Festivals / Holidays               Thoughts On Parenting               Fun Things To Make               The Great Outdoors               Creative Learning

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Snow is Coming!


Finally a decent snow is coming our way. As we got ready for the morning, my youngest and I talked about sledding, snow forts, and snowmen. But it also means a lot of this:

I really don't mind. Show shoveling is great exercise!
(We'll see if my back agrees the next day.)
 
 
We will probably take time to catch & observe snowflakes if they are big enough. This is a lot of fun for all ages. Click the photo below to learn how.
 
http://howthesunrose-lalagirl.blogspot.com/2012/12/catching-snowflakes.html
 
 
Now, as the boys are off to school and I ease into the day with a warm cup of peach tea, I find myself most looking forward to a walk in the woods. The pristine snow crunching under my feet, the only other footprints belonging to animals who have stepped across the path I follow... Oooh! I can't wait. 
 
Tiny little mouse tracks!
 
But in the meantime, I turn to one of my favorite poems:
 
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
 
Whose woods these are I think I know.   
His house is in the village though;   
He will not see me stopping here   
To watch his woods fill up with snow.   

My little horse must think it queer   
To stop without a farmhouse near   
Between the woods and frozen lake   
The darkest evening of the year.   

He gives his harness bells a shake   
To ask if there is some mistake.   
The only other sound’s the sweep   
Of easy wind and downy flake.   

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   
But I have promises to keep,   
And miles to go before I sleep,   
And miles to go before I sleep.

-Robert Frost

Now off to find the snow pants, boots, and sleds!

Monday, January 18, 2016

We Have a Dream

This past weekend we took a trip to Washington D.C.  On the drive, we listened to Martin Luther King, Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech with an accompanying, beautifully illustrated book.

 
 
After we listened to the cd, we discussed the changes that have happened since the speech.  In talking about signs that read "Whites Only"  our 7 year old said, "I would be tempted to kick those signs DOWN!" - he's a mover & a shaker who will fight for justice his whole life.
 
After visiting the National Archives, where we saw the Magna Carta, Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, we went to the National Museum of American History and saw the Star Spangled Banner.  To end our visit, we, along with hundreds of others, stopped by the Lincoln Memorial.  Our oldest who is in fifth grade, and passionate about what is right and fair, was happy to carry on Martin Luther King Jr's message:
 
May it be true.


Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Out and About in All Kinds of Weather

In the past, I picked a purposeful word for the new year. This year, however, I kept it simple: hike/walk year-round. My ultimate goal is to help my children experience the seasons and how they affect nature.

Here is our first walk of the new year on our local rails-to-trails path.


Sometimes the walks are just myself and our new dog, Buddy.  I love how a morning walk starts my day off in a calm breath-of-fresh-air way. Buddy loves to sniff his way as we pass the farmland.
We had a small dusting of snow last night.  My youngest was
thrilled. On our walk this morning, Buddy was just as happy.

 
And just as happy to get warm.
 
So what are your goals for this year?  Do they include outdoor activities?

The contents of this blog, including text, original photos and ideas are the sole property of the author. If you intend to use my text or images, please link back to this blog and give credit to How the Sun Rose. Please do not republish an entire post or post photos of my family. A notification email would be greatly appreciated too!