Lexi Update 2011

We end our school year around April.  Thought I’d a moment  to reflect on Lexi’s achievements for the year and glance ahead at what’s next.

Lexi turned 3 this school year.  Hard to believe this time last year we were potty training a 2 year old.  She has grown up in so many ways.  Physically she grown inches which alone is amazing but its not just that.  Her vocabulary is incredible.  She talks with good grammar skills and pronunciation for her age.   She is able to write her name by tracing or by looking at it.  She’s still working on her numbers.  She’s known all her colors and most of her shapes for while now.  She absolutely loves glue!!  She could and has sat for hours and just cut paper and glue paper.  She also enjoys coloring and drawing with a pencil.  I’ve noticed that she chooses a pencil and draws more with it then colors.  She’s still my quiet one and likes to be alone lots of time to play.  However I see her cooperative play more and more with both little and big brother.  She adores both!  Would do anything that Zander asks her to do; which isn’t always good. lol And tries to take care of Aiden.  Sometimes I have to remind her that he’s my baby and that she’s mine, too. But she looks out for him and I appreciate and love that about her.

Next year I am going to attempt Abeka K4 with her.  I’m thinking 1/2 days.  She is begging for more and more school work.  I remember being the same way.  I don’t know why but I just couldn’t get enough of it.  She will also do Handwriting Without Tears Prek.  I tried HWT with Zander for Kindergarten and hated it but I think the prek looks pretty much what I’m looking for.  I’ll have to do an evaluation of it this year.  She’ll also be tagging along with Zander on some of his stuff as she likes.  I did get the Artistic Pursuits for Prek.  I have done AP book one with Zander for two years (will be starting book two the following school year)  We’ve enjoyed it so I thought we would try it out.

She and I have talking here and there about what she calls “my school”  She’s very excited to what’s ahead.  I am too!  Sad to say she really is not a toddler but a true preschooler.  Bye Bye, Baby Lexi!  Hello, Little Miss Princess Lexi!

Zoo Field Trip

My mom and I braved the zoo with my three youngsters!   We all had a blast.  Before we even enter the zoo, the kids go crazy to see the turtles and the big fish.  This time Lexi told us that flamingos are her favorite animals because they are pink.  The little princess demanded that we see them today.  =D  She let me know they were not pink enough and “need more pink”.  We also visited the petting zoo.  All three kids enjoy it.  Aiden was right in there brushing the goats and sitting next to the ones laying down.  He seems to have no fear like his brother at that age.  We had a nice picnic and then headed home for naps.. Great day!

Girls enjoying school

The girls are really enjoying school.  They zoom through whatever pages I have printed off for them.  They like to practice their names with dry erase markers.  We also have several math and language arts supplements they use.  One of their favorites is the Mighty Minds.  I’ve wrote a review on it before.  Its a great math supplement.  Its one the girls choose over and over to enjoy.

Tags: cousin, Lexi, school

DisneyLand

As Kindergarden was nearing an end, I knew exactly what I wanted to do for a surprise and celebration of such a successful and fun year together.  I wanted the family to go to Disneyland.  I grew up in Florida so I’ve been do Disney World before but never Land.  I knew the whole family would enjoy it.  As his Kindergarten time was coming to end I mentioned to Zander that there would be a HUGE surprise.  He started doing double the work to make it end sooner. lol  Zander officially finished Kindergarten May 21, 2010 a week a head of schedule, giving me some time do some Disneyland planning.

I did some research on the internet and found this website that was very helpful, www.mousesavers.com  I also went to Barnes and Noble to pick up the book, The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2010 This was worth every penny.  I brought it home and read it from cover to cover.  From this book I really got some great ideas and tips.  We used their Dumbo-or-Die-in-a-Day schedule which is a list of what to do at Disneyland (DL) in one day with children.  I tell you it saved so much time in that we weren’t asking after every ride, “what’s next?”, “where do we go?”  The day went so smoothly that we stayed from early morning till after the fireworks with a 6 year old, 2 year old and 10 month old.

After equipping my self with knowledge.. I began making my lists.  What needed to be completed before leaving (Dale’s

The night before headed to dinner..love this pic

list/My list), what needs to be purchased before leaving, what needs to be pack…confession the first list was what lists to be made.. Yes I’m a huge list maker and box checker..((blush)) and then I was off to complete my many tasks.  During the evenings with the kids, I would show them youtube videos of some of the rides that they would be taking at DL.  This was really nice way to prepare them of what to expect especially for my more timid Lexi.

