Yesterday was the first day of school for public schools in Ontario. Since we homeschool, I usually like to do something fun on this day to ensure my own children feel they are getting a good deal. :)
We were all set to spend the day at the beach--wouldn't that have been nice? But alas, the weather was quite cool and breezy. Much too cold to wear a bathingsuit! Somehow, our weather has jumped from the hazy days of August right into the cold winds of October, overnight! Today is cold again, and windy and rainy.
But yesterday, I wanted to do something outside, so we took the children down to the Windsor riverfront to play and explore. The highlight for the boys was a huge 1911 steam engine which is preserved there.
The fence around the steam engine was covered in morning glories--so pretty.
Amy was looking cute in a wool vest knitted by Tonya. (I won the vest in a giveaway on her blog last summer!)
We spent some time watching the container ships travel down the Detroit River.
We stopped at a playground...
And walked down towards the Windsor/Detroit bridge.
Owen found a sculpture that was in the shape of a steam engine.
It perhaps wasn't as much fun as a trip to the beach, but it was a nice, relaxing afternoon all the same. I love taking leisurely walks all together as a family, when there is no time limit and nowhere we have to go afterward.
Sounds like the perfect way to start the school year, Laura. I love the train sculpture..that will look amazing once all the greenery covers it!
Posted by: Julia | September 7, 2011 at 04:15 PM
We homeschool and don't begin our classes until next week. Mostly because of farming reasons but also down time before the hype. We are going to the zoo here today ( milder weather!) Our zoo is free!
Posted by: marlyn dubay | September 8, 2011 at 08:27 AM
Sounds like a lovely way to start the 'school' year. I am seeing a lot of homeschoolers who like to start the year with a special outing.
Posted by: Leah | September 12, 2011 at 04:40 AM
What can be cuter than a baby in a hand knit vest or sweater? Nothing, says this grandmother. Amy is darling in hers.
A train engine looks amazingly larger than it does in books. (We have a train museum nearby.) These experiences will be remembered (and applied in various ways) by your children in future years.
I wish you "like" adventures both big and small in your home school.
Karen A.
Posted by: Karen Andreola | September 21, 2011 at 11:48 AM