Going to the Chapel

 

Going to the chapel and we're

Gonna do piano practice!

Naomi and Johnathan have started piano lessons this school year.  Since we only have a keyboard at home, we have been borrowing use of the piano next door in the chapel occasionally so they can practice with the "real thing" too!

Chocolate-Covered Cuteness

I think Ezra enjoyed his chocolate-covered banana!

Mama Cardinal

It's been two years since we had a cardinal nest in our rosebush, so I was excited to see this mama sitting on the nest she built.  Maybe it was one of the babies I scooped back into the nest in the same bush two years ago... I have no idea what the life cycle of a cardinal is!  Unfortunately, this one left after about a week, so I guess the eggs didn't make it.

Do It Myself!

 

Abby is 14 months old.  She is reveling in all her independent skills - walking, feeding, dumping laundry or trash cans, splashing in the toilet, exploring cabinets, and expressing herself.  When she's done with her meal, she'll wave her hands in the air and declare, "Dit down!"

Summer Mornings

 In the middle of summer, morning is the only time we want to be outside for very long.  So I try to shoo the kids out the door first thing in the morning to get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.
 

 

Some days, though, they just want to sit under the tree and read.  I'm good with that!

 

Sensory Summer Part 4

 

Next activity:  Moon Dough.  This idea came from http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2013/06/summer-boredom-busters-moon-dough.html.  We made a "big kid" version with baby oil, but the "little kid" version contained vegetable oil, because Abby is sure to taste it!

Fun, messy, and great for softening your hands!

Sensory Summer Part 3

This activity was a hit with the kids and kept them busy for several hours.  With some squeeze bottles, pitchers, milk jugs, Dixie cups, and colored water, they mixed their imaginary drink recipes to their hearts content.  With a little intentionality, your can work in art, science, and math - color mixing, measurement, and money.  It was also good occupational therapy practice for pouring heavy containers!

 

 I ordered a cup of the intriguing-sounding "Seaweed Mix".  Naomi wrote up my receipt....

Mmm... refreshing!  Next time I'll try the "Shushy"... whatever that is!