Packing always seems to take longer than needs to but some how we finally got on the road and headed to Cali!!  We found an awesome deal and stayed at Park Vue Inn which is right across from DL.  We checked in, got a bit to eat for dinner and a good night sleep the night before.  At dinner Zander made a picture of what he thought the day would be like at Disney the next day.  And before I headed to bed I filled the kids knapsacks with snacks and a lil bottle water that can be refilled at the park.  These were such a help.  The kids were not always asking for drink and something to eat that cost an arm and a leg and it also kept them busy during some of the wait time.

The next morning we up early, got ready, packed up and ate our free continental breakfast..  The kids (and Dale) love the waffles Daddy makes when we stay at hotels.  Then we walked over to DL, bought our tickets, rented 2 strollers (DL does not have doubles because in some areas double strollers really don’t fit–so they say), Dale got in line and I waited in the pick up stroller line.  Soon we were on Main Street completely surrounded by an enormous crowd of people waiting for the official opening of DL.  Zander told Dale, ” Daddy, Disneyland is boring.” We couldn’t help but laugh while Dale told him, “Its not even open yet, Son!”

Zander, 6; Lexi, 2; Aiden, 10 months

Our very first stop was Dumbo!!  Zander wanted “an elephant with yellow” and Lexi said “pink”.  Fortunately they were side by side.  It was a hit for the first ride.  Then we were off to Peter Pan’s Flight.

Next up we picked the Story Bookland Canal Boats.  We saw miniature lands of Aladdin, Snow White, Cinderella, and more.  Above us on the train was a little girl that waving to us several times throughout the ride.  The kids loved it and waved back.

Next, we took some cute pics in a tea cup and then went on the Mad Tea party.  Everyone loved this and giggled.  During the ride Lexi said in a dragging it out voice, “Iiiii’mmm  Dizzzzyyyyy!!”"  It was sooo cute. Then we were on the Alice in Wonderland.

After Alice we went into a shop, got Mickey ears and First Visit buttons  At first Lexi wasn’t too sure about wearing her ears but they were adorable and finally she decided she wear them.

Then we headed off to Mickey’s Toontown and rode Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin.

Off and on all day Lexi would help Aiden and tried to take care of him.  They are getting really close.  She especially loves to make him laugh.  They are becoming great friends.

I took Zander on his 1st real roller coaster, Gadget Go Coaster.  he was super excited.  Afterwards, he said, “Woah!!  I don’t

Zander, very excited for his first real roller coaster!

know if I could do that again.”  But he would have done that ride over and over if we ‘d let him.  He loved it!

Then we were off to Goofy’s playhouse.  The kids enjoyed checking it out.  Even Aiden stretched his legs.  Lexi loves slides.  She did the slide over and over.  I love seeing her smile.

We took a tour of Mickey’s house and at the end visited (took pics with) Mickey. We then checked out Chip n Dale’s Treehouse and Donald’s Boat.

But then we were off to catch the DL railroad. The conductor asked if Zander wanted to help do the “ALL ABOARD!”  Zander was very serious and loved it!  While on the railroad I took some pics.  Lexi didn’t want me to take her picture so she pulled her lower eye lid down.  She is so funny.  I took the pic any way!

We took the DL railroad to New Orleans Square.  We finally took a break for lunch.  We choose a fresh market and ate outside.  The food was great.  We enjoyed the live jazz band playing.  The kids swayed to the music.  When the songs ended Lexi would clap and cheer.  Aiden would copy her.

Mickey Mouse!!

We went to Critter Country and rode Winnie the Pooh.  Before leaving home this was one of the rides we previewed at home and as the ride began Zander said, “Oh we saw this on Mommy’s computer!”  He was very excited.  Lexi thought it was loud and covered her ears during the ride.

Then we went back to Fantasyland to ride Its’ a Small World.  it was the longest wait time but the longest ride time of the day, too.  During the ride I noticed Zander holding his nose for a bit.  I asked Dale later what Zander was trying to tell me.  He said that Zander was pretending he was underwater with Ariel the Mermaid.. =D

We went to visit the Disney Princesses at the Theatre but it was a 3 hour wait.  Instead Lexi and I went shopping in the Princess shop.  She picked out a wand and I got her a hip pack with the princesses on it.  Afterwards, Lexi and Aiden fell asleep so Zander and I went on the King Arthur Carousel and Pinocchio’s Daring Journey just the two of us.  On our way to Tomorrowland we saw the parade.

The Jedi Training was one of the best highlights of the day.  It is very entertaining.  Lexi slept thru most of it but the rest of us laughed and enjoyed the show.  Later Zander got a light saber of course!

