Leaf Hill Helpers

When the girls arrived, I was busy raking leaves from Dandelion Hill (though at this time of year it might need a new name, maybe Leaf Hill!) Before long, a few parents, siblings, and the girls themselves joined in to help. We hauled leaves onto a big tarp and made a huge pile under the rope swing, which turned out to be the perfect landing spot for their jumps and swings.

Finny’s Assignment

Once everyone was settled, we gathered to read a new letter from Finny. She had officially dubbed us Apprentice Potion Makers and invited us to explore The Flats for ingredients, paying close attention to the Land as we collected. Before heading out, we stopped for a snack in the dome. As we ate, one of the girls shared some treasures from her trip to eastern Canada, including a shell with a tiny starfish inside that everyone thought was amazing.

Potion Ingredients and Play

At The Flats, the girls took Finny’s challenge to heart. They gathered leaves, rocks, and mysterious little bits of nature for their potions while also building forts, making “soups,” balancing on logs, chatting with ducks, and climbing trees. The sunshine and crisp air made it feel like the perfect autumn adventure.

Potion Making and Playtime

Back at Heron Tree Estates, they mixed their ingredients into all sorts of imaginative potions. There were potions for calm, for sleeping, and my personal favourite—“A Sip of a Tail,” which gives you a tail! After lunch, we cozied up in the dome for some reading, Go Fish, board games, puzzles, and colouring.