From The Trees to Seas

Lately, time has felt strange – like it’s racing ahead and standing still all at once. We had a whole list of things we wanted to do this summer, and yet the days have quietly filled themselves with other rhythms, other priorities. But there was one promise I was determined to keep before our family grows by one more.

A return to our son’s favorite place – The Railway Village in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

We stumbled upon it by accident one year, just the two of us. That spontaneous visit turned into three unforgettable hours of exploring, imagining, and soaking in every detail of this lovingly restored, 36-acre village filled with historic railway buildings and vintage Maine treasures. He’s held onto that memory ever since—and made me promise that before his baby brother arrives, we’d go back… this time, with Dad.

And we did.

Watching him revisit that special place, this time as our guide, was the sweetest kind of magic. He led the way, showing his dad all his favorite spots, sharing stories from our last visit, and excitedly discovering new things at the open exhibits. His joy was contagious.

We rode the little train that circles the village and eventually made our way back home with full hearts and dusty shoes. It wasn’t just a family outing – it was a pause, a celebration, and a memory we’ll hold close as we prepare to welcome our newest little soul.

For me, the most beautiful part of the day was watching our son in his element – immersed in history, lit up from within by the joy of living learning. These are the days when homeschooling feels golden. When learning isn’t about textbooks or deadlines, but about real moments, real wonder, and real connection.

We’ll definitely be planning more visits to living history villages and museums. Because seeing the spark in his eyes? That’s the kind of education that roots deep. And sharing that spark as a family – that’s what this season of life is all about.