Jedi Training

We got a FASTPASS for Buzz Lightyear.  It was very cool!  The kids are already looking forward to the movie Toy Story 3 so this was neat for them.  It was definitely a big hit with them.  Daddy had the high score but every one enjoyed shooting.  Even Lexi did quite well.  Aiden of course enjoyed the lazers, colors and sounds.

Dale and Zander went on the Autopia.  Then we all had fun on Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.  The cutest pic of Aiden

Aiden trying to touch the bubbles

reaching out to the window to try to feel the bubbles and water.  He seemed to love the ride.

We took a trip on the monorail and then dinner.  We also saw Captain EO in 3D.  (this was not on the schedule but something hubby really wanted to do)

We then took some time to find a place to watch the fireworks.  As we watched and I heard the Disney theme song, I looked back at my family, cried and couldn’t help but think,

“Yes, dreams really do come true!”

We had a great day!  We enjoyed every moment!  It was an awesome day!

Editor’s Note:  I began writing this post several months ago in June.  Hope that explains the timeline.  I couldn’t upload pics and had to wait till Dale fixed it.

The Grand Finale (aka Magic Alley - Zander used to call it that)

They are so cute!

Home School Convention 2010

I can not explain it but for this home schooling mom the thought of going to the Home School Convention gets me excited every time!  Months before its here, I nag Dale to make sure he has the day off to watch the kids, I preregister as to not waste time when I get there with the monotonous task, use my evaluation from the previous year, I research and research, and make lists of all the things I want to see in person, I want to buy and what I need.   To most people my statement of, I love this day, makes them ponder how crazy I am.  However I know that I am not alone in getting excited for the adventurous day that is ahead.   Its not every day that I will be able to go down isle upon isle looking at stuff that could potentially make my day easier, bring joy to one or all of my children or help them learn.

So for those of you that are asking, What is a Home School Convention; The Arizona Families for Home Education AFHE.org put these events together every year.  Its made up of guest speakers. exhibitor presentations/workshops and exhibitor booths.  Its a time to recharge, regroup and get ready for the next year.  If you’re lucky, you also get to meet up with fellow home schooling  parents or even meet new new friends.

With this day being such a big deal to me, I  thought I would share my convention day.  I just wanted to say for others what it is, for me have it for review in the future and for my peers share some thoughts of my upcoming year.  OK, yes I know I purchased a lot but that is the purpose of the day.  I have a school budget that Dale and I have worked out.  We put aside monies every paycheck for the sole purpose of education our children.  That is another post all in itself.  I purchased many things with Lexi in mind.  She is really wanting more.  And I need extra things that would keep her busy while Zander and I worked on 1st grade but was also educationally beneficial.  I also know what topics Zander is going to be working on and had my eyes out for things that will enhance what we will be learning.

Here’s what I purchased and some of my thoughts.

Zander–

Usborne1001 Things to Spot Long Ago (Goes with our history but Lexi will enjoy as well)

Usborne See Inside Ancient Rome (History)

Usborne Sticker Math Fun for 6 -7 Year olds

Explode the Code 2 1/2 (also known as ETC…extra workbooks for phonics)

Explode the Code 3 1/2

Mummy mazes  (Zander looooves mazes)

Cuisenaire Rods Intro Set (Zander asked for these..not even sure how he knew about them)

Hands on History – The Ancient Egyptians

How to Draw Pets (Zander likes to draw)

How to Draw Inserts (and he likes animals/bugs so….)

Lexi–

Melissa & Doug wooden pattern blocks & boards (mainly for Lexi right now but all kids will use)

Usborne Sticker Dolly Dress Ballerina

Usborne Sticker Dolly Fashion Long Ago

Klutz pompom animals (again mainly for Lexi but will be used for all kids)

Kumon ABC’s write and wipe

Kumon 2 yrs and up Let’s Cut Paper

Kumon 2 yrs and up More Let’s Sticker and Paste

Wikki Stix number and counting activity

Devotions for Girls Ages 2 -5 (so my thought with this one is 2 to 4 times a month to have “tea time” with Lexi with a devotion/activity)

All Children–

Adventures in Odyssey CDs (we love these but I had them in tape and my tape player in the van broke.  Now to replace the tapes with cds)

Usborne How to Knit  (this is for me.. I’d love to learn to knit. =D  I’m hoping my mom will help when she’s here.)

