Summer at Red Barn

It has been a full, wonderful summer. I have no regrets, and truly felt like we lived every day to the fullest. I can't wrap up summer without giving some credit where credit is due to the Red Barn.

Thanks to the amazing teachers there, and being able to take her a few days a week, Anna Claire has been able to stay in somewhat of a routine, to continue to be socialized, and to have fun and participate in some creative and fun activities that I just couldn't provide at home.

Like what, you ask?

Well, for starters, they have a bunny, "Cookie." With two kitty cats here at the house, I am not looking to add "bunny" to our list of household pets. So score one, Red Barn.

They have a school garden. The kids get to help with the entire process, and go out and visit it often. We have a small garden at home too, and I love that this learning is carried over to school.

They do fun actitivies with the kids, like switching out various materials at the sensory table. They take a water table, and during the super hot days when it can't be used outside, they bring it inside and fill it will all kinds of things: rice, dirt, sand, and more.

They do lots of art! Painting (fingerpainting and with brushes), markers, gluing, stamping, dry erase boards, and more.

Every Friday is water play. The kids put on their swimsuits and run through the sprinklers. Every other Wednesday the ice cream man comes and they get to buy ice cream from him. She consistently picks the Strawberry Shortcake bar, although I seem to remember her getting the Bomb Pop one time. Good choices!

They also let the kids try on every day "grown up" tasks like washing dishes. One day I came in and they had filled a dishpan with soapy water and boy were those kids all about that! They also recently got to use shaving cream like Daddy.

I, of course, have to mention ABC Music. Thursdays revolve around ABC Music and gymnastics, and lately, swim lessons too! Anna Claire so looks forward to seeing Karen every Thursday and I know she is learning so much! She can name just about any instrument you show her, even the weird ones. She knows the words to so many songs, it is truly amazing. Anna Claire seems to have a natural sense of rhythm when keeping time with a percussion instrument or when copying a rhythm I tap out. She has also shown a great deal of interest in Momma's piano and Larry's guitar.

I love the Red Barn! And so does AC!