Waiting for snow

Hubby and Mr Buttons have started jogging in the mornings,

and today the rest of us joined them, although mostly walking.

There has been talk of possible snow, but so far the only thing has been a patch of frost here and there. Captain Aishua is enjoying even that to the fullest!

We managed eight and a half hours outside last week, with long forest walks and a visit to Trim castle with another homeschool family.

I have a good feeling about this week too, as the kids wanted to go out for a second walk after lunch.

When I say walk, I mean a splash, really.

It didn't take long to get the two smallest to sleep tonight.

Mr Buttons is watching videos about puppet making, and I'm enjoying looking back at all the funny photos of today. 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for even a little bit of snowfall,

just enough for a few snow angels and added cosiness afterwards!

Funny forest folk

We found a new forest walk near our house today, and spent nearly two hours exploring and taking silly photos.

Below are some of the less crazy ones.

We got home just before dark, baked some bread for supper, and read most of Snow White before Captain fell asleep. 

New Year

I don't really do new year's resolutions.
Mostly, because I hate doing anything just because somebody tells me to. I don't like working on a forced schedule, or making promises I don't intend to keep. Also, I don't have anything I feel the need to give up. I don't smoke, or drink alcohol, and I think everyone agrees that the world is a better place if I drink my coffee... I am also not interested in knowing how much I weigh, so losing weight is not a priority. I eat my veg, thank you very much, and drink water like only a breastfeeding mother can (read: by a bucket load). Did I cover all the usual ones?

Therefore, at New Year I like to think of all the nice things that happened during the year gone by. I also like to remind myself to continue doing those things that bring me happiness, but notice them more. So this year we will be taking part in the 150 hours outside challenge (Read more about it here). The time is not the main challenge for me, but taking pictures and having those to enjoy next new year. So far in the last five days we have clocked up 6 and a half hours, and enjoyed every minute.

I even remembered to bring a camera for today's walk!

My other promise to myself is to read at least 13 books just for fun, in addition to the serious, grown-up reading list. Books that will more than likely have a vampire or a few will feature heavily. Maybe a little zombie here and there. You know, educational stuff... And I will enjoy every page, guilt free!

What are you looking forward to this year? Did you make any resolutions?

Spring is finally in the air

It has been lovely and warm for the last couple of days, and we have been enjoying every moment of it. The kids have pretty much moved outside; going for walks, playing in different parks and making chalk art and bubbles in the yard.

We've been spring cleaning and planting trees.

Captain planted some tomatoes and lettuce, which will soon go out into the polytunnel.

Even the animals are having a lovely time in the sun.

Flash can be found in the front yard, sunning himself while guarding the house.

The hens and the rooster are roaming the neighbourhood, making sure to come home every time they hear the door open, in case there is food.

Oh, and Captain had her first ice lolly yesterday, bough to her by her darling big brother.

She was totally in love with the idea of this delicious cold treat, but only for a few licks. Then mama got to finish the mostly melted orange-y mess...

Mr Buttons in the puddle

Art class outdoors

Mr Rooster

Hen one

Hen two

My lovely apple trees

Festival of fires

This is what we did yesterday.

I survived

I survived my first week of homeschool!

It involved lots of reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors.

We also had a train adventure and visited a history and art museum.

We had the whole children's section of the library to ourselves on Thursday morning, which was brilliant.

It feels like Mr. Buttons is trying to do everything, in case time runs out.

I'm enjoying having both of the kids home and not having to look at the clock.

Having to deal with some very unhelpful people has been an unneccessary extra.

But that will pass.

Also, I didn't think I could be more tired, but I am.

I'm enjoying it too much to care though.

Captain has discovered "a rainforest" at the back of our garden

I have a feeling there will be a tree fort soon...

Mr. Buttons is teaching me archery

Animal washing service

We built an obstacle course and pitched a tent

Roll on, week two!

Enjoying the little things

Myself and Captain went for a walk between rainfalls.

This time I focused on tiny things.

Moss

There must be a vegetarian spider in the neighborhood... ;)

Bubble hunting

Mud, from head to toe.