Wiggly Eyes (we ran out so might as well pick some up. lol)

Stuart Little

The Trumpet of the Swan

Story of the World audio  (also known as SOTW; will be for history but all kids will listen and enjoy activities)

SOTW activity book

SOTW paperback…they were out of the hardcover..I would have prefered it

2 spiral Picture storybook journals…both my kids like these

Veggie Tales Madame Blueberry  (they’ve seen this one before but never owned it..$5 thought it was a good deal)

I am wanting to do a huge project on the Laura Ingalls Wilder books.  I am just beginning the research and putting together stage.

My Book of Little House paper dolls

The Little House Cook book

My little House crafts

The Little House on the Praire

I also purchased 2 lapbooks project packs

In the Hands of a Child – Penguins

In the Hands of a Child – Charlotte’s Web

I realized that since I read sooo many books with Zander I really would prefer lapbooks on books not subjects.  They do offer to make custom orders but it definately cost significantly more.  We’re going to do the Penguins Lapbook with Mr. Popper’s Penguins.  They had an antartica one also…but… This is going to go over soooo well with my children as Lexi and Zander are both infatuated with penguins.  I’m really looking forward to this one and seeing how it goes.

The Charlotte’s Web one, I figured we’d read the book again at some point and can do the whole thing but till then I can look at in depth and use it for ideas and compare/contrast.   I might even hold off on the next read aloud and allow them to do even more of this one…

The “Project Pack” comes with the main spiral of ready to assemble hands on unit with reproducibles, a smaller spiral that has a complete answer key and daily scheduling. a protector sleeve that has the laptop activities already printed out onto colorful paper (you are able reuse by copying the black & white copies in the main spiral), and the last thing that is included is a premade plain lapbook.  I took a few pictures.

Mighty Minds Review

Mighty Mind

I purchased the P3/4 package from Sonlight in March for some special books for Lexi.  As I have mentioned before she is begging for her school.  This package has a selection of educational tools including: books, some art supplies, cd and few games.  Mighty Minds is one of the educational games included in this package.

Mighty Minds has 32 colored shapes or design blocks that are used to create figures and designs.  The child could use the cards that are included, the tray that has 4 designs or his/her imagination.  Its created to develop skills in problem solving, creative thinking, counting, sorting, categorizing, and matching.  It also assists with eye-hand and fine motor coordination.  The manufactures suggested ages are 3 to 8 years old.  Incase you’re looking them up, Mighty Minds is made by Leisure Learning Products, Inc. located in Stamford, CT.  A cool little tid bit, they have won the Parents Choice Award.  Their website is www.mightminds.com

Lexi is two so she is not quite on the manufacture’s age range but I wanted to see how she would do and I thought she might like it.  I pulled out card #1. She easily found 2 semi circles and put them in the correct spot with almost no directions.  Then with a little help from me she was able to put them together in the build it spot.  She did fantastic.  After the first one she needed no help with the next 3 cards.  I’m sure she would have done more but I wanted to pace her.  Then I just let her play and use her imagination.  She loved it.

Lexi showing off her card and shapes.

Zander is 6, who is in the middle range of the manufacture’s suggested ages.  He was able to use all 32 shapes and fill in all 4 designs on the tray with almost no assistance.  He was excited that he was able to build the designs by himself and wanted to do more.  He laughed and smiled and really seemed to enjoy it.

Zander excited to show off he completed the designs.

When I told them that we needed to clean up for lunch, neither wanted to stop.  They asked for more time.  =)

I read the insert from the box and saw where extra tiles are able to be purchased.  I think I might consider this so they could work on this at the same time; not for corporative but parallel play.  Having the extra tiles, they wouldn’t have to share or wait for the other one to give them a piece they need for their design, too.  They were both able to use it but on their different levels.  Mighty Minds does have other themes.  I noticed they have travel (magnetic), an aquarium design puzzles and a big idea book, which all sound like something my kids would really enjoy.

Over all I think that this is something that we will get great use out of.  Definitely something that kept their interest and was still challenging to increase their skills.  This mommy gives it a thumps up.

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Harold and the Purple Crayon Activity

On Tuesday, I read Harold and the Purple Crayon 4 times. I read it in the afternoon and when finished, I heard a chorus of AGAIN, AGAIN! Then at bedtime before we even sat down to read….THE CRAYON, THE CRAYON, AGAIN..I’m sure you can guess what they said at the end of it on the 3rd time. I think they like this one.  

One of the times I read it, I ask Zander to count the windows on the house. So he counted 1, 2, 3, 4…and then Lexi, who’s 2, counted the windows from the unfinished house on the other page…5, 6, 7. I was so proud. She has really learned a lot in the last few months.

