Guadalupe River

Shane and I are so excited for our upcoming move to Colorado Springs!!!  However, leaving San Antonio is bittersweet because we have so many good memories associated with this town.  My kiddos arrived as babies in 2008 and are leaving as a big boy and big girls in 2015.  The first time we visited Guadalupe River Avery was almost 3 and Amelia was 18 months….wow time flies.  We also, made a return trip in 2011 after Audrey had joined our family.  Recently, in between the downpours Texas received this spring, we headed back to Guadalupe for one last time with our swimsuits on not sure what to expect.  The difference in water level from our earlier trips to our most recent was amazing!  In fact, after visiting with a park ranger, our thoughts were confirmed that the water was at record breaking levels.  However, this didn't stop the kids from having fun, exploring, and floating down the river.  A trip highlight included a crawfish find, capture, and release.  I will always associate this place with good memories.    

Amelia 2008

MSK Fellowship Graduation

June 5th, 2015 Shane graduated from his MSK fellowship!!!  This was his 6th graduation ceremony starting from his first in high school.  The ongoing family joke is the possibility of a 7th graduation, which Shane swore at the beginning of this fellowship was not to be.  However, on the drive to his graduation Shane mentioned a "pain" fellowship, which was kind of a shocker, but talking and doing are two different things, so maybe 7 or maybe not, only time will tell.  

As a graduation present Shane traded in our 2001 Honda Civic, which was hard to see go, there were so many first's associated with that car, and bought a new pick-up.  He deserved it and boy will it come in handy in the mountains of Colorado!

Last Day of School!!!

What can I say, except that we are all thrilled that the last day of school has come our way!  Summer seems so close I can almost taste watermelon on my lips, feel the cool pool water on my skin, and smell char roasted marshmallows.  School has been good but we are all in need of a major break, especially with our upcoming move.  Homeschooling is taxing, demanding, and draining.  It is the right fit for our family, at the moment, but getting away from the academics of our day is very necessary for mamma's sanity.  So let the good times roll, the fireworks fly, and summer camp songs come our way, because summer break is upon us!

     

Last Day of School 2015!

Avery 2014-2104 School Year (for my records)

1.  Right Start Math Level E  & Challenging Word Problems

2.  Rod & Staff English 3

3.  Story of World 3

4.  Visualize World Geography & Daily Geography

5.  The Phonics Road to Spelling and Reading

6.  Write from Early Modern History

7.  Seton Religion Level 2

Extras

1.  Soccer, Basketball, Tennis, & Swimming

2.  Chess

3.  Piano

4.  LifeShine

Amelia 2014-2015 (for my records)

1.  Right Start Math C & Challenging word Problems

2.  All About Reading 2-4

3.  The Phonics Road To Spelling and Reading

4.  Story of the World 3

5.  Visualize Daily Geography & Daily Geography

6.  Write From Early Modern History

7.  Seton Religion - Level 2

Extras

1.  Basketball, Tennis, & Swimming

2.  Dance

3.  Piano

4.  LifeShine

5.  Horse Riding

Audrey (2014-2015)

1.  Montessori School

2.  Logic of English

Extras

1.  Swimming

2.  Dance

 My sweet girls!!!

Audrey's Year at Montessori School

Audrey had a great year at her little Montessori school.  She loved going to school a couple of days a week and staying at home for the rest.  It really was the best of both worlds.  While at school she made some fun little girl friends and spoke of them often after her days in the classroom.  Her teachers were super awesome and always posted pictures of the days happenings on their Montessori Compass website, which I loved.  Below are pictures of Audrey doing "work" in her classroom with some fun Montessori materials.  I will really miss the friendly staff and super experience we had at this school.

Spring Piano Recital

Spring recital was this past Saturday and boy were the kids excited for this final production.  Why?…Because once recital was over summer break from piano would officially start!

They both did a super job of practicing every week and received special "practice" awards for duration and consistency.  Practicing may not be a favorite on the homeschooling list, but it is one of my favorite parts of the day.  I love listening to each of them rehearse selected pieces, witnessing small improvements, and hearing sweet music fill the house.  

Amelia played…

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee - Beethoven

"London" Symphony - Faber

Jazzy Joe - Faber

Avery played….

Fiddler on the Roof - Jerry Bock

Home on the Range - American

Gum Drop Factory - Faber