In these past few months before our homeschooling year began (We started labor day) we tried to spend as much time as we could living as freely as possible. No real schedules (except daily nap time) and no real rules.  We went to coop activities galore, numerous hikes in nearby canyons and mountains, fun museums, countless parks and trails, and to the pool nearly three times a week! I feel exhausted even writing that!!! All this despite the fact that I absolutely loathed this summer (Summer plus a heavily pregnant me is never fun). That said, I really wanted to do it up right for the kids. I needed them to have memories of a full, happy summer before this little babe comes and they're stuck inside for a while. Now as our school year is beginning, I'm finally relaxing our outdoor activities schedule a bit. It feels so so good. My bones are so tired, and my pregnant belly is making it harder and harder to accomplish the easiest of tasks. I actually find myself daydreaming about winter, which never happens! Long dark, cool days snuggling a new baby, sipping hot chocolate and watching sappy Hallmark movies. Yes please! Till then, I am trying to savor this stage in my life and these days I know I'll never get back.

(btw, please stick with me as I figure out this picture quality thing! Hopefully in the next few posts I'll get it down!)