Apples and Michealmas

We started this week early.  We went on our field trip to the apple orchard on Sunday.  We went to get apples for the the week and to learn more about the fruit.  Our really good friends the Millers came with us on our adventure and so did Dad!

 We had a lot of fun and it was the most beautiful day!  The owner was really knowledgeable, he is the only organic grower I could find anywhere.  The orchard was quaint and perfect.  If anyone would like to visit its the White Pine Orchard in River Falls, WI.

Monday is baking/cooking day and we used our apples to make applesauce.

We read stories about apples and learned about Johnny Appleseed.

"Take an apple round and red.

Don't slice down slice through instead.

Right inside it you will see

A star as cute as can be!"

They were amazed!!

On Tuesday we took the apples and used them for apple stamping with paints.

On Wednesday we took a break from our scheduled school to celebrate Tom's birthday.

The boys made party hats and made him a book all about him and why we love him.

September 29th is the feast of Saint Michael.  This day marks the beginning of Michaelmas.  Michaelmas is a celebration of the archangel Michael who was responsible for many things.  Mostly, we celebrate him for courage through the coming winter.  He is usually depicted slaying a dragon (evil).  We read, Saint George and the dragon.  We talked about courage and bravery.  We followed tradition and made capes.    We learned how to naturally dye them.

 We gathered marigold flowers from the garden.

Then, boiled it down and dyed muslin capes with the liquid.

"I give to you a cape of light, to give you courage, strength, and might" ~from a Michaelmas play

We also followed tradition and made dragon bread.


It was a really fun week.  Next time we talk about changing leaves, trees, and birds.

until then....
Blessings~