tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39030558112181827302024-03-12T18:55:47.056-04:00Giggles, Wiggles and WonderA journal of learning and discoveryJonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-61473925312670629242014-10-11T12:41:00.000-04:002014-10-11T13:20:36.723-04:00U. S. Space and Rocket Center PhotosWhat a fascinating place to spend a day! I really wish I weren't too old for space camp.<br />
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Cullen and I joined a group from Timothy Ministries (where he takes enrichment classes once a week) at the Space and Rocket Center yesterday. Here are some of my favorite photos:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scale of artifacts and models on display was awe-inspiring.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A child of the touch-screen era, Cullen was surprised by how much effort was required to flip an old school toggle switch!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The real Apollo 16 Command Module</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple tasks aren't so simple while wearing moon gloves.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A diver in training tank interacted with the kids over a speaker system while shooting baskets with a bowling ball.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working with a friend on a lab project.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess who is dreaming about going into space someday?<br />
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Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-14767160414714491672014-08-13T13:03:00.001-04:002014-08-13T13:20:29.179-04:00School Room on First Day of 7th GradeThough yesterday was actually the first day of 7th grade for Cullen - he takes some science and technology classes at Timothy Ministry in Woodstock every Tuesday, which he thoroughly enjoys - here are some photos of his first day working at home this year. The school room has been updated to better suit a preteen, but it still has the fun, zany vibe we both enjoy. (You can see photos from a few years ago <a href="http://giggleswigglesandwonder.blogspot.com/2010/08/school-room-pics.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
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Our day is not done, so if you'll excuse me, I have a discussion awaiting on mood, tone, and suspense in "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allen Poe. Fun stuff!</div>
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Check out other photos of other homeschoolers rooms or set-ups <a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/6th-annual-not-back-to-school-blog-hop-school-room-week/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-38736649823237938932014-01-31T10:36:00.001-05:002014-01-31T11:41:10.824-05:00Long Overdue Update (Beware the Creeper)Though I have rarely posted here so far this year, we are still plugging along. Things are going very well, and Cullen is taking more ownership of his own learning, which is exciting for me!<br />
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He is passionate about pretty much anything related to computers, even taking it to levels of extreme geekiness and learning to code while "playing" games.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creeper in the house!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are behind where I hoped to be with the science curriculum, but Cullen takes so many side trips following his own interests in all thing science and technology that I really have no complaints. Setting up and maintaining a thriving tropical fish aquarium and snap circuit projects have been the biggest of these.</div><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All other subjects are moving along pretty much as planned. Math is painless as long as problems can be worked out on the whiteboard. That $30 board and the packs of colored markers may be the best homeschooling investment I've made to date. </div><br />
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This week, all academics were interrupted by weather. I am so thankful we did not end up trapped in the traffic nightmare that locals are referring to as Snowmageddon or <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/kimberlyt/the-silver-lining-of-atlantas-snowpocalypse-2014-w6l" target="_blank">Snowpocalypse</a>. (My adult daughter did have an 11.5 hour commute home from work Tuesday night, but made it safely.) Cullen has grown so much and so quickly this year that he ended up wearing MY ski pants and MY snow boots to go out for fun in the snow! Looking at this picture, I see those are MY gloves, too!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4MIyThevZZ0/Uuu8H_HwhuI/AAAAAAAACCE/pJLpNC8AEjQ/s1600/photo+5p.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4MIyThevZZ0/Uuu8H_HwhuI/AAAAAAAACCE/pJLpNC8AEjQ/s1600/photo+5p.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am not so mean that I insist on schoolwork when every other kid in the neighborhood is hooting and squealing as they slide down the hill that begins in front of our house. This happens too rarely here in Georgia to miss the chance for this kind of fun! </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cro19-u4mo8/UuvBuBOSiFI/AAAAAAAACCc/xyqfJWzd1jQ/s1600/1661700_10203166789920302_778858145_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cro19-u4mo8/UuvBuBOSiFI/AAAAAAAACCc/xyqfJWzd1jQ/s1600/1661700_10203166789920302_778858145_n.jpg" height="203" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by neighbor, Tim Dahnke</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Most of the ice and snow has melted as of today, so we are easing back into the loose routine we usually keep. The forecast models show a possibility of more snow next week, though. On my to-do list is buying Cullen his own cold-weather clothes so I can go play, too, next time!<br />
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<div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/weekly-wrap-up-the-one-with-all-the-snow/" target="new"><img alt="" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/kbmomto3/weeklywrapup300.png " size="300X91" /></a></div>Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-15147988754455960082013-08-27T21:52:00.002-04:002013-08-28T08:44:35.647-04:00Curriculum for 6th Grade YearWe've already begun our school year, ramping up to a full load by next Monday. I am especially excited that Cullen has made it to the logic stage. He is a natural debater! Conversations with him have become as enlightening for me as for him. <br />
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Here is an overview of our basic curriculum plans for the year. Of course, it is subject to tweaks and adjustments as necessary and to the interruptions that our following interesting rabbit trails will inevitably bring. That is the beauty of homeschooling!<br />
