GUTEN TAG!

Last week was our World Fair for our homeschooling co-op. Our family researched and reported on Germany. The boys and I made potato pancakes and sourkraut to share with the other homeschool families. Also represented at the World Fair were China, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, France, and Haiti. We had a great time sharing information with each other about what we had learned, we got to try some very interesting foods and we learned alot about other cultures.

I'm Back

I feel like such a slacker! I have let the blog sit stagnant for WAY to long! It isn't that I have nothing exciting to say, it's that we have been so busy that I haven't had time to do any updating. We've been to the zoo, lots of boyscout outings, family get togethers, preparing for our school year, and 2 different summer camps! Hopefully now that we are back on a schedule (kind of) I can do better about keeping up with the blog.

Tae Kwon Do Tournament

Tae Kwon Do Tournament

Krohns Conservatory

We took a little field trip with some friends to Krohns Conservatory this past month. It is so beautiful there (and free). The boys love to go to the various shows that they have. We can't wait for the butterfly show.

Pine Wood Derby

We didn't have any big winners this year, but Chad and the boys had lots of fun working on their cars together. The boys were excellent sports about not winning.

Trip to Washington D.C.

For Thanksgiving this year we decided to take a little trip to DC. The boys LOVED it. We visited the Memorials, Capitol, White House, two of the Smithsonians and lots lots more. The boys loved riding the subway which they had never done before. We walked soooo much everyones legs were killing them by the time we were back in the hotel at night. There was so much to see and do. We are planning to go back soon. There were so many things on our list that we just didn't have time to do them all.

Warm Fall Days

The boys have really been enjoying the nice weather that we have been having. I was also glad to get a few more outdoors pictures of them with their neighborhood friends.

Halloween Partys

Halloween Party at Karate & also Matthews preschool Halloween party. Last but certainly not least, trick-or-treating with friends.

Aquarium Trip

The Newport Aquarium had a "Homeschool Days". The boys have been begging me for months to go there. They had an awesome time. They couldn't get enough of the shark petting. I think Matthew would have stayed and petted sharks till they threw him out. I thought the Jelly fish were very cool. The penquins were also very entertaining.

2009 CubScout Campout

The boys had a great time at the cub scout campout this year. Matthew is not actually a cubscout, although he thinks that he is. Next year Caleb will graduate from the cubscouts into the boy scouts. He is really excited about it.

Evansville Karate Tournament

School Projects

One advantage of homeschooling is all of the hands on learning fun you can have. Last week we studied about pottery and how it was made. The boys got to make their own clay pots (and I did too). A few days later we had a history lesson on the downfall of the Roman Empire and the Celtic warriors so the boys made their own Celtic war axes and capes and brooches. I guarentee you they can tell you anything you want to know about a Celtic warrior (and with excitement too).

First Days of School

The boys started school at the end of August. The summer went so fast! Matthew has started preschool which was very exciting. He really loves going and hasn't cried about it at all. He has the same teacher that Ryan had she is really good with the kids and FULL of energy. He goes 2 days a week right now. It is amazing how much school Caleb and Ryan can get done without Matthew here to distract.

Yippee

I finally have my camera back!! I am so happy! Those disposable cameras are horrible. I was so upset because only a few of our karate tournament pictures turned out. :( The boys did super at the tournament (especially considering it was their first one). Caleb got 3rd place in sparring, Ryan got 2nd place in forms, Matthew got a 1st place trophy (just because) and Chad got a 1st place trophy for forms and a 3rd place trophy for sparring. I was very proud of them all.

We have been really busy the past few months getting ready for school to start. I feel like I have neglected everything else around me. It's so hard to figure out which curriculum to go with because there are sooooo many to choose from! The boys are really excited because we will be starting Latin this year (we'll see how long that lasts). They are also excited because we have finished a room in our basement to use as a classroom. So I finally have my dining room back!