4 weeks and still going

Well, we are now in our 4th week of learning at home. Tyler really wanted to be a part of a concert band so he is attending Band twice a week at the middle school. He loves it! He, basically, has the best of both worlds. He still gets to go to school, see some of his friends (that he has gone to school with for 5 years) then come home do his school work and be done for the day (with out having to worry with homework). Kyle does not attend any part of the public classes, however he will be a part of a home school Math Olympiad group (the math stuff that he can figure out and do in his head is absolutely amazing). We are also going to join a science class with the homeschool group from our church. The math and science groups don't start for another 2 weeks.

There are always advantages and draw backs to everything. With learning at home, I have to say that the boys do go a little crazy at times being in the house all day. That part is an adjustment. ...with out getting in the car and spending money. We tried to go for a bike ride the other day but it is still way too hot here in AZ. I am learning to be more creative with keeping the boys busy. It has been good for me to use my brain a little too. :)

The other day the hubby wiped all the dust off our old Monopoly game and the boys LOVED it. It actually made for a good lesson in economics. As we were playing we were teaching the boys about the value of money, buying, selling, investing, and even how to negotiate. I have to say, it was cool watching them learn and enjoy it. I feel like a kid again playing games with them.

I just learned of Geocaching. I can't wait until it cools down and we can go Geocaching around town. I have never done it before but it sounds like a lot of fun. Anyone ever done it before? I have a few other ideas to tryout to keep us busy and learning outside of the written work we do at home. If anyone has any fun inexpensive ideas I would love to hear about them.

Well, I guess that is all for now. Until next time....

2 weeks complete

Well, we have made it through our first two weeks of learning at home. It has been really great! We have learned SO much (yes, even me). It is amazing how much can be fit into so little time. The BEST part of the whole thing is the fact that we don't have our entire evenings taken up by homework. Now that we have found ourselves with extra time in the evening we have started playing more games and watching more movies together as a family. It has been so much fun...and relaxing.

Our main topic in "History" that we are studying is the Hoover Dam. It is very interesting! The boys are excited about studying it because we are planning a trip soon to go see it. (How's that for a cool field trip?)

Summer Hockey Finally Over

This summer both boys played in the summer hockey league at our local rink. Kyle played on a squirt team (ages 9-10) and Tyler played on a squirt and peewee team (ages 11-12).

Both boys played on the same squirt team, the Red Wings. They didn't have a very good season (according to the win/loss record). Although they did have a lot of fun.

Tyler is the goalie in middle and Kyle is behind him over his shoulder on the left.

Tyler's peewee team, the Bruins, had a better record overall and ended up almost winning 1st place in the final tournament. They ended up losing in the last 3 min of their final game. It was a big bummer, but they played hard and still ended up in 2nd place.

Tyler is the goalie in the middle on his knee.

Hockey is the best sport and so much fun to watch. We will take a little break before returning back to it in a couple months. (...sigh)

Kyle Turns 9 on the 9th in '09

This is a pretty cool year for Kyle's b-day. He turns 9 on the 9th in '09.

He had a great day spending it with a friend. We all went to Red Robin for lunch and then back home so he could enjoy his new "toys" and play with his friend.

Interesting Birthday Activity - Spa Day

Well, as it is with everyone, we DO get older with every passing year. Yesterday was my day to celebrate that wonderful moment. Raah!

So, in an effort to make the day a memorable one I decided to make my trip to the spa for a pedicure a semi-family affair. I decided to take my boys to experience their first spa pedicure. When I asked them about joining me, to my surprise, they were actually excited to give it a try. Their only request is that I didn't make them get their toe nails painted. ha!

Kyle sat back and relaxed and really enjoyed it and Tyler was asking questions the whole time about what they were doing, why they were doing it and the products they were using. I think the lady that worked with Tyler couldn't get done fast enough. lol

Another Hockey Win

Tyler played in his PeeWee playoff game this evening. They were 3rd place going into the game. They played against the #2 team and won. Now they get to play in the championship game on Saturday for 1st place. Yeah! Good job Tyler and team.

Hallelujah!!!

The boys are in the home stretch of finishing up their summer hockey season. Tonight was the last season game before heading into the play offs. After a full season of being the bottom ranked team and not winning ANY games, well, they finally got a win. WOOHOO!! Way to finish with a bang! The score was 4-1. Kyle had one of the goals and Tyler stopped over 30 shots!!