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<strong><u>Math:</u></strong> <a href="http://www.thinkwell.com/" target="_blank">Thinkwell Math</a> for 6th grade. Cullen actually began this in the middle of last year. We are just continuing from where we left off before our break. Online video instruction and computer-based exercises, review, and tests give me a little break from direct instruction, though I am always on-hand and involved. Cullen's favorite way to do any math is on a white board with big, colorful calculations, then writing his answer on the worksheet or keying it into the computer. I really like everything about this program. It isn't cheap, but the <a href="http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/index.php?source=EntrepreneurAtHome" target="_blank">Homeschool Buyers Co-op</a> regularly features a half-price special. I will supplement with logic and critical thinking practice throughout the year.<br />
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<strong><u>Language Arts:</u></strong> an assortment of resources. Primary materials are the language arts package by Michael Clay Thompson from <a href="http://www.rfwp.com/pages/michael-clay-thompson/" target="_blank">Royal Fireworks Press</a>. We began the Town level last year, so will continue with that. I anticipate beginning the Voyage level in the winter. I cannot say enough about how much I am enamored with this program. Heavy on the discussion, with no busy-work whatsoever, this perfectly suits Cullen's learning style and my own teaching preferences.</div>
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Because there is no such thing as too much understanding when it comes to grammar and because this is such an easy-to-use resource, Cullen also does a lesson from <a href="http://growingwithgrammar.com/" target="_blank">Growing With Grammar</a>, level 7, almost every day. Though not as popular (yet?) as some of the other grammar options among homeschoolers, this is an excellent curriculum. Written in a straightforward manner directly to the student with accompanying workbook, it hits just the right balance of practice needed to reinforce learning without going into mind-numbing overkill that some programs are known for. </div>
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Writing will be pulled from a number of resources. The Michael Clay Thompson materials provide wonderful instruction and practice assignments that I will use as our core. Cullen is also writing a novel, albeit very slowly, by his own choice and has also expressed interest in writing storylines for games he is creating. Science and history are very much integrated with writing, as well.</div>
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Here are some of the titles on the literature list for the year, though we may add a few as we go along. In addition to these books, Cullen will read several short stories, plenty of poetry and a few other odd, assorted items. Follow-up on anything he reads will include mostly Socratic-style discussion with some written responses assigned. </div>
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These are a few biographies on the science and history reading list. </div>
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<strong><u>History/Geography/Social Studies:</u></strong> <a href="http://www.tapestryofgrace.com/index.php" target="_blank">Tapestry of Grace</a>, Year 3, Unit 3, through Year 4. We do not strictly follow the schedule, but our history, geography and some literature suggestions are pulled from this. I appreciate the wealth of information for the teacher that is provided all in one place here. Pictured are a few books that we've used over the past couple of weeks. This year's studies should bring us up to modern times or pretty close. This is a subject I tend to update about on the blog as the books and other resources are so varied. And because I really love history!</div>
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The World Atlas and the Time Presidents book will be used frequently. </div>
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<strong><u>Science:</u></strong> Prentice Hall Earth Science for middle grades. While searching to buy a surplus or used copy of this, I happened upon the version bound to include the standards for our state from <a href="http://www.fes.follett.com/" target="_blank">Follett Educational Services</a>. (This site sells just about every textbook or supplement you can imagine but without giving much information of the books. Do your research to choose what you want, make sure you have ISBN numbers if possible, then check pricing and availability here. Prices are often better than amazon or ebay.) Finding the video series to go along was an extra bonus! </div>
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<strong><u>Bible:</u></strong> <a href="http://www.grapevinestudies.com/" target="_blank">Grapevine Studies</a>, Old Testament. We are giving a completely new Bible study approach a try, and so far, we both really like it. Using timelines, drawing stick-figures to represent key points of scripture, learning to use a Bible Dictionary and a Concordance, along with memory work make for a well-rounded lesson. At first I thought this concept might be too young for Cullen, but five minutes into the first day, he was completely immersed in the process. </div>
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Those are the core subject areas. Music is covered with piano lessons, informal listening to works of various composers, and his new interest in mixing electronic music. He takes a weekly art class through our local <a href="http://www.ga-eph.org/" target="_blank">GA-EPH</a>, and we sometimes dabble with a project as inspiration strikes.</div>
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S.O.L.E. - Student Organized Learning Environments, a new class through this group is based on the ideas from a popular <a href="http://(s.o.l.e.%20-%20student%20organized%20learning%20environments/" target="_blank">TED talk by Sugata Mitra</a>, allowing children to form small groups which decide on a question to pursue, then research together, navigating online sources to gather information to present to the rest of the class. </div>
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A few other important resources for me as I plan and teach are shown below: </div>
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<a href="http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/tcw" target="_blank">Teaching the Classics, A Socratic Method for Literary Education</a> from IEW, </div>
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<a href="http://www.rfwp.com/pages/shelagh-gallagher/#book-problem-based-learning-for-homeschoolers" target="_blank">Problem Based Learning in Your Homeschool</a>, by Shelagh Gallagher, and </div>
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<a href="http://www.criticalthinking.com/teaching-technology-series.html" target="_blank">Teaching Technology Through Interest Projects</a> from The Critical Thinking Company.</div>
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Add to this field trips, nature walks, hiking and biking, swimming as long as the weather holds, indoor trampolines when it doesn't. Cullen also tackles his own projects with intensity and enthusiasm, some of which are creating computer games and learning to code along the way, making stop-motion videos, and getting into animation very soon. I just try to keep up and help find any resource he hasn't located on his own. </div>
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I am so excited over all we have ahead of us! </div>
