Fall Leaves

The kids dove right into nature study today (literally!). They played in the leaves for hours. In the bath afterwards, McKenna was identifying the leaves as she pulled them out of her hair. "That one is a sassafras....., etc." It took us at least 30 minutes to get all of the leaves out of their hair!

Nature Study (Trees)

Our October Co-op Nature Study was at our house studying trees. We began with a devotion focused on trees.

Then we did a Scavenger Hunt looking for various trees. The kids collected a nature item to paint with their watercolors in their Nature Notebooks. Here are some of the kids painting.

And taking a break for fun...

Below are pictures of a Fall Webworm Moth that was found. Isn't it beautiful!!

Natural Tunnel

We went hiking with some friends up at Natural Tunnel State Park and found this beautiful Passion Flower:

Beach Trip

We went to Hilton Head for a week this year. After studying about sea animals last year, we were able to see the beach with a whole new perspective.

We found tons of horseshoe crabs! There had been a big storm out at sea before we got there and so much was washed up on shore. There were hundreds of bivalves the first day all bunched together (when I didn't have my camera!), but they weren't there the rest of the week.

Dead ray that was washed up on shore:

Alligator we passed while biking:

Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival

Each June, Roan Mountain puts on a spectacular show! There are Rhododendrons native only to the Roan Mountain area that are absolutely beautiful when they are in bloom.

Natural Tunnel Park

We went with our co-op to Natural Tunnel park in Duffield, VA in May. We hiked down to see the Natural Tunnel and then participated in a Critter Finding Program in the creek.

Braden decided to swim instead of wade

Ethan on the hunt

Braden, McKenna, and Ethan

Critter hunting

Braden

Gracie catching critters