Lucas' first day of school

 

 
As I shared last week, Lucas chose to enroll in school with Nichole and Keandre.  We decided we'd better do another 'first day of school' picture since we did that for Nichole and Keandre last month.

Keandre wasn't feelin' the whole picture-taking thing, so he waited patiently off to the side. ;)  (Actually, he was mad that I was 'making' him go to school that day.  He was over it about 1 minute later.)

Lucas was pretty nervous that first day.  He was concerned that he'd be behind, or that he wouldn't understand how to do the work.  Thankfully he settled in quickly, and he says he enjoys school.  I am so proud of him for making this decision, sticking with it even when he was nervous, and settling in and making friends so quickly.  I think it will be a great rest of the year for him!

1st day of school

  

It all happened rather fast.  One day we were looking for a preschool for Keandre, who really needed his own little adventures to go on while I home school Lucas and Nichole.  We started looking into Montessori schools.

A day or two later, Nichole is begging to go to school also, so we expand the search from Primary only, to schools that also have an Elementary program.

A few days after that, we find it.  The school we were hoping for!  A small, intimate community of families.  Involved and passionate teachers.  Students who are happy and excelling.  Days later, we're in! 

We were loading the car to leave for school when I yelled, "Wait!  Everyone out!  We didn't take a 'first day' picture." :)  Nothing exciting, but I'm glad we captured these.

They are settling in wonderfully.  Nichole is tired and a little grouchy at the end of her day, but after a snack she is full of stories and ready to re-connect after her time away.  Keandre is only gone for 2.5 hours, and when I pick him up he is glowing!  He LOVES his time at school, then is happy to come home again.  His teachers refer to 'work' he does there, but he says, "Mom, it's not work! We're playing and having fun." :)

Two weeks later, my die-hard home schooler, Lucas, decides he wants to join in the fun.  He has so many projects and exciting scientific research to conduct at home that he struggles to focus on his other work.  Now that he's had some time to observe his siblings in their element, he's ready to join them.  I'm so proud of him, and know he'll fit in wonderfully.

Whatever will Brooklyn and I do? :)

Our Day in Pictures

 

Andy has started biking Destany to school some days.

She loves it!

Brooklyn has the chicken pox.  Not too many spots so far.  We're doing lots of baths, which she loves!

While I was busy giving baths, Lucas decided to take the morning off school and dig a big hole in the backyard.

Before B's morning nap, we put a raw honey, cinnamon, and vitamin E mixture on her spots.  She was a sweet and sticky mess, but she slept great, and woke up happy!  Then into another oatmeal bath she went. :)

Things We Love: 'I Never Forget a Face'

 

This game has been a favorite around here for a long time.  The artwork is eye-catching and full of beautiful detail.  I love that the pictures spark conversations about children from other cultures and countries.  Last time we played, we kept a globe nearby. :)

 

Although it is geared for ages 5 and up, we have successfully played it with Keandre, age three.  We use fewer cards, or make a point of being pretty laid back about it all.  We laugh a lot, too -- easy to do when your kiddo is making up the rules as you go along, and has no idea how comical his thoughts are!

If you decide to go purchase this game, pleasepleaseplease consider using this link.  It takes you to the same ol' Amazon.com, but sweet little Madi gets some of the proceeds from the sale.  Her parents use the money to buy her much-needed items that have helped her stand, learn to walk, and more. 

(If you want to pass along the link to others, here it is:

http://www.amazon.com/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=missmadi-20)

(click to enlarge)

our own little farm

Some people might think we collect children.  That's ridiculous.  After all, we only have four children.  Let me tell you what we do collect, though.  Pets! 

Currently, we have:

6 fish

1 snake (found in the backyard, surrounded by a circle of chickens)

7 chickens, and 1 rabbit who thinks he's a chicken (more on that later)

One of our chickens lives in the house.  I know.  You are so jealous.  After all, not just anyone gets to have a chicken in their house! 
(She has a broken leg, and will hopefully re-join the flock outdoors in the near future.)

Having your own little farm is educational, right?  And we homeschool.  So....that's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it. 

homeschooling

 

phonics workbooks

self-directed projects

impromptu color-mixing

reading aloud

creative problem solving

(The caterpillar kept falling out of Brooklyn's hands, so he suspended it

 from the fire truck, just within her reach. :)

independent work

Keandre isn't in these pictures because he is usually too busy running circles around us and wreaking havoc on our mornings.  Oh, what a

busy boy he is! :)

Destany's thoughts on Glee gum

Destany and Lucas are writing blogs now, too.  I figure we can call it home schooling. :) 

Here are a few of Destany's thoughts on Glee gum.

Here is Lucas' blog.  He says he is ready to start typing some of his own posts now.  Love it!