https://syllyacres.com/2020/01/27/the-people-of-roatan/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_9584-1.jpgIMG_9584https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/img_5040-1.jpgIMG_50402024-07-01T19:10:26+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2020/01/23/only-one-more-week/2020-01-25T13:07:35+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2020/01/25/tour-guide/2020-01-26T14:45:15+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2020/01/23/on-the-south-side/2020-01-23T03:57:02+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2020/01/22/our-first-weekend/2020-01-22T02:13:52+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2020/01/18/roatan/2020-01-19T16:51:44+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2020/01/12/baking-in-roatan/2020-01-12T23:31:43+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2020/01/08/back-in-roatan/2020-01-26T15:14:01+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2019/01/27/after-lunch/2019-01-27T16:00:03+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2019/01/27/luthers-roatan-jterm-course/2019-01-27T12:24:42+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2019/01/26/coral-reef-restoration/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/staghorn-nursery-tree-salt-river-stx_noaa_472.jpgstaghorn-nursery-tree-salt-river-stx_noaa_4722019-01-26T15:16:01+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2019/01/26/homeschool/2019-01-26T14:37:11+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2019/01/22/golf-carts/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1715.jpgimg_1715https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1711.jpgimg_1711https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1710.jpgimg_1710https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1709.jpgimg_1709https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1708.jpgimg_17082019-01-22T03:06:02+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2019/01/22/utila-iguanas-beaches-and-more/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1703.jpgimg_1703A good time was had by all. :)https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1698.jpgimg_1698A Swampy! 2019-01-22T02:33:36+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2019/01/20/snorkeling/2019-01-20T21:42:02+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2019/01/17/helping-other-people-part-2/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1493.jpgimg_1493Working hard!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1492.jpgimg_1492Picking up trashhttps://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1491-1.jpgimg_1491Happy cleaners!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1489.jpgimg_1489So much trash!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1488.jpgimg_14882019-01-17T17:51:05+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2019/01/16/scuba-diving/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1524.jpgimg_1524After the dive!!2019-01-16T16:26:57+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/about/2019-01-16T01:50:32+00:00weekly0.6https://syllyacres.com/2019/01/15/helping-other-people-part-1/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1463.jpgimg_1463https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1454.jpgimg_1454Fitting shirtshttps://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1451.jpgimg_1451Fitting shirtshttps://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1449.jpgimg_1449Trying on shoeshttps://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1448.jpgimg_1448Trying on shoeshttps://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1443.jpgimg_1443Face paint!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1435.jpgimg_1435https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1432.jpgimg_1432Lots of shoes!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1427.jpgimg_1427Lots of pants!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1426.jpgimg_1426Organizing pants2019-01-15T16:25:50+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2019/01/14/why-we-came-here/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1478.jpgimg_1478https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1390.jpgimg_1390https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1385.jpgimg_1385https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_1312.jpgimg_13122019-01-15T04:41:08+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2019/01/14/and-were-back-again/2019-01-17T02:35:09+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/12/07/food/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_5136-e1481135812547.jpgimg_5136Speaking of fish, we recently had this delicious dish: Tasi nazi lambalamba (fish with coconut sauce).https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_5123.jpgimg_5123https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/fullsizerender.jpgfullsizerenderMakande - a new food we tried at Cafeteria 2 - we're branching out! And we all really like this corn and beans mixture. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/p1120975.jpgp1120975Delicious food from a catered meal: njgere, kachumbali, mchicha, kuku, pilau, kabichi. Yum!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/p1120694.jpgp1120694https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/p1120326.jpgp1120326https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/p1120018.jpgp1120018Having fun outside of Cafeteria No. 1.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/p1120016.jpgp1120016https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_3607.jpgimg_3607https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/img_3366.jpgimg_3366This is the downtown Dar fish market. We do not buy fish directly from there, but most likely the fish we do eat comes from here. Popular fishes are dagaa (little dry salty fishes you eat whole) and kubua (small fish served grilled whole with rice or ugali).2016-12-07T18:52:19+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/12/02/cooking/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1120313.jpgp1120313We've enjoyed cooking for our students and teaching them how to make a few things (this was ugali night).https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1120302.jpgp1120302https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_3192.jpgimg_3192First stop is Survey Market, where we buy our fresh fruits and vegetables and most of our meat.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_3191.jpgimg_3191Our grocery shopping usually starts with a trip on the dala dala. We ride to our local market, Survey, or the nearby mall.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1120916.jpgp1120916Mmm - andazi!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1120905.jpgp1120905Making andazi.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1120567.jpgp1120567One night we made American food for Andrew: sloppy joes, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad and ice cream for dessert. It was by far Lily's favorite meal. :)https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1120564.jpgp1120564Our friend Andrew has taught us to cook many things: choroko, mbazee, mchicha, andazi and chapati.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1120464.jpgp1120464I love the Tanzanian food: kachumbali, wali, mchicha, na mbazee. (Salad, rice, cooked greens and beans).https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1120459.jpgp1120459Some of the delicious fresh ingredients we get.2016-12-03T15:48:36+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/11/16/home-at-wild-palm/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1150256.jpgp1150256Our sleeping quarters. Jon and I get the big tent and the girls share the little one. We have been sleeping really well, overall.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1150253.jpgp1150253The dining/card playing and coloring/homeschool area where we spend a lot of our time.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_20161110_162730-2.jpgimg_20161110_162730-2https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1150265.jpgp1150265Checking the reptile traps for lizards.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1140837.jpgp1140837Collecting bones at the dig site.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1140828.jpgp1140828https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1140824.jpgp1140824We eat great food here! Our cook, Ino makes a variety of really delicious foods - we always look forward to meals.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1140822.jpgp1140822https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/img_4659.jpgimg_4659We wash our laundry by hand every few days. It dries really quickly in the hot sun and dry heat!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1150116.jpgp1150116Checking the pitfall traps at the termite mounds. Mara is looking at spider diversity at different mounds.2016-11-29T12:53:51+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/11/12/serengeti-part-2/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1140164.jpgp1140164https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1140146.jpgp1140146https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1140142.jpgp1140142https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1140097.jpgp1140097https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1140085.jpgp1140085We saw this mama and baby Thompson's Gazelle minutes after the baby was born. It couldn't even stand up and the mama was still licking it. We watched for a long time.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1140072.jpgp1140072https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1140052.jpgp1140052https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1140026.jpgp1140026https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1140021.jpgp1140021We watched 2 cheetas one day, just wandering around a wooded area. They were far away so this is the best photo I got.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130955.jpgp1130955The students share "stories" with us about different ecological aspects of the park.2016-11-29T12:55:01+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/11/10/serengeti-national-park/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130904.jpgp1130904Lily's favorite animal - the adorable dik dik. Full grown it's about the size of a small dog. They hide out in bushes and can be hard to see.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130896.jpgp1130896We also regularly saw a group of male buffalo on our drive back to camp. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130803.jpgp1130803https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130777.jpgp1130777A short time later, we sawhttps://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130756.jpgp1130756Hippo pool! Hippos are so cool! They just chill out in the water all day because the sun is bad for their skin. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130714.jpgp1130714We also saw this male lion on the first day. After I took this photo, a young elephant scared him away! It was so cool to watch.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130699.jpgp1130699We just can't get over the elephants. We have more photos of elephants than anything else! But they are so incredible and the babies are beyond adorable.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130659.jpgp1130659On our first day in the park, we were lucky to spot this leopard hanging out in the tree. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130615.jpgp1130615Serengeti means "endless plains" in Maa, the language of the Maasai. It is an appropriate name. We drove for hours on this beautiful endless plain.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130610.jpgp1130610We learned all sorts of new animals, including this Hartebeest. There were so many new grazing animals to learn!2016-12-03T15:44:30+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/11/03/lake-manyara/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130538.jpgp1130538https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130469.jpgp1130469Ninapenda twiga!! I love giraffes!! They are so awesome. When they run they look like they're in slow motion. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130532.jpgp1130532https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130495.jpgp1130495Our campsite in the woods. We had a few serval cats survey the camp in the middle of the night. I woke up to the clanging of pots and pans as they investigated the kitchen area.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130475.jpgp1130475https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130457.jpgp1130457https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130446.jpgp1130446Sylvia loves the zebras. They are stocky little things that are more like donkeys than horses.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130413.jpgp1130413https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130385.jpgp1130385https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/p1130376.jpgp11303762016-11-05T11:58:13+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/11/02/engakaret/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1130336.jpgp1130336https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1130371.jpgp1130371https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1130341.jpgp1130341https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1130300.jpgp1130300We attended a ceremony called orpul. In a nutshell, the men of the village kill a goat for food and medicine, including drinking the blood, eating raw meat and cooking just about every part of the goat. We ate cooked liver and legs and ate a medicinal soup made out of many parts of the animal.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1130247.jpgp1130247https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1130224.jpgp1130224https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_3870.jpgimg_3870https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1130189.jpgp1130189We toured houses built by women of the village. They rent out the homes for overnight guests as a way to earn money.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1130185.jpgp1130185Inside the home. It was dark but actually fairly cool.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1130181.jpgp11301812016-11-04T12:22:26+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/10/31/arusha/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1130097.jpgp1130097We visited another school in Monduli - a school specifically for Maasai girls to help give them an education and economic security.