Field Trip!

I was really excited when we moved into our house to discover an environmental education center right down the street, then so bummed to find out it was closed to the public except for groups. Then, I noticed a list of summer activities while the kids played with blocks at the library one afternoon, and there was a hike at the center listed for all ages! So I signed us up as soon as I got home.

It was raining the morning we were supposed to go on our hike, but we went anyway, and the kids had a blast! The trees were thick enough to block the rain (and I am remembering I need to call about the umbrella I left there - whoops). Lee loved his nature bag with binoculars, KW loved hiking "by self", and they both loved digging through the tubs of dirt and earthworms - barehanded, of course.

This outing really made me look forward to homeschool this year, and the field trips we are planning to take with our preschool group and another family. We start up on the 27th!

Galloping Horse

The first thing KW said to me when I went into her room on Saturday was, "Horse." She was kid of pointing off in the distance, so I asked her if she saw a horse. She looked at me and said, "Daddy. Horse." I realized she was referring to Galloping Horse, a new favorite around our house. They request it as soon as B walks in the door, but they do allow him to change clothes first!

Wheeeee!

Last weekend we unpacked the last of the toys from our move. One was a doll KW had received as a a baby gift, and one was Lee's old Sit'n'Spin. He never really got into it, except as a climbing tool, so we kept it put away until KW could use it. And she took to it immediately!

Pico!

Last week, Donnie (that's KW) came up with a game. At least, that's the story I got when I asked Lee where he learned it. She certainly was participating, and having a great time! I love the way she is looking up at him in the last picture - pure adoration!

(And, yes, he is wearing a ponytail - he wanted one like hers, and we had just read a book where all the boys and girls in a school copied one girl's ponytail. So I let him wear it!)

Handwritten

Today, we are sorting through all the old "family history" items before we move what is to be kept to the attic - notes, diplomas, cards, trophies, and the like. So many memories of so many people... I hope I remember to send everyone a little fb message tonight. Obviously, there are emotions of sadness, fondness, and even conviction.

What has been impressed on my heart the most is the value if a handwritten note or letter - I rarely can throw them away. The memories evoked when opening the envelope or looking at the attached photo are as strong for me as hearing a song. The flood washes over me and for a moment, I return to 11th grade, or freshman year of college, or the courtship period with B. I fear that, as a society, we are losing this art as technology takes over. I am more convinced than ever that I need to step up my own game in this area, then pass it onto my kids.

My father is an excellent letter-writer. I have so many notes, poems, agendas, letters. He now writes to Lee, and I have told him how much his letters mean to me. When I was nine, he cut out a yellow sheet of copy paper at his office and penned this for me on Valentine's Day:

2-14-83

Amelia,

Your locks of gold, windblown free when you play,

Then stylishly arranged, set and combed

For those special days.

At school, at home you're the life of the party,

Being sweet, loving, kind, makes you everyone's friend.

You make your mom and dad happy... that's right,

Have a full day, read til 8, turn out the light.

Be my sweet-pea Valentine, princess,

And I'll check on you every night.

Love, Dad

Dads, don't forget to write to your princes and princesses what you feel, all the time. No matter how much my dad worked, or how many times we played croquet in the front yard, this I will always have to hold, read, and remember him!