Watching the Boys



Spencer enjoys reading The Hobbit at the lake.



This week-- like every week-- I learn unplanned lessons. This week, John Robert found a new passion during his high school biology class. The teacher introduced the idea of debating an environmental issue, and John Robert suddenly morphed into a leader during the debate. He happily argued both sides of the issue in front of 15 older kids that he barely knew. Afterward, he said he really liked arguing and debating. Who knew?

Spencer invited Shaw to spend the night last night. To my surprise, they kept everything very low key-- drawing comics mostly; also working on a Lego stop action movie, a few nerf gun battles outside and throughout the house. They all hung out with me for a while in the living room watching The Middle. They were very relaxed together, and didn't feel the need to excitedly run from one activity to another. It was quite peaceful and sweet.



Denver enjoys a little homeschool at the gazebo.



The big surprise last night was Denver. He was willing to do whatever Shaw wanted to do. As a result, Denver spent hours sitting at the table with Shaw and Spencer drawing comic characters. He had never done that before. I noticed Denver often asking Shaw how to spell words to go with his comic strip. Shaw answered quickly (and correctly!) each time. Denver learned to listen well and write fast because Shaw didn't enjoy repeating himself.

This morning, as soon as John Robert came downstairs (11:00am!), Shaw invited John to join them in an outside Nerf battle. To my surprise, John nodded his sleepy head, stuffed a blueberry muffin in his mouth, and said, "Let's go."

They are outside as I write this; moving too fast for a picture; running, shouting, and chasing one another through the trees.