Wild Summer Days

Wild Summer days have begun and with them a need for more structure and new routines After a family meeting, we carved out new rhythms for chores, activities and fun things to do because boredom doesn't live in our house.  We've created a handicrafts table and designated days of the week for scavenger hunts, nature journaling, painting, art, puzzles, music and reading. It's amazing how much there is to do as a child when you remember that you love exploring your world.  The girls have been good helpers in the garden, earning extra money by weeding and tending their own fairy and mud kitchen gardens.  We're bird watching a little nest of wrens this year and Wendell, the cat, thinks they are quite interesting.  The big girls have chosen one day a week to cook and this is a fun expansion of their growing up.  (It is also stretching Mama to let go of extra mess that may or may not come). Phoebe is starting her piano lessons and working on lower case letters this summer and Emmie and Lena are writing books.  Levi is three months old and is moving beyond ceiling fans and is laughing at cat tails and watching faces.  He is trying ever so hard to get his thumb in his mouth.  We are so thankful to have visits with dear friends, romps outside and time together. We're blessed and exhausted and growing in grace.