Week 7

"Look at the 'Too-key' (Turkey) Mom," Baby exclaims! There are at least two big families that live close by to the farm and visit regularly.  That's a good thirty something birds at any given visit. While many humans may be making their Thanksgiving hunting and eating plans, some of us are only admiring them. Turkeys are fiercely protected here in Vermont with laws ranging from when, where and how to hunt them to who and how many you may reserve per season! A's only just starting to talk to and about the animals and earlier this week we had the entire herd of cows come up close to greet us (or suss us out).  Unfortunately, sometimes those picture perfect moments escape us.

Insert awesome pic of cows here...

Last Sunday we visited Lake Pinneo after church. At last, we descended upon the playground from our last epic Summer visit. While it looked much the same as before, we had one more person to introduce to the lake and the park - and she loved it... Almost enough to keep her on the swing when the lunch bell rang. We enjoyed slightly less risky swimming (I mean, we aren't complaining about the rough edged rocks of the Gorge but it was relaxing to just wade into the water) some sand between our toes and a real Summer-feeling Sunday braai and chill.

 

 This week, school at home has been a little better than last week and I am encouraged to see the older two kids apply their minds - be it baking, biking, bookwork or becoming engrossed in their ukulele playing. Bake of the week goes to PJ's brioche buns (!!!). No contest. I mean, seriously good.

We exchanged books at the library and E went investigating in the garden with the camera. Well forty photos and two videos later, (I am convinced that) he found a green, yellow and black coloured caterpillar - a Eastern Black Swallowtail butterfly to come, I hope. The state butterfly of Oklahoma and New Jersey, nogal.

And then E's grommet popped out. Just over one year later and almost forgotten about - might I add. Let me also just point out that these little insertions don't increase the overall performance of listening and obeying...but we are most grateful for the relief it has brought him. Gosh, I can remember that procedure day like it was yesterday. So much grace!

Throw in a few more sweltering hot days, then refreshing rain, a minor car issue, a bed swap between kids, the first few days of toilet training for Baby and a giant zucchini from the garden, and there you have a wrap up of the week that was.