If You Love Something....

...set it free.  And watch with joy and wonder the butterflies, whose metamorphosis from caterpillars to chrysalises to Painted Lady butterflies you've facilitated, test their wings and find their own homes here on the farm.  

Ups and Downs of Summer

Despite unseasonably low temperatures and very few hot days, we managed to get a lot of swimming time in this summer. Both Reed and Willa are strong swimmers for their respective ages and responsible in the water.  However, when they are being launch out of the water by their day ("being flipped like a pizza", as Willa calls it), bravery and dare take precedence. And they soar! 

These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things

Ithaca, summer, carousels, lakes, playgrounds and each other.

Playing with Science...

...during a day trip to the Ithaca Science Center.  We spent much of the day on the science playground, leaning about geometric forms, bubbles, musical instruments and sounds, and levers and fulcrums!  We predict there will be a scientist or two in our future...especially if it is this fun!  

Fleeting and Fluttering

Thanks to a friend who recently retired from teaching, Reed and Willa were able to borrow and make use of a butterfly house this summer. We watched our caterpillars grow and turn into chrysalises.  We waited patiently for many days until the butterflies hatched from their cocoons.  Now we are feeding the butterflies sugar-water and fresh flowers daily and will release our new friends soon so they may go lay more eggs to continue this fleeting and fluttering cycle.  

Four Generations

Four generations of family here in these pictures....thanks to Reed and Willa's dad who stood on the other side of the camera to snap the pics. 

Making Waves and a Reminder...

After Reed's final afternoon at Jowonio, we surprised him with a trip to the Cascades Indoor Water Park to remind our sweet, hesitant incoming-kindergartener that there are wonderful places and people and exciting adventures just waiting for us to discover. Even when we dive into new, unknown waters.

It's Not Goodbye...

....it's see you soon.  Reed went to his last day at Jowonio on Thursday.  For nearly three full years, he has played and learned and laughed and grew here.  He's built friendships, trust in teachers and a solid foundation of love for school that we hope continues forever.  He's moving on to kindergarten this fall and we are all confident that he will excel, no doubtlessly drawing upon his Jowonio experience every step of the way. 

Burning Energy and Refueling

Yesterday afternoon, Reed, Willa and their mom met Mooba and Pa at Onondaga Lake Park for a bike ride and sweet treat.  Reed even rode all the way from his grandparents' house to the Wegman's Playground and back again! They certainly earned their ice cream treat!