tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43271821518570628822024-03-18T05:15:28.333-04:00Adventures in HomeschoolingSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.comBlogger392125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-59333516060001287052013-10-06T22:20:00.000-04:002013-10-06T22:20:37.765-04:00Last 3 Weeks in ReviewWe've been chugging right along with school. Colin has been doing much better doing his work independently this year, which really helps since I have to spend a lot of my time taking care of our little one. She doesn't sleep much at all, but she is usually pretty happy so I can get some school done with the girls while she plays or I'm nursing her. She likes to doze off on me so I try to use that time for reading history or our current <em>Little House on the Prairie </em>book. <br />
<br />
Colin has finished two modules of <em>Exploring Creatio</em>n <em>with Physical Science. </em>He's doing well with the VideoText Algebra. He's never done anything where he watches the lesson so I wasn't sure how it would go. <br />
We've finished four chapters of <em>Story of the World 4 </em>and are studying the Civil War now. <br />
<br />
We need one more day to finish reading <em>These Happy Golden Years. </em>I'm kind of sad that we only have two more books in the series. It feels like I waited forever for the right time to read it and I'm so happy that the kids liked it so much. It's been so fun to do activities, dress them up, and visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder sites. I guess I can start looking forward to doing it again when Sophie is older. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We've done lots of fun things in the last three weeks. We've been trying to soak in the nice weather for as long as it lasts because I'm sure it won't be too much longer. We had a great time visiting an apple orchard and a pumpkin patch. I have lots of pictures from those so they will need their own posts. <br />
<br />
Another fun thing we did is an archery class with our homeschool group. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0278.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0278.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0278.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0296.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0296.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0296.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0299.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0299.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0299.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
There was a cool park near there where the kids enjoyed playing for a while. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0303.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0303.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0303.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0315.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0315.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0315.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0316.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0316.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0316.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0311.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0311.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0311.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We also went to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Unfortunately, it started raining pretty hard after a couple hours so we didn't get to do as much as planned. The kids had a good time while we were there though. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0340.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0340.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0340.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Last week, we walked to the park a couple of times because it was so nice. It's 1 1/2 miles on trails from our house. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/0E60EB87-B459-4288-A1C3-313F6FFDDF6B-5742-0000051D302FFB22_zpsd95c09b6.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 0E60EB87-B459-4288-A1C3-313F6FFDDF6B-5742-0000051D302FFB22_zpsd95c09b6.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/0E60EB87-B459-4288-A1C3-313F6FFDDF6B-5742-0000051D302FFB22_zpsd95c09b6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Sophie got to try a swing for the first time and loved it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/D2E0795A-9691-437E-BF66-3BA1CE44293A-5742-000005166DDA6555_zpsbbd84298.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo D2E0795A-9691-437E-BF66-3BA1CE44293A-5742-000005166DDA6555_zpsbbd84298.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/D2E0795A-9691-437E-BF66-3BA1CE44293A-5742-000005166DDA6555_zpsbbd84298.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our baby girl got her first 2 teeth, which you can see here. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/C08B12D0-10C1-45A4-88BB-033FD8723ACF-5742-000005165668AE34_zpsbd02ea99.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo C08B12D0-10C1-45A4-88BB-033FD8723ACF-5742-000005165668AE34_zpsbd02ea99.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/C08B12D0-10C1-45A4-88BB-033FD8723ACF-5742-000005165668AE34_zpsbd02ea99.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-26788419795915958122013-09-16T17:55:00.000-04:002013-09-16T17:55:35.054-04:00Laura Ingalls Wilder Days- Pepin, WisconsinWe've been reading the Little House on the Prairie books for the last few months. One of the things I was most excited about when we found out we were moving to Minnesota was being close enough to visit some of the sites from the books. We've visited three of the sites this summer. Although Pepin, Wisconsin was the third site we visited, I'm going to start with it since it's the one from her first book.<br />
<br />
This weekend was Laura Days so we decided to plan our visit to go to that too. Pepin is the setting for <em>Little House in the Big Woods. </em>Laura was born 7 miles north of Pepin. They have a log cabin that may have looked like hers built on land that was owned by Charles and Caroline Ingalls. The big woods are gone and have been mostly replaced with farmland. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/ef00ab16-3b8c-47bd-a906-a431ddcf9b73.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo ef00ab16-3b8c-47bd-a906-a431ddcf9b73.jpg" border="0" height="262" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/ef00ab16-3b8c-47bd-a906-a431ddcf9b73.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0149.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0149.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0149.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0156.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0156.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0156.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0157.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0157.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0157.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0151.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0151.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0151.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0168.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0168.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0168.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
There is a museum there with items that would have been from the time Laura lived. It was just a quick walk through for us. The other museums we've visited have a lot more Laura memorabilia. They are renovating this museum and it looks like the size will increase a lot so hopefully it will have more to it after that. The museum has a gift shop with some cute things. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0172.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0172.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0172.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
You can also see the lake that Laura talks about in the book on her visit to town. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0181.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0181.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0181.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Laura Days festival was in the park. There were traditional craft demonstrations, a quilt show, and art and craft vendors.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0174.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0174.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0174.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0175.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0175.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0175.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0176.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0176.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0176.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0177.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0177.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0177.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0159.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0159.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0159.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0160.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0160.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0160.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We weren't able to attend on Sunday, but it looked like there would be some fun activities that day. The schedule showed a parade, pie eating contest, tomahawk throw contest, and the Medicine Show in addition to many of the Saturday activities. <br />
<br />
<br />
There is an 1899 school house, but we didn't visit it since Laura was never there and we've seen a few school houses at the other sites. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0170.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0170.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0170.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-41032138212773193952013-09-14T23:45:00.000-04:002013-09-14T23:45:06.118-04:00Week of September 9, 2013We had another busy week here. Tuesday we went bowling again, Wednesday we went to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and Thursday the kids had their monthly class at a nature center. <br />
<br />
A bowling alley near us is offering a homeschool class. They had a preview day Tuesday so we went hoping there would be some older kids. It seems more difficult to find kids near Colin's age at homeschool activities as he gets older. There were only 2 boys there close to his age. I don't think we'll do it for this session, but I'll keep it in mind for later. They play 3 games every week and that's a little much for the girls right now. It seems like two games is their limit. With hockey season starting soon, he'll be pretty busy so I'm trying to be picky about what takes our time. It was a really good afternoon though. They had pizza and drinks for the kids. The bowling alley also has a game area so the kids got to play some. Colin really liked doing laser tag with some other boys. The girls spent most of their time playing claw machines. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/6D82B4AB-3C8C-4979-9F2B-D27B3264B5C8-4988-0000071526D55BB3_zpsa42c7a4d.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 6D82B4AB-3C8C-4979-9F2B-D27B3264B5C8-4988-0000071526D55BB3_zpsa42c7a4d.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/6D82B4AB-3C8C-4979-9F2B-D27B3264B5C8-4988-0000071526D55BB3_zpsa42c7a4d.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/6EB3B7AD-6292-4B78-8F9F-52EEAE58617D-4988-00000715368FFCE2_zps6167b9b9.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 6EB3B7AD-6292-4B78-8F9F-52EEAE58617D-4988-00000715368FFCE2_zps6167b9b9.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/6EB3B7AD-6292-4B78-8F9F-52EEAE58617D-4988-00000715368FFCE2_zps6167b9b9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls tried to double team Colin, but he still won.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The MN Landscape Arboretum was really nice. We spent a little over 3 hours there. I think we'll try to go back some other time to take see some of the things we missed or rushed through. It would be nicer to go when it's just a little cooler out too. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0135.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0135.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0135.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They had a great time running around this maze.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0092.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0092.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0092.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Japanese Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The kids take a class once a month at a nature center. It combines science and art. This month they made journals that they will use for some other classes this year. The journals have different kinds of papers inside and some pockets. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DABA471F-8D0C-4116-8BE8-6C85DBAA40FF-4988-00000715044F487A_zps34ed0273.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DABA471F-8D0C-4116-8BE8-6C85DBAA40FF-4988-00000715044F487A_zps34ed0273.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DABA471F-8D0C-4116-8BE8-6C85DBAA40FF-4988-00000715044F487A_zps34ed0273.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We managed to do some school work too. I think this is the earliest we've ever been doing all the subjects. <br />
