Nature

 One of the enjoyable things about parenting my children is how much they love nature.  I know, I know, the apples didn't fall far from the tree.  But this noticing, pointing out, identifying, sharing is just a part of who they are. It's not a quick glance with them either, they like to really observe. Whenever they find something great, their first instinct is to come and tell me and to gather the others to see. I tend to have more pics of the girls sharing their findings because they are the 'take my picture' type of kids.  But it's all three of them finding things to learn about. I'm hoping this is a lifelong enjoyment that we will share. 

Wander and Wonder Birds

 I have such a good group of friends who follow along with my crazy ideas.  This was a muddy mess with ticks and obstacles everywhere. BUT, I brought them to a rookery with baby Great Blue Herons. Definitely a memorable adventure. <3 

This picture, I went to take a picture of something, my phone was accidently flipped to selfie.  As I was horrified with the unflattering, unexpected picture of myself, I then noticed who just so happened to be in the frame along with me, lol.  Always RIGHT THERE.

Cabinet of Curiousities

I moved out the china into our built in and filled this with some of our nature treasures.  A friend called it a cabinet of curiosities.  Fitting. 

Wander and Wonder Underground

Those who know me, know how I groove. Our family is really involved in Cooperative Extension. Each month with Cooperative Extension looks like: 

* Leading Nature Kids 4-H Club

* Leading Beachcombers 4-H Club

* Spearheading Extension Modern Day Homemakers for adults, we meet 1-2x a month 

* Working on my Master Gardener Volunteer Hours

* Serving as Vice President of the 4-H Leadership  Team

* Serving on the YCEA (York Cooperative Extension Association Board) (every other month)

* And I work on special projects and lead a specific focused workshop series every month.    

I'm working on keeping better track of what I lead.  Here are the monthly ones I've done since 9/22.  

Wander and Wonder Beach

Old Fashioned Club Makers

Wander and Wonder in the Woods: Rodents

Dabble and Babble: Art with Lines

Science Lab in the Supermarket

Sewing Club

Wander and Wonder Tails, Teeth and Tracks

4-H Magicians Traveling Performance Show

Wander and Wonder Beach: Our Coastal Feathered Friends

Wander and Wonder River Birds

Wander and Wonder Beach: Crustaceans

Papermaking with Nursing Home Residents

Science Lab Extravaganza

Wander and Wonder Underground

Maine Lighthouse Art

Wander and Wonder Underground was a 4 week games, science and art series that wrapped up. Here are a few snapshots of our time.

Wander and Wonder Fall 2023

Wander and Wonder Beach, Fall 2023.  What a joy it was to lead this crew for a 4 part series, doing science and art at the ocean. We went to the shellfish lab, crabbing, watched a tuna pulled in and had a hermit crab race.  Good times and a great classroom! 

Eagle!

 Never did I see a juvenile bald eagle in my childhood, never mind get this close!

Also, the ones watching me photograph my girls got an extensive nature lesson that they didn't even ask for. Oops. They thanked me for all the random facts, probably because it was more socially appropriate than calling me a weirdo.

Word to the wise, if I start a conversation with "Did you know...", might be best to just back away...

Lake Day

 The boys went to a truck show. The girls to the lake. Mine are the ones who pointed out the eagle, heard the loons and noticed the flock of ducks had different species swimming along. They followed fish, caught minnows and we now have a new collection of snail shells. They returned with many ideas for their nature journals.

They don't just swim to cool down, they learn and discover along the way on a Saturday afternoon for fun.

I think this is the best high five I can get as their teacher. Budding naturalists loving to learn they are.

Life isn't always easy breezy lemon squeezy, but sometimes, especially when upside down in the water, there are moments that are.

Wander and Wonder: St. Lawrence River

 I was blessed to lead a 3 part series on St. Lawrence waterfowl.  Kids enjoyed meeting new people and thinking about the similarities and differences with freshwater and saltwater birds.

(Thanks Lacey for the photo!)

For the paint alongs, mine are on the left, right are Anna-Kate's versions. I love hers dearly. 

Hoping to do another round of Wander and Wonder next summer! 

Summer Nature Bonus

 We went to two nature programs in NY: One from the Thompson Park Zoo and a reptile program at the Niacandri Nature Center.  All was free and we enjoyed both quite a bit!