Any book?

Maya Angelou said, "Any book that helps a child form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him." I wonder if Maya Angelou ever read The Hunger Games.......

Let me start at the beginning. The kids and I went bright and early (the crack of 10am) to the local library to get some library cards and stock up on books that Mom doesn't have to buy. I checked the website, gathered the required documents to get a car loan  library card, and headed out. It started well, I found good parking and we pet the library cat Browser before heading in. I was feeling confident. I piled my papers on the front desk and and faced questioning akin to he Spanish Inquisition for the next (no kidding) 40 minutes. Long story short, we did manage to get our cards with our ONE BOOK limit. Not one book per card, just one book total. (apparently being out-of-state military makes you a flight risk or possible book thief)

Hello Browser the library cat. Do you mind if I wipe my tears of frustration on your soft, soft fur?

I graciously let Kate take the first book pick because Jack was distracted by a table covered with plastic bugs and I'm too tired to read anyway. I took her to the "youth" section and let her go. She proceeded to huff, mope and sigh until I asked her what her deal was. It seems she's too "mature" for "youth" books and really wanted to read The Hunger Games. "But wouldn't you rather read Charlotte's Web again?", I whined. No. "Or that funny book about the wimpy kid?" Definitely not. I guess the heart wants what the heart wants and if that happens to be reading a book about children killing each other, so be it.

6 hours reading on couch. 

Back to school----our way.

One of the things I love about homeschool is flexibility. Usually we school year round so we can take days off as needed or wanted during the year. I had planned on doing that again this summer (with the exception of our international move) but life had different plans. Not to worry, homeschool doesn't mind! And as a bonus for being off schedule, we got to have an "official" first day of school. And what's better to wake up sleepy children who have been sleeping in for the past few months? Pancakes!

Jack's 1st grade pancake.

This is as happy as Kate gets before 9am

And because strawberries and syrup make for spazzy children, we went for an early swim.

We did manage to fit in some school work today too.

And after lunch we got our solar system ready to be hung from the homeschool room ceiling. Too bad I'm too short to reach the ceiling......

And of course, we got the car ready for our road trips.

We are the goon squad and we're coming to town. Beep! Beep!