Our Wedding Day

Thirteen years ago on this day we became man and wife. The day was beautiful and perfect in every way. I remember so vividly the shining sun and gentle breeze that touched the plantation garden as family and friends witnessed our becoming man and wife. I miss Kauai. Julia told us she would like to visit Kauai and go to the garden where we were married. I think that is a wonderful idea as I would love to revisit and walk the steps we took on that special day not so long ago.

I love you my love!

My beloved is mine, and I am his. Song of Solomon 2:16

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Genesis 2:24

Trees

Acorns...a first glimpse of Autumn...
Yesterday we met our friends for a nature walk through the El Dorado Nature Center. James thoroughly enjoyed collecting little long acorns from the ground just before a squirrel could do his gathering.

Virgil sang of the OAK-

Full in the midst of his own strength he

stands

Stretching his brawny arms and leafy

hands,

His shade protects the plains, his head

the hills commands.

The acorns fell from this Coast Live Oak where Julia found herself sitting on its grand arms.

Another tree...

Our day continued with fellowship at our dear friend Kristine's home, sipping lemonade and iced tea on a hot 95 degree afternoon. We just love your tree house!

It was so precious to see the girls tidying up the little tree house. They immediately started sweeping upstairs. Here they gather water and food to bring up to nourish their families.

Me by Walter de la Mare

As long as I live

I shall always be

My Self and no other, just me.

Like a tree.

Like a willow or elder,

An aspen, a thorn,

Or a cypress forlorn.

Like a flower,

For its hour

A primrose, a pink,

Or a violet--

Sunned by the sun,

And with dewdrops wet.

Always just me.

Nature Study

Our little friend Conley found this beautiful sea slug in Huntington Harbor today.

All the children in our Thursday nature study group had so much fun paddling kayaks in the sea. Here Riley and Julia, sweet friends, are enjoying their time together.

First day of homeschool

This morning we were greeted by a friendly little skipper in our garden. This little critter quite enjoyed being held by the children while sucking nectar from his little straw. I clipped fewer Zinnia than I had planned for our morning table arrangement. I just could not take from the skipper that which he was enjoying so.

We had our traditional first day of school breakfast eating on the finest plate and sipping from the daintiest cup, heirlooms from Garrett's Grandmother. Julia chose waffles with berry syrup. James enjoyed his waffles with maple.

After our lessons we walked on the beach, looking for shells and sea glass to add to our collection.

Julia gave narrations from stories she listened to this morning, or a telling back in her own words.

Here is a narration from The Pilgrims Progress after reading pages 10-14:

Christian felt a burden on his back. They thought, "Are you going to leave all your family and friends behind?" He had a bible in his hand. He met Evangelist. He said, "Do you see the wicket gate?" Christian said, "No." "Do you see yonder shining light?" He said, "I think I do." He met Obstinate and Pliable. Obstinate and Pliable came from the City of Destruction. Pliable went with Christian.

Here is a narration from The Little Duke after reading pages 1-7:

A long time ago there was a castle and it was made of stone. The inside was made of tile on the ground. The fireplace didn't have a chimney. The soot on the inside walls made it look darker. The windows did not have any glass. The rain could not come in it. The maidens were putting green plants on the ground. The men were setting up long wooden tables with silver cups. For the person of honor, there were lions carved on the chair. The little boy had a bow and arrow and shot the deer and said, "I hit him, I hit him." He wanted to tell his father. His father was the Duke of Normandy. He didn't live with his father and mother because they wanted him to speak a different language. He saw his father coming with a banner and when he came he hugged and kissed his father.

James made this "A" in the sand with his finger.

My mom taught Julia how to knit almost two weeks ago. Julia started a new yarn today. Here shows 'casting on'.

We had a beautiful day together my loves. A blessing to disciple you in the Lord everyday!

Labor Day

Here is our James loving the water!

Fly away, fly away over the sea,
Sun-loving swallow, for summer is done;
Come again, come again, come back to me,
Bringing the summer and bringing the sun.
by Christina Rossetti

Labor Day is not the end of summer...we still have more time.

The Bay

Friends

Our sweet friend Kristine hauled out her family's kayak to share with us last Thursday. How calming it is to glide over the surface of the salty bay, hand over the paddle to an eager little one, and let the water flow through my fingers. To have our own little kayak.... We could have an endless summer!

This little girl would love an endless summer. I remember being her age and not wanting to touch water that had fish in it. She looks like one with the fish here!

This little guy found a hole, made a diving board and jumped in. James learned to swim this summer in the pool. He loves to jump in and touch the bottom with his fingers!

SUMMER SUN

Great is the sun, and wide he goes

Through empty heaven without repose;

And in the blue and glowing days

More thick than rain he showers rays....

Robert Louis Stevenson

Concert in the Park

Summer Saults

Cart Wheels

Warm Summer NightsTogether