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<a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/curriculum-week-2013/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ55usU2nPE/Uh1ZBysUe6I/AAAAAAAAB-I/mDmRaXxmQrw/s1600/nbts-blog-hop-2013.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>*Disclosure: All links are for your convenience and for informational purposes only. None are affiliate links. No one has or will compensate me for any clicks or purchases you might make. Legally, this disclosure isn't even necessary, as I have nothing actually to disclose but the glaring lack of anything to disclose. It does, however, make me feel like one of the big name homeschooler blogs, if only for a wee moment. And only if I squint my eyes and scan this section quickly. :o)</i></div>
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Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-8514173690479172202013-08-12T12:47:00.002-04:002013-08-27T22:43:14.850-04:00First Day of Sixth Grade!Sixth grade begins today! <br />
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Cullen and his sidekick, Cookie, are having a blast trying to delay the beginning of the workday with all sorts of antics that must be photographed.</div>
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I love this job!</div>
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Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-58496298018399216622013-04-05T15:50:00.000-04:002013-04-05T15:50:20.905-04:00STARBASE and a New InstrumentIt's been a big week for Cullen! <br />
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Tuesday, along with some homeschooling friends, he participated in the first session of the <a href="http://www.dodstarbase.org/" target="_blank">STARBASE </a>program at Dobbins Air Reserve Base. They will meet each Tuesday, from 9:00 AM till 2:30 PM, through the first week in May to learn science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in a highly hands-on environment, with special emphasis on real-world application and careers in these fields. <br />
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Thursday was especially exciting for an entirely different reason. Cullen began learning to play the violin! I have video of his instructor helping him through his first notes, but I have been strictly forbidden from posting this online. Here, instead, is a photo of the new virtuoso-in-training as he practices consistently touching only one string at a time with the bow. Not as easy as you might think, folks!<br />
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He has not abandoned the piano. Actually, he seems to be more motivated and to enjoy playing more lately. Just yesterday, he informed his piano teacher that he would like to take part in the upcoming recital. Huge surprise! A few weeks ago, just hearing the "r" word spoken aloud would have sent him into a meltdown. The growing confidence and courage make me very proud of this young man.<br />
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Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-11407096324130312682013-03-24T16:00:00.002-04:002013-03-25T17:43:23.950-04:00Visit to Booth Western Art MuseumSince we've wrapped up reading about the western expansion movement, this was the perfect week to drive up to the <a href="http://boothmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Booth Western Art Museum</a> in Cartersville, GA. I fully intended to enjoy the visit, but the museum exceeded all of my expectations! Amazing artwork across many styles, authentic Native American artifacts, thoughtful and dramatic presentation of the art with great respect for conveying the historical significance in a stunning building all made for the perfect field trip destination. <br />
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There are several Western Galleries, a sculpture court, temporary exhibit areas, a Civil War gallery, and the Hall of Presidents. Cullen especially enjoyed the chance to see a sample of each President's handwriting. The authentic coaches on display were an extra treat.</div>
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In the basement, we found a special hands-on area for kids. While this is really targeted toward the younger set, my oh-so-grown-up ten-year-old couldn't get enough of this life-sized play horse. <br />
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We plan to visit again, especially when Cullen gets a little farther along in learning about the Civil War. In the meantime, I think I'll find a nearby horse ranch to go riding!<br />
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<br />Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-52297255847855744642013-03-08T15:41:00.000-05:002013-03-08T16:03:33.903-05:00Weekly Update with an Epic Science ExperimentI am finally resolved that our days will never be as structured and scripted as most people think school should be. As long as the learning is happening and the little neurons are firing, that is enough. <br />
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History this week covered topics of slavery, which will be picked up on again later, and western expansion with readings from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-New-Nation-1789-1850-History/dp/0195327187/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362772547&sr=8-1&keywords=history+of+us+new+nation+hakim" target="_blank">A History of U.S., The New Nation</a>, a book on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Oregon-Trail-People-Expansion-Paperback/dp/0756509351/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362772726&sr=1-2&keywords=the+oregon+trail+we+the+people" target="_blank">The Oregon Trail</a>, and a handful of <a href="http://www.brainpop.com/" target="_blank">BrainPop</a> videos. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading history lesson aloud in the voice of an old pioneer woman while wearing your pajamas and wallowing around on the floor with your dog is just one of many advantages to learning at home.</td></tr>
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Cullen is reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wrinkle-Time-Madeleine-LEngles-Quintet/dp/0312367546/ref=rec_dp_3" target="_blank">A Wrinkle in Time</a>, which was one of his big sister's favorites at his age. (I still have to read this myself. Maybe I'll borrow his copy after he goes to bed.) The highlight from language arts learning this week has to be a session of taking turns creating sentences with direct objects, indirect objects and subject complements, then identifying those elements in the other's sentences. The subject matter got sillier as we went along.<br />
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The biggest news from our week is shown in this video from Cullen's experiment in science class:<br />
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Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-31131216426629848722013-03-01T17:33:00.001-05:002013-03-01T21:56:08.475-05:00Weekly Wrap-up Things are clipping along here in most areas. My focus is now on encouraging and enabling Cullen to take more responsibilty for his own learning. Baby steps are still progress and will be celebrated as such! There are, of course, things that we will continue to do together because they work better that way AND because I like spending time with this young man of mine. He seems to really enjoy our discussion-driven <a href="http://www.rfwp.com/pages/michael-clay-thompson/" target="_blank">MCT language arts</a>, asking for it nearly every day. Truth is, he'd rather talk than read or write any day. Now that I know this, I am not above taking full advantage of it!<br />