Since they obviously enjoyed this book, I decided to put up huge papers on the wall and gather all purple writing things; crayons, markers, pencils, chalk.  I brought them downstairs, relayed the rules and reminders (writing on paper, NOT walls) and they had fun.  Zander definitely got the relation between the activity and the story.  We drew several of the ideas that Harold had drawn and plenty that we our own.

Fun Fun Fun

Lexi and her purple pencil

Zander and his purple marker

Box Day 2010

Since around Christmas I’ve been looking into what we will do and need for next school year.  I started by looking at my favorite curriculum, Sonlight, and what they have to offer for 1st grade.  Then I started searching the home school forum that I frequent of their past posts with suggestions, tips and favs.  I love scouring the internet to see all the options and ideas.  Next I started discussions with the gals to see what the moms that were currently doing 1st grade felt about their year and how they would make it better the next time.  Also chatting with moms that have gone thru K with me and what they are thinking next year will entail.

I thought about for the summer doing an animal unit study especially since we have a zoo membership and the kids absolutely love animals.  However, after the thought of going to the Zoo at 100 degree weather, I believe our better option is taking a little break after Kindergarten and then going ahead with 1st grade.  When the weather gets nicer here, we will be prepared to take advantage of the outdoors.

As the kindergarten year was ending, I evaluated our school year to see what we liked, what worked, what we didn’t like, what didn’t work, how could I make things better. For history, we will be using Sonlight curriculum and adding some hands on activities including Playmobil toys, educational figures that teach history and civilizations.  Zander loves Sonlight read alouds.  This coming year I would like to add some books on CD.  He will be using Sonlight’s language arts but adding wordly wise to increase vocabulary.  I will be adding a spelling, too, but still looking at both Horizon’s Spelling and All About Spelling.  We are continuing with Horizon math and Sonlight’s science.  For extra curricular, he will be continuing his art program, karate and in August Awana will start back up.

Zander checking out core 1

Lexi has been asking more and more for read alouds of her own and to “School”, “Do school”.  She often sits in on Zander’s school and readings.  She frequently brings me one of Zander’s books and asks me to read.  I thought it was about time to look at special books just for her.  

Lexi checking out P3/4

In March, I ordered the materials that we wee getting from Sonlight.  Just like last year, when those white boxes with the blue lettering showed up I felt like some one had sent me the best presents ever!!  I get so excited like little kids at Christmas.

Zander, Lexi & Aiden enjoying Box Day

I set up both sets of books, one for Zander and one for Lexi.  I woke them up early from their naps and we enjoyed looking at everything for hours.

Zander checking out the new Math manipulatives

I have a few things here and there to get, put together to finish the planning of next year but I am totally excited and looking forward to what the next school year will bring.

Zander and Lexi checking out the science stuff.

Boys posing for Mommy.

Kindergarten Completed

WE FINISHED! 

I thought that we would finish Wednesday of this week but we finished last Friday.

We are off to Disneyland to celebrate! We leave Wednesday night! 

I didn’t realize how tough Pooh’s Corner was until these last few RA. I read just what was scheduled and Zander asked, “that’s it?” He begged for more. He really enjoyed A Grain of Rice and the Please and Thank You book. Which each was read in one sitting and asked to be repeated. 

I am so proud of Zander. Thursday night I hung on the wall several projects that we’ve completed since August. When he came to the school room he stopped and I heard him say, “Wow”. I didn’t reply I just let him look, take everything in and remember. After about 10 minutes of looking at everything, he walked over to me and gave me a hug. I thought I would just bawl but I kept it together, told him that I am proud of him, how much I enjoyed being his mommy and watching him learn. 

Zander posing for me by some of the projects on the wall.

As I watched Zander complete his Horizon Workbook on Friday, I remembered how at the beginning of the year I read the directions to him; now he reads them all by his self. Dh and I are both amazed at how much he has retained. At random times, things reminds him of something we’ve done and he’ll start explaining or sharing facts to dh. Dh always asks, “How do you know?” “Well, Mommy taught me.” or “Mommy showed me in a book.” are phrases we hear him say frequently. I loooove this.

We are going to take a couple weeks off but then we’re gonna start in on 1st grade. We are both excited to read Charlotte’s Web!!

Flower Science Fun

Zander loooooves science.  This year we are just introducing Biology, Botany, and Physics.  We read some great books recommended by Sonlight and every week we do at least one experiment.  He also keeps a Science notebook/journal; which he loves looking thru and talking about the different things he has done.

Here are some pictures of when we began looking at plants.  We looked at the different parts, drew them in his notebook and labeled them.