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1130085.jpgp1130085https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1130064.jpgp1130064https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1130054.jpgp1130054https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1130047.jpgp1130047https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1130030.jpgp1130030https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1130020.jpgp1130020https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1130016.jpgp1130016https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1130125.jpgp1130125https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1130102.jpgp1130102The jacaranda trees were blooming everywhere! Not only were they beautiful, they smelled wonderful as well! 2016-11-01T12:17:50+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/10/12/zanzibar-again/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120818.jpgp1120818https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120844.jpgp1120844https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120845.jpgp1120845https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_3519.jpgimg_3519https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_3522.jpgimg_3522https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120790.jpgp1120790https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120875.jpgp1120875https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_3506.jpgimg_3506https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_3542.jpgimg_3542https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_3594.jpgimg_35942016-11-01T12:19:38+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/10/07/around-campus/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_3241.jpgimg_3241https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_3269.jpgimg_3269https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_3240.jpgimg_3240https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_3302.jpgimg_3302https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120692.jpgp1120692Walking to the Engineering College cafeteria. We've only eaten there a few times because it's farther to walk. But the food is better. :) https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120696.jpgp1120696https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_3338.jpgimg_3338https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120702.jpgp1120702https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_3349.jpgimg_33492016-10-12T09:15:25+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/10/07/homeschooling-in-dar/2016-10-12T09:23:11+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/10/05/village-museum/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120592.jpgp1120592https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120620.jpgp1120620https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120571.jpgp1120571https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120574.jpgp1120574https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120575.jpgp1120575https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120577.jpgp1120577https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120584.jpgp1120584https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120608.jpgp11206082016-10-05T17:56:06+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/09/21/beyond-the-beaches/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120346.jpgp1120346https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120333.jpgp1120333https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120330.jpgp1120330https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120328.jpgp1120328https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120326.jpgp1120326https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120321.jpgp1120321https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120200.jpgp1120200https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120198.jpgp1120198https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120193.jpgp1120193https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120191.jpgp11201912016-10-04T13:48:23+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/09/16/bagamoyo/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120364.jpgp1120364Tomb from early Arab settlers, circe the 13th century.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120367.jpgp1120367Tombs from German soldiers, in the mid to late 1800s.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120369.jpgp1120369Bagamoyo is right on the Indian Ocean, so of course it has a lovely beach.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120378.jpgp1120378These vessels make nightly trips to Zanzibar, carrying goods such as cooking oil, tomatoes and charcoal from the mainland to the island. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120393.jpgp1120393https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120410.jpgp1120410https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120415.jpgp1120415https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120419.jpgp1120419We also learned some natural history. Here we are learning about the ebony tree.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120425.jpgp1120425And here we are learning about little snails that live in the mangrove forests. They are collected by the hundreds, cooked and then sold as food. (We did not try any!)https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120441.jpgp1120441I love the baobab trees! They are so amazing. Right now they are losing their leaves to reduce the amount of water they lose through their leaves.2016-10-04T13:47:21+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/10/04/sunday-at-paulinas/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120627.jpgp1120627Paulina has a set of 3 year old twins at home. And a set of 13 year old twins off a boarding school!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120631.jpgp1120631Amazing food! She cooked all morning for us!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120633.jpgp1120633https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120634.jpgp1120634https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120638.jpgp1120638https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120642.jpgp1120642Paulina's househttps://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120648.jpgp1120648The gang!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120665.jpgp1120665We were escorted back to the DART station by Paulina's children her nephew and two young women who work for Paulina.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120668.jpgp1120668https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/p1120673.jpgp1120673At the DART terminal. Yeah, we are on the "edge" of town, but there are still so many people!2016-10-04T13:39:10+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/09/22/our-house-part-2/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120166.jpgp1120166https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_3275.jpgimg_3275https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_3069.jpgimg_3069https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1110880.jpgP11108802016-09-26T11:25:38+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/09/19/kilimahewa-24-our-house/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1110963.jpgp1110963This is our kitchen. Me, daddy and Andrew (our house guard) are making dinner.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_3075.jpgimg_3075We like pretending to try to break into our house.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_3076.jpgimg_3076This is a picture of us in front of our house.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_3096.jpgimg_3096https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120011.jpgp1120011https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120013.jpgp1120013Here is a picture of daddy in our dinning room. We do most of our school work in our dining room.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120014.jpgp1120014This is a picture of our living room with us in it. One thing we like about our living room is the memory foam couches because we don`t sink into them.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120009.jpgp1120009Here's a picture of our upstairs hallway and me. At one end is the bathroom and at the other is a storage room. In the middle there are 2 bedrooms - one is ours and the other one is mommy 's and daddy's.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120208.jpgp1120208https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120210.jpgp11202102016-09-26T11:39:36+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/09/12/bisons-post/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120427.jpgp1120427https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120411.jpgp1120411https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120408.jpgp1120408https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120403.jpgp1120403https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120400.jpgp1120400https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/p1120399.jpgp11203992016-09-18T06:28:53+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/09/05/money/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_3263.jpgIMG_3263https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_3265.jpgIMG_3265https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_3266.jpgIMG_3266https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/img_3251.jpgIMG_32512016-09-18T06:28:02+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/09/01/bongoyo-island/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1120235.jpgP1120235Some of our students were teaching one of the Tanzanian students how to swim.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1120260.jpgP1120260We played a fun game of informal volleyball with people from 6 different countries!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1120254.jpgP1120254https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1120251.jpgP1120251https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1120293.jpgP1120293We had lots of fun looking at all the hermit crabs. It looked like the ground was moving, there were so many!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1120259.jpgP1120259https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_3228-e1472735118850.jpgIMG_3228As we were walking along the beach, we saw this giant jellyfish! (Editors note: Jon has big feet, so this gives you an idea of how big the jellyfish was!)https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1120263.jpgP1120263https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p11202661.jpgP1120266https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1120227.jpgP11202272016-09-03T07:51:14+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/08/23/zanzibar-day-2/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1120138.jpgP1120138https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1120155.jpgP1120155On the way back, we got to sail in the dhow and the sun was so pretty on the sail.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_3113.jpgIMG_3113https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_3119.jpgIMG_3119https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_3138-e1471952448444.jpgIMG_3138https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_3161.jpgIMG_3161After playing at the sandbar, we went to a lagoon for some awesome swimming and snorkeling.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_3170.jpgIMG_3170There were also GIANT land crabs! I thought that they were only in pet stores!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1120132.jpgP1120132The next day we took a dhow (a type of small fishing boat) to an island called Kwale. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_3148.jpgIMG_3148https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_3172.jpgIMG_3172On Kwale Island, there is a GIANT baobab tree! We got to climb it. It had fallen over but part of it was still alive and growing upward.2016-08-25T13:55:59+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/08/22/zanzibar-day-1/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1120118.jpgP1120118https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1120055.jpgP1120055https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1120058.jpgP1120058https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1120110.jpgP1120110https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1120039.jpgP1120039https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1120072.jpgP1120072Most of the doors in Stone Town were old wooden ones like this. They were very ornately carved and had spikes on them to keep the elephants away! No need to worry now, though, there are no elephants left on the island.2016-08-23T12:02:09+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/08/18/coco-beach/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1110972.jpgP1110972Checking the City Maps to Go app to make sure we were going the right way.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1110974.jpgP1110974Walking through a wealthy neighborhood (complete with razor wire around the walls) in search of the beach.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1110977.jpgP1110977Ah, here it is!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1110980.jpgP1110980https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1110989.jpgP1110989The girls loved playing in the waves with Jon (and with life jackets!).https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1110996.jpgP1110996Lunch with a beautiful view. Jon and I had fish, the girls had hamburgers. No surprises there!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1120003.jpgP1120003After lunch, we rented a paddle boat and the girls were taxied around by Jon.2016-08-18T17:25:35+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/08/08/a-trip-to-white-sands-beach/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1110913.jpgP1110913https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1110921.jpgP1110921https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1110926.jpgP1110926https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1110939.jpgP1110939https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1110940.jpgP1110940https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/p1110946.jpgP11109462016-08-09T12:46:20+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/08/07/week-one/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_3087.jpgIMG_3087https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_3092.jpgIMG_3092https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_3085.jpgIMG_3085https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_3089.jpgIMG_3089https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_3095.jpgIMG_30952016-08-08T13:20:35+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2016/08/03/we-made-it/2016-08-07T06:24:31+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2015/04/06/spring-break-part-ii/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/p1080703.jpgP1080703Over 9" the next day! Welcome home!