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Snapped this while he was watching and listening to today's <a href="http://www.thinkwellhomeschool.com/products/grade-6-math" target="_blank">math</a> lesson. Thinking cap??<br />
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<a href="http://www.homeschoolprogramming.com/kidcoder/kidcoder_vb_series.php" target="_blank">Kid Coder</a> Windows Programming is new to our curriculum mix this past week. (My cousin, Jamie, reviewed this recently on <a href="http://seejamieblog.com/2013/01/kidcoder-homeschool-computer-programming/" target="_blank">her blog</a>.) Cullen has been pointing out things he already knows, that he picked up on his own for scripting games on Roblox. Those were his words; I am only loosely understanding what that means. He has the gumption to go find out what he needs to know, which is terrific! Hopefully he can fill in the gaps with this and move on to learning Java soon. He is eager to learn to "make mods" for Minecraft. Again, I think I know what that means.<br />
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We really enjoyed seeing <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEIVzWCRSg8" target="_blank">Black Violin</a> with Drums in concert last week. I say concert, but it was really more of a giant violin party. Giant, as in 3000+ screaming kids who were seriously loving what they were hearing. These classically trained musicians have developed their own mash-up of classical music with an infusion of hip-hop for a terrific high-energy sound. If you get the chance to see them in your town, don't miss it. Cullen already downloaded their album from iTunes and now wants to learn to play the violin. (grin) <br />
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Linking up this week with Kris at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers!<br />
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<a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/weekly-wrap-up/" target="new"><img alt="" size="300X91" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/kbmomto3/weeklywrapup300.png " /></a>Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-75936632800473982272013-02-04T16:56:00.000-05:002013-02-04T16:58:29.710-05:00A Very Quick UpdateFinally, we are hitting our stride again with school-type work! This has been a terrific couple of weeks for both of us. Better attitudes all around. (Yes, I mean me, too.)<br />
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The highlight of last week was getting to see a performance of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eplUj58eHng" target="_blank">Rock the Presidents</a>. It was really more than just "getting to see" it, as the event involved a great deal of audience participation. This is a wonderful show. I'm such a history sap, though, that I cried during the ballad about John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. If you get a chance to take your kids, don't miss it.<br />
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Cullen's current <strike>obsession</strike> area of greatest interest is stop motion video and recording video of himself as he plays a computer game. The finished film shows the game screen as he would see it with a smaller screen-in-screen showing himself making a running commentary as he plays. Does that make any sense? Somewhere, he discovered software which would allow him to do this, downloaded it and learned how to use it. I am still wondering who would want to actually watch this sort of thing! He assures me that there is a market. ;o)<br />
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Here he is with one of two really cool books we just bought - the old and new testaments of the Bible illustrated with LEGOS. Seriously! He finds them "quite humorous" and tremendously interesting. Great for visually-oriented thinkers. Look for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brick-Bible-Testament-Story-Jesus/dp/1620871726/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1360014427&sr=1-1&keywords=the+brick+bible" target="_blank">The Brick Bible, The New Testament</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brick-Bible-New-Spin-Testament/dp/1616084219/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1360014427&sr=1-2&keywords=the+brick+bible" target="_blank">The Brick Bible, A New Spin on the Old Testament.</a><br />
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<br />Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-878070331147814952013-01-25T18:02:00.003-05:002013-01-25T18:06:19.449-05:00Enrichment Classes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cullen has been enjoying a couple of fun enrichment classes through a local homeschool group, <a href="http://www.ga-eph.org/" target="_blank">GA-EPH</a>. Every Wednesday morning, he meets with other homeschoolers for an art class and a hands-on science class.</div>
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The art teacher presents information on a particular artist or art movement, the class discusses, then the kids work on a related project. Here are a couple of Cullen's creations.</div>
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In his second class, he is exploring electricity and magnetism with a <a href="http://www.topscience.org/" target="_blank">TOPS</a> unit and a great teacher who encourages the kids to dig in on their own. Cullen zapped his fingers a few times during the first few classes, frustrating himself, but now seems to have a handle on how to prevent accidental shocks. I like the TOPS simplicity and inquiry-based format so well, I will likely order more of these to use at home.<br />
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Another benefit of this type of class is the opportunity for cooperative learning and collaboration. Being a one-child homeschool, we have to be intentional in finding ways to practice these. Working on a project with Mom just isn't the same!<br />
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<br />Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-47664136417259198962012-12-07T10:37:00.002-05:002012-12-07T10:40:44.839-05:00A Peek at Our WeekThis has been a week of crazy ups and downs with Cullen's nasty cold, fever and unexplained sleep challenges. Even in the most difficult times, there are moments that shine. And I am especially thankful for the flexibilty of learning at home when he isn't feeling well.<br />
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His favorite activity of the week, by far, was his science experiment. There is something about mixing up random household substances into sometimes slimy, smelly or bubbly combinations. Yes, he was making observations looking for indications that a chemical change had occurred, but he is enough of a boy that his lab sheet has one entry that reads, "React, bubbles, poopy colored fizz."<br />