In Prairie Primer, we finished reading <em>The Little Town on the Prairie. </em>We did the second chapter of Story of the World, talking about Japan reopening their border and the Crimean War. Colin started Apologia Physical Science. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/1710AA30-B213-40FF-B4B6-21ECFFC574E8-4988-00000715169A1251_zps9563199a.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1710AA30-B213-40FF-B4B6-21ECFFC574E8-4988-00000715169A1251_zps9563199a.jpg" border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/1710AA30-B213-40FF-B4B6-21ECFFC574E8-4988-00000715169A1251_zps9563199a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Experiment 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/99116FC4-B2EA-437C-A411-6F0FD9DC5FDF-4988-000007150E6E4E54_zps5747c109.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 99116FC4-B2EA-437C-A411-6F0FD9DC5FDF-4988-000007150E6E4E54_zps5747c109.jpg" border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/99116FC4-B2EA-437C-A411-6F0FD9DC5FDF-4988-000007150E6E4E54_zps5747c109.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Experiment 3: I didn't realize he needed so much vinegar so we had to use apple cider vinegar for some of it. It still seemed to work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The weather was great Friday. We spent some time around a fire in the evening making smores. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0148.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0148.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0148.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
On Saturday, we went to Pepin, Wisconsin for Laura Ingalls Wilder Days. We visited the museum, Little House Wayside, and the park (where they had crafts, demonstrations, and stuff for sale). That's the third site we've visited this year. I need to write a post for each of them. It's been so fun to go to them. I've wanted to go forever and it's even better because the girls enjoy it so much too. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/ef00ab16-3b8c-47bd-a906-a431ddcf9b73.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo ef00ab16-3b8c-47bd-a906-a431ddcf9b73.jpg" border="0" height="262" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/ef00ab16-3b8c-47bd-a906-a431ddcf9b73.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In front of Little House Wayside</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-88509110267839066592013-09-09T00:00:00.000-04:002013-09-09T00:00:12.756-04:00Week of September 2, 2013We had our first 3 days of school for the new year this week. I wish I had gotten more time to plan and get everything organized. I feel like I'm barely staying one step ahead of the three of them. My 7 month old didn't nap at all during those three days and has been very clingy to me. I've added a high chair, an exersaucer, and some toys to the school room for her. We think she's getting her first tooth. Hopefully after that we can get her napping so we can all get into a better routine. <br />
<br />
On Monday, we went to the North West Company Fur Post. We went on a tour led by a reenactor and learned a lot about life at the fur trading post in 1804. It was a really good field trip.<br />
<br />
Public school started here on Tuesday so we took the day to celebrate not going to school. We went ice skating and out for lunch.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC09427.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC09427.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC09427.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC09433.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC09433.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC09433.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the big kids skate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Wednesday was our first official day of our new school year. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0531.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0531.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0531.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
All Together</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
We continued with Prairie Primer, which we've been using for the last several months. Right now we're reading <em>The Little Town on the Prairie. </em><br />
We did the first chapter of <em>Story of the World: Volume 4. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
8th Grade</div>
<br />
Colin did the last module of Apologia General<em> </em>Science. He started doing VideoText Algebra. He also did logic, grammar, writing, typing, and vocabulary. I had him start watching CNN Student News to learn more about current events.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
5th & 3rd Grades</div>
<br />
Both girls had already started their new math books before summer break so we did some review work. They did some handwriting practice (cursive for Caleigh and printing for Molly). They started new grammar and writing books. They also reviewed phonograms, spelling rules, and took a placement test.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Today, Sunday, we went to a family picnic with one of our homeschool groups. The girls had a great time climbing trees and playing with Sophie. Colin loved getting right in the middle of a big gang of kids running around playing. I didn't get any pictures, probably because I was too busy talking.<br />
<br />
This evening we went bowling. It's been a long time since we've gone. The girls played 2 games without any complaint so I guess they've gotten big enough that it doesn't tire them out as much.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC09457.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC09457.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC09457.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-79478428094917426872013-09-04T23:44:00.000-04:002013-09-04T23:44:33.551-04:00First Day of School 2013<br />
We had a great first day of school. I didn't feel fully prepared, but it still went well. We actually did more than usual for a first day. I had planned a pretty easy day for Tuesday, but then decided not to do any school to have a not going to school celebration. Caleigh said she was happy to start back because the days seemed boring without school. Colin says he wants to try harder this year and have a really good year so he had started before I even got up. <br />
<br />
My little one didn't nap like I hoped she would, but she played while we did some things and nursed while I read so it worked out. <br />
<br />
Once we finished school, we walked to a park about 1 1/2 miles from our house.<br />
<br />
<br />
First day pictures:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0521.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0521.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0521.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0523.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0523.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0523.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleigh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0526.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0526.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0526.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
One of all four kids:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0531.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0531.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0531.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
For the last 4 years, I had made a themed cake for the first day. I had an idea for this year, but it's hard to find the time needed for that with a baby who wants me to hold her most of the time. So I came up with a different idea. I made each kid a round cake and let them decorate it themselves. I think they really liked doing it on their own.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0562.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0562.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0562.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0559.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0559.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0559.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chunk is missing from the bottom because he couldn't wait to try it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0560.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0560.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0560.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0561.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0561.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0561.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-11426740649650198722013-08-18T22:48:00.000-04:002013-08-18T22:48:18.266-04:00Our School Room We just moved here at the end of March so this is a new school room for us. This is the first time we've had one in the basement. The other times our school room was the bonus room on our second floor. I'm a little worried that it will be cold in the basement in the winter, especially since we live in Minnesota. We do have a small heater in our school room so hopefully it will help keep it warm. I do really like not having to worry about the walls being angled like in our past rooms. I feel like I have so much more wall space now. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is most of the room looking from the stairs. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0261.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0261.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0261.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is on the left side coming down the stairs. There is a line for hanging up the kids' art, an easel, and a small table that the girls like to use when they're drawing. The red containers have art supplies. The letters at the top of the wall say "Every child is an artist."<br />
The door goes into the playroom, which we are still unpacking and is a big mess. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0268.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0268.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0268.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
