Nature Study

Outside. Where no lesson plans are needed. Where there's plenty to explore so long as we take notice. Where we go to get our wiggles out, slow down time and relax.  It's' where we think, where we chat and where we connect.  Life has been mighty busy as of late, the goal this week is to make some more time for nature study.

Hamilton House

The Hamilton House and all her beauty. Thankful we have so many opportunities to live history here in Maine.

Saucing It

When our neighbor says "Trees are full, take all you want!" and what you leave with hardly makes a dent in what's there....

Yup. I've got some work ahead of me.  All three kids will have these homegrown pears as one of the first foods.  One year I put up 50 quarts of pears!

50 is a much loftier goal than I'm shooting for. Right now, aiming to can what I have right here.  I think I can, I think I can...

Handmades

A mama made dress, making it's way back around.  Here's the dress.

Here's Audra in it in 2013.

Here's Anna-Kate in it now. It's so fun digging these old handmades out!

Books and handmades.

When she can choose whatever she wants in this old farmhouse or around farm...and she chooses to read to the stuffed rabbits I made her...

Well, this heart of mine grows 5x in size when I see this.

Recap Country Kids 2017

So much going on in the world right now, let us be the helpers.  We had a fantastic time at our Country Kids party, raising money for those hurricane victims in need.  I wish I took more photos, especially of the potato digging. Kids LOVE digging potatoes. New this year was a wildflower identification challenge in addition to our grasshopper/cricket collection challenge.  Plus the same with the barn painting (water), pine shavings filled sandbox, art, old fashioned play, sack races and ice cream.

Year 5 of having these parties for charity instead of birthday parties...and I just might say this is our favorite family tradition so far.  Thank you for coming out, friends!

Apple picking

This post is a big thank you to my dad. He helped get down a big cherry tree that was ruining our chances of apples.  But, it's producing now and apple picking we did go in our own backyard. Bonus-we get to enjoy the best place in town for a sunset and the resident flock of wild turkeys wandering by.  I love home sweet home.