just because (part I)

This post is just because it's our life, and it's beautiful, and it's messy, and it's good, and sometimes it's hard, and it's spring in Wisconsin...and I definitely take too many pictures. Oh, and Ayla turned five somewhere in there. They're growing up.

because our yard birds are laying plentifully

because Ayla fearlessly feeds the hens, ducks, and geese

because Sylvia drew an illustration from the Goblet of Fire

because she hoops

because the geese aren't sure what to think of the youngest ducklings

because the ducklings especially love Camille

because Sylvia made lunch and did a better job than I usually do

because they love to climb

because these braided sheets will eventually become a large rug

because our homeschool group hosts a fun folk dance/potluck

because it's getting bigger

because the Hello Kitty Lego set was her favorite birthday present

because Sylvia has mastered 500 piece puzzles

because, well, it's darn cute

 because she wanted a store boughten cake this year

 because Ayla had a birthday sleepover with facepaints...

 and a water fight...

 and homemade flubber...

 

 

 and more water fights

just because, sisters 

(and 'cause Camille is selective about the camera being aimed in her direction these days)

 because Ayla wanted to meet friends at Wizard Quest for her birthday celebration


 because it's an animatronic dragon


 because new masks are such fun


 because they were solemnly receiving their quest


because the magic of the quest caused all photos to be blurry

To be continued...because my posts can get quite lengthy....

just because (part II)

Continued from the last post...because I like to use my camera and my posts get lengthy....

because we wanted to check out the River Walk even though it was chilly

 because even if you don't see them often, good friends are important

because the Lonely Planet's Beautiful World book is...beautiful

and it's fun to imagine where in the world you'd like to visit with a friend

because an I Spy book is hard to put down

because homeschool book club was kindly hosted at a gorgeous organic farm

 because...overabundance

(Anyone local want free-range duck eggs? They're delicious.)

 because having a 5 year-old unicorn-pegasus wash your walls is awesome

 because it's fun to play Legos and work puzzles with Grandma

 because Grandma had never hiked to the top of Mill Bluff before

because it's fun to draw in the sand with a stick

 because sometimes they squabble and sometimes they're so sweet it makes my eyes sting

because the giant pear tree across the street is in full bloom

 because some days call for a picnic and a prickly pear soda

because when the question is, "Can I take off my shoes and climb on the rocks?"
I tend to say, "yes"

 because playing catch and climbing trees and practicing somersaults in the grass 
are worthwhile things to do

because almost-twelve is definitely not too old to play at the park

because if you bring a bat and ball to the park, other kids will probably join in

because sometimes when it's April in Wisconsin and you dip toes in the chilly water...

it can turn into wading...

or if you're a little crazy, full blown swimming in your clothes

(that splash would be Camille, luckily we had extra clothes in the van)

because sometimes you need to protect your duckies from an aggressive goose

because backyard sun-tea from wild mint, violets, and nettles is refreshing

 because...sweetness

because watching seedlings sprout and growing food is a life skill and legitimate science

 just because...digging in the sand and dandelions

 because my braided rag rug keeps getting bigger

 because Carly was posing so nicely for me

 because the honeycrisp apple tree is in bloom

because Sylvia invited me to a tea party with wild edibles

I choose to notice and to celebrate and to share the random images of our days here, because on top of all of this, my house is messy, we watch quite a bit of  TV, we eat frozen pizza, we argue and make up, and feel sad and powerless, and hopeful and arrogant, and all of the usual human drama, but here I like to share our highlights, because it helps me continue to see the good and the beautiful. Because sometimes life on one income for a family of five is a challenge. Because homeschooling/unschooling sensitive, inquisitive, growing children is hard work. Because choosing to parent mindfully and with respect takes a lot of effort and can be misunderstood because it's outside of the cultural norm. Because I hope that my humble efforts at a life well-lived will ripple out to those that we interact with and smile at and because I like to take a lot of pictures anyway, so I might as well.

*all of the photos from the last two post were taken during the last half of April