Hi Everyone! I am so excited to be writing this post today. As of a few weeks ago I could not have imagined being excited to start school again, but after forcing myself to sit down and plan out our new year, I got excited.

I think avoiding what we think is difficult creates fear. When we avoid difficulties, they usually become insurmountable. And then all of a sudden you put your mind to it, pen to paper, make a book list and remember that you actually can totally NAIL it this year!!

My philosophy over the last few years has been summed up by a quote from G. K Chesterton, "Anything Worth Doing is Worth Doing Badly." I apply that to my running, cooking, swimming and if I'm being honest ...PARENTING!

Another bit I have run through my head is..."Don't let perfect be the enemy of good."..I think Voltaire is the author of that quote.

And with that in mind, here are some VERY GOOD and NEARLY PERFECT plans we invite you to put on your calendar for the new school year.

It was fun to plan..and hopefully even more fun to attend....

August

August 17: Natural History Club 10:00-2:00 Hidden Oaks Nature Center

We will be meeting at the nature center in Fairfax County observe and enjoy the displays before heading out on a hike. We will return to the nature center for some nature journaling then a picnic lunch. Please have your kids bring any field guides they have and their nature journals. The Natural History Club is for 5 year olds and above.

August 17: Mom's Gathering at Jessica's house 6:30-9:00

We will be eating and discussing two different topics, handicrafts in your homeschool and what you are excited about this year in your homeschool. We have a fun announcement to make and I hope many of you can come. PLEASE RSVP to Jessica or Lisa ASAP!!

August 22: Calpunia Tate Book Club Celebration Sacred Heart Grotto 11:00-1:00

We will have a picnic lunch celebration and discuss the book.

August 24: Sacred Heart Wild + Free Nature Walk
Crofton Park 10:00-12:00

This nature walk is open to all ages. Join us for a short walk that will most definitely be wild + free, have a picnic lunch and play at the playground.

September

September 14: Sacred Heart Wild + Free Nature Walk

Allen Pond 10:00-12:00
This nature walk is open to all ages. Join us for a short walk that will most definitely be wild + free, have a picnic lunch and play at the playground.

September 20: Natural History Club Jug Bay 9:00-1:00
Come explore some seasonal discoveries at Jug Bay. There is a great book called

A Year across Maryland: A Week-by-Week Guide to Discovering Nature in the Chesapeake Region

Our hope is that we visit the places mentioned in this book to bring our students closer to the nature all around their home state. Some of the places are a bit farther than others but this is what is so cool about homeschooling...we GET TO DO THIS STUFF...and meanwhile learn it ourselves!!

October

October 12: Wild + Free Book Club Meeting 11:00-1:00 Quiet Waters Park

Celebrate your read aloud success!!

October 19: Mom's Gathering 6:30-9:00 Monica's

Come have dinner and learn HOW TO KNIT!! Most of your kids have already learned...it's your turn! I will choose a pattern, yarn and materials that will turn you into a new knitter! There will be a sign up and fee to pay for the above mentioned supplies...my excited teaching style TOTALLY FREE!!!

October 20: Natural History Club Harper's Ferry 10:00-2:00

This trip will be awesome!! More info and excitement will follow...just go ahead and plan your month around this trip....it will be worth it!

October 26: Sacred Heart Wild + Free Nature Walk Whitemarsh Park 10:00-12:00

This nature walk is open to all ages. Join us for a short walk that will most definitely be wild + free, have a picnic lunch and play at the playground.

November

November 9: Natural History Club Great Falls 9:00-1:00

This is a beautiful hike that most of us have been meaning to go on. Bring your kids, nature journal bags, field guides and a camera! This will be a beautiful hike. More info to follow.

November 16: Sacred Heart Wild + Free Nature Walk Walker Mill Regional Park 10:00-12:00

This nature walk is open to all ages. Join us for a short walk that will most definitely be wild + free, have a picnic lunch and play at the playground.

November 30: Wild+Free Book Club Meeting TBD

Not sure of what, where and time yet..but be sure it will be fun, amazing and well worth you putting on your calendar!

OK...

That is so much goodness right there! Can't wait to plan for winter!!