september

It is hard to believe the month has come to an end. I kept feeling like we were just getting started. We had a good one though. Soccer has taken over our afternoon/evenings- every day. It can be tough on some days but we have tried to stay at home during the day so that it isn't overly crazy.

Landon also started riding again. He loves it so much. He has moved up to a much bigger horse which is happy about but also is taking a bit of adjusting to.

We have started some new studies, right now the boys are loving practicing math and William is covering civics. I am facilitating a math club for Landon and many of his friends. William is volunteering at the library, while we are there. William is still averaging a book a day. I really can't keep enough books in the house.

Landon also started a Lego League team. He is very excited about it. They will go to a competition in December.  He builds at home every day some pretty awesome structures.

We are listening to Anne of Green Gables in the car and even Harkin is following along. He says he really loves the story.

Issabelle and Harkin are growing and learning every day. We play, read, do yoga, ride bikes, and create together most days.

There were a few good baking days, as we participated in a bake sale to raise money for a homeless shelter.

We went to a pumpkin chunkin' festival and the boys got their trebuchet out and made a few adjustments on their own so it shoots much better than before.

There were about four days straight of making paper airplanes, modifying them to fly better and seeing how far they would go.

Our days may not be typical of most, but that is what I love. In their experimenting and play they are learning and accomplishing so many things.

we went to the woods

 

In less than a week we have gone on two nature walks. My soul is feeling very refreshed. Yes we live in the woods but now hunting season is going on and we can't venture very far from our house. Plus I love to get out and see new places. We are starting on small walks because Harkin and Issabelle want to walk on their own. I bring the carrier for when she gets tired but Harkin still needs to walk. Anyhow, we had a fun afternoon in the woods/marsh. There was lots of time spent collecting acorns, looking for birds and checking out the plants. My four made my day. They were sweet and loving, which is all a mama can ask for.

a delightful gift

Another year has passed in my life and I take time to pause and reflect on how it has gone. It seems to me that lately I haven't felt very productive or that I am not really doing much with my life. The rainbow tonight was a happy sign for me. Felt like a blessing was upon me and that this next year might be the one where I stop looking for that something else and just enjoy what is in front of me. You can always be searching for the end of the rainbow but may never reach it. The gold is a stretch. I say enjoy the colors as they expand and be delighted by what it is. A beautiful picture before you. That is what I truly have in front of me each and every day. I need to remind myself of this more often. There is beauty and rainbows in the day to day life, some days they shine a little brighter while other days it may be hard to see, but they are always there. Waiting for me to look up, breathe and take it all in.

fall festival

It is pretty awesome that Canada is only 8 miles away. We traveled up to mount Sutton for a quiet fall festival. There was a neat obstacle course for the kids and then we took the chairlift up to the top and hiked around for a bit. It was really pretty. We also were able to get Will some new skis for the season. We are all getting excited for the snow to fall. It felt good to be in the fresh mountain air.

last day of summer

Labor Day. Eric had the doors off in the jeep for a bit. The two little ones were "going for a drive" since they thought it was so neat. We spent the day on a family drive in my car in the proper seats. We went to a playground and had some lunch out. We were mourning the absence of G & G. Summer was a good one and went by too quickly, although we are always ready for the snow around here:)

landon's fort

 Landon spent a good amount of time with Grampy in the woods creating this awesome hideout. He can hang out there and watch for wildlife or just have some time to himself. He is very excited to have it. Thanks Grampy for all your help. The little ones think it is pretty awesome too!

s'mores x 2

While Grammy and Grampy were here, the nights began to get a bit cooler. Perfect for a bonfire, or two, or actually three. We made s'mores two nights thanks to G&G's prodding. The kids loved it. Harkin and Issabelle had never had them before and thought it was just the best ever. What fun we had.  All the gooey, sticky mess was delicious too.