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/p1080695.jpgP1080695Driving back home from Chicago...https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/p1080689.jpgP1080689Taking a break from all the walking and the heat.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/p1080681.jpgP1080681The French Quarter is pretty unique - we enjoyed all the iron work and balconies.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/p1080678.jpgP1080678Last morning in NOLA before catching the train back home.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/p1080653.jpgP1080653Feral pigs. They are pretty destructive and kind of aggressive. I'd be more scared of them than the alligators!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/p1080629.jpgP1080629Moss hanging from all the trees.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/p1080625.jpgP1080625Cyprus trees and knees. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/p1080621.jpgP1080621We saw one alligator that ate a hotdog off our guide's stick. :)https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/p1080582.jpgP1080582My favorite thing to do - walk along the beach.2015-04-06T02:21:22+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2015/04/04/spring-break-part-i/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1080411.jpgP1080411The glass elevator at our hotel. And being on the 23rd floor was pretty special, too.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1080408.jpgP1080408A view from our 23rd floor hotel. They don't call it The Big Muddy for nothing!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1080407.jpgP1080407https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1080401.jpgP1080401https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1080396.jpgP1080396A view from the Riverwalk area right along the river.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1080389.jpgP1080389https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1080388.jpgP1080388https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1080383.jpgP1080383Riding the trolley up Canal Street and over to City Park. It was a fun way to see the city.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1080379.jpgP1080379More good food at The House of Blues - jumbalaya, bread pudding and a hurricane to wash it all down.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/p1080377.jpgP1080377The pool at our hotel. The girls are really having a lot of fun swimming these days.2015-04-06T02:23:39+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2015/02/26/nebraska/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/p10802251.jpgP1080225Lily's bag is a beach towel folded up with a pocket and handles.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/p10802231.jpgP1080223Both girls worked with Grandma to sew swim bags. It was fun to think about summer, the pool and swimming!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/p1080264.jpgP1080264Reading on a lazy Sunday afternoon.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/p1080252.jpgP1080252Sunday morning, after the baptism. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/p1080242.jpgP1080242Sylvia made a large bag with lots of pockets to hold all the things she needs to take to the pool.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/p1080234.jpgP1080234Both girls had so much fun playing with their cousin. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/p1080229.jpgP1080229Aliyah loves it!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/p1080219.jpgP1080219We made lots of baby food for Aliyah. Sylvia's cutting up apples for applesauce.2015-02-26T15:41:56+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2015/02/21/valentines-seeds-and-the-gbbc/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/p1080212.jpgP1080212And we counted at home, too. We counted eight different species.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/p1080206.jpgP1080206And here's Lily in the cookie machine!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/p1080187.jpgP1080187We sing songs and dance, too!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/p1080172.jpgP1080172We play fun games, like the Valentine Suck Relay (my made up name!). The kids have to suck up hearts with straws and transport them to the other side of the room.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/p1080170.jpgP1080170Last weekend, we went to our favorite Valentine Party (well, our only Valentine Party, but still, we love it!).https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/p1080157.jpgP1080157Not quite as exciting but fun nonetheless was our participation in the Great Backyard Bird Count last weekend. We went to Lake Meyer with some friends to count birds there - 11 different species!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc_00371.jpgDSC_0037Last weekend was Valentine's Day - one of our favorite holiday celebrations. We made Valentine bookmarks to give to our friends.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc_00311.jpgDSC_0031We ate at the counter for several days since our whole table was covered with our crafting!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc_00291.jpgDSC_0029The girls got a little practice sewing before starting in on the bookmarks.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc_0002.jpgDSC_0002At this time of year, our thoughts turn to spring. The days are getting longer (but certainly not warmer) and we love looking at the seed catalogs. We finally got our order together and Sylvia happily ordered them on-line.2015-02-21T04:36:43+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2015/02/08/what-weve-been-up-to/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc_0061.jpgDSC_0061More kitchen chemistry. Again, safety first.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc_0056.jpgDSC_0056Lily made cookies to go along with the meal. She's not that into cooking, but she'll make anything that has sugar in it and that she can eat. :)https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc_0055.jpgDSC_0055Spaghetti Pie! Oven ready.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc_0053.jpgDSC_0053Sylvia cutting veggies.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc_0048.jpgDSC_0048And more cooking. We made food for 2 families - it was Sylvia's idea to bring meals to our friends. Lily is cutting up spaghetti for the Spaghetti Pie.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc_0024.jpgDSC_0024Remember the mushrooms I started earlier in January? Here they are, popping out of the box. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc_0016.jpgDSC_0016And moving right along from science to pretzels. Kitchen chemistry takes all forms!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc_0012.jpgDSC_0012"You mean we have to clean up now?!"https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc_0007.jpgDSC_0007Or when the bottle will erupt with "elephant toothpaste."https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dsc_0006.jpgDSC_0006Science Fun. The goggles are a must - you never know when the yeast will explode. :)2015-02-09T13:41:21+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2015/01/17/january-fun/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc_0040.jpgDSC_0040With her birthday ring.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc_0038.jpgDSC_0038Sylvia turned 10 on January 16th. Double digits! Lily made her desert: raw shortbread dough in an ice cream cone with chocolate chips and sprinkles on top. Lily said that they LOVE raw dough but I never let them eat enough and this recipe didn't have raw eggs in it, so it would be fine to eat a lot. :) Sylvia loved it!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc_0029.jpgDSC_0029Let's just say that construction is not my forte. I did not give great guidance, but the girls learned a lot about building through their mistakes!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc_0026.jpgDSC_0026Yesterday, we spent some time making structures with newspapers as well as toothpicks and marshmallows.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc_0023.jpgDSC_0023We got a mushroom mini farm to grow mushrooms right out of a box. But first we had to soak the medium. More photos of our 'shrooms to come! And I'm the only one that likes mushrooms, so they'll all be mine!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc_0012.jpgDSC_0012Sylvia started a whittling class at the Vesterheim. She loved it! Lily got a whittling set for Christmas so here Sylvia is showing Lily a few things she learned.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc_0006.jpgDSC_0006They kept track of their data and made all sorts of conclusions about their experiments.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/dsc_0004.jpgDSC_0004We spent a week experimenting with cars and ramps. They had fun crashing their cars into things.2015-01-17T19:25:18+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2015/01/09/christmas-2014/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/p1070379.jpgP1070379And yet another favorite thing to do with the cousins - play games! https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/p1070375.jpgP1070375Merry Christmas!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/p1070329.jpgP1070329The girls and Jon played daily ice hockey games. This was the first day at the pond - making sure it was frozen enough!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/p1070321.jpgP1070321On to New Hampton, IA where we got to hang out with Jon's family. We frosted sugar cookies - a favorite tradition. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/p1070226.jpgP1070226Christmas Eve!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/p1070217.jpgP1070217Grandpa Bruce brushing Lily's hair on Christmas Eve. My sister Mikaela took the girls to the Children's Museum, hence the face paint. It came off before church. :) https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/p1070177.jpgP1070177We also acted like bird! Turkey Vultures, to be exact.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/p1070173.jpgP1070173In Lincoln for Christmas. We took a hike at Pioneer's Park Nature Center and watched the birds.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/p1070164.jpgP1070164My mom and I made kolaches for Christmas morning (and every other morning during our stay!). https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/p1070155.jpgP1070155We made treats for the little animals this year. We put peanut butter and bird seed on pieces of bark and checked on them everyday. The white stuff is flour (since we didn't have snow) so that we could see any footprints. The food didn't last long and there were lots of interesting prints!2015-01-09T04:07:16+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/11/22/halloween-2/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/p1060968.jpgP1060968The only decent photo I have of them! This was after supper and before they went out trick-or-treating.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0027.jpgDSC_0027I don't think Lily looks much like I did as a girl, but she's still cute! :)https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0025.jpgDSC_0025Waiting in line to play a game at a booth. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0010.jpgDSC_0010The whole crowd!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0005.jpgDSC_000570s and 80s kids.2014-11-22T17:23:52+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/11/08/my-other-camera/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0186.jpgDSC_0186Some friends came over for an afternoon. The day ended with a re-inactment of The 5 Little Pumpkins.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0165.jpgDSC_0165Having fun making dragon bread for Michaelmas!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0159.jpgDSC_0159At our friends' wedding in WI. Jon presided over the ceremony. It was a beautiful day and gorgeous place for a wedding!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0122.jpgDSC_0122Hanging out with friends at Luther while Jon canoed/biked/ran in the Adventure race.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0072.jpgDSC_0072Sylvia played volleyball for Parks and Rec this fall!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0063.jpgDSC_0063We took a field trip to the Laura museum. How fun to sit in a covered wagon!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0015.jpgDSC_0015We made some maple cupcakes just like Laura Ingalls used to eat (minus the green sprinkles).2014-11-08T21:04:54+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/11/02/lilys-birthday/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0273.jpgDSC_0273https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0268.jpgDSC_0268https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0265.jpgDSC_0265https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0259.jpgDSC_0259https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0256.jpgDSC_0256https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0243.jpgDSC_0243https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0231.jpgDSC_0231https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0216.jpgDSC_0216https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0209.jpgDSC_0209https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/dsc_0180.jpgDSC_01802014-11-03T02:08:42+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/10/25/october-is-for-hiking/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1060776.jpgP1060776Climbing up Pulpit Rock.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1060843.jpgP1060843We like wide paths so we can walk (or run) together. This is also at Lionberger.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1060838.jpgP1060838We found a rubbing post at Lionberger preserve. We love the Safari program! We have been to many new places because of it.