First Week of School

We made a gentle start to the new school year, allowing time to adjust to the routine and how it all will work. Basic Language Arts and Math were the primary focus. This coming week, we'll add in Science and U.S. History.

The online Spanish class (live) has already met for two sessions. (Ignore my messy desk. We couldn't get Zoom to work on Zoey's laptop in time for class.)

Each morning, the kids get a clipboard with their own list of assignments for the day. (Front and back) The times listed are not set in stone, but they do help us make sure to stay on track. I've arranged their assignments so that I have set times to work with each of them and that they have independent tasks while I'm working with the other. Everything after lunch - history, science, and Spanish practice - will be done together. They each have a school email account for any links or web-based content they will need to access.

 

This past Wednesday, the kids tried a cooking class at Young Chefs Academy. They were a little nervous but appeared to have a good time. There were mixed reviews afterward. I think we'll give it one more week before deciding if they'd like to do it more often. It's available weekly. I was impressed with how the whole process worked. The kids made muffin-sized shepherds pies and pineapple upside-down cake. All from scratch. They pronounced the little pies too dry, though they each had ideas on what could be done differently next time to make them better. 

This Tuesday, they will begin weekly enrichment classes at Keystone Hybrid in Kennesaw with other homeschoolers. Gavin's taking an engineering science class, and Zoey is taking an art class on painting. I think they will enjoy these.

I am exhausted and exhilarated all at the same time! As we settle into a routine, it will get easier, I know. This will be a great school year.

Pets

 Zoey is setting up a new habitat for her recently adopted African Dwarf Frogs. She wants to add some fish friends next week. 

The little frogs are tough to photograph, but I'm determined to get a good shot soon. This is the best I've managed.

Gavin has two aquatic pets already. This is Clayton, the betta, who is also hard to photograph. He looks like shadow of a fish!

This is Lulu Lewis, Gavin's axoltl. Oddest animal I've ever had to learn to care for and always interesting to watch.

My bearded dragon Scooby is warming up to Zoey. She is still campaigning for a dog, though. Something about scales and spikes not being as nice as fur for cuddling. 

The Littles

 Here are some recent photos of the youngest grandchildren. 

Brace yourself for the cuteness.

Pool Party

 Zoey's delayed birthday party finally happened! 

(Thank you, Vera, for the photos.)

Jumping Around at Adventure Air

 

Stars and Strikes

High drama bowling and a behind-the-scenes tour on June 10th.

They each got to bring home an old bowling pin, which was super cool!

Orange Beach

 Just some highlights of our quick trip to the beach at the end of May.

I hope to take them again in early fall (without getting COVID this time) so we can spend more time checking out local attractions and seeing family.