The new school year...yahoo!  Bring it on!

We have already started science (God's Design for the Physical World) because of our long road trip this fall; at least, that is my excuse.  I think we are all having fun with it so far.

The mail today delivered more boxes of goodies including some fun stuff for our history this year (The Story of the World Vol. 1).  Next week we will begin with the first lesson which is about archeology and history in general.  One suggested activity is to have an archeological dig.  Boy, are my kids ready for that one.  I still haven't figured out exactly what I will bury for them to discover but there is still time.

Have you every seen the program called Typing Instructor Version 17?  We are trying that out this year.  Abbie (11) and Carina (9) tested it out a little today and give it a thumbs up.  Seth got a little frustrated that he couldn't beat the "video" games right off the bat.  I think though that he will feel much better about it when he gets a little more practice under his belt.

Abbie and Carina will be conitinuing with a writing curriculum from the Institute for Excellence in Writing.  Actually, I am dovetailing two curricula from them because of our history this year.  We will be using lessons from the ancient history course as they fit in with the Student Writing Intensive Continuation Course.  I feel that it is a more efficient use of our time to combine subjects where we can. :-)

And then there is Math which will just be a continuation from where they left off in Math-U-See and Video Text Interactive Algebra.  Carina and Seth will do Spelling Plus while Abbie tries out Wordly Wise 3000 for this year.  Carina should finish the spelling curriculum this year so that next year the two girls can do English from the Roots Up together.  Abbie remains devoted to her drawing so she will finish her drawing course.  Seth seems to be developing a love for music, especially guitar.  Yesss!  Carina does not seem to have any particular passion yet, unless you count taking care of the baby.  I am not complaining about that.  Besides the wonderful helper I have in her, I am delighted to see her expand her nurturing/relational abilities.

That's it for today.  Bill just made it home (finally) from work...I think I will leave the computer for a talk with him.  :-)

Have a lovely day, Michele