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1060826.jpgP1060826Lunch at Falcon Springs WMA - a lovely view!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1060789.jpgP1060789We love collecting cool leaves.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/p1060784.jpgP1060784Walking along the ridge above Pulpit Rock.2014-11-05T02:41:46+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/09/19/horses/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1060730.jpgP1060730https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1060719.jpgP1060719https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1060708.jpgP1060708Sylvia and I went to Iowa City last week to help with an event for veterans. We gave rides to veterans from all over the country. I had a 92 year old WWII vet on my horse! https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1060674.jpgP1060674https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1060670.jpgP1060670We also like getting to pet some of the horses, too. This draft horse came all the way from Nebraska to participate in the Picnic Class.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1060661.jpgP1060661There was a wild horse and burro adoption event in Decorah. The Bureau of Land Management rounds up thousands of horses every year and tries to adopt out some of them around the country. They made a stop in Decorah and we just had to go up and see the wild mustangs. And actually, I think the burros were our favorite. They were adorable!2014-09-20T03:32:21+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/09/09/school-beginnings/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1060659.jpgP1060659https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1060647.jpgP1060647We took a field trip down to Spillville to visit the Bily Clock museum. It was fantastic! This old school house was on the museum grounds and we had fun imagining life at school 100 years ago.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc_0156.jpgDSC_0156Chore time! At least she has the right footwear!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc_0146.jpgDSC_0146We found another rubbing post at the old Locust School.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc_0111.jpgDSC_0111Lunch by the side of the trail. We were losing our shade it was a warm day!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc_0105.jpgDSC_0105We went to South Pine Creek in search for a rubbing post for the Driftless Safari. We had never been here before and it was a beautiful place!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc_0104.jpgDSC_0104Making birds with tissue paper and cardstock. Simple and pretty!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc_0102.jpgDSC_0102https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc_0087.jpgDSC_0087Most mornings start with a morning walk down our road to the next set of mailboxes. sometimes babies come with us.2014-09-09T20:59:24+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/09/03/august-iowa/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1060632.jpgP1060632Puppy having a cheese stick snack.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1060624.jpgP1060624Photography. Sylvia and Lily have fun taking pictures and this was an especially cute photo shoot of their stuffed animals out on the streets of Decorah.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1060623.jpgP1060623A thoughtful Old Bear, looking out over the parking lot.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1060630.jpgP1060630A polar bear in the coleus - an unusual habitat.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p1060638.jpgP1060638 There was a quick change of clothes so that they could be ready for a fun day of homeschool. There was yet another costume change when school work was done and they had "recess" all afternoon.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc_0133.jpgDSC_0133Freezing peaches.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc_0121.jpgDSC_0121Hanging out with baby chicks.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dsc_0112.jpgDSC_0112Finding lots of wildlife around. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060633.jpgP1060633First day of school doing chores.2014-09-03T03:02:08+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/08/30/august-spirit-lake-and-nebraska/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060616.jpgP1060616https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060615.jpgP1060615Taking her outside for some fresh air.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060592.jpgP1060592We drove down to Lincoln after Spirit Lake to meet Aliyah, our new cousin, for the first time. This is the first time Sylvia held her! https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060568.jpgP1060568It was really windy during our stay, but on our last full day, we found a beach that was out of the wind. We spent that afternoon at the water hanging out on our floaties. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060561.jpgP1060561The girls are well prepared for the water.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060550.jpgP1060550We took a hike at the Dickinson County Nature Center. It's a beautiful place with prairies, ponds and flower gardens.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060547.jpgP1060547Inside the nature center are fun things to play with!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060538.jpgP1060538We like to cook and eat great food.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060534.jpgP1060534Doing a few kubb warm up stretches before the big game.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060506.jpgP1060506The girls had fun playing in the little play house again.2014-08-30T12:54:48+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/08/28/august-the-bwca/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060470.jpgP1060470https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060469.jpgP1060469https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060466.jpgP1060466https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060462.jpgP1060462https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060460.jpgP1060460https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060433.jpgP1060433https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060431.jpgP1060431https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060417.jpgP1060417https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1060415.jpgP10604152014-09-03T13:49:10+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/08/21/last-malta-post/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1050077.jpgP1050077A couple toppings I made: on the left is a tomato paste (kunserva) garlic mixture using crackers as a base. On the right is tuna mixed with olive oil, red onion and capers. My favorite!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1050075.jpgP1050075https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1050046.jpgP1050046https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1050044.jpgP1050044As far as new foods go, broad beans (ful in Maltese) were probably my favorite. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1050605.jpgP1050605https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1050251.jpgP1050251https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1050034.jpgP1050034https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1020578.jpgP1020578Another new food we found in Sicily - caper fruit! The capers we usually eat are the pickled buds of the flowers. But these were the fruits of the plant, after the flowers were gone.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1020422.jpgP1020422Sylvia making beet salad in our kitchen. It was small but very functional.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/p1010549.jpgP1010549We loved trying new restaurants and we loved eating with the students!2014-08-21T12:41:13+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/07/25/back-in-iowa/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/p1060291.jpgP1060291Lily just finished a week of soccer camp. She learned to dribble, shoot and pass. She had a lot of fun - and snack was her favorite part of camp. :)https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/p1060279.jpgP1060279Back in Decorah, the girls have played with lots of friends and gone to one birthday party. We've also been to the pool many times. It's not quite the Mediterranean Sea, but it's the best we've got!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/p1060224.jpgP1060224We helped my sister organize all her new, cute, fun baby stuff!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/p1060177.jpgP1060177We spent a morning at the Children's Zoo. The penguins might have been our favorite. We watched their feeding time and the girls helped count how many fish Riley ate.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/p1060061.jpgP1060061More biking in Lincoln.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/p1060057.jpgP1060057We spent a week in Lincoln to see my family and attend two baby showers for my sister who is going to have a baby very soon! The girls are helping create a diaper cake.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/p1060029.jpgP1060029The County Fair. Lily won a purple Grand Champion ribbon for creating a turtle out of all fruits and veggies. The girls also loved all the rides.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/p1050975.jpgP1050975Playing with the cousins. In the street, no less. What big girls!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/p1050963.jpgP1050963The World Cup! We had fun gathering around the iPad to watch the Quarter Final games with the cousins. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/p1050948.jpgP1050948Biking! The girls are so excited to have their bikes back and have safe sidewalks to ride on. At least in New Hampton. Back home, we just have gravel roads.2014-09-03T13:46:48+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/06/11/the-bucket-list/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050254.jpgP1050254Sylvia and I went horseback riding at Golden Bay Stables. We had a great ride with beautiful views of the sea. We rode in Il-Majjistral National Park, a place I would like to explore more. Next time. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050244.jpgP1050244More parks. :) This one is by the yarn shop and Busy Bee, so it's never a problem to to there. Plus, it's a fun place to play hide and seek tag.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050212.jpgP1050212Walking along the cliffs with Jon on the outside. :)https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050201.jpgP1050201Caper plants! They are so cool. The flower is pretty unique and it's fun to see the buds that are picked and pickled to become capers. The plants really like the salty, windy, rocky ledges.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050192.jpgP1050192Way up north. We had lunch on the rocks.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050188.jpgP1050188A cool respite on a hot day. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050182.jpgP1050182Looking for the Painted Frog, Malta's only native amphibian. They are found only here and in Sicily. And guess what? What saw some! A pretty cool discovery.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050168.jpgP1050168Buskett Gardens.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050162.jpgP1050162Parks are always on the Bucket List! :) This was at the Gardens. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050145.jpgP1050145The Kitchen Garden, also part of the President's Palace. I could have stayed here all day! Huge swaths of rosemary and lavender lined the perimeter. There were lots of great veggies throughout the garden as well.2014-06-12T06:29:59+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/06/12/beaches/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050235.jpgP1050235https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050233.jpgP1050233https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050218.jpgP1050218https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050061.jpgP1050061One more view of Sliema beach.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050057.jpgP1050057https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050047.jpgP1050047Lily loves to play in the sand but is getting more comfortable being out in the water.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1040072.jpgP1040072Melliha Bay.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1040032.jpgP1040032https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1030973.jpgP1030973Making sand sculptures at Sliema beach. We sometimes eat picnic lunches down here, too.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1020579.jpgP10205792014-06-12T06:29:00+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/06/10/parks/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050153.jpgP1050153https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050330.jpgP1050330We had a birthday party at this park. There are fountains to play in.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050268.jpgP1050268This is the park by Golden Bay. It's very small but it's fun. We ate lunch in the shade under the slide.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050247.jpgP1050247This one is by Busy Bee, the gelateria. We learned to play hide and seek tag here.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1050110.jpgP1050110This is the middle park. We call it the middle park because it's in the middle of the first park (closest to our flat) and the big park, which is farther away.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1040015.jpgP1040015This is Pembroke Gardens. It's really fun because there are waterfalls and streams to play in.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1020501.jpgP1020501This is the park we found on Daddy's birthday when we ate lunch in Marsascala.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1020468.jpgP1020468There is a really fun swing that goes side to side.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1020455.jpgP1020455This the park on top of the old dump. There are lots of steps.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/p1010664.jpgP1010664This park is by Mdina, the old walled city.2014-06-10T20:23:38+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/05/30/our-neighborhood/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1050012.jpgP1050012We're here! https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1050079.jpgP1050079This is the little store a couple doors down from our flat. It is on the corner and we usually don't go by it because we take the shortcut.