Natural Brushes

Last night on our walk out back to pick blueberries, I collected a few branches and flowers to make natural brushes. I wrapped them with rubber bands and string, which worked out pretty well and the brushes were sturdy enough. It is another hot day, and I'm so grateful for a shaded deck for us to work. I think the favorite was the yellow wildflower brush. :)

Adventure Club

As part of leaning into the Charlotte Mason schooling method, regular time in nature is a high priority, just like math and history. This just fits so perfectly for us and it's one of my favorite things about doing things the Charlotte Mason(ish) way. :)

A couple of our friends are also incorporating nature study into their homeschool plan, and so we decided to get together once a month this school year to spend time together outside. We're calling it "Adventure Club".

This week we met up at the Timberlakes trail for some walking, nature journaling, and weaving. It was hot, and a certain little one of mind was on the crabby side (swim lessons eliminated naps this week), but still so much fun and so sweet to see them exploring together in nature.

Papa Flies In

As a teenager, before my dad had even his driver's license, he got his pilot's license. This says to me two things: that my dad loves to fly, and my grandparents were braaaaaave! :)

My Dad about to take his first solo flight.

With Canaan and BJ out to camp for the week, the little ones were the lucky ones to get to see Papa John and Grandma Sue fly in a few weeks ago. The kids were flipping-out-excited to see them and to SIT in the plane. :)

Ezra's Swimming Lessons

This past week Ezra began swim lessons at the high school (Canaan doing the same last year)! This boy is our wild and free one, our fearless one. But for some reason he's always had a lot of caution (and a bit of fear) about the water. Last year as Lainey and Canaan swam, Ezra would spend more time out of the pool than in (and sometimes not go in at all). But something has clicked this year and he is doing so awesome! This boy brings so much joy and life to our family. We just adore this little man of ours!

 This next pic is what happens these days when I ask him to "smile!" (the picture above is when he thinks he's so funny to make a silly face). :)

Stricker's Grove 2016

Stricker's Grove, two years ago, was one of the first public places we took Lainey after coming home from China, so it carries with it special memories of that time when we were first getting to know each other and bonding. In June our church meets here for a night of fun, and despite the storms, we had such a great time - as we do every year - with our family and friends. And the kids of course were in heaven with the rides, and unlimited ice cream and cotton candy!

Stricker's Grove 2014
Stricker's Grove 2015

Pure Michigan

So we had been planning for a while to take two vacations this year, one in May, and one in October. Our plans for May just didn't pan out, but thankfully my parents are staying in a beautiful location in Michigan this summer, and we were able to join them there for a few days. We all had so much fun playing in the water, fishing, riding/driving the boat, and visiting Warren Dunes. Seriously those dunes are a work. out! They are so high, and I wasn't sure if this completely-out-of-shape body would make it to the top. But I totally did it, and the view at the top was well worth the climb. Such a precious, perfect weekend. :)

We also were able to join with our family to celebrate the upcoming arrival of our new nephew! We are so excited for my brother and sister-in-law as they expect their first child. Just a couple more months before we get to witness our brother change a diaper (!), and of course see that adorable little man! ;)