This year has been a real marathon for us. We tried new curriculum, and Katarina wrote more papers than she did in past years. We went through spiral notebooks and google doc storage space at an alarming rate. Along with math, science continues to be her favorite subject. Even the video of a cow eye dissection that I made her watch couldn't dampen her science love, so I'm fairly confident it might be here to stay. And of course there were books. I kept a running list, and she averaged two books a week during the school year - not counting pure leisure reading like Baby-Sitters Club and American Girl books, which would bring that number closer to seven a week.
Things change. Things stay the same.
The years start to run together, and we ask things like, "Did I read that book this year, or last year?" and "You need another math notebook already?" It is easy to forget how much hard work has happened to bring us back to this summer vacation place.
We are having all of our end of the year discussions about next year, and if we want to homeschool again or try something different. I'm torn. I think she is, too. And I'm not sure which option will win.
There are so many unknowns about middle school. But before any decisions have to be made, we have summer. Vacation. Rest.
In case there was any doubt vacation is on its way, a summer reading list was created last night, the mailman delivered new Rainbow Loom band colors today, and there have been serious discussions about which shows need to be binge-watched.
We are now ready for days filled with sleeping in and relaxing.
Almost.
As soon as she finishes that last project and paper.
I was a little worried this time would never arrive.
*I feel like this was a little newslettery (but hopefully not to the level of a braggy Christmas letter). It is one of those times when I just need to document our life right this minute, to remember these feelings of almost, and exhaustion, and hard work coming to a close. And maybe, just a little bit, to say, "We did it!"
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I am looking forward to not having to nag about homework and sign planners!! And I love your band organizer. I need to go get one of those for me...I mean Frances (OK, no I don't...I mean ME!!)
ReplyDeleteThis is the best band organizer EVER!!
DeleteI...I mean Katarina.....I mean BOTH OF US (hehe) love it!
I can not wait for summer vacation to start, but we don't get out until the end of the month.
ReplyDeleteThat is so late!!
DeleteIt will probably be another two weeks for us to be completely finished.
That looks quite different from all of the preschoolers I know with rubber band looms and living rooms covered in tiny rubber bands!
ReplyDeleteThey all need this.
I'm looking forward to so much - seeing moose, small day trips with my mom and the kids, three of us having birthdays, ice cream, more ice cream..
The organizer is wonderful!! Everyone with a Rainbow Loom-loving kid needs one. Plus it fulfills all my desires to organize things into neat little boxes. Although, not having it made for one very fun conversation shortly after Katarina got her Rainbow Loom (so good that I looked back at my facebook status to find the actual conversation, which I will now share with you):
Delete"Thomas and I are having a conversation about the legalization of marijuana, and right in the middle of it, he says, "There is something we need to talk to Katarina about." I'm thinking, "Cocaine? Meth? Pills?" Thomas continues, "I keep finding little rubber bands all over the floor." Sigh."
It sounds like you have many fun things planned for your summer. I'm excited to see pictures of all of them!!
Beautiful post :) And I'm glad she still loves science - we need more women scientists :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely!!
DeleteAnd thank you. :)
Be glad your kids have an interest. Right now there is no thing they are excited to be doing over break.
ReplyDeleteWell, eventually the boredom will set in, and then hopefully you will be able to plan some good stuff.
DeleteThat is a really cool band organizer. My girls both just have those plastic boxes that were originally intended for embroidery floss. I wish you the best of luck on your decision about homeschooling next year!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI love this organizer. I found it on Amazon (search for stanley professional organizer) and it turned out to be just perfect.
We are definitely excited for summer vacation to start! I transferred my daughter to a school this past year which has its focus in outdoor education, so there is very little homework to be had. And for that, I am grateful ~*
ReplyDeleteThat sounds very awesome!! I'm not sure if we have any schools in our area that are set up like that.
DeleteMy daughter's last day of school was the end of May, so we're on our first full week of Summer! I'm most looking forward to an upcoming trip.
ReplyDeleteNice!! I hope y'all have fun on your trip. :)
DeleteToday my son and I talked about all the fun we are going to have this summer, I'm really looking forward to the break from structure and routine.
ReplyDeleteMy kids are not in school yet. But, this summer we are looking forward to lot's of visits to theme parks.
ReplyDeleteMy son just out of school for the summer! It's looking like a busy summer for all of us.
ReplyDeleteMy kids are in a different country it's winter for them 4 more months until vacations and my daughter graduation and her prom. We're still loooking for the perfect dress
ReplyDeleteThat's a big decision indeed. It's a great time to transition into school outside the home if you went that way though since everyone is new to the middle school. It puts everyone on a level field. In the meantime, enjoy summer!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the summer! Sounds like you have lots of fun activities planned!
ReplyDeleteIt is so great that she reads so much! Good luck making the decision about middle school.
ReplyDeleteWaaaaaaaaaaarms! Though I have to wait a while for them as it's just started winter here. :p
ReplyDeleteCongrats on making it through the school year! We just finished out 8th year homeschooling and wow, I must say that I am ready for summer! Enjoy your summer break! :)
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that another year has gone by. We are looking forward for summer too. Good luck with your big decision!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to exploring different campgrounds are my area this summer!
ReplyDeleteI love that you have a positive summer post, especially since my most recent one was "so-so" and I'm a bit intimidated by the summer. I wish my kiddo would sit down and read more. I know it can happen ... might take time ... etc. I'm instilling a love of reading but she's hesitant to pick up a book for herself, unless it's right at bedtime and she's stalling. gah. She needs my reading genes!!
ReplyDeleteI see you wrote about The Goldfinch, which is a summer to-read (it'll be on next week's list for me!) and I'm looking forward to seeing what you said.
We are looking forward to getting our homeschool curriculum done and doing more palydates!
ReplyDeleteOh summertime! This definitely means we'll have time for another chat soon :) And summery photos on IG. I'm glad that y'all will be able to sleep in soon!
ReplyDeleteThat's a tough decision: to homeschool for middle school or not to homeschool. There are definitely a lot of pros & cons!
ReplyDeleteOur summer vacation is still months away, we are now into winter and have to say it is pretty dreary the last few days cold and wet
ReplyDeleteOoh! The last project! I bet it's taking much longer to do than normal! lol! Hope you have a great Summer!
ReplyDeleteSummer vacation is here for us, but we're not doing a ton this year unless frugal. We're saving up to come down to Florida at the end of the year for some Disney fun
ReplyDeleteSummer is here and we're staying frugal this summer, so we can go to FL toward Christmas from some Disney fun.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is not into reading too much right now, and acts like I am killing her when it is time to read.
ReplyDeleteHope you all enjoy your summer vacation. Have fun.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you both have big decisions ahead. Two homeschooling friends of mine had kids that started in high school...one of them sent her kids to private schools and the other went on the public high school. Both loved it. I think whatever decision you make will work out fine! And I can't wait for summer vacation! Two more weeks for us!
ReplyDelete