To the right of the stairs are bookcases that hold our curriculum, with a different subject on each shelf. The white shelf holds the printer, and there are different types of paper in the drawers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0267.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0267.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0267.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is a reading area for the kids. These shelves have picture and chapter books.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0264.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0264.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0264.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Next to that is a computer. The map above it has stickers for each state we've visited.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0254.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0254.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0254.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The windows look out to our backyard.<br />
Under these windows is our timeline. We aren't using the whole thing right now. In history, we've gotten to the 1800s so I have the timeline starting in the late 1500s and going to the present.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0262.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0262.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0262.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We do a lot of reading aloud so I always try to have a couch in our school room.<br />
We've had this table for a few years now. I couldn't find one as big as I wanted so my husband made this one. It has shelves underneath for storing supplies. <br />
I painted a lazy susan blue and added small pails to hold pencils, glue sticks, crayons, colored pencils, etc.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0266.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0266.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0266.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The wood cabinets hold craft supplies. The shelves under the maps hold most of our everyday things. On the left side of the picture are drawers for all our math supplies. The colored drawers are the kids' workboxes, one for Colin and one that the girls share (5 drawers for each of them).<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0001.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0001.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I saw this idea a couple years ago and started collecting letters for it. We never really had the extra wall for it before though. While unpacking, I was surprised to find we had all the letters except I (for some reason we also had an extra R, 2 extra Os, and 2 extra Qs). My 10 year old made an I from craft popsicle sticks and painted some of the letters. I covered some with scrapbook paper.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0274.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0274.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0274.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I wanted to somehow incorporate into the room places we've been. I hung some of our postcards on this board. Hopefully I'll be able to find more of the postcards we've collected to add.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0277.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0277.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0277.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now I just need to do some baby proofing. I'm hoping we can do the majority of our work while my almost 7 month old naps. She doesn't always sleep well though so I can't count on that and need to get it done before she becomes more mobile. I plan to find a space to have a basket of toys for her. I think I'm going to get a high chair for that room so she can be at the same height as everyone else. She can use the tray to play with toys, and for snacks once she's eating finger foods.<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-77037068423935200752013-08-06T22:06:00.001-04:002013-08-06T22:06:50.192-04:00What's Been Happening Around HereI keep meaning to stay caught up on this blog and then before I know it lots of time has passed. It's just been such a busy time and I feel like I don't have time for a lot of things. I really want to start getting back to normal here though. I've started so many posts and then not had the time to finish them. <br />
<br />
So what's been taking so much of my time? <br />
<br />
For starters, my sweet new baby, Sophie. She is 6 months old now. It's been quite an adjustment to have a little one again. My other kids are 13, 10, and 8 so it's been a while since we had a baby. She had reflux, which caused her to have some bad days, but she's doing much better now. She's never really been a difficult baby. She's actually very happy most of the time and is almost always smiling. However, she doesn't sleep well. She doesn't usually go to sleep until around midnight. Then she still wakes up every 2 to 3 hours at night. I have to say after 6 months of that, I'm so tired and have trouble finding the energy to do everything I want. She also doesn't sleep much during the day. Sometimes she has good days with 2 naps, but not very often. I feel lucky if she has one good nap. Many days the only sleep she gets is falling asleep on me while she's nursing, which means I don't get much time to do anything and can't really type. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0807.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0807.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0807.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophie in the middle of a clap, one of her favorite things to do right now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
My 10 year old took this picture. Didn't she do a great job? <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0568.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0568.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0568.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I mentioned that we moved in March. It was a big move, about 1200 miles. Moving is always difficult with unpacking and organizing. Moving to a new place means you also need to learn where everything is and how to get around. Being homeschoolers adds more to that because I have to research the homeschool laws of this new state, search for homeschool groups, try to find classes and fun things for the kids, and get us out to try to meet new friends. Luckily, homeschooling seems to be very popular here and I've found a lot of activities for us. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0009.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0009.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0009.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minneapolis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We're mostly on break from school. The kids are all doing some math practice. Colin is still doing <em>Exploring Creation with General Science. </em>I didn't make daily assignments for him and thought he would finish if he just did a little each day. I think he did very little some days though so he still has a couple modules to get through. We've also been reading <em>The Little House on the Prairie </em>series and doing Prairie Primer. The girls have really enjoyed it. I'm so glad because I loved the books when I was little. We've been trying to take advantage of living near some of the Little House sites. Last month we visited Walnut Grove, MN. Hopefully I can write about that soon. We plan to visit De Smet, SD this month. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC_0676.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0676.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC_0676.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walnut Grove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I've been trying to work on school planning for next year. The girls (5th & 3rd grade) will be doing mostly the same thing as last year, just moving up to the next level. Colin's (8th grade) school planning is taking more of my time. I'm feeling a little anxious that this is his last year before high school and want to be sure that we get everything in that is needed. I want him to be pretty independent, but feel that he still needs me to give him quite a bit of direction. <br />
<br />
Anyway, I'm sure we'll all settle into a routine soon. Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-17119528719900436322013-06-02T14:47:00.000-04:002013-06-02T14:47:17.187-04:00Our Last 3 WeeksWe spent the last 2 weeks traveling. <br />
<br />
Three weeks ago we did regular school and finished reading <em>Little House on the Prairie. </em>We also read lots of books about the states we were going to visit, marked them all on a map, and looked at the maps of each state. <br />
<br />
We were gone for 13 days. We drove over 3000 miles and saw 8 other states besides the one where we live. We just moved to Minnesota in March and haven't seen very much of this side of the country so we decided to go on a road trip. We went through Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Montana, and South Dakota. Seven of those were new states for us. Some highlights of what we saw were Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Mount Rushmore. It was an awesome trip. We loved seeing new places. My 4 month old even did really well. I'm sure she'd be happy to not have to see her car seat for a while though. I'll write more about the different places we saw soon. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/rockymts.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo rockymts.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/rockymts.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky Mountain National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is our approximate route:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/ES110ulo85.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo ES110ulo85.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/ES110ulo85.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Below are the states Colin (13) and I have visited. Caleigh (10) has been to all of these except Michigan. Molly (8) has been to all of these except Michigan and Alabama.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/Colinstates2013.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Colinstates2013.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/Colinstates2013.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The map below shows the states Sophie has been to. She's quite a traveler for a 4 month old.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/sophiestates4mo.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo sophiestates4mo.jpg" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/sophiestates4mo.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-3339474699388705212013-05-12T23:46:00.000-04:002013-05-12T23:46:29.753-04:00Our Week: 4/6-4/10We had a good week. We had a couple cool days, but also some nice spring days. The kids were happy to get lots of time outside. Sophie seems to like going for walks in her stroller. <br />
<br />