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Book in progress this week is <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lassie-Come-Home-Eric-Knight/dp/0312371314/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354894107&sr=8-1&keywords=lassie+come+home" target="_blank">Lassie, Come Home</a></u>, which is filled with new vocabulary, but he is completely immersed in the story. Dividing with decimals is our current focus in math. In history, we've just come through the War of 1812, and Cullen has done notebook pages for Presidents Madison and Monroe. We are both enjoying <u><a href="http://www.rfwp.com/series/grammar-elementary-program-by-michael-clay-thompson#top" target="_blank">Grammar Town</a></u> as we finish it up.</div>
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Though too sick to make his piano lesson this week, he is just beginning a new level of instructional books and working on some Christmas songs. There are little duet parts for the instructor to play, which I am trying to polish up so I can play with him. </div>
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Since he was awake till some point after midnight last night, then up this morning at 4:00, unable to go back to sleep, I foresee a day of more lying around on the couch than heavy academics. <br />
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Maybe we'll just do a little decorating for Christmas and drink hot chocolate.<br />
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Sounds like a plan!<br />
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Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-74821669413820099192012-09-29T14:47:00.004-04:002012-09-29T14:47:53.809-04:00Field Trip: Stone MountainAfter a great week of school, we took a trip Friday to the Homeschool Day at <a href="http://www.stonemountainpark.com/" target="_blank">Stone Mountain Park</a> on the other side of Atlanta. Walker and Cullen had both looked forward to this. Note the happy faces and coordinating sunglasses. They're just cool like that!<br />
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The Sky Hike attraction had to be first on the list of things to do. This ridiculously high ropes course took a bit of time and a lot of nerve to navigate, but these two managed to conquer all fear. Here are a few of my favorite shots, taken safely from my spot on the ground. <br />
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The museum was a wealth of information on the history of the area, from the time of prehistoric Native Americans, through early settlers, Civil War, reconstruction period, all the way to modern time. A special exhibit detailed the monumental sculpture carved into the side of the mountain and how it was created. A life-sized replica of one of the horses was an irresistible photo op. <br />
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A trip to the top was, of course, an absolute must. Much like I would imagine the surface of the moon, except with more gravity, tourists, an occasional scrubby tree and a snack shop, the top was pitted and pocked from erosion. These two loved it. <br />
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We had fun searching out odd carvings left in the granite over the years. Most were just initials or names, but this one had a readable date of July 4, 1912.</div>
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Cullen took great pride in locating the official marker at the summit. <br />
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It gave us an arrow north for bearing, which helped us locate Kennesaw Mountain on the horizon near our home. Amazing, how many miles we could see even on an overcast day.</div>
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A little earth science, a little history, a little P.E. and a lot of fun equals a terrific outing!</div>
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Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-31477837682136315962012-09-07T10:56:00.002-04:002012-09-07T11:02:57.384-04:00What a summer!<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First away-from-home camp with church friends got mixed reviews. Looks like he had fun, but he wants either his dad or me to chaperone next year if he goes again. <br />
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This was Cullen's fourth year at Kid Chess Day Camp. His friend, Jackson, came, too, this time making it even more fun.<br />
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Of course, there were plenty of lazy moments like this.<br />
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Take advantage of all the cuddle time you can, Dad. He is growing too fast!<br />
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Hamming for the camera on his tenth birthday.<br />
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We took a stop in Chattanooga with friends. He is practicing being taller than me here.<br />
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The long walk underground through caverns to see Ruby Falls was full of wonders, but it was a little chilly that deep inside of a mountain.<br />
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Cullen was fascinated with the shark exhibits and especially the live sharks at the Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg.<br />
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Ziplining in Gatlinburg was a blast! He showed no fear whatsoever. We could have done this for hours more. Next time...<br />
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Rafting on the Pigeon River required a little more nerve. The rapids were kid-friendly but did knock him off his seat a few times. Our boat mates are Estelle, a friend from high school, and her son, Kaden. And of course, our guide who did all of the actual work.<br />
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The usual silliness with Walker during a visit to Six Flags. The water park area made a hot, muggy day turn out to be big fun.</div>
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Ready for the new school year!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pNznLWPnsLk/UEn9eMg5lfI/AAAAAAAAByo/iOUMNQnUvLY/s1600/IMG_1307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-49546432918883287332012-05-01T12:32:00.003-04:002012-05-01T15:39:02.910-04:00How did April fly by so quickly?!?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can hardly believe this is the first of May! We were incredibly busy this past month. Here are a few of the highlights:</div>
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Our big field trip was to the Georgia Rennaisance Festival. My favorite of the day was the Birds of Prey show. Look at this amazing owl. </div>
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It will not surprise you to know that the boys' favorite event of the day was the joust. They were mesmerized by the weaponry and the mock combat, complete with flaming sword and whip, while I admired the power and grace of the horses.</div>
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This spring has brought higher temperatures than expected. Kids know how to take full advantage of this! Here are our friends from next door and Walker and Cullen staying cool.</div>