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1050072.jpgP1050072This is a place where you can rent movies and buy lots of other stuff. It is a few doors down from us the other direction from Orion.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1050068.jpgP1050068These are the maps me and Lily made of our walk to the water.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1050036.jpgP1050036This is the view from our window if you are looking down the street towards Mercury's. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1050024.jpgP1050024This is the shortcut. We don't know if it really is shorter but we like it better anyway.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1050021.jpgP1050021Our favorite green grocer store. It was a 2 minute walk from our flat. We also liked to buy our veggies from another grocer 2 blocks away and some of our daily foods at the store 2 doors down. We loved being able to walk to get our fresh veggies every day!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040998.jpgP1040998We're going back the other way. This is the bar we pass.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040994.jpgP1040994This is the dessert place we sometimes go to. We go by it on the way back. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1010891.jpgP1010891This is our front door and we really like it.2014-06-02T13:26:31+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/05/29/more-greece-photos/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040985.jpgP1040985Back to Athens on Thursday evening for one last look from our balcony before I left the next morning. What a great trip!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040946.jpgP1040946It was really quite amazing!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040937.jpgP1040937Our last day was spent at Meteora, a group of 8 monasteries perched on top of unusual rock formations.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040847.jpgP1040847Over the mountain pass, we had to wait for oncoming traffic.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040795.jpgP1040795The ancient city of Delphi where the oracle of Delphi lived. The area was so beautiful! Also, the Pygrean games were held here.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040713.jpgP1040713On our way to Delphi on the mainland, we stopped at a lovely little spot near Galaxiti to stretch our legs. The water was so clear and we saw lots of fun tidepool critters. We even got to hold hermit crabs and black spiky sea urchins!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040689.jpgP1040689Love that sun protection!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040678.jpgP1040678Every ancient site had a museum attached to it with artifacts from the site.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040642.jpgP1040642The first Olympic games were held here in the stadion. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040611.jpgP1040611Guess who?2014-05-29T21:00:56+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/05/27/greece-again/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040482.jpgP1040482Temple of Zeus. This is one of the places we didn't get to with the Luther students.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040508.jpgP1040508https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040451.jpgP1040451On our third day, Sunday 18 May, we had an organized tour of Athens. The Acropolis was still amazing!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040433.jpgP1040433We watched the changing of the guard at the Parliament building. These young men are a part of Greece's military - every young man serves a year. These young men are specially chosen to be the Parliament guards with their 1840s replica uniforms.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040396.jpgP1040396Pistachio trees! Aegina is known for its pistachio groves. I love pistachios so I bought 3 bags of local nuts that I might share. :)https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040361.jpgP1040361https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040332.jpgP1040332https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040312.jpgP1040312We went to the islands of Poros, Hydra and Aegina. This is a photo of Hydra, a lovely little island with no cars. We saw lots of horses and mules. We really enjoyed the cute community.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040248.jpgP1040248https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040234.jpgP1040234The next day, we took a full day trip to three islands aboard a Pleasure Cruise ship. The sea was so beautiful and the weather was excellent!2014-05-27T12:42:03+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/05/27/my-family-comes-to-malta/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040081.jpgP1040081https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040155.jpgP1040155We had fun, silly times everywhere we went!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040146.jpgP1040146We had lunch in Mdina and then walked around the cool little streets admiring the midaevil architecture.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040116.jpgP1040116We went to the Blue Grotto and then on to Hagar Qim and Manjdra, site of the neolithic temples. I had not been before so it was a new experience for me, too!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040094.jpgP1040094We rented a van one day and took them on a little island tour. First stop, Marsaxlokk. Everyone loved this cute fishing village.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1040079.jpgP1040079We spent a day in Valletta learning some Malta history and seeing some popular sights. They took a tour of St. John's Co-Cathedral and had some pastizzi on the steps. I love Valletta and it was fun to just walk around this beautiful place.2014-05-27T12:12:55+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/05/13/italy/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030966.jpgP1030966We tried to fly out of Bergamo on Monday but all the flights were cancelled and we had to stay the night in a hotel. The next day, we had to drive to Turin to fly home. The girls made the best of the situation but setting up a toiletries store in our hotel suite. Good thing because I needed to stock up after being in the airport all day!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030959.jpgP1030959On the way back down to Bergamo where we were to fly out, we stopped in Bolzano to visit the museum.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030931.jpgP1030931Krebishof is a working farm. They milk about 15 cows and have about twice as many out in pasture. The father/son duo also have some 14,000 apple trees and several hundred grape vines. The mom/daughter-in-law duo run the guesthouse. Oh - and they have adorable little bunnies! :)https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030912.jpgP1030912https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030773.jpgP1030773We really enjoyed exploring the area. There were a couple impressive castles and although we did not tour either one, we had fun imagining what life was like when they were built hundreds of years ago. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030761.jpgP1030761The valley we were in is very German. In fact, it wasn't a part of Italy until after WWI when the current borders were created. Thus, the majority of people speak German, the food is mostly German and the houses are all named something-hof (and look quite Bavarian, too!).https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030744.jpgP1030744On Friday, we left the foothills and drove to the mountains. Our guest house was in Shenna, about 3 hours north. It was a beautiful drive and an incredible valley. The region is called South Tirol and it is huge apple country. In fact, the apples we eat here in Malta are from the Sud Tyrol region.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030708.jpgP1030708We love a simple supper of bread, cheese, meat, fruit and wine. And what a beautiful setting our bed and breakfast provided!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030687.jpgP1030687The next day we spent the whole day in Venice. We had a super time - Venice is so amazing! We all loved it.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030651.jpgP1030651Everyone thinks of the canals when they think of Venice. But what about the incredible Baroque architecture? Yes, it's a little over the top, but pretty spectacular nonetheless.2014-05-14T14:47:40+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/05/10/greece/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030564.jpgP1030564https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030432.jpgP1030432On Monday, we all went our separate ways. Students went to Ireland, Paris, the French Alps, northern Greece and a couple Greek Islands. We headed down the coast, west of Athens to Nafplion. It's a cute little down dominated by a huge rock and a beautiful bay.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030390.jpgP1030390https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030340.jpgP1030340https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030307.jpgP1030307https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030280.jpgP1030280https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030264.jpgP1030264https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030231.jpgP1030231https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030225.jpgP1030225https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030206.jpgP10302062014-05-10T20:26:05+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/05/08/selcuk/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030175.jpgP1030175I finally got my Turkish coffee! We had lunch in Sirince, a pretty little town in the hills. The drive was lovely, wish I could say the same for the coffee. I think it's an acquired taste.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030139.jpgP1030139Ephesus was important in early Christianity and is featured many times in the bible (Ephesians, Acts, Corinthians, Gospel of John and Revelations). This the stadium where Paul, who lived in Ephesus, preached to the citizens.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030115.jpgP1030115The Library of Celsushttps://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030064.jpgP1030064The next day we went to Ephesus. It is an ancient Greek city that flourished under Roman rule in about the 2nd century BC. The city itself was quite impressive with a sophisticated aquaduct system, public baths, housinghttps://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030035.jpgP1030035https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030021.jpgP1030021The tall column in the foreground is the Temple of Artemis. This was a Greek temple to the goddess Artemis and said to be one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. In the background is the Basilica, the mosque and a castle that we could not visit due to reconstruction.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030011.jpgP1030011One of my favorite Turkish treats - pomegranite juice! These stands were all over. It was really fun to watch someone effortlessly smash half a pomegranite with the squeezer and retrieve the fantastic juice.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1030007.jpgP1030007Gravestones at the mosque. Very cool!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1020996.jpgP1020996https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1020967.jpgP1020967Our first stop was the Basilica of St. John. It was built in the 6th century and it is believed that John who wrote the book of Revelations is buried there. The layout and design of the church is similar to that of the Haiga Sophia.2014-05-09T12:03:31+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/05/05/istanbul/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1020940.jpgP1020940Across a lovely park and pedestrian area was the Blue Mosque. This was Sylvia's favorite thing we did on our trip because this was the first mosque she has ever been in (that wasn't a museum, like the Ayasofya).https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1020936.jpgP1020936https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1020913.jpgP1020913https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1020892.jpgP1020892https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1020860.jpgP1020860We went to another Roman https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1020851.jpgP1020851https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1020818.jpgP1020818We spent the afternoon on the Asian side of Istanbul with Elvan and Bejna. We went to their local bazaar, their home and a newly established park close to the sea.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1020757.jpgP1020757Next day, we toured Tokapi Palace where the Ottoman sultans lived for hundreds of years. We learned about their lifestyles, harems (the designated spaces for the women of the family), life during the Ottoman times and so much more. One of the most stunning things about the palace were the interior decorations made of thousands of beautiful tiles.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1020717.jpgP1020717We went out to eat with Huseyin, Elvan and Bejna and had some delicious fresh fish. Then they took us to the most amazing baklava place. It was the best pastry I've had - full of pistachios, flaky crusts and honey sauce. Yum - it will not be forgotten!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1020703.jpgP10207032014-05-05T20:35:22+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/04/07/sicily-part-ii/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1020375.jpgP1020375The landscape was so different than other mountains I've hiked. The soil was black and kind of sandy and the vegetation at this elevation and side of the mountain was very sparse.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1020364.jpgP1020364https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1020318.jpgP1020318We flew back to Malta on Tuesday, April 1st but not until 10:30 pm. We had plenty of time to hike around Mt. Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. You can see the cooled lava from the eruption in 1992 in the foreground.