First, Peter and Elsie took swimming lessons. It was Elsie's first time, and we tried a new place this year, at someone's backyard. The kids LOVED it. The teacher was really enthusiastic, and the lessons got both of them really excited to be better swimmers. They begged for their own set of flippers to practice with, and I consented, calling it a homeschooling PE expense. They were even on sale at Big 5.
My sister and her family (three boys) came for a short visit because they happened to be traveling through. My sister was especially excited to see baby Adam. I of course really appreciated the visit and had fun staying up late and chatting with my sista.
Theeeennnn, Elsie lost her first tooth!!! This is always such a monumental moment in a child's life. She had her dad pull it out that morning, but by the evening she had lost it. After a couple of days of looking, she finally wrote a note to the toothfairy asking if she would leave her a little surprise any way. The toothfairy was kind and left her a dollar. She was very happy, and it was only a few days later Elsie lost her second tooth as well. This time she just let the tooth fall out by itself, and she was careful to keep track of it.
This week we started our homeschooling! On Monday we had a back to school bash. It started by practicing getting up at 7:00 and getting ready for the day (chores and all) by 9:00. Then, instead of doing school, they opened up presents. They each had a poster-board cone (http://www.parents.com/fun/arts-crafts/back-to-school-tote-tradition/) filled with school supplies and lunchbox treats they never otherwise get (pudding cups, chips, and goldfish). Then they opened up "presents" which consisted of many of their new year curriculum - math books, novels to read, history, a wall-pop map, and jump ropes (they were a big hit!). That afternoon we went to an Usborne book party and decided on more books to buy for the year. My kids go to a school online where we are reimbursed for several classes up to $150. We are being reimbursed this year for Math, Language arts, History, and PE. It's really fun spending the money, and the kids are learning a little about budgeting as well. The rest of the week went really well. Peter finished up his Math book on Multiplication, and was so excited to start up division, he did a whole chapter on Thursday, and another on Friday. Go Peter!
