Riverside Reptile Ranch

Our family recently went on a fieldtrip with other homeschool families to Stanton, near Meremac Caverns, to see some amazing reptiles and exotic animals at the Riverside Reptile Ranch. The trainers were very good at explaining interesting things about the animals, as well as answering our questions.

This is a Galapagos Tortoise that was very friendly and enjoyed his time outside of the cage.

This is a one year old alligator everyone was allowed to touch while the handler held it. You had to be careful to not pet it in front of its mouth though.
This one was at least 5-8 years old.

The alligator pit.
Michael touching a snake, while Liz is wondering if this is really a good idea or not!

This is their very beautiful lion, Leo. The day we were there he was very active and kept rubbing against the fence to be petted. He did show us though that at feeding time he is all seriousness and does not want to be bothered while eating! We were very impressed with the good care that all the animals seem to be given, and by how much the trainers are attached to them. We really enjoyed our morning there and it is so neat to see the amazing variety of animals that God has created. ~Posted by Pam

Rolla Royals Girls Varsity Place 2nd in Conference Tourney!

Well, I am about 2 weeks late with this post! March 5th & 6th Jennifer's basketball team traveled to Harrison, Arkinsas, for the Ozark Area Conference Tournament. Girls teams were present from Camdenton, West Plains, Harrison, Mountain Home, and some other places I can't remember now. The Royals won all their games, except to the #1 seeded team, Mountain Home. The championship game was quite thrilling. After a very close game, it ended with a tie score and went into overtime - twice! Rolla lost by several points, but Mountain Home really had to earn their win!

Here is Jenny's team being awarded their 2nd place trophy.

After each game each team voted for the other teams' top 2 MVP players. Jennifer is shown here along with team mate, Kelsey Quitschreiber, as the team's MVP players. Jenny was quite surprised and honored by this award.

Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice is opening in Rolla at the Cedar Street Playhouse, home of Ozark Actor's Theatre, this Thursday! This is an event that you will not want to miss! This stage adaptation of Jane Austin's classic novel will be performed by Fine Linen Drama. This show has it all - romance, comedy, beautiful period costumes and set designs, English Country Dancing, a 7 piece orchestra, and amazing talent.

Showing on March 18,19,20,25,26 27 at 7:00 pm, and a matinee at 2:00 pm also on the 27th.

Tickets are $8.00 adult, $4 child with a $35 family price cap.

Tickets are available at a Slice of Pie in Rolla, or reserved in advance by calling 573-261-0244.

Fine Linen Drama shows often sell out, so get your tickets reserved now!

I am playing the role of Charlotte Lucas, Lizzy's best friend who finds marriage to the silly Mr. Collins far more agreeable than being an old maid.

Here are some rehearsal pictures.

Lizzy, Mary and Lydia Bennet

(Rebecca Grow, Elise Hamacher and Jenna Light)

Mr. Lucas, Mary, Mr. Bennet, Lydia and Lizzy

(Mr. Cook, Elise, Mr. McClusky, Jenna & Rebecca)

Listening to our amazing director, Kim Nisbett, as she gives the cast notes.

Cordell's Basketball Awards Party

Cordell was blessed to play on an Optimist team that not only had one great coach - but THREE terrific coaches. We are thankful to Coach Valentine, Coach Hunt, and Head Coach Florence for their many hours of instruction in not just basketball skills, but character building as well. The awards ceremony was a time to not only recognize the players for their basketball skill improvements, but also to encourage and honor their character traits as well.

Cordell was given the nicknames of The Captain, Quarterback, and WD-40. The Captain because of his leadership abilities on and off the court. Quarterback because he stayed calm in bringing the ball down the court and calling the plays. And WD-40 because the coaches said if there was a problem, they could count on putting Cordell on top of it and he would smooth it out.

Ryan was also recognized for being a helper during practices. He was given the nickname of PeaceMaker because he never wanted to cause any trouble, and was good to have around. Afterall, everyone wants peace.

Both boys had a great season and their skills really improved. Ryan was great at defense and really stuck with his man. He even started to learn to watch the ball while doing it!

Our thanks to the Optimist Club, and Ryan's Coach Bohannon for making this all possible for them.

Posted by Pam

Dissecting a Beef Heart

Being a farm family has certain advantages. We recently took a closer look at a beef heart. It was rather interesting, but it was hard to learn much about it. This was a beef heart with the blood vessels removed, so we really only got a good look at the heart muscle itself, and the chambers in the heart. The disadvantage to being a farm family is at one point during the dissection someone asked, "Is this Buddy?" Sadly, it was.

Posted by Pam

A Little Excitement

A few days ago, Senora, our outside farm dog, chased a skunk up to our house. (As in front yard) She wouldn't leave it alone and was, as expected, sprayed with stink.

Ew.

We think that she was sprayed a couple of times and Dad and I actually witnessed it spraying, which was kind of neat. =) Dad shot it with a BB gun once we got Senora out of the way because Senora had already partially mangled it.

Thankfully, the smell didn't stick around too long, and it is wearing off of Senora quickly.

Mom made the comment that she was happy that dad was home. =)

And, since we are always looking for ways to have dessert at my house, I made brownies and decorated it with a marshmallow stripe, as illustrated in the picture below.

Longing for Warmer Weather....

I miss summer.




Sunny Days

T-Shirts

Flip Flops

Swimming

Smelling Freshly Cut Grass

Open Windows

Popsicles

Heat Lightening

Tent Camping

Campfires

And Flowers.


Don't get me wrong, I like winter too. It has things like:


Snow


Sledding


No Insects

Snowman Building

Singing Christmas Songs

Icicles

and the need for Hot Chocolate.




I just really don't think that 6 more weeks of winter is really necessary. =)




~Jenny~