Everyone did their own regular school work. We continued reading <em>The Little House on the Prairie. </em>We also read some books about people moving west. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We visited Sea Life Aquarium at the Mall of America. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC08742.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC08742.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC08742.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Sophie was very interested in what was going on above her head as we walked through the tunnels. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC08669-1.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC08669-1.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC08669-1.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The kids have been seeing lots of animals in our yard. So far we've seen a rabbit, two deer, a raccoon, ducks, squirrels, and lots of birds. This week the kids saw these birds on our deck and these ducks in our yard. The girls are hoping to see some babies soon. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC08651.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC08651.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC08651.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC08664.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC08664.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC08664.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We went to a fun class with a homeschool group we recently joined. They learned about habitats, ecosystems, and made their own terrariums. I'm so happy they liked the class. As soon as Molly came out she asked me when there was another class they could go to. I've already signed them up for the next 3 months. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/blog/DSC08755.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC08755.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/blog/DSC08755.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-84127740679103661642013-04-28T23:01:00.000-04:002013-04-29T23:18:29.785-04:00Our Week: 4/22-4/26I made more progress in the school room last weekend than I expected. I still need to organize all the craft stuff and hang stuff on the walls, but most of the books are put away. I was excited that it was good enough to do school in there and hoped to get back to a full schedule this week. Then I woke up Monday morning with a sore throat and earache. That sickness stuck around all week feeling like strep, then the flu, and now like a regular cold. Luckily, no one else has gotten it, and I'm finally starting to feel better. So we didn't get back to our full schedule, but we were able to add a few things in. <br />
<br />
The girls had been doing review sheets and Life of Fred for math, but went back to their regular RightStart Math lessons this week. They also started doing grammar and spelling again. <br />
<br />
Colin added logic in with what he'd already been doing. He finished Module 9 in <em>General Science.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
We finished reading <em>Litle House in the Big Woods </em>and doing the activities in <em>The Prairie Primer. </em><br />
<br />
We also read a few chapters in <em>A History of US, </em>but my voice wouldn't allow me to do as many as I had planned. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sophie turned 3 months old this week. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/DSC_0640.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0640.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC_0640.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
This week started with more snow. On Wednesday, we went to a park to meet<em> </em>with some people from a homeschool group we've joined. I was probably too sick to be out and the wind made it way too cold, but I wanted the kids to be able to meet some other kids and we needed to get out of the house. Happily, the end of the week turned out to be great. Friday was in the 70s and just beautiful. Colin had a hockey game that evening so I found a park near the rink and we went there to walk the trails and let the kids play for a while before the game. We had great weather over the weekend too. At least it's looking a little more like spring out there. We did still see some snow on the ground in the shady areas today when we went for a walk. It looks like we'll only get another day or two of it before it gets a lot colder for a few days. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/DSC_0778.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0778.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC_0778.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still lots of ice on the lake, but at least some of it is melting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/DSC_0769.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0769.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC_0769.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids playing at park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/DSC_0774.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0774.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC_0774.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They loved this slide that goes down to the beach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-52064910069474119922013-04-21T12:23:00.003-04:002013-04-21T12:36:27.812-04:00Our Week: 4/15-4/19We continued doing a shortened version of school this week. The sink in our school room backed up and made a mess so I haven't made any progress in there. I'm hoping I can get some more unpacking done this weekend and get it organized to at least find some more of the books we need to get back to doing all our subjects.<br />
<br />
In <em>A History of US</em>, we're still reading about people moving west. We also read about Texas becoming independent. <br />
<br />
Colin is reading about DNA in <em>General Science.</em><br />
<br />
We've done a few days of the Download 'n Go study, <a href="http://www.unitstudy.com/PrairiePioneers.html">Prairie Pioneers</a>. <br />
<br />
We read six more chapters of <em>Little House in the Big Woods </em>and used <em>The Prairie Primer </em>for comprehension questions, discussion, and activity ideas. Some of the things we learned about this week were maple syrup, animal tracks, cheese making, honey and bees, yellow jackets, and harvesting grain.<br />
<br />
We seem to be having the winter that won't end. The kids are loving it since they've spent most of their winters in NC, where a few inches of snow a year is as much as they could hope for. We got a lot of snow Thursday and probably ended up with about 10 inches. To go along with snow, we read some books about snow, made snowmen from cake balls, and made our own snowglobes. <br />
<br />
I sure hope some spring weather shows up soon so we can get out and explore our new area more. I'm glad the kids are having fun with the snow though. <br />
<br />
<br />
Having a brother that can pull you around is always a good thing. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/DSC_0566.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0566.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC_0566.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/DSC_0573.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0573.jpg" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC_0573.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/DSC_0580.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0580.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC_0580.jpg" width="265" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/DSC_0588.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0588.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC_0588.jpg" width="265" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/DSC_0593.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0593.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC_0593.jpg" width="265" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
For now, Sophie prefers seeing the snow from inside the house. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/DSC_0631.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DSC_0631.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC_0631.jpg" width="265" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/weekly-wrap-up/" target="new"><img alt="" size="125" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/kbmomto3/weeklywrapup125.png" /></a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-26506475294720532012013-04-15T16:17:00.000-04:002013-04-15T16:17:19.397-04:00Our Week: 4/8-4/12We're still trying to get back into our regular homeschool routine. Just as we were adjusting to having an infant during school, we moved. Unpacking, organizing, nursing a baby a lot, and trying to keep up with all the regular household things like laundry and cooking haven't made it easy to get planning and school work accomplished. I have started unpacking the school room, but it's a huge mess right now. I feel like we'll do better with school once I get that room done. <br />
<br />
Everyone is doing math everyday. We're reading at least a chapter each day from <em>A History of US</em>. Colin has continued doing Apologia's General Science on his own. We've also started reading <em>The</em> <em>Little House on the Prairie</em> (LHOP) series and we're using <em>The Prairie Primer </em>for activities to go along with it. I've meant to read them to the kids for a long time, but just never got to it. I'm excited that we're finally doing it. The timing is actually working out since we're living in Minnesota now close to the settings for lots of the books. We're planning a trip to Walnut Grove this summer. <br />
<br />
Most of our week looked like this with lots of snow.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/colin%207th%20birthday/school/4BEBF739-8A93-472A-BA40-B6F8AB89EF30-6994-00002FD3F2313DD7.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 4BEBF739-8A93-472A-BA40-B6F8AB89EF30-6994-00002FD3F2313DD7.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/4BEBF739-8A93-472A-BA40-B6F8AB89EF30-6994-00002FD3F2313DD7.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our backyard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm really hoping it starts looking more like spring soon. I've found lots of places here that I would like for us to be able to get out and explore. I guess I can't complain too much since the winter in NC wasn't too cold and we had only seen an inch of snow there. It's been 6 years since we lived somewhere with lots of snow though so we just aren't used to dealing with it anymore. The snow actually went along with our LHOP studies this week though. It was snowing here while we read about all the snow Laura had on Christmas. We also got to make molasses on snow candy like they do in the book. <br />
<br />
I have some more pictures of last week's activities, but they go along with <em>The Prairie Primer </em>so I plan to put them all in a post talking about just that. <br />
<br />
Here is a picture of my baby girl just because I think she's so cute. I can't believe how much she's grown and that she's already 12 weeks old. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/colin%207th%20birthday/school/8D92C05C-93F3-449E-A5C4-AE2ACD360806-6994-00002FD3E944F9D5.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 8D92C05C-93F3-449E-A5C4-AE2ACD360806-6994-00002FD3E944F9D5.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/8D92C05C-93F3-449E-A5C4-AE2ACD360806-6994-00002FD3E944F9D5.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-66117641636967483132013-04-08T23:05:00.000-04:002013-04-08T23:05:49.936-04:00Where has the time gone?I can't believe how much time has gone by since I've posted anything. So much has happened since then and we've been so busy. <br />
<br />
The biggest change is a new addition to our family. Our sweet baby girl was born in January. We are all so in love with her. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/chad2sarah/media/b74f573e-cf67-4d88-8991-8e390affc84e_1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo b74f573e-cf67-4d88-8991-8e390affc84e_1.jpg" border="0" height="285" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/b74f573e-cf67-4d88-8991-8e390affc84e_1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
The next big change is that we moved to Minnesota a few weeks ago. It was a big move because it's far from where we lived (NC) and a place we aren't too familiar with. We all flew here for a few days in October to look around, but that was the only time the kids and I had been anywhere near here.<br />
<br />
A young baby and lots of unpacking are keeping me busy, but I'm going to try to get back to posting here. I like keeping a record of the things we're doing. We have plans for a lot of exciting things over the next few months so I want to write about them. I also think I'll try to post highlights from the months I haven't posted. <br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-90106720878041536892012-09-30T22:08:00.001-04:002012-09-30T22:08:55.285-04:00Last two weeks of September<br />
