First Fire of Fall

It's small, it's gas, and it only puts out a little heat, but to me it's one of many "bests" that I love about Fall.

As the clouds rolled in and the temperature began to drop yesterday, I decided to cook up a yummy chicken-vegetable soup. Then, as I considered putting on my slippers, I looked at my long dormant gas fireplace and smiled. It was the perfect day to light 'er up for the first time of the season. The "whoosh" sound that it made when it ignited was loud enough to draw each member of my family into our living room. What a difference a fire makes? Everything feels more cozy, and instead of watching TV, we all decided to....just hang out. How wonderful is that!?

As per our usual "hang out" routine, there was dancing, singing, and tumbling galore. Then, as I worked to slow the pace down before bedtime, I pulled out these wonderful books:

Mrs. Merriwether's Musical Cat by Carol Purdy











and...

Mr. Gumpy's Outing by John Burningham











With Tigger curled up on my left, Winnie on my right, and Eeyore on the chair across from us, I began to read about a cat who keeps time to music with it's tail and a man who let's cows, goats, children and pigs climb onto his boat for ride. It was wonderful and funny.

Then I pulled out The Children's Homer by Padraic Colum. I thought for sure I'd lose Tigger and Winnie right away. However, they both hung in there for the whole first page. Then, one at a time they jaunted off to go take their baths and put on jammies.

Eeyore and I were left alone to enjoy the story of Odysseus and his son Telemachus. I loved reading this book aloud to her. I felt as though we were being transported to another time. Eeyore was also completely enthralled. She wanted to take the book to bed with her to read, but I said no. I want to save it for our read aloud time.


Even though we aren't technically homeschooling this year, at least we can continue to carry on with this tradition that we started last year. Reading aloud as a family. It's a lot of fun. I recommend it to everyone, no matter how old or young your children are.

Blessings!