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As far as school work goes, we've been plugging along just fine. I am proud of Cullen for working on writing a novel, not as an assignment, but just because he wants to write it! It is titled,<u> Jack, the Champion,</u> featuring five kids who love basketball and whose team makes it into the playoffs. He says you'll have to read the book to find out what happens!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lgFrvxz5uFQ/T6AMQKjEmZI/AAAAAAAABnI/rQyzfcDzT88/s1600/IMG_0822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lgFrvxz5uFQ/T6AMQKjEmZI/AAAAAAAABnI/rQyzfcDzT88/s400/IMG_0822.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-17676868839886455032012-03-14T16:52:00.000-04:002012-03-14T16:52:43.124-04:00Wordless Wednesday - math teamwork<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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</tbody></table>Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-47211310908988895062012-02-09T15:58:00.001-05:002012-02-09T17:56:52.245-05:00Quick Catch-up and a Wild, New RugLong time, no post, I know. When life gets too busy, the blog is the first thing to suffer. But I thought about you often and have much I hope to share in future posts!<br />
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The latest and most colorful development here is a new rug for our school room! Goofy boys are same as in previous posts. <br />
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</div>We just finished up reading <u>Sign of the Beaver</u> together and are now into a quick and easy biography of Thomas Jefferson. In the past couple of weeks, the boys' math curriculums moved into alignment on the topic of operations with fractions. Frankly, I'm pretty tired fractions right now! For history, we've learned about the Constitution and the federal government, actually having some interesting conversations on the process by which a bill does or does not become a law. Once gun control issues were mixed into a boring history talk, suddenly these guys were totally engaged. <br />
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Another unusual occurrence this week - an apparent explosion in art class. ;o)<br />
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One thing that is working out extremely well is the new <a href="http://www.spellingpower.com/">Spelling Power</a> curriculum we've just begun using. After a few weeks, I'll post a review for you, but I can say now that I'm loving it so far!Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-5114589243536843812011-10-12T14:28:00.000-04:002011-10-12T14:28:47.918-04:00Enormous Mushroom! Wordless Wednesday<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USWvxw3gbls/TpXcJfMjSiI/AAAAAAAABY8/nlmJkpVggqg/s1600/DSC_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USWvxw3gbls/TpXcJfMjSiI/AAAAAAAABY8/nlmJkpVggqg/s640/DSC_0297.JPG" width="594" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This mushroom might be bigger than a little boy's brain!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-38036485030619407072011-09-26T15:30:00.000-04:002011-09-26T15:30:09.371-04:00Two Are Better Than One!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm not sure I can say that I've got it all figured out with having two boys at once since my nephew has joined us a few days a week, but I can say that it's much more lively around here! They keep me on my toes, to say the least. We're all having fun so far.</div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shenanigans of all sorts are just part of the routine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hands-On Equations as part of our math is a big hit here. Shirts optional.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both boys are reading <em>Holes</em>. What a fun book!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walker's bobblehead sculpture: an alien from a video game.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Zce3kLjnSU/ToDSNYcwPhI/AAAAAAAABXE/P7PLOQK-HD4/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Zce3kLjnSU/ToDSNYcwPhI/AAAAAAAABXE/P7PLOQK-HD4/s320/051.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cullen's bobblehead sculpture: a camouflaged duck.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I appreciate the quiet moments!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-50512234421616601542011-09-21T14:49:00.002-04:002011-09-21T15:04:59.427-04:00Wordless Wednesday: DeSoto Falls Hike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pd3gz7PvhZU/TnotoPz_0vI/AAAAAAAABV8/ojrT9QmIOT0/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pd3gz7PvhZU/TnotoPz_0vI/AAAAAAAABV8/ojrT9QmIOT0/s400/DSC_0067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-72027204922032382552011-09-04T15:21:00.001-04:002011-09-04T15:41:37.007-04:00Cloudy and Drizzly Sunday AfternoonJustin is here in the basement playroom with Cullen, and they have been making so much noise. I just went down to see exactly what they were playing and found that the the yelling and shouting was actually coming from the little Lego people. Imagine that.<br />
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Cookie's idea of how to spend a Sunday afternoon is a little more appealing to me personally.<br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Well, I might stretch out on the sofa since I'm allowed on the furniture.<br />
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Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-23677922851019059112011-09-01T14:03:00.003-04:002011-09-02T00:12:46.210-04:00Hands-On EquationsLast summer, I bought a kit from <a href="http://www.borenson.com/">Hands-On Equations</a> to use as a fun supplement to Cullen's math curriculum, but never actually got very far into using it. He is taking enrichment classes this year through the Timothy Ministries at First Baptist Church of Woodstock, and I was excited to see that one of the available classes was Hands-On Equations using these same materials. So he gets to work in a small group with beginning algebra concepts and simple equations once a week, doing follow-up work and practice at home with me.<br />
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Cullen likes very much the logic of math, the assurance that if certain rules are followed, then the outcome is predictable. The visual and hands-on elements of these materials make it much easier to grasp the concepts of working with an unknown quantity, and keeping both sides of the equation balanced feels more like play with colorful little game pieces. The word "variable" can sound intimidating the first time you hear it, but it looks kind of cute and very non-threatening as a little blue game pawn. <br />
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I was really impressed with these teaching materials when I came across them earlier. Now that I see how well they work with a young mind, I am even more enamored. After two weeks, my nine-year old is solving equations that I was never exposed to until 7th grade. <br />
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The best part is he thinks it's fun!Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-42079249633133217762011-08-26T12:52:00.004-04:002011-08-26T15:39:51.467-04:00Starting With a Bang! New School Year BeginsNot one but TWO field trips made for an exciting first full week of school for us. This year, my nephew, Walker, will be joining us a couple of days each week. You've seen him here on the blog before many times for special events and outings. Now he'll be part of our regular days sometimes.<br />