We got so busy that I didn't have a chance to write a wrap-up for last week so I'm going to put both weeks here. We decided at the last minute to go to Tennessee to see my cousin and her family while they were visiting there. We hadn't seen them in over a year so it was nice to catch up and the kids had a great time with their little cousin. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;">History</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Our first SOTW chapter was about China. We read that other countries wanted to trade with them, but their emperor Chi'en-lung didn't think they needed anything from others and made the other countries follow lots of restrictions. Then we learned that the British started sending opium to China and continued doing so even after the emperor ordered them to stop. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The next week we read about Napoleon Bonaparte, his battles, and how he came to be the ruler of France. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We also learned about the Louisana Purchase. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Science</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The girls have been working on chapter 2 in Zoology 2, learning about whales. They did experiments about echolocation and to see why ocean water doesn't freeze as quickly as other water. They made paper bag whales (directions found <a href="http://www.allkidsnetwork.com/crafts/animals/ocean/paper-bag-whale.asp">here</a>) and a toothed whale for their ocean boxes. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=FB2616D5-E751-4C06-A705-36D2AC7BE7F6-2766-00000B40C14BB28B_zpsada7c1b5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/FB2616D5-E751-4C06-A705-36D2AC7BE7F6-2766-00000B40C14BB28B_zpsada7c1b5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleigh's whale Colin's whale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=659A2A12-BB4C-4BC1-970E-956385F19FE0-2766-00000B3F38F9B644_zps53565eba.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/659A2A12-BB4C-4BC1-970E-956385F19FE0-2766-00000B3F38F9B644_zps53565eba.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly's whale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=7E9A8B7E-72BD-493F-8825-223C749E44F7-1260-000006E71CF5CF55.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/7E9A8B7E-72BD-493F-8825-223C749E44F7-1260-000006E71CF5CF55.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whale books we read</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Colin has been doing module 2 of Apologia General Science about scientific inquiry. He did some experiments to see how weight affects the speed at which objects fall. He started working on the study guide questions to prepare for his test this coming week. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Art</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We did a lesson in Artistic Pursuits about seeing lines. The kids drew a model of an animal following the curves of the lines they saw while looking at the object. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=C2C82F6B-1572-4B7B-999E-34DF95EF1098-2766-00000B405BB20DD1_zpsb953e335.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/C2C82F6B-1572-4B7B-999E-34DF95EF1098-2766-00000B405BB20DD1_zpsb953e335.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin's moose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=587E2ADB-F679-4F78-B52B-B2499445D726-2766-00000B40418E630E_zps65dc3bcb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/587E2ADB-F679-4F78-B52B-B2499445D726-2766-00000B40418E630E_zps65dc3bcb.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly's giraffe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=C67BD0C3-0387-4386-BEA4-901A3F31C5E7-2766-00000B40286DD191_zps983eada8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/C67BD0C3-0387-4386-BEA4-901A3F31C5E7-2766-00000B40286DD191_zps983eada8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleigh's sea lion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Field Trips</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We ended up doing quite a bit of traveling over the last 2 weeks. We went to Richmond, VA for Colin's hockey games. While we were there, we got to visit Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, and Yorktown Victory Center. The kids liked Jamestown the best and loved checking out the ships there. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last week when we went to Tennessee, we took the kids hiking on some trails in the Smoky Mountains. <br />
<br />
</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-14441207398760551872012-09-17T22:19:00.000-04:002012-09-17T22:19:02.340-04:00We're having a GIRL!!<br />
<br />
Last week, we all went to have my ultrasound to see the baby. The kids were so excited. The girls have had a ton of questions and were thrilled that they would see the baby and hear the heartbeat. We found out that we're having a girl! I think the kids were very surprised because they've all seemed sure it was a boy. It took them a little time to get used to, but I think they are good with a girl now. <br />
<br />
I think having a girl when we already have two older girls is going to get expensive. We went shopping over the weekend and the girls wanted to get the baby all kinds of clothes. I can see they are all about cute and not practical. I think it will be like they have a doll to dress up. They're so excited about picking all the baby stuff. We got rid of everything years ago so I guess they'll have a lot of chances to choose stuff. They're also working on names. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=CF4A363B-D7A9-4F37-A013-3653C893346D-704-00000754EC0CCF83.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/CF4A363B-D7A9-4F37-A013-3653C893346D-704-00000754EC0CCF83.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-30642525230003618622012-09-14T21:53:00.001-04:002012-09-14T21:53:26.380-04:00Our Week: 9/10-9/14<br />
I'm still surprised with how well we've all adjusted back to school. We're still not starting as early as I would like, but it's getting earlier. Everyone got used to sleeping in later while I was dealing with the tiredness and sickness of pregnancy. I'm still dealing with some sickness, but it's mostly just nausea and has gotten much better. <br />
The weather was great this week and I wish we had gotten out to enjoy it more. Looks like next week is going to be nice too so I really want to try to get us all outside more. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;">History</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We ended up getting in a lot of history this week. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We started by reading more about Catherine the Great and learning how she became the empress of Russia. Then we read about the steam engine being used in Britain and how that increased the demand for coal. We also read about Eli Whitney's cotton gin and how he made standardization popular by making interchangeable parts for guns.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We finished the week by reviewing a little about the Jamestown settlement, the Battle of Yorktown, and what life was like in Williamsburg during Colonial times to prepare for a trip next week to visit those places. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
We made our own cotton gin to help them understand how it worked. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=4737C504-BC43-4DD4-AFD7-69187F8DAA64-1115-000003214BBEDEED.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/4737C504-BC43-4DD4-AFD7-69187F8DAA64-1115-000003214BBEDEED.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;">Science</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<br />
<br />
We finished the first chapter of Zoology 1.<br />
The girls did a couple of experiments. <br />
<br />
The first used a balloon and soda bottle to demonstrate how lungs react when a person dives into the deep ocean. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=4223A119-010C-4ADF-9B67-F4DA96196D9F-1115-000003215405F5EB.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/4223A119-010C-4ADF-9B67-F4DA96196D9F-1115-000003215405F5EB.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=E422D825-78BE-4D3F-B139-383E7C135149-1115-000003215905F0CE.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/E422D825-78BE-4D3F-B139-383E7C135149-1115-000003215905F0CE.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The second experiment was to find out if hot or cold water is heavier. This one was a little difficult<br />
for the girls to see. You were supposed to color the cold and hot water different colors. When the water came out of the cup into the bowl, they should have been able to see where it went, but it was really hard to see. It worked a little better when we tried leaving the water in the bowl clear and only coloring the water in the cup. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=0B19D7FB-31CA-457F-9953-32E5621A6E76-1115-000003216E3B3CD8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/0B19D7FB-31CA-457F-9953-32E5621A6E76-1115-000003216E3B3CD8.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
For General Science, Colin did an experiment that showed two chemical reactions occurring. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=61066909-98E1-4B4F-BCD7-8DE0F184A628-1115-0000032163F212B5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/61066909-98E1-4B4F-BCD7-8DE0F184A628-1115-0000032163F212B5.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The girls were very excited when they saw the balloon suddenly blow up. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=A3BE2497-C584-4568-B08D-15288C236E8D-1115-00000321697BDCCE.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/A3BE2497-C584-4568-B08D-15288C236E8D-1115-00000321697BDCCE.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;">Art</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This week's lesson from Artistic Pursuits was about form. We read about what form is, looked at a picture to discuss if it had form, and then made animals with form. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=0713FF1D-FF1D-4B80-9DD3-9BAD2CF44CD9-1322-000003D4F80216A8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/0713FF1D-FF1D-4B80-9DD3-9BAD2CF44CD9-1322-000003D4F80216A8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molly's cow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=223BC6A4-334C-4CE6-9D72-11BA7864B9B2-1322-000003D501F042CC.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/223BC6A4-334C-4CE6-9D72-11BA7864B9B2-1322-000003D501F042CC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleigh's dragon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=73D9F1A0-6B9D-4F48-9529-65D120F1CB31-1322-000003D4FC534ACA.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/73D9F1A0-6B9D-4F48-9529-65D120F1CB31-1322-000003D4FC534ACA.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin's dog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;">Other News</span></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
We drove two hours to go to an apple orchard Sunday. It was a beautiful day and we all had a good time. The kids picked 40 lbs of apples. We had a picnic lunch there, petted and fed some animals, and bought lots of goodies. The only bad thing was that we had car trouble right after leaving there. Luckily, we made it home, but the car wasn't going any farther. We had to have it towed and ended up getting a new transmission, which caused some rearranging earlier in the week with only one car. <br />
</div>
<div align="left">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=C84C1C13-0D00-41BA-BD6C-AB166BFC68B9-409-0000010884DE95AA.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/C84C1C13-0D00-41BA-BD6C-AB166BFC68B9-409-0000010884DE95AA.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Colin had hockey practice Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. We drove to Richmond, VA today for his first games of the season tomorrow and Sunday. We're planning to get in some history field trips while we're here. <br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-10629855487458606292012-09-09T23:02:00.001-04:002012-09-09T23:11:41.597-04:00Our 2nd Week<br />
<br />
Our second week of school went well. We've almost worked up to doing our full load. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;">Three Rs</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div align="center">
</div>
Everyone has finished reviewing and moved on to new stuff. <br />
<br />
Molly finished learning all the single phonograms and is ready to start Spell to Write and Read. She also started cursive this week. <br />
