It's Cool to Unschool vol. 2

How is it so beautiful still? Loving this weather... We are outside lots and ignoring homeschool plans and just trying to soak in all the remnants of the season... We have been gathering bits of nature and talking about photosynthesis, plants and trees and making observations.

A sweet friend gifted the kids these really sweet bags that they fill with goods and keep journals and other important items in (Kasper's must have a puzzle and a vehicle and AnaSofia's is likely to be carrying a bug or worm in its pockets!)...

We picked up fabric paint and a roller at the art supply store and painted fabric for a skirt for AnaSofia and some autumn banners around the house and as gifts to others...

It was a fun way to bring the season inside!

Happy Fall!

It's Cool to Unschool vol. 1

We have been talking about body parts, animals and the change of seasons these past weeks. A perfect complement to it all was a carriage ride at Acadia National Park. I bundled the kids up with snacks and hot chocolate and we took a ride with "Junior" and "Blue" up Day Mountain to see the beauty of the coast... Blue skies, crisp air, red and yellow leaves, a deep blue ocean and two cozy kids to cuddle with...

The driver was a great naturalist and historian recollecting Rockefeller's amazing contributions to the area while sharing information about the surrounding nature. One insight she revealed that I did not know, but have experienced when exploring Acadia, is that he purposely made the park roads and signs confusing so that people would get lost in the park and discover something new, rather than just rush to their destination. It makes me appreciate some of my hikes so much more, realizing that was his intention. Such happy travels!

Celebrating the Fruits of Maine

There is a "secret" cranberry bog behind the house that we have been walking to for the past few weeks. It is a mile walk through woods and trails with lots of lichen, moss and mud to observe along the way! It makes a perfect nature collecting walk for school and a chance to breathe in the fresh air and look for bear and moose.

We have been making and sharing jams and preserves and eating quite a few raw too!

Must Stop Preserving Soon! The paint is about to peel off the kitchen walls with the daily boiling of preserves and pots!