Day Eighteen

On the first Friday of every month we have "Fun Friday" and don't do any schoolwork (or very little). Today we went for a hike with our homeschool group. Lots of kids. Lots of fun. I was sad that everyone couldn't make it, but we had a good showing. A brief synopsis: One child got stung by wasps and his mom had to rush him back to the car (not sure if he was allergic, like his daddy). No one fell in the lake! (This really surprised me). An older boy almost got caught under a log in our log-rolling adventure (okay, it wasn't even that bad...but HE thought so). We all packed lunches and ate with grimy hands. The moms had time to chat, often interrupted by having to direct the kids from doing (or not doing) X or Y. One of the girls caught a salamander, much to her delight. We saw fish, birds, a crusty old crawdad, and there was lots of free play in the woods. It's amazing how well the kids all seem to blend together and have a crazy good time. All in all we have 21 kids between the 6 of us. I love this group. I also love fall in the woods. Amidst the screaming and the bustle of kids, I was able to reflect and to enjoy watching the newly-yellow leaves fall down onto the forest floor.