<br />
Nothing else too exciting. Colin and Caleigh are just progressing with their usual things. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;">History</span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We did 1 1/2 chapters in <em>Story of the World </em>this week. First we read about the French Revolution. Then we started learning about Catherine the Great of Russia. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Science</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Just as I expected would happen, Colin has insisted on listening in to the girls' science even though he still has to do his own. We started on the first chapter of Zoology <em></em>2, learning about aquatic animals, currents, and tides. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They did an experiment to create a miniature gyre to learn more about surface currents. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=AC50CD65-9BFE-4022-B103-E0D9679CEFC4-704-00000754F933C70A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/AC50CD65-9BFE-4022-B103-E0D9679CEFC4-704-00000754F933C70A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In Aplogia General Science, Colin did two experiments. <br />
<br />
The first was putting different things in a glass to learn about density.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=B748E54A-9A23-4650-80BC-01D9E4AF50B9-704-00000754E5F33A34.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/B748E54A-9A23-4650-80BC-01D9E4AF50B9-704-00000754E5F33A34.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=C99071A0-D7AC-48E6-A892-B9C4D7875235-704-00000754E0C34A4A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/C99071A0-D7AC-48E6-A892-B9C4D7875235-704-00000754E0C34A4A.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then he did an experiment with cold water, hot water, and food coloring to learn about atomic motion. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=D49CE61D-A749-4102-81A0-3E625A26157C-704-00000754DB5CB288.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/D49CE61D-A749-4102-81A0-3E625A26157C-704-00000754DB5CB288.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=B97742E8-4A8E-4C9D-9BBE-0C70E43C17B5-704-00000754D1C8F147.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/B97742E8-4A8E-4C9D-9BBE-0C70E43C17B5-704-00000754D1C8F147.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Art</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We did a lesson in <em>Artistic Pursuits, </em>where we talked about seeing shapes and studied Diego Rivera's <em>Flower Day </em>looking at shapes. Then the kids made paper cutout collages. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=9378DE9C-BA75-49C1-BBF9-64626E20E076-409-000001087FE450D9.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/9378DE9C-BA75-49C1-BBF9-64626E20E076-409-000001087FE450D9.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Other Stuff</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Colin had his first week with three hockey practices. He'd only been having 2, but will have 3 the rest of the year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The kids got to go to the doctor with me and see the baby on the ultrasound. I think it made it more real for them to see the baby and hear the heartbeat. The girls have asked how much longer until the baby is born a million times since then. It's going to be a long 4 months. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We met some new people at a park day nearby. The kids had a good time meeting new people and playing. Hopefully, we'll be able to go to another one soon. Since we've moved, most of the kids' friends are about 45 minutes away so it would be nice to have some friends closer too. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-20023612184932090722012-09-06T19:39:00.000-04:002012-09-06T19:39:22.957-04:00First Day of School 2012<br />
Our first day of school was last week, but this is the first chance I've had to post about it. <br />
<br />
We started the day with chocolate chip pancakes. Each kid got the number of their grade. Those 4s and 2s aren't easy to make. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/?action=view&current=1CD8E7CC-1DB2-4FE7-BE65-EAE5BFC69677-704-00000754F3EC4E7A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/colin%207th%20birthday/school/1CD8E7CC-1DB2-4FE7-BE65-EAE5BFC69677-704-00000754F3EC4E7A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We also had some special cupcakes for the first day. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/school/?action=view&current=DSC06064.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/school/DSC06064.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Of course, we had to take first day of school pictures. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Colin- 7th grade<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/school/?action=view&current=DSC06095.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/school/DSC06095.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Caleigh- 4th grade<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/school/?action=view&current=DSC06089.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/school/DSC06089.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Molly- 2nd grade<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/school/?action=view&current=DSC06080.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/school/DSC06080.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-67124056358391776812012-09-03T18:57:00.000-04:002012-09-03T18:57:08.884-04:00Our First Week Back to School<br />
I am so happy about our first week back to school. After the longest break we've ever taken, I definitely expected the worst. Sometimes the kids seem to have a hard time getting back into things and act like they've forgotten all their math skills after just a long weekend. They've done great though. No whining or complaining and they seem to be ready to pick right back up where we left off. I think maybe they were ready for a little more structure to our days. <br />
<br />
Monday was the first day for public schools in our area so we had a "Not Back to School" celebration with our homeschool friends. We've been doing this for the last several years. We usually go to lunch and then bowling, but this year we went to Chuck E. Cheeses after lunch. The kids seemed to like that better and it worked well with all ages. It was great hanging out with everyone and seeing some friends we haven't seen in a while. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/school/?action=view&current=DSC06053.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/school/DSC06053.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
On Tuesday, we officially started our school year. The kids did an all about me page and a first day of school interview to start. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/school/?action=view&current=DSC06076.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/school/DSC06076.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
For the last four years, I've made the kids a special back to school cake. We've had a box of crayons, a sheet of notebook paper, and the earth (you can see them under the cake tab at the top of this page). Pregnancy sickness has made it hard for me to be in the kitchen so this year I was looking for something easy. This cupcakes were really easy. I bought chocolate covered cookies for chalkboards and the little white candies (chalk) are from the candies you buy by the pound at the grocery store. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/school/?action=view&current=DSC06066.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/school/DSC06066.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Molly is at the beginning of a math book so she has started that. Colin and Caleigh have been doing review work. Caleigh is doing 2 review pages each day from the part of her RightStart math book that she had already finished. Colin did the tests in Basic College Math for review before jumping back into his Geometry and starting Pre-Algebra next week. <br />
<br />
Molly is doing grammar, reviewing writing capital and lowercase letters, and learning the phonograms before starting Spell to Write and Read. <br />
Caleigh did grammar, Writing with Ease, and reviewed her cursive letters. I had planned to let her review the phonograms, but she only had trouble with a couple of them so I need to get ready and move on to the reference pages and spelling lists with her. <br />
Colin did Daily Grams, logic, some writing, and started reading his science. <br />
<br />
In history, we read about James Cook and his explorations. We learned more about Australia and convicts being sent there. We also read about the beginning of political parties, the White House, and the first census in <em>A History of US.</em><br />
<br />
<br />
Our read aloud for the week was <em>Pippi Longstocking. </em>I'm hoping to do a better job reading chapter books aloud this year. We read tons of books for history, science, unit studies, etc., but I have a hard time sticking with reading a book that takes us more than a few days. Last year we listened to books in the car, but we won't have as much driving to do now since we've moved. <br />
Here are the kids playing with pattern blocks and tangrams while I read. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/school/?action=view&current=DSC06060.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/school/DSC06060.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-42341096083349510862012-08-19T19:58:00.000-04:002012-08-19T20:03:53.270-04:00Our School RoomThis is our 3rd year having a school room and it's the 3rd one we've had (maybe we need to stop moving so much). Before having one, we did school in the dining room or kitchen. That worked pretty well for a while, but as we added in the girls and acquired lots more stuff, it became hard to find space for everything. <br />
<br />
I love having a school room and would have a very hard time going back to not having one. I know lots of people who have school rooms still end up working all over the house, but we actually do most of our work in this room. I think having a good sized room, a large table where we all fit, and a couch to do our reading makes a big difference. I like that it's separate from the main part of the house because it keeps me from getting distracted by other things (laundry, dishes, etc) I would worry about if I was looking at them the whole time. <br />
<br />
<br />
Our school room is an upstairs bonus room. After you come in the door, there is an small area and then a step down. That's where this picture was taken. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=56BAA395-609F-4A2D-9D21-CEB6E3E4A356-6522-000025033BFE1C28.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/56BAA395-609F-4A2D-9D21-CEB6E3E4A356-6522-000025033BFE1C28.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
A little closer to the main part of the room. <br />
My hubby made this table because I couldn't find one as big as I wanted. It has shelves for legs so we can store extra pencils, crayons, colored pencils, etc. I painted a lazy susan and added metal pails (from Target dollar section) for the middle of the table to hold things we use often. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=D3ED6958-A486-4566-BAA7-9DF6FAC694A2-6522-00002529353D4BDC.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/D3ED6958-A486-4566-BAA7-9DF6FAC694A2-6522-00002529353D4BDC.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