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1020292.jpgP1020292We walked to a black sand beach - I've never seen anything like it!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1020281.jpgP1020281The girls had fun playing in the sand. We had to bring a bunch home...https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1020271.jpgP1020271Vulcano has a sulfur hot spring bath which is said to help improve problems with arthritis, skin problems and asthma.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1020260.jpgP1020260Vulcano - you can see the steam coming from the active vent.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1020212.jpgP1020212We had a great lunch - a meat and cheese tray with locally cured meats and delicious cheeses. We sampled some local Liparian wine: Malvasia and some delicious caper fruits.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1020196.jpgP1020196Looking up from the old part of Lipari to the even older fortified village.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1020185.jpgP1020185Our first stop was Lipari, the largest island with the greatest population (about 11,000). We walked through the old walled city (built 1556) as well as newer parts (and had lunch.2014-04-08T15:46:46+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/04/06/sicily-part-i/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1020153.jpgP1020153Old town Cefalu. I strongly encourage anyone who every had any inkling to go to Sicily (and those who don'!) to visit. And go to Cefalu - you will love it! More information on the city here: http://www.cefalu.net/cefalu.php?lingua=enhttps://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1020144.jpgP1020144On our walk home, we found this great trail that went along the waterfront on the rocks.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1020117.jpgP1020117We ate gelato and visited this duomo, or cathedral, in the old city. It was built between 1131 and 1240. It's quite unique and different from other churches we've seen because it has Norman style architecture and Arabic influences in other parts of the structure.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1020109.jpgP1020109https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1020056.jpgP1020056https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1020030.jpgP1020030On Sunday, we hiked up La Rocca, the huge rock in Cefalu. At the top are the remains of an old castle built in the 13-14th centuries.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1010976.jpgP1010976https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1010952.jpgP1010952Our last stop was Castelbuono - one of my favorite spots. It is sweet little mountain town https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1010899.jpgP1010899https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/dsc_0133.jpgDSC_01332014-04-07T14:52:46+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/03/27/home-sweet-home/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1000333.jpgP1000333Last but not least, the roof. Where we hang our clothes, read, eat (once in a while) and run around. We love the roof and are happy to only have to walk up one flight of stairs to get there.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010841.jpgP1010841Next, you must walk up 4 flights of stairs, or 60 steps. Ready?https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010891.jpgP1010891Welcome to Marian Flats!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010843.jpgP1010843You made it! Welcome to Flat 15!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010889.jpgP1010889We live athttps://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1000515.jpgP1000515Continuing down the hall a bit, we come to our small but functional kitchen. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010776.jpgP1010776https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010778.jpgP1010778If you turn right, you will see this long hallway (all the way back to our bedroom).https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010787.jpgP1010787And there, standing in our bedroom door, I can look all the way down the hall to the home school room and the front of the flat.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010781.jpgP1010781The first stop down the hallway is the dining room. This is also our living room/hangout room.2014-03-28T12:41:14+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/03/25/feast-of-st-joseph/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010644.jpgP1010644We wandered the streets of Rabat when we first arrived to get a sense of the celebration.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010651.jpgP1010651Everything is so colorful!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010664.jpgP1010664We found a park, of coursehttps://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010668.jpgP1010668https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010695.jpgP1010695https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010702.jpgP1010702We also explored Mdina, the old capital. The city has a giant wall all round it that would definitely deter me if I were coming to attack.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010704.jpgP1010704We skipped this vendor - we were looking for something more Maltese to eat.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010732.jpgP1010732We went back to St. Joseph's in the evening to watch the procession. We watched some of the church service and then waited outside the church to watch the procession. We waited quite a while, but we were happy to have a good spot - there were loads of people all trying to catch a glimpse of the statue.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010768.jpgP1010768https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010775.jpgP1010775It was so crazy trying to leave. I don't think I've ever been that crowded ever. It was like Walmart on Black Friday. I kept asking Lily if she could breath! At least Jon and I were taller than most everyone around us so we could see each other through the crowd. We stopped to let the crowd dissipate and had a delicious supper at a cafe. 2014-03-27T15:08:44+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/03/18/gozo/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010598.jpgP1010598We also found a fun little park!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_00131.jpgDSC_0013The only way to get to Gozo is by ferry. The huge ferry carries vehicles as well as people on a 25 minute cruise. The ferries run quite regularly and the fare was less than 5 euro.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0015.jpgDSC_0015Our first stop of the afternoon was Ggantija Temples which were started as early as 3600 BC. The temples were used for about 1,000 years, most likely for rituals for life and fertility. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0046.jpgDSC_0046What a beautiful view!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0054.jpgDSC_0054We saw Ramla beach, one of Gozo's finest, from high above. We were at Calypso's Cave, which appeared in Homer's The Odyssey.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0078.jpgDSC_0078The Azure Window, near Dwejra. Not only is the rock formation incredible (328 ft!), but the water was such a deep rich blue. It was a stunning place. The Azure Window was featured in the show Game of Thrones. The Maltese islands are made of 3 different kinds of limestone and 2 different kinds of clay. It's the soft limestone that allows formations like these to be created. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0144.jpgDSC_0144https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0155.jpgDSC_0155Rabat is an Arabic word for knot or closely tied together. Rabat in modern lingo means suburb. Rabat grew up around the Citadel. Today, only 4 people still live in the Citadel while the rest live in Rabat.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010486.jpgP1010486https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0174.jpgDSC_01742014-03-19T01:34:13+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/03/15/on-the-road-again/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0004.jpgDSC_0004https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_00181.jpgDSC_0018https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0036.jpgDSC_0036The church was really beautiful with ornate carvings, paintings and woodwork.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_00481.jpgDSC_0048We took some back roads to try to avoid the traffic in Mosta. This indeed is a street. We were happy we didn't meet any oncoming traffic.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0060.jpgDSC_0060We drove west again to the other side of the island, north of Dingli. The beach was gorgeous but chilly. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0065.jpgDSC_0065There are towers all around the perimeter of the island. They were used as lookouts for enemy ships. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0068.jpgDSC_0068These houses appear to be built into the side of the hill. I don't know if they are year round residences. I didn't not see any boats, but there were docks in front of the houses.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0073.jpgDSC_0073Despite the wind and clouds, the girls set up their towels and sat down for some reading time.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0075.jpgDSC_0075We took more back roads to see more coastline and found ourselves driving through farmland and along narrow country roads like this one. This is a two way road, but two cars could never fit side by side, so there were pull outs now and then. We had to use one once.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0081.jpgDSC_0081More beautiful coastline.2014-03-17T13:03:05+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/03/13/the-open-road/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0006.jpgDSC_0006https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0011.jpgDSC_0011The top of the cliffs were quite rocky and made walking a little difficult. Apparently, goats grazed all along here and depleted the top soil leaving a rocky, weedy area.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0018.jpgDSC_0018https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0031.jpgDSC_0031https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0037.jpgDSC_0037https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010393.jpgP1010393First stop, back to the National Park and Farmer's Market. This observation area is at the park.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010415.jpgP1010415https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010416.jpgP1010416We got the cutest little car. The girls were so excited to hop in, buckle up and head out!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010396.jpgP1010396https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/dsc_0005.jpgDSC_0005After lunch at the Farmer's Market, we headed to the other side of the Island to the Dingli Cliffs.2014-03-13T13:24:05+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/03/05/carnival/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010163.jpgP1010163The girls and I went to Valletta on Saturday morning to watch the dance competitions. The first dance of the morning was this one - with the Knights of Malta fighting the Turks.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010267.jpgP1010267https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010268.jpgP1010268We went back on Sunday morning with Jon. We were hoping for a parade, but instead we saw more huge floats, beautiful costumes and tons of people.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010273.jpgP1010273In addition to gorging on meat before Lent, many people devour sweets during Carnival. There were many stands and this one sold traditional Maltese cake which they sliced off this hunk. It was more like dry cookie dough with candied citrus and chocolate chips. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010284.jpgP1010284We ate lunch from one of the many food vendors in the area. The girls had hotdogs (surprise!) and once again they were served with baked beans right in the bun. It's actually pretty good!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010293.jpgP1010293https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010334.jpgP1010334https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010274.jpgP1010274https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010299.jpgP1010299https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/p1010307.jpgP10103072014-03-06T19:48:59+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/02/25/farmers-market/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1010005.jpgP1010005We got off the bus near the National Park so we walked through the park on our way to the market. There is not an entrance fee and you cannot drive through the park. It is small by US standards, but then again, this country is smaller than Winneshiek county!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1010009.jpgP1010009I love the palm tree berries! And I can't get over all the blooming flowers. There are annuals all over that I can only grow for 3 months in Iowa - calendula, African daisy and dianthus, to name a few.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1010016.jpgP1010016There is a farm yard petting zoo in the park. The girls loved seeing the animals! Chickens, ducks, geese, goats, sheep, a horse and donkey. It made us miss home! But we were glad that the Maltese city kids have a chance to interact with the animals.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1010021.jpgP1010021The girls loved the rabbits. So did I! There may be a rabbit in our future...https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1010033.jpgP1010033The Maltese countryside. We don't see very much of this from our flat in Sliema! It really is quite beautiful. in front is a winery that we'll have to go back and visit!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1010039.jpgP1010039The Farmer's Market! Lots of wonderful produce - it really was a piece of familiar heaven. :)https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1010041.jpgP1010041The city on the hill is Rabat, the former capital of Malta. We haven't been there yet, but it sure was inviting! The big lights are at the National Football Stadium.