Down By The River

Lately we've taken quite a few nature walks by the river. Since one day last week, when we happened to drive by a large excavator there, we have returned almost daily. Sometimes we sit and watch the men working. Other times we walk and climb and play in dirt. We usually spend well over an hour on these escapades (frequently 2-3 hours). Often we take a snack or even lunch with us.

This was a walking/climbing sort of day.

Sabin is singing "Sand Bar"

Peacefully BuZzInG,

Misty

The Hair Cut

Before:

 After:

Peacefully BuZzInG,
Misty

A "First Thanksgiving Celebration"

Finally the day arrived! We had so much fun.

First we made Pilgrim hats.

Then set sail on the Mayflower

 They children learned to plant beans, squash and corn in the new world.
(Don't forget the fish!)

 Then they played.

The boys discussed gradening and construction.

Sabin dug up the garden.

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Later, of course, there was ...

the "After Party" crowd.

Peacefully BuZzInG,

Misty

Preparing For A Party

The children helped me prepare for a "First Thanksgiving Celebration". We have several friends coming tomorrow to celebrate with us. The children love to help. They feel useful and know they have purpose in our family. At their young ages, I am often challenged to take time to find "real" jobs for them - jobs that are truly helpful. But the rewards are so great for each of us.

 Cleaning House

 Pulling Staples (Yeah! Tools!)

The Building of the Mayflower.

Peacefully BuZzInG,

Misty

Talking Turkey

 Supplies Needed:
-a brown paper bag
-paint
-a little hand or two (we traced four hands for each to paint)
-a bit of orange construction paper
-an empty toilet paper roll (cut in half)
-googly eyes
-glue and scissors
-and a clothespin (which I used to hold the tail feathers to the body while it dried)

We are really "enjoying" our craft projects these days. When I asked Sabin if he thought they were fun, he replied, "No, they are not fun. But I do enjoy making crafts."

Peacefully BuZzInG,
Misty

Every Morning...

Chloё awakes early with a smile on her face and a hug for her

mama. (She's always the first one awake.) "I love you, mama," she gushes, wrapping her arms around my neck. Then quite often before I even have a chance to respond she asks, "Can I have a ba-dan-ta?"

Each morning I postpone the inevitable for a few more minutes of snuggling and waking. Then we quietly pad to the kitchen for her morning banana and a glass of water. Passing the thermostat in the hall, I take time to raise the temperature. The furnace kicks on and, snack in hand, we retreat to the warmest part of the house - the little bathroom.

 Here Chloё sits on a small step stool in front of the "feeter" - so called because it warms her feet (of course) - smiling and chatting. I sit beside her letting her glow wash over me like the rising sun.

Peacefully BuZzInG,

Misty

P.S. For those of you wondering what happens when we run out of bananas.... we don't. Do you see this face? That little girl's daddy has made more than one late night run to the store (or corner convenience) just to make sure we are stocked by morning. :)

Mowing Grass

I love grass mowing day! My mowing crew is just so fun to watch.

Just like daddy.

Working Hard!

Wishing she were part of the action.

Peacefully BuZzInG,

Misty