This is taken from the table and is the opposite side of the room. The door is on the left side of the picture. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=3F0194F3-8E4D-4445-863C-296849297F4B-6522-000025033266AB09.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/3F0194F3-8E4D-4445-863C-296849297F4B-6522-000025033266AB09.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Right side of room<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=3B76F232-82BC-4431-B617-2EAC15218B4A-6522-000025032E7214CD.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/3B76F232-82BC-4431-B617-2EAC15218B4A-6522-000025032E7214CD.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Left side of room<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=3299FCB7-F9F0-4746-A199-C4548870F425-6522-00002503078C6853.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/3299FCB7-F9F0-4746-A199-C4548870F425-6522-00002503078C6853.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'll start to the left as you enter the room and go around. This the only area in the room that doesn't have the angled walls so it's where the bookshelves had to go. Everything on these shelves is divided by subject. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=84EAA55B-E08F-46AF-9C7A-A128479952E2-6522-00002503027004F9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/84EAA55B-E08F-46AF-9C7A-A128479952E2-6522-00002503027004F9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I love this little reading area and the kids were excited to go out and choose beanbags for it. The shelf on the left has picture books and the right one has easy readers and chapter books. On top of the right shelf are file folder games and library books (in the B bookends). I'm planning to get a basket or two to hold more library books. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=4D8C6E68-AC57-4DA4-9B21-45B3F65B0E11-6522-0000250329B90208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/4D8C6E68-AC57-4DA4-9B21-45B3F65B0E11-6522-0000250329B90208.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Next is our little science area. On the left are a container of magnets and a magnet book, a wooden box with treasures the kids have found outside, and some bug containers. On the right are some ocean themed items. The basket has frogs on a log along with science and math workbooks that go with them for Molly to use when she finishes and is waiting for the rest of us. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=2A7B4CD6-220F-443A-B791-22AC21AF8D4C-6522-000025030BAB889D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/2A7B4CD6-220F-443A-B791-22AC21AF8D4C-6522-000025030BAB889D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Art and Writing area<br />
You can see our art work display line coming across the science area and into this. There's a small table for the girls with some journals on it and a roll of paper. Above that are containers with markers, crayons, colored pencils, glue sticks, and decorative scissors. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=56576515-2622-49A7-B084-462E0ADCD8D7-6522-000025031B57A1D9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/56576515-2622-49A7-B084-462E0ADCD8D7-6522-000025031B57A1D9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Gutter shelves to display books that go along with what we're studying or if it's just something I want the kids to notice. The basket in the corner has pattern blocks, tangrams, and books to go with them. This couch gets lots of use for read alouds and often when the kids are reading on their own.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=69012735-E522-4A08-8A27-E8CE60C03AC3-6522-00002503120380C9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/69012735-E522-4A08-8A27-E8CE60C03AC3-6522-00002503120380C9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Close up of the cork board that's behind the couch. This is where I put up which artist, music (instruments right now), and state we're studying. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DF38E9C6-E193-45E3-AC39-2E59EFB750ED-6522-000025031619E56D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DF38E9C6-E193-45E3-AC39-2E59EFB750ED-6522-000025031619E56D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
World map, president poster, beginning of our time line, and math box. I don't know if you can see it, but the yellow sign says "look what I made" and has 3 clips for hanging things. I shortened our timeline this year and just included from the late 1500s to now. In history, we've almost made it to the 1800s. The math box has all our RightStart manipulatives divided into the drawers. The box on top has cards for the math games.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=33E75CA0-EB1F-43AE-8525-6142B8D36794-6522-0000250320802516.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/33E75CA0-EB1F-43AE-8525-6142B8D36794-6522-0000250320802516.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
This is where I keep the books we use almost daily. Each of us has a cubby and there is one for the girls' science, Colin's science, state study, unit study or holidays, subjects we do together, their lapbook notebooks, and 2 for history. The containers on the bottom hold some of my supplies. The kids each have one under their cubby for whatever they need to put in. The bins on the top hold their art supplies (the good ones that I want them to take care of and be responsible for their own). On the left is the girls' workboxes (5 for each of them). On top of that is SWR phonogram cards. The right side has Colin's workboxes. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=1960ED1A-204A-4C82-9F40-1DC71B8E74BD-6522-0000250324F996E6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/1960ED1A-204A-4C82-9F40-1DC71B8E74BD-6522-0000250324F996E6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The green container to the left has file folders to hold printouts and whatever else for things I've planned that we'll be doing soon. The white drawers hold all different kinds of paper with the printer on top. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=E1ED02F5-8C75-42C1-8943-E7DDE00E64B0-6522-000025033760816A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/E1ED02F5-8C75-42C1-8943-E7DDE00E64B0-6522-000025033760816A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Just outside of the room is our craft closet. It's in need of a lot of organization right now. I just wanted to hurry and get the boxes unpacked so I'll be working on it soon. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=EB23D387-E1D1-4AFB-8BE3-582770336EF1-6522-00002502FCF27CAC.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/EB23D387-E1D1-4AFB-8BE3-582770336EF1-6522-00002502FCF27CAC.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img height="96" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/EB23D387-E1D1-4AFB-8BE3-582770336EF1-6522-00002502FCF27CAC.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 256px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 6419px;" width="71" /><br />
<br />
We also have another closet down the hall outside the playroom for games and puzzles. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Check out this blog hop to see where other people are doing school. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/category/not-back-to-school-blog-hop/"><img alt="Not Back to School Blog Hop" height="125" src="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/nbts-blog-hop-2012.jpg" width="125" /></a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-28477664737124286232012-08-12T19:30:00.000-04:002012-08-12T19:38:35.557-04:002012-2013 CurriculumMost of our curriculum this year is just the next level of what we've done before. The biggest change is going to be separate science programs. When my girls started school, I found that it was best for us to all do as much as possible together so that's what we've done. With Colin starting 7th grade this year, I really felt like he needed a more rigorous science and to start moving toward more independence. He's not all that happy about it, but we'll try it and see how it goes. All three kids will continue to do history and art together though. <br />
<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>7th Grade</strong></span></u><br />
<br />
<u><strong>Math</strong></u><br />
<a href="http://rightstartmath.com/">RightStart Geometry</a> (has about 1/3 to finish)<br />
<a href="http://store.rightstartmath.com/videotextmath.aspx">VideoText Algebra</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Basic-College-Mathematics-Margaret-Lial/dp/0321257804/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344810113&sr=1-2&keywords=basic+college+mathematics+7th+edition">Basic College Math</a> (for review)<br />
<a href="http://lifeoffredmath.com/lof-decimals.php">Life of Fred Decimals and Percents</a> (for review)<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><strong>Language Arts</strong></u><br />
<a href="http://www.welltrainedmind.com/store/language-arts/writing/writing-middle-grades.html">Writing with Skill</a><br />
<a href="http://www.welltrainedmind.com/store/language-arts/writing/creative-writing-middle-grades.html">The Creative Writer</a> (Fridays)<br />
<a href="http://home.pct.edu/~evavra/KISS.htm">KISS Grammar</a><br />
<a href="http://www.learningthings.com/daily-grams-grammar-curriculum?cc=egsdaily">Daily Grams</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/English-Roots-Up-Vol-Spelling/dp/0964321033">Vocabulary from the Roots Up</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<u><strong>Science</strong></u><br />
<a href="http://www.apologia.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2">Apologia General Science</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<u><strong>History</strong></u><br />
<a href="http://www.welltrainedmind.com/store/history-and-geography/story-of-the-world.html">Story of the World</a> (chapters 24-42 of volume 3 and start volume 4)<br />
<a href="http://www.joyhakim.com/works.htm">A History of US</a><br />
We will stop to go into more depth on the U.S. sections of SOTW.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><strong>Geography</strong></u><br />
State study- we started this last year so we will pick back up where we left off doing a different state every Friday. (Resources shown below)<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><strong>Art/Music/Foreign Language</strong></u><br />
<a href="http://artisticpursuits.com/">Artistic Pursuits</a><br />
Meet the Masters<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Story-Orchestra-Listen-Instruments-Composers/dp/1579121489">Story of the Orchestra</a><br />
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?page=1500930&sp=99007">Power Glide Spanish</a> (still trying to decide if we want to do this)<br />
<br />
<u><strong>Logic</strong></u><br />
<a href="http://www.fallacydetective.com/products/item/the-fallacy-detective/">The Fallacy Detective</a> (needs to finish this)<br />
<a href="http://www.fallacydetective.com/products/item/the-thinking-toolbox/">The Thinking Toolbox</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<u><strong>Typing</strong></u><br />
<a href="http://mavisbeacon.com/">Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<u><strong>PE</strong></u><br />
Travel hockey with 3 practices a week and games on weekends<br />
Considering track if it will work around his hockey schedule<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=d98adc60.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/d98adc60.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of Colin's 7th grade books</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>4th Grade</strong></span></u><br />
<br />
<u><strong>Math</strong></u><br />
<a href="http://rightstartmath.com/">RightStart Math</a> (finish level D, start E)<br />
<a href="http://www.singaporemath.com/Challenging_Word_Problems_s/140.htm">Challenging Word Problems 4</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<u><strong>Language Arts</strong></u><br />
<a href="http://www.swrtraining.com/id23.html">Spell to Write and Read</a><br />
<a href="http://www.welltrainedmind.com/store/language-arts/grammar.html">First Language Lessons 3</a><br />
<a href="http://www.welltrainedmind.com/store/language-arts/writing/writing-elementary.html">Writing with Ease</a><br />
<br />
<u><strong>Science </strong></u><br />
<a href="https://apologia.securesites.net/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_63">Exploring Creation with Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures</a><br />
Lapbooks: Jellyfish, Coral Reef, Sea stars, Mollusks, Sharks, Manatees, Whales, Dolphins (all from <a href="http://www.homeschoolshare.com/">Homeschool Share</a>)<br />
