We had a week filled with Valentine activities. The children made felted heart pins for moms and dads, worked on their Valentine pouches, and at home, made their own Valentines to give to friends! It's a special moment when they get to earnestly open up their Valentine holders in anticipation of a friend's token of friendship! We have sung many Valentine songs together and heard the story of Missy Mouse and Bitty Bunny, who also think of just the right something to give to their good friend. 

Outside, the children have discovered different areas of the woods that they enjoy. Some children love climbing the vines as high as they can manage. Some just simply to enjoy walking around in the vine obstacles, going over and under and through twisted vines. Some prefer gathering leaf and stone treasures, or tracking down the best stick. I try not to be over-educational about the outside but just let them take it at their own pace, making their own observations and finding what feels comfortable to them. How one relates to nature is personal, and so we simply dress warmly so we'll be comfortable, and the rest is up to them! 
Our guinea pigs came outside one day while it was so sunny, the first time in awhile. It may be the awhile before they do it again since Fran managed to escape under the neighbor's porch. She's back now, safe and sound, but expressed her dislike of being caught. 

We've been enjoying a bit of Valentine's day preparation this week. The children have been busy painting and felting some goodies for our festivities next week. Our story was about Missy Mouse and Bitty Bunny who think carefully about what might be a nice gift or gesture for their friend. We also have been doing a cat and mouse circle that includes lots of gross and fine motor movements relating either to little mice or sneaky little kittens. We end with our little song that goes "Nibble, nibble, nibble goes the mouse in my heart. Nibble, nibble, nibble, goes the mouse in my heart. Nibble, nibble, nibble goes the mouse in my heart and all for the love of you." The children love taking turns thinking of other animals or things and acting them out. 

We've still had to deal with rain and sometimes wind lately when we're outside, so we've stayed in our play yard to avoid falling branches or very cold wet feet. But the children have been very creative. Lately they enjoy hacking apart a dry, decaying tree stump with their hammers. It makes for satisfying work and discovery. They use water from the rain barrel until it runs dry, then we must wait for more rain to fill it. (The hose is away for the winter). This variety in our seasons makes play different and new depending on the month. We allow for this different kind of play. But it is good to see buds on our apple trees and bulbs poking up, and it will be so nice to shed our layers and break out the hose once again, without fear of getting soaked and cold (even with our rain suits-still happens!).