It's hard to believe that January is over already.  We only have four months of Table Time left, maybe three, if we can accomplish our lists of goals quicker.  We are starting our States Project.  This will be a long term project.  We are going to study each state in alphabetical order.  Our first state is Alabama.  Avery is excited because she loves Alabama.  She has always loved the sound of the word.  She has never been there and until recently I didn't know too much about Alabama myself.  However, while planning the unit study, I have found that Alabama is a beautiful state.  It is known for it's climate, it's landscape, many beautiful tourist attractions.  Also many important people lived in Alabama.  We will be studying all of these things and more.  We are not going to memorize a list of boring facts about each state, be tested on them and then forget them. (like I had to do when I was in school.  BORING)  I won't waste our time like that.  Instead we are going to immerse ourselves in the state's people and culture.  When we are bored with a given state we will move on. 

Here is a basic outline for our Alabama study:
 
State Capital, and State Bird
Geographic and Weather Terminology
The Appalachian Mts, DeSoto Falls, Cathedral Caverns
Famous and Important People - Rosa Parks, George Washington Carver, Willie Mays, Martin  Luther King Jr, Nat King Cole
Local Foods - we will be preparing and cooking cuisine from Alabama

As I write this it is snowing!  I wish we were all in Alabama now instead of here in New England where it is cold and snowy.  I am so done with winter.  I just want to be warm again!!!!  I am looking forward to Spring and Summer.

Once Spring comes, we try to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.  Usually we concentrate on the garden and the yard.  This year I am planning a Unit Study on Plants and how they grow.  The girls will conduct a few experiments with seeds and plants, they will also help in the garden, and have their own plants that they will be responsible for.  Avery wants carrot plants and Hannah wants her own tomato plant.  I just want to enjoy the sunshine and the warmth that comes with it.