Fall Term, Week Four, Day One

Our altered schedule is working nicely. We plan an outing in the morning, come home for lunch, and while Charlie naps we do our school work. What a difference it makes not to be fighting him off or tracking him down. The added bonus: I have time to get my morning routine finished in the morning before we leave so I’m not constantly behind on housework. I figured we’ll keep working this way until Charlie is ready for school work himself, or until he gives up that afternoon nap.

Over the weekend I spent some time rearranging our school area in the basement. I figure since we're working while Charlie is napping we should go downstairs to keep it quiet for him. It worked nicely to have them all lined up again (as opposed to everyone sitting around a square table) so Steve and I could work with each one as she needed it. We still start with math and handwriting, all together at the table. And then I work with Madison while Kenna does her reading independently.

Today we explored a different section of the Mill Creek trail. Climbing trees and playing in the water seems to be the biggest attraction. Once Charlie got his feet wet we couldn’t keep him out of the water and mud. Of course, then he didn’t want to walk back to the car in wet shoes and socks.

Quite often we discover berries and other curiosities along the trail. Charlie's intent is to eat anything that resembles food, so you have to keep a close eye. I'd like to identify these, but haven't found the specifics just yet—still I'm pretty comfortable with the "no eating" policy.

I haven't been able to identify these seed pods growing in the prairie grasses either. Makenna was interested to see how far the cottony little seeds travel in the breeze. Next, I'll be looking for a really good Ohio Field Guide to help us with identifications.