Bayou Boat Tour

We took a guided boat tour of the Vermilion River today. The kids had a wonderful time spotting all of the interesting wildlife there like the turtles, water snakes, and best of all the alligators that swam only a few feet away from us. Afterwards we had a picnic in the park then went to the Ice Cream parlor for a very special treat to finish off a wonderful day!

This week in science the boys were learning about Mollusks. We were able to find tons of snails in our strawberry patch to study and also befriend. Emile particularly became quite fond of the little creatures, wanting to keep them as his pets!

Highlights from our trip

We spent the early part of this week in the woods where we sat by a warm fire reading the Hobbit by night and canoeing in the beautiful spring sunshine by day. It was a quick trip, it almost feels like we never left, or like the whole thing may have been a crazy dream. Only I am tired and sore so I know I was there. The kids had a blast with their best buddies exploring the forests trails and hills. Life is so good!

worm hunt

We are moving on the the lesson on worms in our science book. Today we spent the morning digging in one of our compost piles for worms to put in the newly constructed worm motel. The boys had a great time digging for the poor critters, some unfortunately are now two, if you know what I mean. Let's just say it's a good thing they know how to regenerate. Avery learned the parts of a worm by diagraming and sketching pictures using a real worm as his model. The boys together collected all of the necessary items to make a temporary home for the worm and then went out on their search. The rest of the week will be spent doing more experiments involving worms, and luckily all to our gardens benefit.

Swampy Excursions

Today we went for an outing to Lake Martin for our science lesson. Learning about habitats, and being from south Louisiana, the wetlands are near and dear to us. So that is where we started. It was an amazingly beautiful day, and lucky for us the alligators weren't looking to eat any children today (a genuine fear that my boys have). We'll have to come back this spring when they are nesting!!!

We did manage to see a turtle sunning himself on a log, beautiful white egrets, few black capped chikadees and what I think was an osprey (our variety of an eagle!).

On our long drive home, I looked back to discover all three children sound asleep! I think it was a very worthwhile adventure indeed.

Fresh Air

February always brings a sense of anticipation of the warmer months. You can feel it creeping around the corner...so close! Despite the chilly air we take to the woods anyway, trying to discover what animals brave the colder weather, making a game of who can identify what plant even without it's leaves. And most of all learning what it is to be silent and still, hearing the sounds around us that doesn't involve a T.V. or ringing cell phone.

It was such a nice treat to see a pair of Robins right as we were about to leave. They say when you see robins that spring is right around the corner! We're ready for you Spring!!!

Busy Busy

Today was an absolutely great day! We were very busy, very inquisitive and very happy! No one lost their temper today which is not normal for us at all.

First part of the day was spent doing our school work. In math we are practicing number bonds, grammar we are still acting out our action poems, history we are learning about the Israelites and for a writing exercise Avery wrote poem about Fall, which we will probably share tomorrow along with his finished illustration to go along with it.

After we got that all out of the way we went down town to the Library, ate sushi for lunch in the park and took a very long walk around the pond checking out all of the ducks. It was Emile's first time to the park to see the ducks! I couldn't believe I have not taken my child to see the ducks in his two years of life, I felt like a terrible mother. He absolutely loved every moment of it. He kept asking me to show him the Mr. and Mrs. Mallard- from the book Make Way for Ducklings which we read this morning. So, such a full day and it is not over yet. Art this afternoon then soccer practice this evening. We are all going to sleep so good tonight, (right after the french toast I'm making for dinner...yum!)

Morning work

We took our school work outside again this morning, and like magic I didn't hear one word from the little guy for nearly half and hour. He was amazed at the smallest things. It really has been a long time since we spent alot of quality time outside besides being at the pool. It has just been too hot and the mosquito's too ravenous.

I caught Emile in a mischievous moment writing on my satsuma tree. I watched before interfering, and was surprised how gentle he was being. No satsumas were injured in this event thank goodness!

Being outside for school also has it's draw backs. Distractions are every where, especially the love bugs that are just calling out to Avery! We did manage to get our spelling and math done, leaving plenty of time for his nature journal and of course chasing the love bugs (definite sign that fall is just around the corner!)

History this afternoon, art class and possibly a nap for me!!