Staying home: homeschooling

Well,  not going to lie -- I am LOVING the opportunity I have homeschooling Mason.  He has done a fantastic job!  I am learning, however,  that the success of homeschooling rests mainly with me and my consistency.  Mason will feed off of me.  He doesn't always feel like having school.  There are added distractions at home that can make paying attention more difficult (your own toys only feet away is one!).  We've maintained out schedule so far (knock on wood) have maintained the house as well!  In fact, in many ways, I feel like the structure in the morning actually helps me stay on task.  We'll see how it goes the rest of the year,  but so far- so good!  

 

For those curious about Ian during this time- well, he kinda goes along with us.  He loves calendar time and the songs.  When it's one for seat work- he loves to watch Elmo singing on the computer.  When mason is done with school - they both play toys while I clean up the kitchen.  I try to get the other things like beds made, laundry, etc.  done before school starts :)- some days are successful and some aren't- and that's okay!  

Any questions about our day?  Just ask!

Disney Surprise Vacation

Well we did it!  We pulled off one of the greatest surprise trips for our kids.  We surprised them one morning with a trip to Disney World- that day!  We told the boys that we would be taking a trip to Kansas City.  We said we had some really fun things planned and had even arranged to ride in a plane for a little bit!  They were thrilled, but had no real idea what type of vacation they were in for.  We had planned not to disclose our trip details until we were on the plane, however, thinking that people might mention or ask them about Disney (since we were flying to Orlando), we decided that 5:00am that morning would work!! :)

THE REVEAL

We created a video for them to watch that gave a replay of all the fun we had this summer.  It went through the different activities, accomplishments, and just fun times together.  At the end of the video, I announced that they weren't over with their summer just yet!   I made the announcement that we would be flying to Disney World!  Their reaction- priceless!!  I have a VERY emotionless son.  He is one that will open a present that he really wants on Christmas and will give no indication of the excitement he has in receiving it.  However, with the announcement of a trip to Disney World, even THIS son gave a great reaction!!

click THE REACTION  to see a video of them watching the video! :)

THE TRIP

The trip to Disney World was AMAZING!  It truly IS a magical place.  My boys (ages 7, 4, and 19 months)  were in love with every aspect of Disney World.   I was a little curious how they would react to the characters since they are boys and not just overly excited about Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse cartoons anymore.  To my surprise, they LOVED them- ALL of them!!  They wanted to watch every parade, meet and take pictures with the characters, hunt the characters down at the partks, etc.  We also would HIGHLY recommend two things to anyone taking a trip to Disney World:  Park Hopper & Meal Plan.   Those were life savers for us!  We also took a backpack full of ponchos, snacks, autograph books, squirt fans, sunscreen, tylenol, etc.   This was also a huge life saver when you are on the move all day long!

If you have boys, a MUST do is the Jedi Training Academy!  Probably my favorite part of the whole trip!  Get there early though-- it books up fast!





* for more helpful tips-- go visit the Disney Diva

THE REVIEW

Over all, best family trip ever!!!  We are already planning to see Mickey next year! :)