Mud Play and Handbook Giveaways...

(photo credit: my sister, Bethany)

No, it isn't chilly enough for coats around here, although the weather is taking a downward turn. I'm simply feeling a bit nostalgic today...  It is my sister's birthday and I'm missing her.  I can't help but think of our last visit to the nature preserve near our home back in January.  Oh how we both love that place. {note the fall leaves.  we simply must wait until December and January to see them...}

Are you all enjoying the beautiful Spring weather where you live?  We've been soaking up as much time as possible outdoors.  While sometimes we meet friends, I find that my boys are more thoughtful and observant when we go out alone.  It is always an adventure to try and identify bird sounds, find signs of animal life (usually of the insect variety) and inspect the plants and trees.

I love getting out into nature and love how it hones and expands my boys observation skills.  But then, you know that if you remember back to my series of posts on Nature Walking.  Wednesdays are going to 'officially' be set aside for GREEN HOUR posts where I'll post of our outdoor discoveries, and anything else related to learning out in nature.

Today I wanted to pass on an incredible resource that is available this week only over at Homeschool Freebie of the Day.  They've scanned in the entire 1918 "Handbook of Nature Study" book and it is available in pdf form.  This resource is chock full of all kinds of nature lessons.    I've been posting a few of my 'finds' on the facebook page, but wanted to make sure that ALL of you dear readers had the opportunity to hear about this deal!

This extensive book is a complete nature-study curriculum and will be an excellent resource for any family wanting to utilize their time outdoors for years to come.

So grab it while you can and then go outside and enjoy exploring God's creation with your children!