Strawberry Picking (NY)

Strawberry season had just ended here in the south before we headed up to NY, so imagine my delight when Granny suggested we pick strawberries! We had already gone through 3+ gallons (strictly eaten...none ever made it to the freezer) and were more than happy to have an extension to the season. We got a bit lost on the way to the farm and ended up at a beautiful oceanside park. It always amazes me how the weather along the beach is so different than inshore...the sun was shining and the sky was a brilliant shade of blue! It was perfect to get out and smell the ocean air and collect a few souvenier shells! Oh, how I miss the beach.

the boys definitely did more eating than picking...it was serious business for mama!

searching for the perfect berries

a berry in each hand!

the boys helping daddy

Kenna kept pretty close to the bucket

berry buddies

granny going in for a smooch!

The weather turned out to be perfect and it was such a perfect morning!

South Shore Nature Center (New York)

A week ago, our family went up to New York for a vacation as well as to celebrate Peter's younger sister's wedding. We sort of planned activities as we went along which worked out great. Luckily the weather was wonderful which allowed for us to spend lots of time outdoors. Our first stop was the South Shore Nature Center. I think it was special for the boys to visit a place that their daddy had gone to as a little boy himself. We had such a wonderful time (as we always do when we are exploring outside!)

a beautiful butterfly garden
wild animals emerging from the woods (they got pretty up close to a deer!)

handsome dude

a wigwam demonstrating the housing built by the Native Americans that lived on Long Island (very appropriate for our upcoming third grade year!)

Inside- architect daddy pointing out all the details

mossy carpet

catching lily pads

such a beautiful pond with several wood duck nesting boxes and lots of lily pads

the guys

one of two large snapping turtles we spotted along the trail

one of the trails we walked was made of a boardwalk. The reeds on either side were pretty tall and made such a beautiful sound in the breeze. The boys loved running ahead and then coming back to us. It felt sort of like a maze to them.

fallen trees make great balance beams

another deer we spotted on the way back to the car

Reedy Creek Natural Play Area

A couple of weeks ago, we met up with some friends to check out the new Natural Play area at the Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. We had been watching the construction for several months and were anxious to finally play! And it was definitely worth the wait!

an archeological "site". There were several items such as bones, shells, etc. for the kids to dig up as well as various tools to use.
Building Area- moveable bamboo poles and colored silks to build all sorts of forts

Lots of stumps to balance on

Natural tree blocks

Awesome play fort. MaKenna loved climbing the stairs.

willow branch tunnel- the kids enjoyed playing both under and on top of it

Jakey climbing the rope wall

There was also a stage, large xylophones, tree stumps for hopping on and a balance beam made of a flat carved wood plank. It was a wonderful morning and we can't wait to go back again!

Visit with Grandma and Poppa

For MaKenna's birthday, my parents came and spent the weekend with us. The kids always have an agenda all planned out before they are even here and were looking forward to spending time with grandma and poppa.

The ins and outs of fishing were discussed by the fishing expert (according to Parker!)
games of baseball were played

grandma trying to make a play

a morning spent at the park before the heat of the day set in

many, many pushes in the swing

grandma resting

There was also games played, stories read, lots of laughter and hugs and snuggles. It was a wonderful weekend!

Once around the sun

On June 5th, 2009, our family was blessed with our newest member. She was someone we all had been waiting for, for what seemed like forever.

Here she is, minutes old, all 9 lbs 9 oz of her!
And a year later playing with handmade daddy gifts

We had a very low key celebration because after all, she is a low key kind of gal.

I think she enjoyed her momma made cake (including homemade frosting!)

Simple birthday table decorations added just enough sweetness for celebrating this sweet little person.

MaKenna you are loved beyond words. Thank you for choosing us as your family!

Rhythm of the Home

I wanted to introduce some of my mama readers to a wonderful online magazine called Rhythm of the Home It is a wonderful resource for those who follow Waldorf or Montessori philosophies in education so check it out!