Nature Nature Everywhere

We moved into our new-to-us house about two months ago - no I'm not finished unpacking, thanks for asking. Yes I know I should have it done by now, thanks for reminding me.

Anyway, I. Love. It. Here. I am really excited about homeschooling my youngest, Bram in this setting. Science is going to be fun! While this property had been largely neglected for over a decade and is in need of some remodeling, repairs and major landscaping it has many blessings to go with all the work.

We are in the middle of an itty bitty town, but we have 8 acres, at least half of which is wooded. So while it's great being close to things like the grocery store and friends, it feels as if we're in the middle of our own little oasis. Shangri-la as our neighbor calls it. We have a large barn (where many birds have taken up residence), a creek (woot!) and a wide array of "shelters" for differing wildlife. We have the wooded area, the meadow, the marshy area where the cattails thrive the brambles and the creek beds.

We've seen so many birds and little animals, Bram has been ecstatic. In fact, last month we saw a big Black Rat Snake on its way up a tree to hunt for birds. This led to many discussions and books being read about snakes and their habits.

Then last week we had a baby deer! It's mom had been struck and killed on the nearby road. It was very sad, wandering the property bleating for its mom. My eldest, Fox, caught it with a sheet and we placed the sweet little thing in a bay of our barn until someone from DNR could come pick her up. Bram cried when she left, but the education and the FUN from bottle feeding her were worth the tears.

Bram and the fawn "Buzz" as he named her.

Memories, my friends. Great memories.