I was informed yesterday that this blog had won the Homeschool Blog Award for
Best Homeschool Nature Blog.
Wow!
I have been thinking about the award and what it means, bringing back great memories from the last year and how much the Outdoor Hour has become the center of a great community of blog readers and participants.
Many of you follow the challenges and post your links faithfully, some of you pop in when you get a chance and blow me away with your great family nature study, and there are probably many of you I haven't even "met" but who read through readers and email. I think all of you deserve a little bit of this award....without you there would be no real reason to keep this nature blog.
I think this award belongs to the community we have developed and nurtured. Behind the award is a lot of effort not only on my part but by all the moms and dads who have slowed down to take the time and value outdoor activities with their children. You all make what I do have meaning. The fruits of my labor are viewed in the smiles and great learning that I see each week when I open up my links to glimpse into your nature study.
Although the award is a great honor and I realize that you all supported me by voting, I think the real reward is the everyday, week-to-week sharing of nature study that I am privileged to be a part of with families from all over the world.
Thank you very much for your support of this blog, Handbook of Nature Study.
I didn't take a single photo in this post. Here are the captions that go with each one:
1. Water bird at Lake Tahoe, taken by my son this past October.
2. Typical family nature outing....my youngest being silly and if you look in the background you can see me taking photos.
3.Another beautiful photo with mom and her camera.....my two oldest sons have inherited my photography passion.
4. Rare photo of all three of my boys standing still with their mom.....this year's camping trip to Northern California and the Oregon Coast. (Please note that this photo was taken on the last day of a week-long camping trip with four guys so I am a little rough around the edges.)
Wonder where this year will lead us?
Barb-Harmony Art Mom
