Now that summer is over, we are getting back into a bit of a educational routine. Before, we were working solely on the alphabet [and I am sure we will revisit that eventually for Isla's sake], but at this point we thought we'd try working on other concepts, some obvious ones [like shapes, colors, etc] and also some kind of out of the box ones. So, before it gets too cold we thought we'd start with one of those.

So, this entire week we've been learning about water! What its made of, where it comes from, what its used for and things that grow and live in it. We've got activities, crafts, snacks and a few fun outings to go along with it. Its been fun for the girls and I can see how they are thriving with this new  routine, but its also fun for me to make and cater a lesson plan to them. I know its probably silly to even care, but I feel like they are both at point where they both soaking up information like sponges...so why not try to fill that up with things like the atoms that make H20, what the difference is between hydrophilic and hydrophobic, forests of kelp, sea otters, fish and octopus's and so many other wonderful things. I don't know how much they'll really take in, but its worth a shot right?

So far we've gone swimming [both for real swimming at the pool a few times, and 'swimming/wading' in the backyard], made sand dollar cookies, visited the Monterey Bay aquarium, done an experiment about sinking vs floating, played in the rain in our galoshes and slickers, done water colors and a few other little things. We've also talked a lot about the importance of both drinking and conserving water, and how not everyone has such easy access to it so its something we shouldn't take for granted. I've been thinking about this a lot lately with the drought, so I'm glad we could help our kids appreciate it a bit more.


































I've got a few more fun things planned with them for water week [of course, the beach and one about the different forms of water, whether its boiling, ice, snow, etc...and a few other experiments,  crafts and outings], and then we'll be off for more educational pursuits with the kids. Life is good, full of fun and simple joys these days. And I'm grateful for that!

UPDATE: We finished the week with a visit to the tidepools with Lolo and Lola to see the life there, a kiddie pool in the backyard, and of course a bonfire at the beach with friends where the tide left  behind some water to wade and play in.