Monday, October 24, 2011

Apple picking and learning

This weekend we went to the apple orchard. Living in Washington has its perks!! We picked fresh apples straight from the tree and Noah was able to sample different types of apples, eating almost as many as he picked. It was an amazing experience that I hope will become a family tradition. We also made apple cider. As beginners with two small children it took us some time to get two gallons (another group had made six gallons in that time!), but it was so neat to make ourselves. Noah helped throw in apples and grind them too, a fun learning experience for sure!

Our learning has been sporadic with a big move across the country, but we are trying to find opportunities to learn through fun. We're learning about growing seasons, in the slow reality as we watch tractors plow the rolling hills and pick apples from the trees. We've had a chance to see farm machinery we've only read about in his many books. We are growing as a family and learning, even when we aren't trying. It's a beautiful journey together.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Fresh air







This week we have been trying to enjoy some of the nice Autumn weather outside and reconnect with nature. We're starting small though since we're still in the process of moving. We've visited a few playgrounds and enjoyed the beautiful changing leaves and crisp cool air. I think I'm starting to adjust to the weather here!

Today I didn't accomplish a thing in our new home, but we spent plenty of time outside enjoying nature. I know the kids and I both needed some time together away from the responsibility of moving. Being outside helps me be more present in the moment.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

A lot of change


When you move, especially when its across the country, everything changes. We left a lot behind. Our home, our car, our family, and warm weather. However, we're starting to settle in. Over the weekend and next week we will be moving into our new apartment and yesterday we picked up our little Subaru we just bought. So, now we have a place to live and a car to drive.

A few things I love here are all the horses, farms, rolling hills, an awesome bike trail I can't wait to ride on, friendly people, and a fresh start. I'm looking forward to making a few things for our new place too. If anyone has some creative ideas, let me know!

In full disclosure, I miss so much from Florida, especially our family. And we're used to a lot more going on, so that's taking some getting used to, but slowing down is good for us too! =D

Friday, October 7, 2011

A Real Autumn


Being a Floridian I didn't realize that Autumn translated to a Florida winter. Funny, right? The last few days temperatures were in the 40's and I was cold. We're starting to get appropriate clothes and to prepare for winter. It will be the kids first snow. Noah's very excited!

Part of our preparations was to find a playground and enjoy some time outside. It's really pretty and there is a long, tall metal slide there. I haven't seen a metal slide since I was a little girl! Both kids loved climbing and sliding all over, and of course playing in the mulch. So far we love our new area!