Boston

We spent St Patricks day together in Boston. It is a special treat when we all get to be together! We went to the Science museum, Maggiano's for lunch, the childrens museum and finished off with the Lion King. Scout slept for most of the next day!

The whole family!

Scout enjoying the bubble room at the childrens museum.

Climbing her first cargo net..she loves to climb.

Getting a smooch from her big brother and sharing Sam's water.

This was our first time here. It was so much fun we plan on visiting frequently. This is the water room.

Zach discovers bubbles!

Sharing spaghetti with Daddy.

Who could be cuter!!

Exploring the science museum.

Provincetown

Zach and his girlfriend Sam came for a visit and we spent one of the days in Ptown. Most everything was still closed on March 16th but we had a great lunch and a nice walk around town and in the village.

The big kids having some fun!

Mommy and Scout on the beach.

Sam, Scout and Zach behind the old theatre.

A nice beach walk,we love it when Zach comes home...especially when he brings Sam!!!

Zach and Scout having fun on the horsies.

Going down the slide with Mommy.

Scout thinking about going through the tunnel...she does.

She walk from here right down to the water and gets mad when we pick her up instead of letting her walk right into it!

What a fun day!!

Nature girl

Scout loves it when she gets to go for a ride with Mommy! Satinka is so good when she knows she has precious cargo.

This day was all about science. It was one of the first warm sunny days of spring and we spent it all outdoors. Scout loves these days...outside. She explored her world...here are some shots I was able to capture. The one above is playing in the dirt!

Finding some treasures. She had to climb a pretty steep hill to get to these!

She found a nice walking stick...just her size.

Hanging out with the chickens, she loves to follow them around. She is so quiet and gentle with them they let her walk right up and pet them.

While I was raking she was picking out the interesting stuff. Here she finds last years weeds, roots and all.

Water play in the bird bath.

Rainy day

Scout and her chickens. She loves to follow them and they let her walk up and pet them.

Our friend, Jay's, graduation from the MA Fire Academy.

Future drummer?

The boys waiting for a frisbee throw!!

Cute from all directions!!

It's a rainy day today. Luckily we have a lot of traveling to do. The last rainy day Scout spent the day starring out the window and grunting and pulling at her coat (cavegirl talk for I want to go outside!). I did finally give in, put on raincoats and out we went.

We're back!!!

Sorry it has been so long. Still no new laptop but I have figured out how to get the pictures from the camera to the desktop pc. We have been working hard in the yard since we have had such nice weather. Scout and Mommy put up her swingset and built a playhouse underneath (Scout handed the nails!). Scout loves to be outside ( not that we didn't already know that ). She explores the yard, following and petting chickens, picking up treasures (acorns and rocks mostly), climbing into and out of her playhouse and Little Tykes car, walking over all terrain and up and down hill. Today it rained all day. She finally got me to put on her raincoat and go outside after tugging and grunting at her cat and starring out the window.

We have sold out first dozen eggs and have 2 or 3 regular customers now. The first raised bed is built and half filled with dirt for the vegetable garden.

We will try to be better about writing again!

Unschooling

Yes, still no computer. Oh well, maybe after the tax refund.

Scout has her legs and she uses them ALL day long. We love to watch her...she entertains herself, exploring and learning. She loves to look out the doors and see what is happening outside. She loves to pet the dogs and give them their toys. She loves to climb, to carry stuff (especially her tools). She likes cause and effect toys. She will play fetch with herself. She talks up a storm and it is particularly fun when she cracks herself up with laughter. I believe this is a vital part of her development...to love to learn and to be able to make up her own games.

Even though I think kids are sent into a structured "school" way too early, with not enough time to play and be free, her learning has already begun. I am leaning toward "unschooling" and this is her already doing it. Everyday she learns so much...we are putting the opportunities in front of her and she is choosing when to use them, having fun and learning so much.

We started a music class last week. She absolutely loves it. Check out www.musicandmovement.com it is a great program. All types of learning styles are addressed. It is a mixed age class (birth to 5) plus adults (parents). They all learn by watching each other or just doing what feels natural. There is singing, rhythmic instruments, moving to the rhythm and dancing to the beat. They can make choices and express themselves freely.

She is still swimming at the Y...tonight she goes with Daddy.

We are still here!!

We haven't dissappeared!! The laptop seems to be dead and the desktop won't download the camera...ugh! There are no pictures today but Scout is changing so much I am sure you would like an update.

She woke up last week from her nap and hasn't stopped walking since!! Even before she was walking all the time she was already climbing. She pushes dog bowls, chairs and her toys..whatever she can find..over to something she can't reach and climbs up. She tried climbing up the back of a chair the other day, luckily I was right there to catch it as it toppled backwards. She is very self engaging. She will walk all around all day, until she is hungry, thirsty, tired or needs a diaper change, just playing and exploring. She loves to watch out the windows (two of our doors have glass to the floor). She loves to watch me throw the balls to the dogs. Yesterday she spent 30 minutes walking around the house throwing her block, chasing it, picking it up and throwing it again. Then she sat down and we had a pass on the floor for another 10 minutes. It is so much fun watching her learn new things everyday. She is sitting next to me now stacking her blocks. She loves to carry things around with her, she almost always has something in her hand. At her 1 year physical she was 18 pounds (16%), 29 inches (25%) and her motor skills were at a 15 month old level. hopefully the photos will come soon.