The weather was a little chilly today, in comparison to the 70's it's supposed to be for the next week, but we had a simulated archaeological dig anyway. In order to teach history, the children first needed to understand what history is. Last week we made a history of our family book. Today we put on a few layers of clothes and some light mittens, and dug in the sand for clues about long ago. While the girls were using the slides, I buried a book (showing the pretend people could read and write), jewelry (suggesting how they dressed), coins (they used money), a watch (they could tell time), a toy car (they drove cars), etc. They had a great time brushing off each artifact in their roped off 2 foot area, just like a real archaeological dig, and recording it on the clipboard.
After lunch we went to the library with some friends, before coming home for an impromptu tea party with our neighbor, Abigale, who is 9 years old. The girls were delighted when I suggested a "real" tea party, complete with mint tea in a ceramic cherry tea pot, and my quinoa almond muffins, fresh out of the oven. These muffins remind me of corn muffins in taste and texture. They are so good.
Quinoa Almond Muffins:
Set oven to 350 degrees.
Add to bowl:
6 room temp eggs (cold eggs will harden the oil)
1/4 cup coconut oil, liquified
1/2 tsp
vanilla liquid stevia2 tsp alcohol-free almond extract
2 tbs honey or agave
Beat with electric mixer, then add:
6 tbs almond butter
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
4 tbs coconut flour, sifted
1 cup
Quinoa Flakes2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
Beat again.
Stir in 1 cup chopped or slivered nuts.
Fill unbleached paper muffin cups about 3/4 full.
Bake for 15 minutes.
A friend of ours from college and her daughter are coming in tonight for a four day weekend. We can't wait to see them, and show them Colorado, or at least our little niche. I will try to post you an update on our food experiences and adventures if I can. Have a beautiful fall weekend!
The weather was a little chilly today, in comparison to the 70's it's supposed to be for the next week, but we had a simulated archaeological dig anyway. In order to teach history, the children first needed to understand what history is. Last week we made a history of our family book. Today we put on a few layers of clothes and some light mittens, and dug in the sand for clues about long ago. While the girls were using the slides, I buried a book (showing the pretend people could read and write), jewelry (suggesting how they dressed), coins (they used money), a watch (they could tell time), a toy car (they drove cars), etc. They had a great time brushing off each artifact in their roped off 2 foot area, just like a real archaeological dig, and recording it on the clipboard. 
Here we are at the creek today with our home-made floats. It's been so cool here in the morning and the evening that timing was everything. The temperature increases drastically in the afternoon, from the 50's to the 70's, before dropping back down again. We had a blast. 
For lunch we made a simple but sweet 3 egg soup. It's so easy and takes very little time at all.
We have been having so much fun with our fall books for homeschool! Today we began Paddle to the Sea, by Holling, and wrote Zoe's "narration" in her journal. Since she had a lot to say, we took turns writing. The book is about the journey of a toy boat, carved by a boy in Canada. The boy places the boat on the ice where he knows it will melt, becoming a stream, which will eventually take the boat through the Great Lakes, and out to sea. The toy boat meets people and animals along the way, as it fares against the elements. 
Also very exciting is this beautiful soup we created today. My friend couldn't use this big bag of frozen organic peas, so she gave it to us. I honestly had no idea what to do with them, but after giving it some thought, this raw creamy pea soup was born, and it was delightful! Very healthy, and simple to make too. We all enjoyed it very much.
