Science was less formal and more just child led. We did cover a safety unit, Space Unit and dabbled a little with an Energy unit. Safety, we came up with a meeting spot and fire escape plan and even practiced it a time or two. We also discussed what to do in other types of natural disasters and how to handle strangers. Space was a fun one! We took an in depth look at each planet and our galaxy as a whole...we all learned a lot, even me! Energy just covered the basics, but we may revisit this again next year. ;) They participated in zoo and USCA classes throughout the year as well and of course read lots of books! We also focused on physical fitness as a family and ran some 5K's together and it has become part of our routine which we love! The kids and I run once a week at the park and they run the yard a couple times a week. We try to plan family runs and hikes on the weekend and they have some personal fitness goals they are working towards, as do Chris and I and it's super exciting and fun to pursue those together! Art was fun this year. I have a gallery wall in the dining room so we enjoyed making new art together for each season. Everyone would pick their project, gather supplies and get to work. Analeigh is also a huge fan of creativity! ;)
Ada Grayce! She's also done very well this year. She completed her level three books and moved on to level 4. She's well on her way to finishing those. She is continuing to excel at Teaching Textbooks Level 4 in math. She is still an avid speller, loves to read, play piano and dance. She's completed her last year as a Girl Scout and has decided to take on dancing more seriously. She auditioned and made her studio's company team and will begin those classes in August. Ada has always enjoyed art. She especially enjoys drawing and pastels this year. It's such a joy to witness the things that delight her. She and I have very similar interests in creating and crafting so it's always fun to take on a project together. She's a beautiful girl and delights in such simple things. We are so blessed to have her in our family sandwiched between two boys! And just like that, she's off to fourth grade!!
Grayson Keith...my big boy. He and I have officially completed elementary school together! I gotta say, some years were tough. He's got a big strong personality and at times, early on, that was a real hurdle when it came to school work. But despite my feelings of inadequacy and my deep questioning of my ability to do it, he has learned to read, knows and loves math, can research and tell you just about any facts you need to (or don't need) to know! Slowly as the years went on, we have learned what works and what doesn't. We completed MFW for Kindergarten through third grade. Did a little Five In a Row while we tried to figure out where we wanted to go from there, and with the help of a friend, we found The Good and The Beautiful and it could not have been a better fit for our lifestyle, his learning, and our family of 6! The later years of elementary have been a sheer delight, I honestly can't tell you the last time he and I struggled to get his school done, maybe it's just that we understand each other more, maybe it's that he's just growing up, or maybe I've finally figured it out...but whatever it is, he and I have talked many times about how grateful we are for the years we have spent together learning alongside one another and working out all the kinks. When we discussed middle school, we kind of left it open to him if he was ready to try public school. Much to my delight, he really likes what we are doing and the opportunities he has to work with his dad, his uncle, and just learning at home. I totally agree, but really wanted him to make that decision, so together we have decided we will readdress the idea for high school! And if he wants to jump in, we've got his back and if he wants to homeschool we will support that and figure it out, just as we have all along. But for now, I am ecstatic to know I have 3 more years to soak him in. It's been such a journey playing a small part in who this kid is becoming. He is so awesome, smart, driven, motivated and eager to learn alllll the things. He inspires me and I am excited about our journey through middle school together! <3 I have few pictures of him, because he's at the age where he does his thing and doesn't want mom photographing him all the time. LOL. But I sneak them in when I can...and I'm not sorry. I cherish every little snapshot of our life together. He too, started jiu jitsu in August and is LOVING it. He participated in his first tournament and took home second in both Gi and no Gi division. He's gearing up for another soon! He's also looking forward to another year at Asbury Hills Camp and he is such an awesome big brother.
And Analeigh. The baby...oh, sweet baby. Keeping her occupied during school can be a challenge, but she loves joining in when the opportunity arises or entertaining the others with her sillies. They sometimes take turns playing with her while I help the other and we have gotten into a great routine. It is certainly different having much older kids and a toddler than have 3 little ones who need only you all the time. They are like her little guardians and take such good care of her. And to say they adore her would be an understatement. It's a gift to watch them sympathize with her toddler emotions, teach her about the world and help her understand all the little things. She is loved so big.
My boys, my girls, my heart. I love them so deep and treasure every. single. day. I have to spend at home with them. Teaching them, being their mommy, adventuring, growing, learning, and just being a family. These certainly are THE days. <3
So with that, we wrapped up another year, jumped into summer with both feet and a trip to Edisto...because where else would we start our summer?! ;) Life is good. It was an awesome year! And, meanwhile, I'm trying not to blink, because another school year...or 5 will have come and gone...