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1010051.jpgP1010051Strawberries! In season now until about May or June. And delicious. The farmer is the one on the right but he wanted his friend in the photo! https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1010053.jpgP1010053We bought lots of flowers - calla lilies, daffodils and these fragrant beauties. I'm not sure what they are but I love them! https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1010062.jpgP1010062We ate lunch at the market at a stand that was selling traditional Maltese food. The menu was all in Maltese so we just ordered what the person in front of us ordered - rabbit! Rabbit is a traditional Maltese food but this was the first we had. It was very tasty. The girls got a whole chicken and they had a lot of fun digging into it.2014-02-28T13:55:21+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/02/21/roma-part-ii-feb-15-and-16/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0276.jpgDSC_0276A painting by Raphael in the museum. The Raphael rooms used to be living quarters for the pope.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0217.jpgDSC_0217https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0226.jpgDSC_0226We are heading into the museum. We skipped the huge line because we bought our tickets on line beforehand. Whew!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0233.jpgDSC_0233Our guide, Cecilia studied art history and shared with us so many interesting things about the paintings on the Sistine Chapel as well as the other art we saw.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0239.jpgDSC_0239The statue, dating back to ancient Rome was an inspiration to Michelangelo. You can see similarities in the face of this statue with the face of Jesus that Michelangelo painted in the Last Judgement in the Sistine Chapel.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0293.jpgDSC_0293Inside the Basilica. It was started in 1506 and completed in 1626. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0310.jpgDSC_0310Inside, the church is mostly marble and stone, with many beautiful statues. There is not much for colorful artwork but the pictures that are there (like this one) are not paintings but rather made of tile so that they will last for as long as the rest of the church.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0317.jpgDSC_0317St. Peter's Basilica. Absolutely amazing architecture. Michelangelo designed the dome but did not live to see it finished.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0344.jpgDSC_0344We stopped at this beautiful piazza and enjoyed a snack, the fountains. people watching and all the artists displaying their work.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0355.jpgDSC_0355Of course, we had to stop and get gelato (3 days in a row, Lily was proud to announce). 2014-03-09T19:47:24+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/02/20/roma-part-i-feb-13-and-14/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0087.jpgDSC_0087https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0026.jpgDSC_0026At the parkhttps://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000799.jpgP1000799On our first day, after settling into our hotel room, we set off to find the nearby park. The girls were happy to play and run in the grass. I spent 2 hours at the Borghese Museum where I saw statues from Bernini, and paintings from Raphael and Caravaggio.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0029.jpgDSC_0029https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0043.jpgDSC_0043https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0057.jpgDSC_0057Inside the Colosseum, where the games took place. Sylvia found the description of the games to be so interesting. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0121.jpgDSC_0121The girls loved the tour. I asked them a few times if they wanted to stop and read for a while but they wanted to listen the whole time, just taking a sitting break now and then.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0140.jpgDSC_0140Next, we walked around the forum and learned about the buildings and the lives of the people living thousands of years ago.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0147.jpgDSC_0147Filling up our water bottles at one of public water fountains that are all over Rome.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0149.jpgDSC_01492014-02-22T21:02:18+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/02/11/feast-of-st-pauls-shipwreck/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000672.jpgP1000672https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000707.jpgP1000707https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000709.jpgP1000709Mass was in the morning. For the rest of the day, crowds of people walked along the streets of Valletta following this band.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000711.jpgP1000711https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000716.jpgP1000716https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000732.jpgP1000732The kids went wild over all the paper on the ground. The air was filled with shrieks of happy children as well as paper! https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000736.jpgP1000736https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000747.jpgP1000747The celebration was so fun - we really enjoyed our day!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000760.jpgP1000760The streets were decorated with huge banners in bright, cheery colors.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000654.jpgP10006542014-02-12T06:07:02+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/02/11/marsaxlokk/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000624.jpgP1000624Beautiful Catholic church in the middle of a large plaza. We had the pleasure of hearing the bells ring during lunch.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000638.jpgP1000638One last view of the water and green hillside as we walk toward the bus stop.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000581.jpgP1000581https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000587.jpgP1000587https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000594.jpgP1000594https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000600.jpgP1000600Another view of the market looking back, from where we came. We did a lot of walking - the girls are getting used to that and they hardly complained.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000612.jpgP1000612https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000617.jpgP1000617My fantastic lunch! Jon and I picked out the fish we wanted from a display case and they cooked up the whole thing for us! I had red snapper.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000622.jpgP1000622It was so delicious, it wasn't hard to finish it off!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000627.jpgP1000627Lily, soaking up the sun. You can see the plaza where we we had lunch and that leads right to the market and the water.2014-02-12T06:01:15+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/02/02/a-homeschool-week/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000483.jpgP1000483The first thing we do is go for a short walk in the neighborhood. It's good to get outside first thing, check out the weather and give our legs a little workout!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000351.jpgP1000351https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000367.jpgP1000367https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0013.jpgDSC_0013https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000427.jpgP1000427https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000439.jpgP1000439Sometimes Jon comes with us. This day we stopped and got cannoli on the way to the beach. Amazing! There is the best little bakery 2 minutes from our flat and the cannoli are only 60 euro. They might become a staple!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dsc_0016.jpgDSC_0016When we return to our flat, the Sylvia writes in her weather journal and Lily puts a fruit on her weather tree. Then it's down to business. Lily is working on a math unit and Sylvia started a long Language Arts unit. They do most of their work at this table in the guest bedroom because it has the most natural light.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000447.jpgP1000447https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000449.jpgP1000449https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/p1000452.jpgP1000452Exploring another waterfront area. There's not much for sandy beaches in Sliema, but the rocky waterfront is still pretty cool.2014-02-22T19:57:14+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/01/28/valletta/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dsc_0142.jpgDSC_0142In more recent times (like late 1800s, early 1900s), goatherders would bring thousands of goats into the city every day. The goats would roam the streets while the goatherds would take goats door to door to milk them for the resident. That's fresh milk! To prevent the wondering goats from entering the houses, gates like these were installed in each doorway.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dsc_0121.jpgDSC_0121https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dsc_0122.jpgDSC_0122https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dsc_0129.jpgDSC_0129https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dsc_0132.jpgDSC_0132https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dsc_0135.jpgDSC_0135https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dsc_0157.jpgDSC_0157https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dsc_0190.jpgDSC_0190Manoel Island, home to the 170-year old Malta Yacht Club. This is Fort Manoel and https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dsc_0192.jpgDSC_0192https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dsc_0143.jpgDSC_01432014-02-01T21:26:20+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/01/25/a-birthday-to-remember/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p1000407.jpgP1000407Pizza! One with Maltese cheese and sausage, the other with proscuitto, rocket (arugula) and shaved Parmesan. https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p1000409.jpgP1000409Delish!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dsc_0128.jpgDSC_0128We started with a bus ride to Valletta, the capital of Malta. It is not as built up as Sliema and has an older feel to it. There were many, many people out walking in the streets.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dsc_0164.jpgDSC_0164The girls were ready to take a break from walking to play at a playground.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dsc_0171.jpgDSC_0171https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dsc_0185.jpgDSC_0185So much to see!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dsc_0193.jpgDSC_0193https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dsc_0198.jpgDSC_0198We took a bus to the north end of Malta to a town called Qawra. We spent the rest of the afternoon at the Malta National Aquarium.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dsc_0203.jpgDSC_0203Walking through a water tunnel.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/dsc_0214.jpgDSC_0214My favorite - walking through a big tunnel with sharks, sting rays and lots of cool fish.2014-02-01T21:19:45+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/01/21/malta/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p1000178.jpgP1000178Yes, the Mall of America is a highlight! We had a lot of fun the night before we left going on the rides at the Mall.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p1000183.jpgP1000183This one is for you, Mikaela!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p1000192.jpgP1000192https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p1000203.jpgP1000203We just checked our huge luggage - a total of 199 pounds! https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p1000220.jpgP1000220Our lovely landlady, Maria, took us out to lunch our first day in Sliema. We sat right by the ocean!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p1000229.jpgP1000229The joy of unpacking and settling into a place! We feel almost all moved in and are making our flat a great place to be.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p1000206.jpgP1000206Strolling through the airport. Our connection in Philly was tight - we were the last people on the plane! And then we sat and waited for nearly an hour while they fixed an indicator light!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p1000209.jpgP1000209The girls did great on the 3 flights. They listened to music and stories, colored, read, ate, slept (a bit) and watched out the window.2014-01-22T21:11:34+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2014/01/22/our-walking-tour/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p1000239.jpgP1000239https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p1000247.jpgP1000247https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p1000254.jpgP1000254https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p1000266.jpgP1000266Finally - the park!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p1000275.jpgP1000275https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p1000291.jpgP1000291https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p1000295.jpgP1000295https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p1000298.jpgP1000298https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/p1000312.jpgP10003122014-01-22T22:34:17+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/12/31/christmas-in-iowa/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc_0202.jpgDSC_0202Play Mobile! The girls loved the farm and store set. And they love playing with their cousins!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc_0219.jpgDSC_0219We spent a lot of time outside - skiing, skating and one warm afternoon, building tunnels in a huge snow pile!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc_0224.jpgDSC_0224https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc_0242.jpgDSC_0242Lily helping her sister stay upright!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc_0206.jpgDSC_0206Santa comes again and fills up their other stocking!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc_0235.jpgDSC_0235The girls are just learning to skate so we don't participate in the annual ice hockey game. But they love to watch.2013-12-31T03:12:41+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/12/30/christmas-in-nebraska-2/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc_0067.jpgDSC_0067https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc_0158.jpgDSC_0158Super fun Headbandz game.