In my life this week ... Last weekend Rick and I celebrated our anniversary in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. And this week we are on a family vacation to St. Louis, Missouri. We took Kyndal and Dawson when they were 9 and 7 and Dawson wanted for us to come back so Brynne and Eli could experience all the fun, too. We also brought along Dawson's best friend, Antonio, and our dog, Crusoe.
In our homeschool this week ... Nothing in the form of school happened this week. We were determined to make our vacation one of FUN! (However, you can't go to the St. Louis Arch, Grant's Farm, the zoo, and other places without learning. Shhhh ... don't tell the kids.)
Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share ... When you won't have the time or energy to enjoy a learning opportunity, put it off until another day, if possible.
I am inspired by ... things in the oddest places. On Monday I was in Dollar Tree looking for small gifts for the "vacation fairy" to leave the kids in their seats when we stop for potty breaks. In the book aisle were some U.S. Maps coloring books. They were so cool, and for only $1! I picked up one for Eli and Brynne to use over the next few years as we continue to do U.S. States studies. It was my Favorite Resource this week.
Places we're going and people we're seeing ... as many fun things in St. Louis as possible!
My favorite thing this week was ... experiencing Dawson passing his written driver's test to give him his Learner's Permit, and riding with him while he drove us all around for errands today. It was great to see his confidence improve with just a couple of driving sessions.
What's working/not working for us ... Hotel life! And we are staying in a Staybridge with a living room, full kitchen, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms. It's like staying in an apartment, which is great with two 15 year old boys, an 8 year old, a 6 year old, and a Border Collie who thinks he's a 15 year old boy.
Questions/thoughts I have ... If Dawson is working at the car wash during school, can I count that as a Life Skills class elective? (or would you call it something else?) During the winter months, he will man the car wash. And during slow times he will just be in the office, where he can do his independent school work. I think the "working" could count as an elective.
Things I'm working on ... enjoying my family this week and not having any expectations.
I'm reading ... Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey by The Countess of Carnarvon, Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach (THIS is a great book!)
I'm cooking ... well, actually, I am doing some cooking at the hotel. We are staying in a Staybridge with a full kitchen. We are saving money by eating free continental breakfast, having sandwiches for lunch, and making easy dinners. We will be going out to dinner tomorrow night, though.
I'm grateful for ... opportunities to get away and spend time with my family. I am having so many of those experiences this summer ... first with my sister for a weeend, then alone with my husband for a weekend, then my family this week. In July I will top it off with a trip to Portland to see my brother and sister-in-law.
I'm praying for ... a woman I admire very much who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer.
A photo, video, link, or quote to share ...
**********This is what Crusoe is busy doing while we are out having fun in St. Louis.**********
I am also linking up at Weekly Wrap-up with Kris at Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers.
In our homeschool this week ... Nothing in the form of school happened this week. We were determined to make our vacation one of FUN! (However, you can't go to the St. Louis Arch, Grant's Farm, the zoo, and other places without learning. Shhhh ... don't tell the kids.)
I am inspired by ... things in the oddest places. On Monday I was in Dollar Tree looking for small gifts for the "vacation fairy" to leave the kids in their seats when we stop for potty breaks. In the book aisle were some U.S. Maps coloring books. They were so cool, and for only $1! I picked up one for Eli and Brynne to use over the next few years as we continue to do U.S. States studies. It was my Favorite Resource this week.
Places we're going and people we're seeing ... as many fun things in St. Louis as possible!
What's working/
Questions/thoughts I have ... If Dawson is working at the car wash during school, can I count that as a Life Skills class elective? (or would you call it something else?) During the winter months, he will man the car wash. And during slow times he will just be in the office, where he can do his independent school work. I think the "working" could count as an elective.
I'm reading ... Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey by The Countess of Carnarvon, Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach (THIS is a great book!)
I'm cooking ... well, actually, I am doing some cooking at the hotel. We are staying in a Staybridge with a full kitchen. We are saving money by eating free continental breakfast, having sandwiches for lunch, and making easy dinners. We will be going out to dinner tomorrow night, though.
I'm grateful for ... opportunities to get away and spend time with my family. I am having so many of those experiences this summer ... first with my sister for a weeend, then alone with my husband for a weekend, then my family this week. In July I will top it off with a trip to Portland to see my brother and sister-in-law.
I'm praying for ... a woman I admire very much who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer.
A photo, video, link, or quote to share ...
**********This is what Crusoe is busy doing while we are out having fun in St. Louis.**********
I am also linking up at Weekly Wrap-up with Kris at Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers.
oh my hope our red heeler pup does the same thing with the t.p. well that and chew on the furniture. so I'll take the paper any day.
ReplyDeletewhat a great vacation and that is so great that you took dawson's friend and adopted "son" :) I've seen him on your blogs for years now isn't it.
praying for your friend!
I think it's a border collie thing! My childhood border collie Nellie once took apart and ate a small alarm clock when we left her alone for what she considered to be too long. They're too smart for their own good.
ReplyDeleteYour week looks amazing! We lived in St. Louis when I was small and I'd love to go back one day with my kids.
Looks like a fun vacation week. As far as your question about Dawson's work counting for school, I think it definitely should!
ReplyDeleteWe have one of those maps to color and learn books from the dollar store, but ours is of Europe. It's good for use with country studies. Thanks for linking up :)
Oh, I bet A LOT of learning went on during your wonderful vacation! LOL But I had to LOL at the TP! He found something to keep him busy, huh?
ReplyDeleteWe loved St Louis when we visited years ago while living in Indianapolis (before kids). It was a fun place to explore!