July ~ On the Fly (part I)

As unschoolers we don't really differentiate between the "school year" and "summer break". We engage in learning year-round, but summer decidedly has a flavor of its own and we are savoring its deliciousness!

so happy on her first day of horse camp

  sandhill cranes

 rookie baseball

 

 teamwork

 

 

   Castle Rock

 

  As a single-income family with three kids we need to be thoughtful about spending. As such, we have found so many awesome things to do that are free or low-cost. When Camille became determined to go to horse camp she asked that her grandparents give her money towards her goal instead of birthday and Christmas presents this past year. We were happy to make up the difference and she enjoyed every minute of it. Sylvia, Ayla, and I went on some adventures of our own while she was busy riding the trails every day.

 

 final day of horse camp

 Pewitt's Nest

 Spirit Lake

 We picked 10 pounds of blueberries.

  feeding each other the "plumpiest ones"

Wa Du Shuda parade

 

 This month has been completely filled to the brim with adventure, sweat, laughter, sweetness, tired muscles, dirty feet, and blue skies. What more could a girl ask for?

Catching up

I'm playing catch-up again. These summer days are flying by faster than I can keep up with them. Though I can hardly complain about a whirlwind that is primarily made of fun, friends, and frolicking. These photos are from the end of June through the 4th of July.

Our raspberry bushes are descendants of the bushes that my grandmother's sister grew. They taste like my childhood summer days.

I usually have eager helpers for tasks, if it ensures extra time to go swimming afterwards. Ayla insisted on vacuuming out the van all by her own self.

We went into Madison to visit friends on an epic day that started at Henry Vilas Zoo...

Followed by a picnic at the park...

Then on to Olbrich Gardens...

Where we met with another family of friends...

Then onward  to another park for drinks and snacks, to meet with yet more friends...

And ending with a fabulous dinner at Ha Long Bay with 7 kiddos and 3 mamas.

Epic.

family tree

sunset moment

our Independence Day shenanigans

Maybe one of these days I'll be all caught up (on the blog, on the dishes, on the weeding). But then again...if life keeps feeling this full and delicious, maybe being caught up isn't that important.