our summer nature table...

...which seems to have changed into our nature room (aka the dining room). we did a bit of rearranging, and moved the nature shelf from the kitchen into the dining room - it seemed like a much better spot, as it's right on the way in from the backyard, and more convienent for little (and big!) hands to place finds from outside. (disclaimer: it rarely is this neat and organized!)












top: fern, piece of bark, pinecones, rocks & stones of different sizes, piece of wood, acorn tops, dish of shells

lower shelf: books, birds nest

i also added some books about different science topics - some which ben helped me pick out, and others i thought he'd enjoy or are related to things we're exploring right now...

I can name 50 trees today!: All about trees
Face to face with whales
The vegetables we eat
The brook book: Exploring the smallest streams
Seeds
From seed to plantA place for butterflies
Porcupines

he seems to enjoy sitting in the sunny spot by the door, and looking through the pictures or asking me what different things are










i also placed a few art supplies - crayons, colored pencils, watercolors, and a pad of paper. we've spent some time drawing different things we've collected (and occasionally on those things)










and in an effort to model, i attempted drawing the birds nest. certainly not a fine work of art, but that wasn't the point










i also thought one corner was the perfect spot for a butterfly tree - i'd had this idea in my head since seeing the coffee filter butterflies the Kindergarten students at my school made, and also Dayna's tree. this project was a big hit with ben - i think he would have made 25 butterflies if we hadn't stopped





















our dining room certainly isn't a fancy dining room, but i love that it's being used more often now. it feels just right for our family right now.










bird salt & pepper shakers (a birthday gift i'm completely in love with, and just perfect for this space!)