Week 1 & 2

Let's Get Started!

Well, the first couple of weeks weren't exactly like I had pictured in my mind...Day one was fantastic. That evening I came down with something (I think strep) and was bedridden for 2 1/2 days. Not really the kick off I was hoping for. We also had our monthly field trip that Derek ended up taking them to. Sooooooo......it took us two weeks to complete the first 5 days of school because the second week we had family in town and a birthday to celebrate so we did school when we could. We did spend one fantastic day at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo, which was very educational and not at all in the lesson plans.  

I suppose this is one of the benefits to homeschooling: we are able to be flexible.

Anyway, we did enjoy the first couple of weeks of finding our "normal" school routine. We focused on learning about the world. We studied maps, talked about different cultures. We learned a fun song to memorize the seven continents. We did a paper mache project (that still isn't complete due to high humidity) and I learned it's OKAY to let my kids explore and try things out. They are way more capable than I give them credit for. I know, I know....you would think I would've learned that earlier on but alas I didn't. We also learned about different religions. I am really excited about one of the books we use for Bible. It is called 'Window on the World: When We Pray God Works'.check it out It has been very insightful so far and I can't wait to dig in deeper. We did an overview about what Animism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism are. I especially appreciate the dialog Derek and I got to have with the boys about how those religions are different from ours because some of them sound similar.

Here are some fun pictures of our first couple weeks.

See?! Day one started off great!!

Tyler has his calendar book he does daily. It has lots of fun stuff in it. 

Someday I might show you.....

the press box at the Saltdog's Stadium

the boys said this was their favorite part - being in the dugout

the Saltdog's field. Also, the Husker's baseball field

We are so very fortunate to be in a wonderful group of homeschool families. A few were missing this time.

We were also blessed by getting to go to an Iowa Cubs baseball game and watch Grandpa Rullestad throw the first pitch of the game for his 60th birthday!!!

Ian digs the desert

Uncle Gabe, Aunt Nicole, and cousin Olivia tackle the rain forest with us

Those gorillas are exhausting (or maybe it was the miles of walking)

Ian hangs out with the rhinos

Tyler is reading chapter books now

He is 7, so it shouldn't be a surprise

Blessed with all the cousins present

Ice cream after a long day of schoolwork

Tyler, working on math

 Oh this paper mache.....humid days don't allow for quick drying times. We are working on making globes. I will have to keep you updated about these.....Let's just say, it wasn't as easy as I remember. 

So we survived and I will say we also thrived. It was a good start to what I know is going to be a wonderful school year. Please pray as we continue. The next few weeks we are exploring North America. Pray for continued growth and health. As we follow God's leading in our lives, we want to make sure we learn all HE wants us to this year. 

Blessing to you, our family and friends!