Sam noticed a trio of dragonflies and drew this:

and then wrote this hiku: Warm weather brings joy and good humor as dragons gambol through the blue

Jessie drew these drawings:

On the left is a wet dragonfly on a yellow leaf and eggs on a red leaf. Right are mating dragonflies and a crystal from the footpath

Just as we were leaving I spotted these two:

Not sure what kind they are but they are big!

We read from the handbook and Jessie really wants to do a small tank with some dragonfly nymphs so we can watch them change. Not sure the weather is going to cooperate today but it sounds like a fun project.

On the way to the car Jessie found a dragonfly wing so we were able to add some microscope time to this. I didn’t have them draw that as it was late in the day and they were antsy to be done and let loose.

Today while walking the dog we passed an acacia-like hedge with yellow flowers all over. From this hedge came a beautiful sound… bees. Lots and lots of honey bees. I love that sound: warm and soft. I could have plopped myself infront of the hedge and just admired those hard workers for hours. But we didn’t have all day.

So, I had the kids stop, look and listen. And for a short time we all marveled at the sight. The moment wasn’t long but during that brief time, we were all on the same page, feeling the same thing. We were in harmony. It was glorious.

We also saw several types of dragon flies, a weird insect (flat, black and segmented almost like a centepede but far shorter and wider with fewer legs) and of course Jessie caught a couple of frogs.

Several times today, one of us would say, “Remember those bees?” And we would talk about them again. Jessie and I made thumb print bees this evening too. Maybe we will do more on bees later this week. And maybe next year will be the year we become beekeepers. VBG!

There were shocking red leaves , several frogs, weird mushrooms, fuzzy plants, soft moss, rough bark, sweet smells and bird sounds. I did my best to point these things out but not dwell on them. Reminding myself that they’re usually listening best when they seem like they’re not listening at all. LOL! The kids ran and played.. shockingly harmoniously. I’m trying to start every morning with some outside time while it is still doable.

Tuesday we went to see a great storyteller at the library. Eth-Noh-Tec, a husband wife team, are actually out of San Francisco. I’m kicking myself for not taking their free workshop at the library on Monday. Robert was an amazing storyteller. I am thinking I might try to start memorizing some stories to tell to the kids. I want to work with Sam on public speaking. Maybe storytelling would be a good way to practice that without knowing it.

The kids have been playing together really well this week. I *think* the change is in Jessie. I could be wrong, but she just seems a little less “three” this week. ‘Course she is nearly four. Gasp! And Sam will be in the double digits next week. Ack!

Ok. Now I need a beer.

This morning we were treated to a gorgeous sunrise. It was so freaking orange you’d think it was sunset… after a huge fire or something. There was even a rainbow.

After lunch we went on a listening walk. That was Jessie’s idea. We caught a leopard frog. Or at least I think it is. Could have sworn I ran across an entry for a frog that looks very similar… somewhere. The kids climbed the cedar tree. I’m going to make rabid tree climber out of Sam yet. I really enjoyed watching them climb. I think every kid should have a tree to climb.

Read a rather disturbing post today about the NEA (National Educational Association) and their current resolutions against homeschoolers. There is an online petition here that gives some of the details.

“The National Education Association believes that home schooling programs based on parental choice cannot provide the student with a comprehensive education experience. “

There sure is a lot of evidence to the contrary. Colleges are actively seeking homeschooled kids too. The petition link above includes a link to some impressive stats and more information (that I need to read).

Not exactly sure why this NEA resolution bothers me so much. I’ve seen other such things and ignored them successfully. Will have to spend some time thinking and reading more on it. Exactly WHY do I homeschool…? What makes ME think I AM qualified? Stay tuned….

You can’t tell through the paint, but it is a little crispy around the edges. Sam said no beads on this one; he is sending it to Grandma.

Here are a few I tried. I’d love to do more in different colors. The paint is acrylic in none other than “leaf green.” LOL! I just happened to have it on hand. (and now on my fingers )

Today, as promised, we did the fall banner from the Fall Art Kit.

The kids were excited to use the “special markers” we bought just for this project. LOL! Yes, we have other washable markers but these were speeecciiiiaaallll. *giggle*

Sam and I painted the glue solution while discusing the nature of a “solution.” (Who knew science was involved in this!) We had trouble getting the canvas to absorb the solution though. The first time we peeled the transfers and plastic off the colors didn’t transfer too well. So I painted the areas on the canvas where the transfers where and reapplied. The second time was a little better. I am wondering if prewetting the canvas would help get a more even transfer…? Not sopping, just slightly damp.

These are the “transfers.” I am letting them dry and thinking about hanging them from the banner! I could have so much fun just painting coffee filter leaves and decorating the house with them. LOL!

Here’s my first attempt. It looks much better in person. I used colored pencils to bring out some of the details.

This is my second attempt. It looks better ON SCREEN than in person. LOL!

Last, but not least, here is Sam’s drawing on the warm colors worksheet.

Tomorrow… fall leaf banners!

I purchased one of them from Hearts and Trees and we started using it today.

This is my leaf rubbing with the kanji for “leaf.” I just happened to run across that kanji in Eve Kushner’s post over at Jpod101 blogs. I wonder if there’s anyway (besides the iron paper for your printer) to get this on a T-shirt? Oooh, no a mug! I know where to do that.

Here are the kids nature journals. I made an additional one for Jessie based on the one included in the art kit. The first page contains a checklist of things you might find on a nature walk. Sam enjoyed this much more than I expected! I thought belatedly that I should have done Jessie’s with Pictures rather than the words. Oh well. She had a great time checking off her squares.

The other activity we did today (or rather Sam did) was make the origami dog. Here’s a picture of Sam posing with (or like) his creation.