Back to Homeschool!

This year things are changing up a bit. Haden is doing an online school, Leadership Academy of Nevada. This was something we fasted and prayed about, along with Haden. He had just as much say in what he was doing, as Jeff and I did.
We will not be going across town to do weekly classes for the kids. This was NOT an easy decision. Ultimately it came down to knowing, deep down inside after much prayer, that we needed to opt out this year. With Haden starting a new routine, my calling, my health, and everything else going on, it was best for our family. We will still participate in field trips and parties, but will be sticking close to home for our weekly activities.

Haden learning the ropes of the online school!

On August 15th we went to an orientation, where he was given books, information and shown how to do things.

The rest of the kids did not start school until Sept. 6th (the day after Labor day).

So on Labor Day we had our 'Back to Homeschool Party'. 

We made some banana bread on Monday morning, the kiddos purposely let the bananas brown to make banana bread. They were so excited!

We spent some time at the park.

We headed home to finish prepping for our dinner.

Be Confident!

'Your mind is 'bursting' with knowledge!

You deserve a 'break' when things get tough!

Our confidence theme centered around the 9 B's from Gordon B. Hinkley

Jeff made yummy pulled pork for our delicious back to homeschool dinner!

These are my people! I love them so very much!!

Tuesday morning was met with routine, schedules and goodness!!

This boy is in 8th grade! 

He is loving school, the challenges, and learning to schedule and be more prepared :)

Grant is in 7th grade!

He is looking forward to growing and learning, and preparing himself for online school next year.

Coleman is in 5th grade! Say what?!!!

He is excited for learning! He also wants to do the online school next year, so we shall see!

This girl is in 4th grade! She is looking forward to strengthening her math and reading lots more!

This boy! He is in 2nd grade.

He has given me a run for my money, but is ready and eager to learn new things and be more responsible!

These kids make me so happy and so proud! I am grateful for each one of them!!!

Last year we did 'I am...' journals. This year we are doing gratitude journals. 

Being creative with a new binder cover!

Working on math.

Re-practicing cursive to become stronger in it!

After working hard on his reading, and math he was able to play a math game on the computer.

Lots of reading!! They are enthralled with the Harry Potter right now!

Haden in his room, in class!

He is liking the independence this gives him, how it challenges him and his teachers are awesome!

I have a feeling in my gut it's going to be a great year for each of these kids!!

Welcome Nacho!!

For my birthday this year I wanted to get a bearded dragon. I've never owned one, but have heard they are the best lizard to own. I grew up with lizards and snakes, and so they don't bother me at all. I think Jeff thought I was kidding at first, until I kept bugging him about it. But then I also didn't think I was going to really get one. 

We named him Nacho!

I wasn't sure how the kids would take to him, but they were holding him in no time.

He tolerates baths :)

We seriously love this little guy!

Cole laughed and hoped he wouldn't get pooped on. Luckily he didn't!

Getting ready to shed....

And then he exploded!

We are loving his beautiful colors!!

Such a fun pet, and a great decision for all of us!

Even Jeff, who wasn't much of a fan, has taken a liking to him. We look forward to many years with this lizard!!

More Summer Bucket List Fun!

More fun from our Summer Bucket List.....

Exploding boomerangs = so much fun!!

The kids all helping put the whole box of 500 popsicle sticks together per the directions.

After getting them all put together, the kids divided them up evenly and built quick forts. I mean what is better than just exploding them? Making it a war!

The two teamed up :)

This girl thought it through and put a blanket over her area. The boys later declared it 'not fair' because it was hard to hit her. I told them they were just jealous they didn't think of it :)

With everyone in place, we counted down and they war began!

It was a TON of fun and the kids had a blast!

This wasn't on our bucket list, but I wanted to document it. Delaney begged all of the boys in our house to do a human pyramid. I love how they all did it :)

Baking with Haden. He picked a Brownie Caramel Cheesecake - LINK HERE.

He really enjoyed the cheesecake filling :)

Having never cooked a cheesecake, it turned out pretty dang good! We learned a few things along the way, but overall it was yummy!

I enjoy our relaxing mornings with these 5!

Kahle lost another tooth!

For baking with Delaney, she picked Twix Cookies - LINK HERE.

She chose hearts instead of circles.

They are a bit messy, but oh so yummy!

She did most of it herself and you can tell she is definitely proud!

Cole picked to make nutella ice cream in churro bowls for his baking day.

YUM! If we ever make it again, we will not put the chocolate chips in. And keep it just as a smooth ice cream. But it was still super good!

The churro bowls sounded like a good idea...But they didn't turn out. In face only one came off in a bowl, to fry. So Cole got that one.

Nutella ice cream in a churro bowl.

This boy LOVES helping in the kitchen. And so this type of thing is his favorite!

I know we've done other things from the bucket list. Some I've already documented in other posts. We did some, but had a busy summer and didn't mark off everything we wanted to. We'll see what we do for next summer. Maybe I'll change things up :)