School’s Out For Summer

Third Grade and Kindergarten are in the books for Jack and Isaac. This was our fourth year homeschooling and first year with both boys learning side by side. It was an excellent year with a focus on American History and lots of hikes with friends. 

Jack and Isaac have grown so much this year. I love that I get a front row seat for their education. Home education is not without its struggles but the freedom and flexibility are worth it. 

We completed 36 hikes with friends this school year, finished our second year of Classical Conversations, and took a 7,000+ mile road trip to see a good chunk of the United States including 9 National Parks and Monuments. We read hundreds of living books covering all manner of topics. We did experiments, baked delicious things, and learned poems together. 

The school year ended with a tonsillectomy for Jack, but even that didn’t stop us from getting in the last of our curriculum for the year. The last 15 months have had a lot of abnormal elements due to the pandemic, but we made the most of it. We met with friends every Monday afternoon at parks all over the area. We hiked every Wednesday. We found new normals and good within the abnormal. Here’s to a fun summer ahead!

Snow Cream

This year winter pretty much bypassed our area of the country. In fact we were pretty certain that it was skipping us altogether – I think we had two light snows that left Jack disappointed that we wouldn't be going sledding.

The week before spring break, we were meeting with our small group when we had an unexpected snow. We were in town, off of our mountain, and thankful to being driving a four-wheel drive vehicle (though it wasn't needed). Jack was thrilled to see the white stuff floating down from the sky, and anticipated finally getting to sled.

Alas, the snow was a scant two inches, and though pretty, it was not worthy of pulling out the sleds.

We allowed the kid play briefly on our porch before sending them to bed. When we awoke, the ground had a light covering of snow, still not enough to go sledding, BUT just enough to scoop up and make a batch of Snow Cream.

I am pretty sure Snow Cream is a southern thing, I had never even heard of it before Daniel and I got married (and I lived in Canada for several years as a kid). Lucky for our kids, we always make a batch of Snow Cream when we get enough snow.

I don't know if Snow Cream made up for the lack of sledding, but the kids did seem happy with the cold, sugary concoction. Especially Isaac as it was his first year to be big enough to try it. He happily slurped his down and would not let anyone take his cup away!

Hopefully next year we will get to use our sleds. Jack has also been asking about skiing and snowboarding. I have a feeling next year will be the year to introduce him to those activities.

Jack and Isaac, 6 Month Comparison

These two boys. They have my heart. 

The bigger Isaac gets, the more shocked I am at how much he looks like Jack. I didn't expect that. Can you tell who is who?

Glorious Chubby Cheeks

 First Day in Cradle Roll Class at Church

 Sweet Cuddles for Mama

 Gimme Water. Now.

Hiking.

Little Thumb Suckers.

6 Month Photos

Neigborhood Bike Ride

There will come a day when we spend some of our weekends (hopefully) riding single track in the woods or putting in the miles on the road with our boys, but that day is not today.

Today we went on a 1.5 mile ride around our neighborhood.

It was a first family bike ride for all four of us together; the first time Jack pedaled with both mommy and daddy riding along (he and Daniel have taking rides in the neighborhood before); and the first time Isaac was towed in the chariot.

For Daniel and I it was a slow (very slow) ride, but I'm glad we did it.

We happen to live in one of the flattest neighborhoods on Signal Mountain, but even our neighborhood is not flat. We are so proud of Jack for overcoming his trepidation on the downhill parts, and pushing through and pedaling the uphills. He only had to get off and walk once going up.

We are working on teaching Jack the rules of the road: staying to the right; staying away from cars; stopping at stop signs; paying attention to where you are riding; that sort of thing.

Some day, we will take advantage of all of the single track that Chattanooga has to offer (110 miles currently), but until that day comes, we will keep building up skills and endurance in our neighborhood.