... at the END of October? ...in freezing northern Michigan? St. A's kids.
St. Augustine's first ever outdoor trip. Led by Monica and Inshal and company. Dominic couldn't go as he had other commitments than weekend, but Regina and Maria went with the girls group. It was a resounding success, with the participants asking when the next outdoor trip will be!
Joe (aka Mr. F.)
Celestine (aka Miss K.)
For the first time in 10 years we have only THREE children in St. Augustine's Homeschool Enrichment Program! It was a beautiful first day. Regina ~ Upper III (high school junior), Dominic ~ Upper I (high school freshmen), Maria ~ Middle I (7th grade)
Blaise. Our fourth child. He did well in St. Augustine's, excelling in several subjects, including Greek. He enjoyed a few shenanigans, made solid friends, played a great rugby game, and maintained our family tradition of being the tallest man in his graduating class.
From Blaise's senior page in the yearbook.
why, yes, Blaise did process into his graduation ceremony wearing his magnificent Hamlet cloak and carrying 'poor Yorick'
Last year at a parent meeting Dr. Russell announced that the play would be Hamlet. Groan. The longest, hardest play? Really? I told the kids, and Blaise said, "I feel sorry for the poor schmuck who has to play Hamlet!" Guess what Bud.
I hardly know how to write about it without sounding like an obnoxious stage mom. We knew Blaise was a good actor... another day, another Shakespeare role... He was outstanding! The 17 year old WAS Hamlet. He played it brilliantly. A triumph in his senior year. We are so proud of him.
As usual, lots of video not many pictures. Hopefully more photos will surface. Regina had several minor roles, including lines, and did a fantastic job. Dominic was an extra in nearly every scene. His one line, "murder!' was beautifully executed. Pardon the pun.
Our theater was beautifully suited to Shakespeare, such a treat to perform there!
Regina, far right, as Bernardo
Dominic standing behind King Claudius
spoiler alert: everyone dies
the whole cast did an outstanding job, these are wonderful and talented kids!
Regina leapfrogging Dominic at running club. They have so much fun!
... though all plans did indeed revolve around the sports schedule. We did have school.
And an All Saints Party or two
Halloween
Monica and the Great Pumpkin at WCC
notice the cat inserting himself
There was swing dancing (there is always swing dancing)
and many stitches (Maria dropped a glass jar and caught herself with both hands on the broken glass), she healed quite nicely
Jack coaches both. He pushes the kids to train harder, run faster, be stronger. He also encourages them to be holier. To do what they do for the Glory of God. After the rugby club work out, these young men,sweaty, sore, and dirty, unite in prayer and song from The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Blaise in the Labor Day Chicken Run
Regina and Lydia at the starting line
Coach Jack and Blaise
low budget strength training
It's been many years since I have had a leisurely Mother's Day with lovely brunches and lunches. Our Shakespeare play is always that weekend. The weeks leading up to it are intense. Yet I think it is one of the highlights of my year and I wouldn't give it up. The Campion Players work hard and perform Shakespeare on stage as well and faithfully as anyone can. This year they presented Twelfth Night. Blaise brilliantly played the good-natured, brash, mostly drunk Sir Toby Belch and Regina sang beautifully in the chorus. There are battles, misconceptions, and mistaken identities... Shakespeare's usual plot twists and comedic tools. Loads of fun. The cast was so good. More pictures to come!
The sad and absurd Lady Olivia's house in mourning (Regina on the far right)
the fool, Lady Olivia, and Malvolio
Creating havoc with drunken revelry in Lady Olivia's house
Malvolio tricked into wearing yellow stockings and crossgarters
a happier household singing with the fool
Regina and Blaise (and Lydia)
the cast and crew...best kids anywhere!
Everyone got video of the concert so I don't have any pictures. Lots of pictures of our medieval festival afterwards though!
Regina and her friend Jenna. Regina is wearing the dress I got engaged in during our years in a medieval recreation group.
She could even throw a caber in it! (no idea why the picture is turned, I can't seem to unturn it LOL)
Alex and Regina wearing Kevin and my old medieval garb
Alex is way back there helping marshal the little boy sword fights
And here we have Blaise and friends working on turning a very heavy caber... in their concert clothes...'cause that's how we roll
I think most of them turned it eventually. This one was just under 100 pounds.
The music was beautiful, the weather was gorgeous, and the teens stayed late for swing dancing. One of those perfect days.
