“Please Sir, may I have a bit of earth…?”

It was not too long ago when it was common in our culture for multiple generations of one family to live with, or very close, to one another.  This was beneficial in many ways and perhaps a special benefit to children.  Surrounding children with a wide variety of skills, talents, interests, and wisdom possesed by different generations and backgrounds is wonderful.  It takes a village…!  Children learn from all those around them and many can have a positive influence. 

We have the opportunity right now to live very close (very close) to my parents.  This has been a huge blessing to my children in many ways.  They are learning things from those who know so much more than me in many areas.  Our three year old has been especially interested in gardening with Grandpa. 

Grandpa undertook a huge garden expansion project this year which has been a great learning experience for her (and seriously hard work for us)!!!  She has been able to see first hand how to prepare the soil (she is now an expert on the purpose of manure!!!), make beds, sow seeds, and tend plants from a well read and very experienced gardener. 

It was not long before requests for her own little garden were made.  We turned a nice little spot in her play area into a garden for her.  It has done amazingly well.  

(There are a ton of pictures…I’m a very proud mama!!!)

Isn’t she working hard!!!

We made these plant signs using note cards, packing tape, and popsicle sticks.  I drew the plants and we worked together to color them in.  Great easy project!  But oh-so-adorable!

(yes…she dresses herself!!!!)

  Her cherry tomato (tree!) is very happy!

 

This is the stalk of one of the mammoth sunflower plants.  It is huge!!!!!  So amazing, and so deep, that something so strong and huge can come from such a tiny little seed! 

 

Looking for Pumpkins!

(Aug 12th)

(Aug 20th) !!!!  Oh…and yes the pumpkin is growing on the grass…that plant is all over the place!