I never thought sitting together on the couch could have taken us on such adventures. We traveled around the world: France, Italy, China, England, Russia, Spain, to name a few. We enjoyed all types of settings: deserts, mountains, rivers, backwoods, large cities, the seaside, the sea floor, and many others.
Besides learning history, science, language arts, and other subjects, we spent time with some unforgettable characters. We met the old, lonely, young, quirky, inquisitive, timid, happy, adventurous, eccentric, generous, daring, brave, selfless, down to earth, dreamers, and more. Some characters we met were supportive grandparents, loving moms and dads- including parents who used their savings to buy their son a camera to fulfill a dream, characters who overcame fears, and some unlikely heroes. We learned lessons from kids who got themselves into trouble, as well as a a not so likeable character that went by the well-deserved nickname of Old Sneep (don't want to be called that around here of course). We read about special friendships- like Boris (whose heart was as soft as butter) and Max, or Maximovich.
We learned some great new words - onomatopoeia, alliteration, bubeleh, samovar, ragamuffin, etc.
There are many wonderful quotes and phrases to remember, a favorite is Mrs. Katz and her phrase "such a person" when speaking of those she loves.
We were inspired to go owling -- which the story says requires hope--the kind of hope that flies on silent wings under a shining Owl Moon.
We were inspired to have a pizza party, a Snowflake Bentley party, and a Peter Rabbit tea. We were curious to learn more about Beatrix Potter and collect mosses and preserve lichen. We made our own Roxaboxen. We had a Night of the Moonjellies party, not just to celebrate the book, but to make a memory. I knew that summer night would probably be one of the last times we would have all eight of our kids together- bittersweet for sure.
Then, there were those couple of books that were almost too difficult to finish, because they were tear jerkers. I think The Rag Coat was the hardest one. Then there were a couple of books that I was not able
to buy- but one day...
I will sum up this post with advice that I will take and try to remind my kids-- to do something to make the world a more beautiful place (Miss Rumphius) and from Clown of God, "If you give happiness to people, you will give glory to God as well.
The journey isn't over, it is just changing.
I hope I carry this in my heart forever.
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