Nature Study/Woolly Bear Caterpillar

Autumn brings about cool weather, sweaters, and the Woolly Bear Caterpillar. I remember playing with these beautiful creatures when I was a child. They eagerly cross the roads in search of the perfect winter shelter. They tickle fingers as they glide across little hands, and carry a peculiar folklore. Now, I get the pleasure of watching my children, capture, explore and share about the Wooly Bear Caterpillar. Samuel and Eli would like to share their Nature Journal and all they have researched. 

In the words of Samuel "8", who gets to type his report:

"Woolly Bear caterpillars are interesting. If there is more black than brown that means that the winter will be big. If there is more brown that means the winter will be mild. And there is a big variety of things they eat including birch and maple saplings, forbes, clover, and weeds. They live in roadsides and forests. Fall woolly bears hibernate. In the spring they turn into Isabella moths."

Drawings and written narration, by Eli "6":

 

 

 

Autumn is a lovely time to search for creatures hiding under crisp colorful leaves. It is also a great time to stock up on nature books from the library, because cold weather, shorter days, hot cocoa and wood burning stoves are just around the corner. 

A Week Before Peak/Hannah's Photography Workshop

Hannah was invited to attend a  photography workshop with one of her dearest friends. I got to spend that time with a dear friend of my own, walking in nature, enjoying conversation.  It was a beautiful day with an overcast - The perfect day for photography.  A few times, I was eager to grab the camera from my girl and snap some shots myself.  But, this day was for her and her friend.  She got to use the "nice" camera.  

 

We learned the three "r's"...not Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic, but Roads, Rivers and Rails.  The day was a little drab - The colors, a little muted.  However, Hannah took some good shots and learned a few camera techniques.  These are her unedited photographs from the day.

Shadows

Reflections

River

River Reflection

Reflection

Lifetime Friends

Drips

I am excited to grab the cameras and head to the woods during peak week.  Autumn colors are beautiful.  God's paintbrush is beautiful.

 

Take advantage of local workshops in your area.  Nature centers, libraries, community centers, colleges and parks offer classes and workshops (many free) where you can learn bee keeping, photography, sheep shearing, canning, writing and the list goes on.  These opportunities are great for those searching for a hobby, homeschoolers or anyone eager to learn something new.  Check'em out.

When Dreams Come True / Fourteen

Fourteen years ago today, a little girl came into this world....I believe she had on cowboy boots.  A true lover of animals of all kinds, this little girl dreamt daily of having a horse. She drew pictures, read books, collected posters, knick-knacks and movies about horses. She continues to do so. Her love for this creature is beautiful. Some girls go through love phases, Barbies, stuffed animals, horses etc. Her phase never went away, nor did we want it to. She is truly a horse-person, one who wears boots every single day.

We are blessed with opportunities to help our children exceed in their interests. This fourteen year old will certainly grow to be a woman who's career will be equine related. Therefore, we try to provide tools for further study, resources at her fingertips and friends who specialize in all things horse. To top it off, her grandparents got her a horse. We are thankful for all our beautiful grandparents and the love they have for the children. Without further ado, let me officially introduce you to Annie!

Annie has been with us since March, but has not been home until recently. She is a five year old Quarter horse mare colored sorrel. She is friendly and gentle and follows us around like a puppy. However, she can be sassy and stubborn, but is disciplined and obeys. She is trained to ride western pleasure. Hannah will have the opportunity to show her as a 4H project and compete in the fair next year. She is excited to grow up with this horse and learn from her. We are excited to watch the growth and see our little girl grow into the beautiful woman she is becoming. Happy birthday Hannah, and welcome home Annie.  Keep dreaming and working hard; because, with hard work dreams do come true.