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Monday was a day for outdoor adventure. Along with new friends and also some favorite cousins, as part of the <a href="http://genesis1ten.blogspot.com/">Genesis 1:ten</a> club, an off-shoot of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church Homeschool Support Group, we canoed down a six-mile stretch of the Chestatee River. Most of the river was smooth and serene, but there were some mild rapids. Being late in an unusually hot and dry summer, the water was a little low, which meant greater danger of getting hung up on the rocks. Since our canoe was first in line, we pretty much found all of the rocks to get hung up on! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken by my cousin, Jamie, or her husband, Ken, as they paddled by. </td></tr>
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At the halfway point, everyone beached the boats and got out to explore the river, play and snack a bit. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathryn and Cullen looking for gold, unfortunately finding only mica.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching a cool ride on the current.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous!</td></tr>
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Wildlife spotting was fun, especially counting turtles before they plopped into the water at our approach. We even floated by a beaver home, which was a first for me. The boys learned a great deal about the physics of paddling a canoe - the law of equal and opposite reaction, resistance, velocity affecting the size of the impact when we hit something in the water, etc., etc. Of course, to them it was just figuring out how to make the boat go where we wanted it to go and that dragging one's paddle in the water while Mom's in the back trying to make us go will cause her to growl and grumble. <br />
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Then Thursday we made a visit to the Tellus Museum with more homeschoolers from the JFBC group. The Tellus is a favorite of ours and close enough that we've been several times. New this visit was a planetarium show featuring wild rollercoaster rides (virtual, of course) on various planets and moons in our solar sytem. Each was designed with special regard for the surface and atmospheric conditions, which made for some really cool rides. At least it felt like we were riding! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pendulum is beautiful and mesmerizing - demonstrating the rotation of the Earth.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the solar house on site, a volunteer explains the water heating system.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Don't eat me!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hands-on exploration of light and reflective properties.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petrified wood. Stone or tree?</td></tr>
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We did manage to get started on the more mundane reading, writing and arithmetic, but I'll save it for another post. It all sounds pretty boring next to this! Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-29697012780181587542011-04-06T15:52:00.002-04:002011-04-06T15:57:52.577-04:00Wordless Wednesday - Jamestown and Yorktown (a little late!)<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring a recreated Powhatan home near the Jamestown fort.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning how to make rope and all the ways it was used.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scraping a hide with sharpened oyster shells is tougher than it looks!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ships were very exciting to tour, with sailors on hand to answer questions.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belowdecks, our guide explained different types of shot used with the cannon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLsdbbxMndc/TZy-F-StxGI/AAAAAAAABTw/DCT6Hx_aCoY/s1600/DSC_0808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLsdbbxMndc/TZy-F-StxGI/AAAAAAAABTw/DCT6Hx_aCoY/s400/DSC_0808.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reenactors were so authentic and eager to talk with us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-08ffpcrtdn8/TZy9oj-H48I/AAAAAAAABTs/O6rIjsZIreA/s1600/DSC_0909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-08ffpcrtdn8/TZy9oj-H48I/AAAAAAAABTs/O6rIjsZIreA/s400/DSC_0909.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Except we couldn't understand a word from these two.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg51OEB1Vos/TZy9ZLIhnwI/AAAAAAAABTg/b8sPk13B5AQ/s1600/DSC_0873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg51OEB1Vos/TZy9ZLIhnwI/AAAAAAAABTg/b8sPk13B5AQ/s400/DSC_0873.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything was hands-on!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0UYQMQ2Nb3s/TZy9d0cjyEI/AAAAAAAABTk/VHIqCKtGDIA/s1600/DSC_0849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0UYQMQ2Nb3s/TZy9d0cjyEI/AAAAAAAABTk/VHIqCKtGDIA/s400/DSC_0849.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We each got to test the weight of the sword.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PkeiUtsMA30/TZy9jrbkNYI/AAAAAAAABTo/xf20GIPQRc0/s1600/DSC_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PkeiUtsMA30/TZy9jrbkNYI/AAAAAAAABTo/xf20GIPQRc0/s400/DSC_0812.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3YT2r8KRgro/TZy9TaThBkI/AAAAAAAABTc/_zrCtbMGg7c/s1600/DSC_0852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3YT2r8KRgro/TZy9TaThBkI/AAAAAAAABTc/_zrCtbMGg7c/s400/DSC_0852.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two were entirely in their element here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHaHgu1agSc/TZzCfuf3v3I/AAAAAAAABUY/KH2Y2m-iLy4/s1600/DSC_0960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHaHgu1agSc/TZzCfuf3v3I/AAAAAAAABUY/KH2Y2m-iLy4/s400/DSC_0960.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On to Yorktown and forward in time to the American Revolution...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-McXYgxnomuU/TZzCZbNQCiI/AAAAAAAABUQ/bzfDE1mLSCI/s1600/DSC_0938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-McXYgxnomuU/TZzCZbNQCiI/AAAAAAAABUQ/bzfDE1mLSCI/s400/DSC_0938.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning all about a REAL musket. (Note the toy one.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zoc4wmLWosE/TZzCbtiKfCI/AAAAAAAABUU/_CCNcZoYKMc/s1600/DSC_0944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zoc4wmLWosE/TZzCbtiKfCI/AAAAAAAABUU/_CCNcZoYKMc/s400/DSC_0944.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Possibly the highlight of the trip for my son.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0My1iqMlGfM/TZzCjfjzBII/AAAAAAAABUc/cUMtOKgjwDU/s1600/DSC_0966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0My1iqMlGfM/TZzCjfjzBII/AAAAAAAABUc/cUMtOKgjwDU/s400/DSC_0966.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details about the camp surgeon's work were a bit difficult to hear.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K0iS7tPf_dU/TZzClRHjV4I/AAAAAAAABUg/PsL5rracj1o/s1600/DSC_0954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K0iS7tPf_dU/TZzClRHjV4I/AAAAAAAABUg/PsL5rracj1o/s400/DSC_0954.JPG" width="321" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I especially liked the camp laundry area! Very interesting undergarments.