7 Months

Our sweet Esme is 7 months old and learning so many new skills! These days, Esme can sit up on her own, ride in a shopping cart, sit in a high chair, feed herself... the list goes on and on.

The big news this month is that we introduced solid foods. We started with oat cereal, which Esme did not care for. Then we tried applesauce, thinking she might prefer a fruit. She was not a fan of that either. As it turns out, Esme does not like to be fed from a spoon; she much prefers to feed herself. Another independent woman.

One evening, I gave her a piece of watermelon to see what she would do with it. She went to town on that watermelon. Same with pieces of cooked sweet potato, chicken, egg, and blueberries. As it turns out, Esme will eat almost anything provided she can do it herself. Watermelon is still her very favorite.

It has been such fun to see Esme's little personality emerge. She is the happiest baby we have ever met, but she does have a sassy side. We think she will definitely be able to hold her own with her older sisters!

Beach Trip, Part 2

After a wonderful week with my family in Watercolor, we headed for the Atlantic coast, to the beautiful city of St. Augustine, Florida to spend a week with M’s family. I had never been to St. Augustine before, so I was excited to explore.

M and Lucy enjoying the pool... Notice how Lucy is swimming like a little fish! I couldn't believe what a difference a year has made in her swimming abilities.

Esme enjoyed some poolside naps.

One evening, we went out for dinner at a local place called Beachcombers. It's a little dive right on the beach, so the kids could play in the sand while we waited for our food. They had incredible seafood!

As you can tell from this picture, Esme has grown a LOT in the past month. She is sitting up on her own, and if you look in her mouth you can see two, tiny teeth!

Flying kites on the beach was pure magic.

One afternoon, we visited downtown St. Augustine and had lunch at the beautiful, historic Columbia Restaurant. It was such a charming place; I am kicking myself for not taking any pictures. It was fun to walk around downtown St. Augustine. The Spanish-colonial architecture made me feel like I was in Pirates of the Caribbean. 

Our walk to the beach...

Towards the end of the week, Lu caught a stomach bug, and I somehow developed mastitis (again). One of the reasons I don't have more photos is because we had to spend a good deal of time indoors, resting and recovering. 

With the exception of our illnesses, we had such a wonderful vacation! It was a treat to get away for a couple of weeks and have a little break from our crazy schedules. I have to say, though, one of my favorite parts of a vacation is how good it feels to come home at the end of it. My kids must feel the same way because they have been playing with all of their old toys as if they were new. It's like Christmas morning over here.

Beach Trip, Part 1

This year, our families just so happened to choose back-to-back weeks for their beach vacations, so we got to spend one week at the Gulf coast and another at the Atlantic. We spent the first leg of our trip in Watercolor with my family...

Look at that crystal, clear water!

Alice and my mom, two peas in a pod.

I had forgotten how challenging the beach is with a newborn! Esme was not a fan of the water (I think the waves scared her a little), and even with our beach tent for shade, it was HOT. But we managed to get her a little more used to the beach every day, and by the end of the week, she actually seemed to enjoy it a little.

She loved the pool though!

One night, my parents babysat so M and I could go out on a little date. We rode our bikes over to the charming little town of Seaside...

For dinner, we browsed the food trucks that line Seaside's main street. One food truck sold the most delicious crepes, but the real highlight for me was the frozen rosé. 

After dinner, we took a walk on the beach. And watched the sunset. Because we're basic like that.

By the end of our week at the Gulf, we were all pretty worn out (some of us more than others), but I can't think of a more perfect week. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, and we made wonderful memories that I know my girls will have for the rest of their lives.

On to the Atlantic coast, to the beautiful city of St. Augustine!

School's Out for the Summer... Sort Of.

Yesterday was the last day of our spring term. We celebrated by going to one of our favorite local spots for popsicles.

Our school year is divided into three terms with breaks in-between. So, technically, we don't take summer off. BUT, we do get a nice, little break for a couple of weeks, and we will take another break in late August / early September before Lucy starts first grade (or, in Charlotte Mason terms, form 1b). And also, since it's kindergarten, we keep it very light anyway - still lots of great books and time outdoors. 

I am still processing everything I have learned so far this year. Homeschooling is extremely challenging in some ways, but it is also deeply rewarding. I am so thankful for the time this year has allowed me to have with my children, watching them grow and learn. They really are such extraordinary people!

"A child is a person in whom all possibilities are present - present now at this very moment - not to be educed after many years and manifold efforts on the part of the educator."

- Charlotte Mason 

Spring Dance Recital

Lucy and Alice had their dance recital this past weekend!

It was Alice's first recital, and it was Lu's first year to be in two different dances. They both worked so hard this year and gave a wonderful performance! I'm so proud of them!

Living Books

As I've mentioned before, we home-educate using Charlotte Mason's philosophy of education. One of the core tenets of this philosophy is the use of "living books".

Charlotte Mason said, "The selection of the first lesson-books is of grave importance, because it rests with these to give children the idea that knowledge is supremely attractive and that reading is delightful."

As someone who grew up reading textbooks in school, memorizing facts and information, it is so refreshing to read these "living books", which are filled with beautiful, "living" ideas. This particular book, Houses from the Sea by Alice E. Goudey, contains the same information about shells that a textbook would, but it is presented in a beautifully-written narrative. Lucy was captivated the entire time I was reading it and has asked to read it many times since. Unsurprisingly, we both learned so much about shells, and we can't wait to take these "living" ideas to the beach with us next week. 

"Give your child a single valuable idea, and you have done more for his education than if you had laid upon his mind the burden of bushels of  information." 
- Charlotte Mason 

Happy Birthday, Lucy!

On Sunday, we celebrated Lucy's 6th birthday! It feels like yesterday that she was born, and now she's basically a teenager. Where has the time gone!?

For her birthday, we were planning to have a small, family party this year. (The girls get a big birthday party with friends every other year.) BUT Lucy's birthday happened to fall on a Sunday, and she invited her entire Children's Church class over to our house for her "party". That is SO LUCY. She loves people, and she loves a good celebration. This year, we celebrated our sweet girl with pink unicorn balloons (of course) and a moon pie "cake" (because why not?). 

An Interview with Lucy, Age 6

What do you want to be when you grow up? An underwater scientist

What is your favorite book? The Happy Lion by Louise Fatio 

What is your favorite food? Beets

What is your favorite toy? Legos

What is your favorite animal? A zebra or a dolphin

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Flying

What is your favorite subject in school? Geography

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Strawberry

Lucy girl, you are brilliant, imaginative, and passionate. You make friends everywhere you go, and you are constantly dreaming up wonderful things. There is always a story in your head, bursting to get out. It is such a joy to be your mama and to watch you grow! We love you, Lu!