Stormy Weather Brings Us Together

While our neighbors may run for the comfort of their homes in inclement weather, we grab our shoes (or not!) and head outside.

Today's thunderstorms were a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the magic of the elements converging. The energy created by storms is something we hate to miss out on.  

We played in the backyard with the dogs and cats, feeling invigorated by the warm wind and rain drops.

Then we hopped onto our bikes and raced until we couldn't peddle any longer, laughing the whole way. I love hearing Alex let out squeals of exhilaration and delight. These happy moments confirm that he is enjoying his childhood.

The horses were running free in the fields next to us and seemed to be enjoying the energy in the air as much as we were. They seemed to be galloping with us as we sped along, as if acknowledging our celebration of nature.

For me, this is a perfect example of the unschooling mentality.

Freedom!

Eating Our Rainbow

Alex and I put together an on-the-go snack jar today.

Red: strawberries and raspberries

Orange: orange slices

Yellow: pineapple

Green: kiwi

Blue: blueberries

Purple: plums

Indigo: black grapes

Next time I might add a wire handle to make it easier to carry.

"If We Destroy Our Roots, We Cannot Grow"

Inspired by F. Hundertwasser, the Austrian artist:

The kids used colored pencils to create these. Wavy lines were the order of the day.

These were quite a bit of work because everything was first sketched using pencils, then outlined with colored pencils, then the pencil marks were erased, then everything was shaded and colored in. 

They needed a total of three breaks (one was a dance break) before they were able to get through it all! But I'm glad they finished them and now don't they look lovely!?    

Plus, we went online to learn more about the artist and the kids had a lot to say about his other works. They liked his colors and shapes, and loved his quote about lines:

"The straight line leads to the downfall of humanity."

Thank you Kathy Barbro from Art Projects for Kids for this fun art project!