Weekly Report... Reading, Redwoods & Flat Stanley...

Another week has gone by so quickly. A few highlights from this week:

The Girl's reading practice is going amazingly well. We're keeping it simple these days, just using Reading Pathways. The pyramid structure of the stories works really well for her, since it is simple, repetitive, and quite straightforward. We review a story and read a new one every day (and I mean every day). She's turned a corner of some sort - she no longer whines when I pull the book out, and she approaches each lesson cheerfully, willing to work. I am keeping my fingers crossed that we're really getting somewhere! We finish up each lesson with me reading her a story of her choice - this week it has been a selection of classic fairy tales she chose at the library. I must say, the girl has an eye for good illustrations! Check out this version of Rapunzel to see what I mean!



The Boy is vastly enjoying The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, alongside a rereading of the 2012 Guiness Book of World Records.

We also wrapped up Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and started Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great. We're still enjoying Smoky House at bedtime as well - a few more chapters to go, and I'll have to choose something new!

We also headed out to the redwoods - Armstrong Grove State Park to be specific -  for a lovely and peaceful afternoon...

Inside the tree you see them entering above

Some crazy burls... I swear I see Popeye's face!

Taking a well earned snack break

Determined to touch a leaf on the tree overhanging the path

Nature makes numbers!

 Doesn't my husband look tiny in this picture, next to those trees?

The afternoon hike was just what we all needed. We are a family that used to hike a lot, quite regularly. Somehow, over the past couple of years, we have drifted away from that. This little trip made us determined to get back into the habit!

What Else We Did...

Water play out back in our little pool

Playing with the chickens - they like to be pet, and fed veggie scraps

I finally decided on The Girl's math for the fall!

Watched the classic version of Treasure Island. Next we'll watch the newer version. Which reminds me, we really should get back to reading the book!

Art projects galore

Lots of zucchini based foods... muffins, breads, chocolate chip cookies, and so forth.

Oh, and we're participating in a Flat Stanley exchange at last! We've had one family visit us, from North Carolina - they went with us to the Bodega Marine Lab. Our travelers have been to Virginia, and are now in Kentucky! Here are some pictures from their travels so far (Virginia pics)...

It was a good week overall... I just wish life would slow down a little! Hope you all had a good week too!