Sunny Seashells (Download N Go unit study)<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><strong>History</strong></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.welltrainedmind.com/store/history-and-geography/story-of-the-world.html">Story of the World</a> (chapters 24-42 of volume 3 and start volume 4)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.joyhakim.com/works.htm">A History of US</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<u><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Geography</strong></span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">State study- we started this last year so we will pick back up where we left off doing a different state every Friday. (Resources shown below)</span><br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;">
<strong> <span style="font-size: small;"><u>Art/Music/Foreign Language</u></span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://artisticpursuits.com/">Artistic Pursuits</a></span></span><br />
Meet the Masters<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Story-Orchestra-Listen-Instruments-Composers/dp/1579121489">Story of the Orchestra</a></span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?page=1500930&sp=99007">Power Glide Spanish</a> (still trying to decide if we want to do this)<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=80e73f71.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/80e73f71.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of Caleigh's 4th grade books</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>2nd Grade</strong></span></u><br />
<br />
<u><strong>Math </strong></u><br />
<a href="http://rightstartmath.com/">RightStart Level C</a><br />
<br />
<u><strong>Language Arts</strong></u><br />
<a href="http://www.swrtraining.com/id23.html">Spell to Write and Read</a><br />
<a href="http://www.welltrainedmind.com/store/language-arts/grammar.html">First Language Lessons</a> (finish 1, start 2)<br />
<a href="http://www.welltrainedmind.com/store/language-arts/writing/writing-elementary.html">Writing with Ease</a><br />
<a href="http://www.swrtraining.com/id17.html">Cursive First</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<u><strong>Science</strong></u><br />
<a href="https://apologia.securesites.net/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_63">Exploring Creation with Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures</a><br />
Lapbooks: Jellyfish, Coral Reef, Sea stars, Mollusks, Sharks, Manatees, Whales, Dolphins (all from <a href="http://www.homeschoolshare.com/">Homeschool Share</a>)<br />
Sunny Seashells (Download N Go unit study)<br />
<br />
<u><strong>History</strong></u><br />
<a href="http://www.welltrainedmind.com/store/history-and-geography/story-of-the-world.html">Story of the World</a> (chapters 24-42 of volume 3 and start volume 4)<br />
<a href="http://www.joyhakim.com/works.htm">A History of US</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<u><strong>Geography</strong></u><br />
State study- we started this last year so we will pick back up where we left off doing a different state every Friday. (Resources shown below)<br />
<br />
<u><strong>Art/Music/Foreign Language</strong></u><br />
<a href="http://artisticpursuits.com/">Artistic Pursuits</a><br />
Meet the Masters<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Story-Orchestra-Listen-Instruments-Composers/dp/1579121489">Story of the Orchestra</a><br />
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?page=1500930&sp=99007">Power Glide Spanish</a> (still trying to decide if we want to do this)<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=17b7dec3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/17b7dec3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of Molly's 2nd grade books</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=bb83b8cd.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/bb83b8cd.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Books for subjects kids will do together</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=e69fa8f1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/e69fa8f1.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the resources we'll use for learning about the states</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We're expecting a new baby in January. I'm not sure how this will impact our school year. The last time we had a newborn my oldest wasn't even 5 years old so school wasn't something we had to worry about. This will be a big change for us. I really want to get things well planned and prepared so that at least my 7th grader can continue on his own for most subjects. I'll probably have review type things for the 4th and 2nd graders to work on. They'll also play RightStart Math games and have a book basket to work through. We have quite a few of the <a href="http://www.unitstudy.com/DownloadNGo.html">Download N Go unit studies</a> that we haven't gotten around to doing that might also be good for them during those busy first weeks. If nothing else, they'll be learning plenty about babies. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/category/not-back-to-school-blog-hop/"><img alt="Not Back to School Blog Hop" height="125" src="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/nbts-blog-hop-2012.jpg" width="125" /></a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-70768338658478892092012-07-24T19:06:00.000-04:002012-07-24T19:06:32.015-04:00A Summer UpdateThis summer hasn't gone as I had planned and I've gotten behind on everything. <br />
We moved at the beginning of this month. We've moved quite a bit so I'm used to getting us unpacked and settled in quickly, but this time it was harder for me to prepare for the move and I haven't gotten to the unpacking as quickly as usual. We also moved when the temperature was over 100 degrees so it ended up taking us three weekends to get it all done. <br />
<br />
The big news in our house and one of the reasons I'm so behind is that I'm 14 weeks pregnant!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=dd222a36.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="298" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/dd222a36.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
While we're all very excited, pregnancy has presented an extra challenge to getting moved. The all day nausea started at 6 weeks and then I moved on to vomiting. Being sick all the time has just made me so exhausted that I've been unable to get things done. Now that I'm entering the second trimester, I'm just hoping the sickness goes away soon. <br />
<br />
<br />
I'd really like to get back into school mode soon. I think I know what curriculum we're using for everything, except Colin's grammar. I still need to order a few things. Our school room looks like this right now though so we're not really close to being ready.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=aca2be0c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/aca2be0c.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
And all of our books are still in boxes for now. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=03adb9f2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Uploaded from the Photobucket iPhone App" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/03adb9f2.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-86378630792125261922012-06-03T17:38:00.001-04:002012-06-03T17:38:34.026-04:00An UpdateI can't believe how far behind I've gotten on this blog. I started having issues getting pictures to load. It was taking me forever so I put off posting. Once I was finally going to try to figure out what was going on, I saw that the blog layout was messed up. I can't figure out why everything is all pushed toward the middle and I just haven't had time to sit down and try to work on it. <br />
<br />
We're winding down our school year and hoping to finish up most things next week. <br />
<br />
We finished RS4K Chemistry and the bird section of Exploring Creation with Zoology 1 (we did the insect section in the fall). In history, we've spent the last couple months learning about the Revolutionary War. We did Download 'n Go Constitution Celebration last week and we're doing the George Washington one this week. <br />
<br />
Other than that, we've just been doing our regular stuff. Molly finished The Ordinary Parents' Guide to Teaching Reading,<em> </em>RightStart Math level B, and the 2nd grade Handwriting without Tears book so I told her she's finished with 1st grade. She's just been reading on her own while Colin and Caleigh finish up stuff. They should both reach the point where I want to stop this week. <br />
<br />
I haven't decided for sure what we'll do for the summer. I wanted to do some math review and games and some unit studies. As we get closer though, I'm feeling tired and in need of a break. We're moving in a month and I haven't even started packing. So we'll see what happens.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-65943046028776693392012-04-23T22:15:00.000-04:002012-04-23T22:15:14.490-04:00The National Zoo<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04657-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04657-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04678.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04678.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04676.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04676.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04672.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04672.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04688.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04688.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04625.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04625.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04642.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04642.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04701.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04701.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04646.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04646.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327182151857062882.post-83053724812787435562012-04-17T10:35:00.001-04:002012-04-17T10:36:51.524-04:00Arlington National Cemetery<div>
<br />
On our trip to Washington, D.C., last month, we visited Arlington National Cemetery for the first time. I could have never imagined how many graves there were without seeing it. They seem to go on forever. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04493.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04493.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04495-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04495-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The Eternal Flame at the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04443.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04443.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04500.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04465.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04465.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04473.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04473.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Changing of the guard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04481.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04481.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04453.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04453.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The cemetery is really beautiful with gorgeous trees and great views of the city. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04434.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04434.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04432.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04432.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04449.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04449.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04447.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04447.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/?action=view&current=DSC04436.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/chad2sarah/DSC04436.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09829786231756083774noreply@blogger.com2