Hours Out of Doors

 "As for the baby, he is in bliss: divested of his garments, he kicks and crawls, and clutches the grass, laughs soft baby laughter, and takes in his little knowledge of shapes and properties in his own wonderful fashion — . {Charlotte Mason, Home Education, p. 45}

John is so taken with the outdoors that this calm baby throws a fit when anyone goes outside and leaves him inside (at 7 months?!?).  He army crawls over to the door and hollers to go out, or starts crying and squirming if he is being held.  We are pleased that he loves being outside, but its getting hard to do my chores done inside! Margaret Mary calls mother nature her earthly mama and says that John just wants to spend time with his other mother :)

The kids have a love/hate relationship with Lucy.  She follows them around, playing in their games and then starts nipping them which gets them all crying and begging me to take her inside.  I think Lucy is great with them and puts up well with always being the "dragon" and being chased with sticks!

 

Always "roping."  He is being a silly cowboy in this picture.

Brothers

 “In the first place, do not send them; if it is anyway possible, take them; for, although the children should be left much to themselves, there is a great deal to be done and a great deal to be prevented during these long hours in the open air. And long hours they should be; not two, but four, five, or six hours they should have on every tolerably fine day, from April till October.”

{Home Education, pp. 43-44}

 We are blessed to have nice weather all year round! I am guilty of sending my kids out without me many days, but I can keep an eye on them from my kitchen. Everyone is happier outside.