though he did make announcements.

Dr. Frank James was our speaker, and he did a great job introducing the audience to Duke Vaclav, or King Wenceslaus as he is often known as.

After the session, more games (mostly finals) were held. Unfortunately, our family was not able to attend, as we had drama rehearsal.

Zach and Mr. Lorenc joust.

Family! Kevin looks like a different person in his glasses - I can't quite put my finger on who he looks like.

Conversations were held.

And Rachel gives another "Rachel" face.

And Corey gives a Corey face.

After drama rehearsal, we had dinner, then ran backstage to get ready for the play on Vaclav. It went surprisingly well! It was a relief to be done, though. After the play, we danced!

Turn your partner round and round!

The Virginia reel.

Down the line we go!

Up the set!

Corey and I pose for the camera after dancing.

These can't be the same people!

It was a great day of fun! After the event, we rolled out the door, rolled home, and rolled into bed. Everyone was tired the next day, but it was totally worth it. If any of you weren't there, you should be there next year!

Until next time,

Casey

This is what happens...

...when Mom goes to Pops and finds a bunch of organic maple syrup for $2 each:

23 bottles! Or, 1.5 gallons of maple syrup!

Casey