Inchmahome Priory at a Child's Pace

A major trip to a foreign place looks totally different when you're traveling with small kids. 

The pace is much slower.

There are more snacks involved.

You set lower goals (figuratively and literally).

However, given the chance, you get an opportunity to view a place at a more microcosmic level, because that's where kids operate. 

These are things we are learning.

Inchmahome Priory was the perfect place to explore with Small Ones.
It comes complete with a ride on a tiny ferry.
With ruins to explore, climb on, and build stories about.
With unobtrusive interpretive signs.
And plenty of photographic opportunities.

From macro:

 To micro:

And everything in between.

Rambling as Four: Blogging Afresh

Oh hello.

I haven't blogged since before Small Boy was born, and now he's almost two.

So now we are Ambling Ramblers x4. With big plans, bigger dreams and a bushelful of energy.

Which we are at present expending in the gloriously green country of Scotland.

So I will take this opportunity to try to express thoughts and photographs via our blog once again. Stay tuned for thoughts on homeschooling with a Waldorf bent, parenting, traveling, being outdoors and being a thirty-something woman wanting to live intentionally.

So without further ado, I give you Small Girl, frolicking up a hill with her Mama whilst the younger one naps. Parenting one at a time is so much calmer, and I love the quiet talks we have while we walk together.

Covered Porch

We had the perfect theatre seats.

Spring anew

There's nothing like a fresh season to rejuvenate and inspire.

Cast on

I finished one Christmas project and started another. 

A day of highs and lows, ending with my favourite dessert and YO and K2tog.

Winter light

Music, knitting and sunshine: all the good things in life.

Another snowy day

She was so proud that her hair was finally long enough for a pony tail. 

I is for Interesting

Instead of Mama going to a conference and little E going with Daddy,

we played with letters, made snow angels and visited with friends. 

Not quite how the day had been planned, but not bad either.

Swing state

Regardless of what is going on in the day

--and regardless of the state of the weather--

she's always ready to swing.

A break in the clouds

Trying to get back into the habit of blogging. 

Life is full...as always, with much learning and many life lessons. 

And much joy, like an afternoon walk in the sunshine, after days of cloud.

Raindrops on poppies

It was a lovely break of a rainy day: 

she napped and cuddled, we made muffins, and then Daddy came home for waffles and wine.

Digging

We spent the afternoon digging in the garden. 

The dirt felt so crumbly and healthy, and apparently it tasted good too.

Sunday night

It was a typical Easter Sunday, which is to say that it was just as it should be. 

He is risen indeed.

Silhouette

It was a busy and productive day, and she put herself to bed,

making this Mama suddenly wonder whether she's ready for her little girl to grow up.

Icicle

The perfect "snow day": blustery in the morning, warm, sunny and beautiful in the afternoon. 

We spent just as much time outside today as we did inside.

Gently falling

They walked me home from work in the pouring snow. 

My heart delighted in the huge flakes and I wished I could stay outside til dark.

Sick Day

I left them with blankets and pillows to snuggle and commiserate on the couch 

and went for a walk solo, wonderfully lost in my thoughts.

One Step

It was a grumpy day for the most part but there were moments where we understood each other perfectly, and that made everything ok.

Brilliance

We had few definite plans for the day, aside from shoveling the sidewalk, 

and it felt so good to just be.

Winter storm

A forecast for heavy snow called for waffles for supper. 

They brought the whipping cream and an impromptu barn-raising was held.