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3903055811218182730.post-11046132777088878572011-03-09T11:51:00.004-05:002011-03-09T23:13:21.484-05:00Colonial Williamsburg - Biggest Wordless Wednesday Ever!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n2E1mxgCdBY/TXeqCQlu16I/AAAAAAAABTA/kCT41bfYG6c/s1600/DSC_0508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n2E1mxgCdBY/TXeqCQlu16I/AAAAAAAABTA/kCT41bfYG6c/s400/DSC_0508.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walker, my nephew, and Cullen with the local newspaper editor and his horse.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oFi40R2UuVk/TXeoUt-zcrI/AAAAAAAABSE/Va2zhl-5CQg/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-oFi40R2UuVk/TXeoUt-zcrI/AAAAAAAABSE/Va2zhl-5CQg/s400/DSC_0071.JPG" width="266" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our guide for Mechanics of the Trades tour demonstrating a lever.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OtDCFHfBKtY/TXepGxxMwtI/AAAAAAAABSk/Ab4eRHwBe9E/s1600/DSC_0344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OtDCFHfBKtY/TXepGxxMwtI/AAAAAAAABSk/Ab4eRHwBe9E/s400/DSC_0344.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Couldn't miss this photo op!</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RAgUFPeZli4/TXeof1Kk2fI/AAAAAAAABSM/nl7YmywVVxc/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RAgUFPeZli4/TXeof1Kk2fI/AAAAAAAABSM/nl7YmywVVxc/s400/DSC_0084.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blacksmith making nails.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-umV_CSX9gi0/TXeonlai1YI/AAAAAAAABSQ/nIaQItvd6ns/s1600/DSC_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-umV_CSX9gi0/TXeonlai1YI/AAAAAAAABSQ/nIaQItvd6ns/s400/DSC_0176.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doctor's office.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Kl2tNd_YylI/TXeosHjiibI/AAAAAAAABSU/-39mQ65rV7s/s1600/DSC_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Kl2tNd_YylI/TXeosHjiibI/AAAAAAAABSU/-39mQ65rV7s/s400/DSC_0185.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apothecary. Note the chocolate bar on the shelf with the medicine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X41tyXAh-dU/TXeo7zfoCRI/AAAAAAAABSc/bf58O7XMz3k/s1600/DSC_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X41tyXAh-dU/TXeo7zfoCRI/AAAAAAAABSc/bf58O7XMz3k/s400/DSC_0251.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The re-enactor at the Capital was terrific.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OKdHkfDpHGI/TXeozuQTLcI/AAAAAAAABSY/YdEWVmWrDXk/s1600/DSC_0219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OKdHkfDpHGI/TXeozuQTLcI/AAAAAAAABSY/YdEWVmWrDXk/s400/DSC_0219.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quiet moment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pLNriBepPb8/TXepCWp6C3I/AAAAAAAABSg/kzUqEWx0rsc/s1600/DSC_0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pLNriBepPb8/TXepCWp6C3I/AAAAAAAABSg/kzUqEWx0rsc/s400/DSC_0313.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These kids were really great!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A48qLnobga8/TXepLam6BpI/AAAAAAAABSo/t0OeCZFWq9U/s1600/DSC_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A48qLnobga8/TXepLam6BpI/AAAAAAAABSo/t0OeCZFWq9U/s400/DSC_0348.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Believe it or not, this is a candid shot. He is a serious fan of George Washington!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-f6eHLzvR6oM/TXepmxuZtSI/AAAAAAAABS4/2Ik_4X6EJ0s/s1600/DSC_0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-f6eHLzvR6oM/TXepmxuZtSI/AAAAAAAABS4/2Ik_4X6EJ0s/s400/DSC_0454.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A"new" piano-forte and an "expensive" cotton slipcover over a silk-upholstered chair- before cotton was grown here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uuM7OX6syNM/TXepv-YN-eI/AAAAAAAABS8/0XVRYG_-v8c/s1600/DSC_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uuM7OX6syNM/TXepv-YN-eI/AAAAAAAABS8/0XVRYG_-v8c/s400/DSC_0468.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy heater in the Governor's Mansion.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-g7MwSdio4cQ/TXeuBSE53OI/AAAAAAAABTU/AZSV-nwp1kA/s1600/DSC_0597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-g7MwSdio4cQ/TXeuBSE53OI/AAAAAAAABTU/AZSV-nwp1kA/s400/DSC_0597.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys stayed in character nearly the whole visit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MYLaCBJoyjA/TXhPjV_FIHI/AAAAAAAABTY/bv2_sSf4300/s1600/DSC_0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MYLaCBJoyjA/TXhPjV_FIHI/AAAAAAAABTY/bv2_sSf4300/s400/DSC_0422.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See what I mean?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WqPOR_CIkpc/TXepYLwE8II/AAAAAAAABSw/2EadbAhvR-A/s1600/DSC_0411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WqPOR_CIkpc/TXepYLwE8II/AAAAAAAABSw/2EadbAhvR-A/s400/DSC_0411.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like a real Minuteman!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IxoTvrnVkQo/TXepTVaP15I/AAAAAAAABSs/j18G5DzYNB4/s1600/DSC_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IxoTvrnVkQo/TXepTVaP15I/AAAAAAAABSs/j18G5DzYNB4/s400/DSC_0393.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This horse is obviously a little boy at heart.</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HitB6RdMsbM/TXeqONCY_pI/AAAAAAAABTI/aizyqPeHaiQ/s1600/DSC_0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HitB6RdMsbM/TXeqONCY_pI/AAAAAAAABTI/aizyqPeHaiQ/s400/DSC_0530.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">The gunsmith shop was especially interesting to the boys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Snn5qWJ4AYs/TXeqIZbrR7I/AAAAAAAABTE/i9UHyexLsX8/s1600/DSC_0536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Snn5qWJ4AYs/TXeqIZbrR7I/AAAAAAAABTE/i9UHyexLsX8/s400/DSC_0536.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How to make your own bullets is useful information!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZwTr_hggbQw/TXeqS9OW-SI/AAAAAAAABTM/RwEbqxHHLbY/s1600/DSC_0573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZwTr_hggbQw/TXeqS9OW-SI/AAAAAAAABTM/RwEbqxHHLbY/s400/DSC_0573.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I almost couldn't get them out of the armory.</div></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nOqO5o-v20g/TXeqh-2fieI/AAAAAAAABTQ/Q67g2JSZ1Eo/s1600/DSC_0609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nOqO5o-v20g/TXeqh-2fieI/AAAAAAAABTQ/Q67g2JSZ1Eo/s400/DSC_0609.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">All of us - me, Walker, my Mom and Cullen - taking a carriage ride. </div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It was difficult to choose from a thousand pictures! There were so many shops, interesting people and examples of Colonial architecture. We were there two days and didn't manage to see it all.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Next up, highlights of our visit to the Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Jonnia Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336946073433330540noreply@blogger.com4