BYU Basketball!!!

Joys in January

One of the things that I love about winter time is that because it is so cold outside you get pretty creative entertaining yourself at home.  I see great projects that the kids invent themselves.  We seem to enjoy curling up and reading books more, playing with toys, and just enjoying one another's company more.  Every season of the year has its own unique positives. 

California.....Beaches.....Sunshine.....HEAVEN!

The weather was amazing the whole time we were there.  75 degree sunny days.  Warmer than normal this time of year.   We met my brother, Adam, and his wife Natachsa at Newport Beach.  It was incredible.  Beautiful, warm, perfect.  The kids flew kites, made sand castles, collected shells, and just used their curiosity to take them on whatever adventure suited them. 

To Disneyland We Go!

At the Airport...getting ready to leave!

Laurie, me, and Connor at California Adventureland

Poor little Megan--soooo sick!!!

Laurie and Megan making a wish at Snow White's Wishing Well.

    Laurie and Megan were completely surprised when Grandpa Mortensen and I picked them up from school--their very last day of school--and whisked them away to the airport.  They were completely surprised when I told them we were flying in an airplane-right then-to go to Disneyland.  It was such a fun surprise!!!

    We stayed at the Marriot Hotel right across the street from Disneyland.  Brian, Connor and Rocky came too.  We had a wonderful time riding taking in the "magic" of Disneyland, and of course riding all the rides.  So many good memories made.

    Megan got sick while we were on vacation which was a huge bummer.  So one night Brian, Rocky and Megan stayed and rested at the hotel and Connor, Laurie, and I went to California Adventureland.  We had so much fun getting soaked on the White Water Rapids Ride, riding a scary roller coaster that went upside down (Laurie and Connor's FIRST time!), and a scary Ferris Wheel.  We ended our adventures with icecream.

  

    What a fun get-away in the middle of winter!  Good times!

Last Day of School

Laurie's 4th Grade "Genious" Class

Laurie and Mrs. Cunningham

Megan in Mrs. Day's 3rd Grade Class.  Megan was a model student.  I volunteered in her classroom many times.  She was very responsible, obedient, and her teacher absolutely adored her.

Megan, and her first "best friend forever," Camilla

Megan, and her beloved teacher, Mrs. Day

So we tried "The Great School Experiment."  It lasted four months.  We learned a lot from the school experience. 

1.  School isn't this horrible bad place.  (And teachers aren't evil.)

2.  The girls were doing fine with their social skills.  They made friends easily and the teachers were genuinely surprised when they learned Laurie and Megan had been homeschooled.

3.  I had prepared them well.  They tested well; they were at the top of their classes; and they got straight As.

4.  There are unique opportunities at school that are very good for the kids.  They got to be in little plays, participate in a Medieval Festival, have a chance at public speaking, and much more.

5.  A lot of precious time (and money!) is wasted driving to and from school.  It's about 30-40 minutes everyday.

6.  Although I was assured that the girls would be able to move past their grade level, it never happened.

7.  Charter schools are definitely the better option to Public schools.

8.  There is a direct correlation between amount of time at school and bad attitude at home.

9.  Going to school and the demands of time and energy that requires pretty much eliminates the ability to be in extracurricular activities.

10.  ***Family life is much more calm, peaceful, and harmonious when we do homeschool.***