Feeling Like Fall

The weather has grown cool and the leaves are changing, so we're spending as much time as possible outside enjoying the transformation. I put the boys' old little blue table outdside and we sit around it throughout the day eating, talking, and studying together. The cat plays with bugs and tumbling leaves at our feet and the chickens peck around looking for grubs and stray birdseed from the feeders.

Jonathan has undertaken the study of piano and meets once a week for a one hour lesson with a gifted teacher who is both patient and captivating. He studies for five minutes at a time throughout each day, working toward an hour of study per day. I'm envious of the opportunity, and if the instructor weren't already working in exchange for my baked goods as it is, I'd be tempted to ask for lessons as well.

Likewise, Benjamen is studying karate twice per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays for an hour each evening. He is really thriving on the exercise and discipline, and seems to be thoroughly enjoying every class. In addition to the physical exercise, he's picking up on the concepts, such as respect, the practice of meditation, and is learning Japanese in the process. His sensei is pleased with his progress, and I'm over the moon that he's found something that's just his own.

We've moved past the ancient Egyptians in our history studies and are knee-deep in the Biblical stories of Abraham and the Jewish tribes. We listen to CDs in the car as we run errands, go on field trips, etc, and discuss the concepts, new words, and any questions they have. It's been hassle-free, so far, and they all seem to be enoying it. Having the chapters on CD makes review simple and pain-free, and they're good about letting me know when enough's enough.

This past week, with the weather feeling so deliciously autumnal, we took a drive out to Ridgefield Farms and picked their available apples. They conveniently had 3 types available for picking, so each boy picked a row and filled his bag. Afterward they each chose a pumpkin from the huge pumpkin patch while I chose two pots of gorgeous dark mums. They also helped me snip flowers from the pick-your-own patch and we assembled a gorgeous fall bouquet. On the way out we picked up a huge sunflower full of seeds for the birds. It was immediatley descended upon by a wild horde of rogue squirrels who utterly decimated it beyond any reckoning.

Everyone's chugging along in maths and not resenting it too terribly. Jonathan still has the worst time of it, but I see much maturation on that front. Nicholas enjoys his lessons and Benjamen speeds through them so we can move on to more exciting adventures. They all are making excellent progress, despite their varying approaches to lessons.

This next week we're taking the week off from studies and doing some fall cleaning/decorating. We're all looking forward to the change in our rhythms as cool weather sets in.