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc_0169.jpgDSC_0169Making a gingerbread house with Laura.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/p1000059.jpgP1000059We went for a walk on the prairie on Christmas Day.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/p1000082.jpgP1000082https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/p1000066.jpgP1000066https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/p1000106.jpgP1000106Sylvia and Grandpa in their Hawkeye colors. :)https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc_0194.jpgDSC_0194We love our sweatshirts!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc_0090.jpgDSC_0090Christmas Evehttps://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc_0132.jpgDSC_01322013-12-30T14:27:15+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/12/14/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-christmas/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc_0005.jpgDSC_0005https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc_0046.jpgDSC_0046Back to Thanksgiving...I forgot to post these photos of some crafts we made with friends before Thanksgiving!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc_0052.jpgDSC_0052They turned out pretty cute! https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc_0001.jpgDSC_0001https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc_0007.jpgDSC_0007Guess what we made? https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc_0013.jpgDSC_0013We love getting out all the decorations - it's like unwrapping Christmas presents!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc_0016.jpgDSC_00162013-12-14T14:06:13+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/11/25/november-activities/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0032.jpgDSC_0032Taking a break from school work with Oscar.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0037.jpgDSC_0037The girls made a weaving with the dead flowers that I was cutting off.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0045.jpgDSC_0045It kept them really busy while I worked all afternoon cutting back plants and mulching like crazy!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0048.jpgDSC_0048The final product!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0055.jpgDSC_0055Guess who likes fire?https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0056.jpgDSC_0056What else do you do to have fun in November? Burn burdock!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0062.jpgDSC_0062The girls played for hours one morning back behind the barn. This is their house - they were pretending to be Inuit people.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0072.jpgDSC_0072They had to go out to hunt for caribou and seals for their stew (which also had polar bear meat in it).https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0078.jpgDSC_0078One more trip over the fence to take care of a sick lady at her house. They took her the stew. :)https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0085.jpgDSC_0085And here they are making boots out of caribou hide and seal skin. 2013-11-25T13:20:32+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/11/12/first-snow/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0007.jpgDSC_0007https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/hedgieandgirls.jpghedgieandgirlsIn case you missed the FB posts, we saw Jan Brett on Sunday and had pictures with both her and Hedgie! The girls loved Hedgie!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0012.jpgDSC_0012https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0020.jpgDSC_00202013-11-12T13:41:06+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/11/05/halloween/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0122.jpgDSC_0122The girls drew a picture on paper first and then on the pumpkin for me to cut.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0129.jpgDSC_0129We had supper before trick-or-treating and the girls made this vegetable tray to take along.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0149.jpgDSC_0149Super cute singing pumpkins!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0160.jpgDSC_0160Last year for the tiger outfit!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0190.jpgDSC_0190Next event -Pleasant Valley Halloween Party on Saturday.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0203.jpgDSC_0203The donut game is a highlight of the party. Jon (the woodsman) is making it hard for Sylvia.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0117.jpgDSC_0117We carved pumpkins a few days before Halloween.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0172.jpgDSC_0172https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0176.jpgDSC_0176Not sure about this crazy witch.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc_0137.jpgDSC_0137On our way to trick-or-treating!2013-11-06T14:01:21+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/10/30/end-of-the-garden/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0055.jpgDSC_0055https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0070.jpgDSC_0070https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0153.jpgDSC_0153https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0156.jpgDSC_0156https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0218.jpgDSC_0218https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0243.jpgDSC_0243https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0053.jpgDSC_0053https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0083.jpgDSC_0083https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0092.jpgDSC_00922013-10-30T12:42:09+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/10/17/lilys-birthday-party/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0006.jpgDSC_0006We made necklaces for everyone to put in their bags. They turned out pretty cute.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0016.jpgDSC_0016https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0018.jpgDSC_0018Goody bags assembled by Lily and Sylvia.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0031.jpgDSC_0031https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0072.jpgDSC_0072Pin the ribbon on the horse.https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0079.jpgDSC_0079A temporary tattoo station.2013-10-17T03:16:27+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/10/09/beautiful-days/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0068.jpgDSC_0068https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0074.jpgDSC_0074https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0088.jpgDSC_0088https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0109.jpgDSC_0109https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0118.jpgDSC_0118I love this picture of Sylvia!https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0059.jpgDSC_0059Lily is helping Jon spread new grass seed.2013-10-09T03:49:56+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/10/01/fall-fun/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_8757.jpgIMG_8757https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_8758.jpgIMG_8758https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_8767.jpgIMG_8767https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_8770.jpgIMG_8770https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0027.jpgDSC_0027https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0036.jpgDSC_0036https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0054.jpgDSC_0054https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0058.jpgDSC_0058https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_8753.jpgIMG_8753https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/dsc_0051.jpgDSC_00512013-10-01T14:53:00+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/09/25/apple-time/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/dsc_0034.jpgDSC_0034https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/dsc_0044.jpgDSC_0044https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/dsc_0054.jpgDSC_0054https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/dsc_0068.jpgDSC_0068https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/dsc_0077.jpgDSC_0077https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/dsc_0080.jpgDSC_0080https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/dsc_0084.jpgDSC_0084https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/dsc_0097.jpgDSC_0097https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/dsc_0061.jpgDSC_00612013-09-25T18:22:58+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/09/06/first-day-of-school-2/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/dsc_0024.jpgDSC_0024https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/dsc_0030.jpgDSC_0030https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/dsc_0033.jpgDSC_0033https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/dsc_0018.jpgDSC_0018https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/dsc_0020.jpgDSC_00202013-09-06T12:56:19+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/08/18/spirit-lake/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/dsc_0116.jpgDSC_0116https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/dsc_0125.jpgDSC_0125https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/dsc_0145.jpgDSC_0145https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/dsc_0170.jpgDSC_0170https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/dsc_0186.jpgDSC_0186https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/dsc_0210.jpgDSC_0210https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/dsc_0238.jpgDSC_0238https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/dsc_0244.jpgDSC_0244https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/dsc_0155.jpgDSC_0155https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/dsc_0161.jpgDSC_01612013-08-19T21:42:48+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/08/06/the-bwca/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_85551.jpgIMG_8555https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_85591.jpgIMG_8559https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_8562.jpgIMG_8562https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_85681.jpgIMG_8568https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_8575.jpgIMG_8575https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_8603.jpgIMG_8603https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_8655.jpgIMG_8655https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_8659.jpgIMG_8659https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_86651.jpgIMG_8665https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_8584.jpgIMG_85842013-08-06T12:35:38+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/07/17/the-county-fair/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/dsc_0141.jpgDSC_0141https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/dsc_0143.jpgDSC_0143https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/dsc_0149.jpgDSC_0149https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/dsc_0135.jpgDSC_0135https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/dsc_0136.jpgDSC_0136https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/dsc_0146.jpgDSC_0146https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/dsc_0148.jpgDSC_01482013-07-17T21:30:13+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/07/16/what-a-great-grandpa-he-was/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/p2190021.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/p6180078.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/p6180092.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_0538.jpgIMG_0538https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_0677.jpgIMG_0677https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_1700.jpgIMG_1700https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_4532.jpgIMG_45322013-07-17T14:51:07+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/06/26/village-fire/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dsc_0023.jpgDSC_0023https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dsc_0026.jpgDSC_0026https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dsc_0009.jpgDSC_0009https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dsc_0011.jpgDSC_0011https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dsc_0029.jpgDSC_00292013-06-26T19:23:44+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/06/08/mother-natures-palace/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dsc_0010.jpgDSC_0010https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dsc_0014.jpgDSC_0014https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dsc_0024.jpgDSC_0024https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dsc_0031.jpgDSC_0031https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dsc_0033.jpgDSC_0033https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dsc_0019.jpgDSC_0019https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dsc_0021.jpgDSC_00212013-06-08T22:16:51+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/05/23/sylvias-birthday/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dsc_0037.jpgDSC_0037https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dsc_0038.jpgDSC_0038https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dsc_0049.jpgDSC_0049https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dsc_0068.jpgDSC_0068https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dsc_00721.jpgDSC_0072https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dsc_00671.jpgDSC_00672013-05-27T14:34:24+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/05/06/fairy-fest/https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dsc_00831.jpgDSC_0083https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_7679.jpgIMG_7679https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dsc_0016.jpgDSC_0016https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dsc_0035.jpgDSC_0035https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dsc_0011.jpgDSC_0011https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dsc_0009.jpgDSC_0009https://syllyacres.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dsc_0041.jpgDSC_00412013-05-08T02:32:34+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/05/04/washington-dc/2013-05-05T15:59:17+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.com/2013/04/13/april-fools/2013-04-14T12:10:21+00:00monthlyhttps://syllyacres.comdaily1.02024-07-01T19:10:26+00:00