Bike Ride and *Giveaway*

We are enjoying our new bikes.  We went to a local park and rode along the bike path.  We took along our new waterproof picnic blanket and a small bag of books.  They fit nicely on the back of my bike with a net style bike bungee.

We saw a mama duck and her ducklings cross the path in front of us.  We were able to watch them walk down the bank and get into the creek below.  The ducklings started diving for their food. Hunter excitedly told me about what he saw. We love this relaxed observation method of nature study!

After a nice long ride, we set out the picnic blanket and I read to Chandler.  Hunter helped Chandler sound out the title of the book, then he ran off to play while I read “Ten Apples up on Top” to Chandler.

******Now for the GIVEAWAY*****  This blog is nearing 40,000 views and will get there either today or tomorrow!  This Giveaway is my thank you to everyone for the support, it has been a great source of encouragement to me!!  

I am giving away this beautiful book “Drawn to Nature through the Journals of Clare Walker Leslie” and a brand new waterproof picnic blanket like the one in the pictures.  If you have considered keeping a nature journal, this book has plenty of inspiration.  The blanket is completely waterproof –field tested by us with visible drops of water beaded on the back.  The blanket is a bit on the small side, but it folds up nicely with a carry handle.  You can fit two adults and two small children sitting “criss-cross applesauce” for a nice dry spot to sit with lunch in your lap. *grin*   The kids can lie on the blanket with their feet hanging off.  I can lie on it with my knees curled up.  The top fleece-like fabric is very soft.  I like the blanket so much, I thought one of you might like to have one too.

Here is how the Giveaway works:  (1) Leave a comment for one entry, be sure to include your email (which is only visible to me) or check back on this blog on May 16th.  (2) Share this blog on Facebook or via email and say in your comment that you are planning to share it and you will receive two chances to win.  (3) Become a follower on Facebook or subscribe to this blog for another chance to win.  Again, please say so in your comment that you are a follower or subscriber.  Entries will end on midnight Sunday, May 15th.  I will enter your name up to 3 times and one of the kids will draw on May 16th.   The book and blanket will go to ONE winner.

*** Why am I asking you to share the blog and subscribe?  Now that I’ve refocused the purpose of this blog to nature, living books, science and Charlotte Mason, I would like to get the word out about Charlotte Mason.  It is possible to use Charlotte Mason’s methods regardless of your religion or doctrine.  I hope to show that in the coming months.  Also, my eldest is ready for formal lessons and his little brother is close on his heels.  This blog will document our efforts toward a modern Charlotte Mason education and the fun we have along the way, maybe a little knitting too.  *grin*  I don’t have sponsors and this is an “ad free blog” except for the little Wordpress Google ads that I have no control over (except to pay yearly for blogging).  The things I share are the things we like.  The reason I do this is to promote homeschooling (and after school nature and enrichment!) and for the encouragement I find in your comments.  THANK YOU!!!  ***

***To find us on Facebook click on the leaf photo in the right sidebar.

If you have any questions, please let me know.  This is my first Giveaway!

P.S. I did not think about international shipping. I will check into that today and let you know if I can do it. 

UPDATE:  I can send this internationally via First Class Mail or similar cost carrier.  I hope my New Zealand friends will enter to win!!