February 18-24, 2013

This week we had our first Early Learning Circle. I adore this group. One of Rainbow Girl's friends from Daisies is in the group, and the other children in the small group are all beautiful souls.

We gather and do circle time; lighting a candle, having an opening verse, and a story. Then we go have the lesson. The illuminated candle is brought to remind the children that it is lesson time. Currently, they are learning about the letters and numbers using the Waldorf method. After lesson, we gather for a closing verse and blow out the candle. 

Rainbow Girl loves it. There is a wonderful rhythm to it, and it is special "big girl" time away from Sugar Bear. (He stays with the grandparents during the class.)

Rainbow Girl has been dying to do a spring activity- even though she knows that it is not spring yet. A few weeks before, I scored a stoneware Easter shortbread pan- complete with a recipe book. We went for chocolate shortbread.

Buuuuuuut, they needed more chocolate, so I melted up some Ghirardelli melting chocolate and drizzled away. Nom.

Although it is not yet spring, we have been enjoying finding signs of its impending presence. "Look mom! A sign on Spring!!"

Sugar Bear and I were looking at the sky and trees from the hammock.

My sister in law is getting married in May! This week, we went with her for the final dress fitting. Although I will not be including pictures of the dress for obvious reasons, I had to share this cute photo of my sister in law and Rainbow Girl trying on veils. 

Rainbow Girl participated in her first Girl Scout Thinking Day. From Girl Scout's website, 

" Each year on February 22, World Thinking Day, girls honor their sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts by taking time to give thanks for their international friendships and remember that Girl Scouts of the USA is part of a global community—one of nearly 150 countries that are members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). "

Older girls put together skits, posters, games, snacks, and swaps for four different countries. Rainbow Girl thought it was really neat how they had the event set up like an airline. "Flight 2 to Ireland!" I have fond memories of participating in thinking day as a Girl Scout myself, and I am glad she had a good time.

Here we have my children being silly at our favorite winery. Sugar Bear enjoys throwing himself to the ground.