We have another reader!

.....And he is SO proud of himself!

I was a bit amazed at the school... in their brochure they claim "every kindergartner can read by the end of October" and I had to be a bit skeptical. But every. single. kid. in Caleb's class is reading now. Totally impressed and Caleb LOVES to open up his reader and practice his new skills. The pic above is the first day he had a "home" reading assignment in his little paper "practice" reader. Yesterday he got into the car at pick up time and was almost beside himself that he got a "REAL" book "with a cover." :) 

I LOVE the boys' school. I'm really impressed with the academics and the creativity that goes into cramming all this information in the little peoples' heads. But I also think it's the perfect mix of structure and freedom that boys need. They are in class 2 days a week and at home 3 days. Here's our school at home day.... note, it is not always so happy or productive looking. :) 

Little dreams come true

 The boys get Highlights magazine when we're overseas... which is great fun, except the magazine was written for kids who live near a Walmart.  So over the years we have had lots of discussions on why we cannot make pine cone bird feeders and English muffin pizzas. Needless to say, the last few weeks of life have brought much joy to the little boys....

 Peanut butter and bird seed on a toilet paper roll... for those with no pine cones, even in America. :) 

Our daily trek down to the REAL mailbox that has our number on it. (It's at the far end of the street; not sure why - but it makes for a good adventure.) Always fun to see who will send us a letter, and if no letter, junk mail is a good second. :)

 English muffin pizza making. Way fast dinner for those Sunday night "what are we going to eat?" moments.  The boys got a huge kick when Brant "made" each of them on a muffin.... check the hair color for clues. :) 

That's optimism for you

The boys lost their soccer game today... 0 - 7.

Elijah's comment after we complimented him on how hard he played:

"I did so good today! I scored all of the goals our team almost made!"