It's The Little Things: Empty Parks & Picnics

We are currently working on our second year of homeschooling at the Newman house. Although if you have been reading along for a while now chances are you already know that.
 Homeschooling has been the perfect fit for our family and has came with all kinds of unexpected perks
Like this.


Beautiful day, sunny skies and an empty park. No crazy kids pushing and climbing everywhere, no having to wait for the swings just us and some fresh air. It is nice to have the occasional quiet trip to the park. 
We met up with friends

Had a picnic.

Drew with chalk.

And played.

A picnic lunch away from home.

Something so simple, but such a day brightener for us.

It's the little things/ Park Adventures With Early Risers

Yesterday morning we were up ready and around by 8:00. That isn't really a rare occurrence since the husbands hours are earlier now and I am an early bird by nature. It seems that our children have inherited the early riser trait from me. The best part about being early risers in the summer time is the opportunities to do things before it gets to hot.

So we headed to the park.

This isn't a new park, but it is a new to us park. It is a playground at a nearby school and since it is summer time we were able to sneak over there and explore.


Hands down this was their favorite part. Once Emily finally got up the nerve to try it she just kept saying "I do it again" over and over and over.





We explored the map and looked for a few different states.

And we took some selfies. 

I obviously need to work on my 3 person selfie taking. Any pointers anyone?
After we played we headed to hobby lobby for some craft supplies and home to get creative.
Check back tomorrow to see what we made!

End Of The Year Picnic

Happy Monday!
I am feeling particularly happy this typically dreaded Monday morning. 
Why, you ask. We are starting our LAST week of school! Woo hoo! Only 4 days left and summer officially begins.
We had a great weekend full of fun including: a picnic, Home Depot kids workshop, donuts, sunbathing, sunburns, slip and sliding, pizza, sewing, church and relaxing.
It all started on Friday when we had our last official gathering of the 2013/2014 co-op school year. 
First off was a picnic lunch

Then we had play time

Next, the kids did a few races just for fun.

Played with some hula hoops

And climbed a tree. Emily was pretty disappointed she wasn't big enough. 

It was a great way to wrap up the school year and the perfect start to a beautiful weekend!

How was your weekend?

I love warm sunshine

I love spring! I love the warm sunshine, the fresh crisp air, and the fact that we no longer have to stay cooped up inside the house!

Today was our first spring outing to the park. Now, I will admit with it being in the upper 50's it was a little cooler than I had hoped it would be. But, that wasn't going to stop us!

We got dressed, packed a lunch and were ready to go. By the way I NEVER realized how long it take to pack a lunch for 3 people trying to avoid "convenience foods" and plastic bags. It took me 20 minutes, 9 Tupperware containers and a HUGE lunch box. There must be an easier way, or maybe I should have just made a simpler plan!

We met up with some of our friends from church. The mama's got to talk and the the kiddos got to play. We had a great time!

After running around for an hour we were ready to eat!

After lunch and a bit more play time we headed back home. So glad I got to enjoy some great company and the beautiful weather. We are SO looking forward to spring and more days at the park!

Get outside and soak up some sun if you are fortunate enough to have some!

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