Spinning

 Scrolling through the pictures on my phone tonight I came across a few from earlier this month that I had not yet shared though had fully intended too when I took them. And seeing how a new month arrives tomorrow I figured now was as good a time as any to share them in this space. 

 Maker weekend at Old Sturbridge Village took place a few weeks ago. We were at the village for Sunday Brunch and decided afterward to walk around for a bit. As we walked we passed many makers (one woman was even making the reeds that are used for basket weaving) before we came upon a man spinning wool into yarn. He was full of personality and wonderful stories and before we knew it he asked the girls if they would like to try their hand at spinning. 

 With all t he knitting and felting that goes on here it was only a matter of time before they gave spinning a try. 

Grace seems to have a gift for handwork. There's nothing that she's tried that she can't do and do well.

When each girl had finished her turn Mr. Martel would give them the wool that they had spun. As if getting to use a spinning wheel wasn't gift enough to be able to take home the yarn they made was truly the cherry on top of the sundae of that day! xo

On Michaelmas

Our Michaelmas Day started with cornmeal pancakes with blackberry syrup (because, according to tradition, this is the last day to eat blackberries until they return next summer) and ended with "Someone Else's Dragon" one of our favorite Sparkle Stories. In between, part of a Michaelmas verse was written into  main lesson books, and princess peg doll crafting was done. The girls and I realized, when I was tucking them in this evening, that we never shared what dragons we'd each like to deafeat over the course of the next year. It was agreed that we'd share our dragons tomorrow.

Our Michaelmas celebrations are always very simple, but always very meaningful. It's become a much looked forward to day in our family and a tradition that we will surely continue for years and years to come. Wishing you a Michaelmas full of courage and kindness today and always. xo

Today's Journal Entry

A power she clearly already possess. xo 

10:00am

Places, everyone! xo

An Adventure With Gramma And Grandpa

Our adventure on Thursday was absolutely fabulous! We had originally planned to meet up with my parents to go apple picking, but with the more summery temps on the first day of autumn it didn't feel quite conducive to being in an apple orchard. Instead, mom and I decided it would be fun to meet at Yankee Candle Village. They had not been in years, and I had wanted to get the girls there at some point this autumn, so Thursday seemed like the perfect time to go. We met at noon, explored the store, danced in the snow and made our way to the candle dipping area. We ended our day with a yummy meal complete with apple crisp for dessert. It wasn't until we got home that I realized that we never did make it into the candle museum as I had planned to, so perhaps another trip to Yankee Candle Village will be in order come the spring. Thanks, mom and dad, for meeting up with us! It was truly the perfect way to spend our Thursday (and a lovely way to welcome autumn)! xo

{This Moment} One Dessert, Three Spoons

{This Moment} A Friday ritual. A single photo -no words- capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you are inspired to do the same leave a link to your moment in the comments section for all to find and see. We wish you a wonderful first weekend of autumn! xo

 

Welcome, Autumn!

Welcoming the arrival of Autumn with an adventure at Yankee Candle today! xo

On International Peace Day

May it be so. xo

Coloring

 Last week, after I dropped the girls off at Nature School, I scooted over to Target to pick up these sweet coloring books that I had seen a few days earlier when I ran in for something else. They were over in the little kids clothing section (near a whole bunch of red riding hood inspired things) and I couldn't help stopping by to take a peek. I was instantly enchanted. Feeling that it really was more of a coloring book for older kids, I decided right then and there that I would pick up two copies as a "back to nature school" treat for the girls. I decided I'd leave each girl a coloring book for her to discover when she got into the car after nature school. They were both super surprised and over the moon! "Thank you, mama!" and "What beautiful pictures" echoed from the backseat as we drove home.

 

And ever since the girls have colored a little bit each day. 

Even taking their books and colored pencils with them places. 

 Colored by Grace.

Colored by Emma.

At The Ski Shop

Waiting to be fitted for their new ski boots. For some, this is very serious business! xo

Grace's Week In Review

{This Moment} Back To Dance

{This Moment} A Friday ritual. A single photo -no words- capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you are inspired to do the same leave a link to your moment in the comments section for all to find and see. We wish you a lovely Harvest Moon weekend and last weekend of summer! xo

At Homeschool Day

Hard at work on the tin candle holders they made at homeschool day today! xo

A Page About Massachusetts

The beautiful main lesson book page that Grace created today. xo

First Day of Nature School

These two were so very happy for the first day of nature school today! They have been looking forward to this day since the last day of nature school last spring! xo

Fifteen Septembers

On this day, fifteen Septembers later, we remember, we honor, we mourn and we grieve. xo

Secret Agents

Working together to solve their first secret code. And this is only the tip of the iceberg of fabulousness that is the first issue of Kazoo Magazine! xo

{These Moments} At The Labor Day Parade

{These Moments} A Friday ritual. A few photos -no words- capturing some moments from the week. Some simple, special, extraordinary moments. Moments I want to pause, savor and remember. If you are inspired to do the same leave a link to your moment in the comments section for all to find and see. We wish you a lovely weekend. xo

 

One Last Time

Our favorite paint your own pottery place is closing in a few weeks. We went back this week since the mug that Grace painted last time we were there appeared to have something wrong with it (it didn't) and while we were there the girls asked if they could paint one final time. Since we didn't have anywhere to be (and there was only one lantern left) I couldn't say deny this request. We had the whole place to ourselves and had the most lovely time painting and chatting with the owner. We are super sad to say good-bye to PYOP Studio but we are grateful for eight great years of creating there! xo

Introducing...

one of the newest members of the Center Stage dance team! Grace has been chosen to be part of the mini team this year! This is an absolutely perfect spot for her to be for her first year of competitive dancing! We are so very proud of her for auditioning, and look forward to watching her grow as a dancer even more this year! xo

Morning Lessons

Morning lessons on this chilly Tuesday complete with key lime bars and kitty cats. xo