Another Good Day

 Homeschooling has become a blessing we rarely think about.  We forget that most families cannot run off to a museum on a weekday morning to indulge a child's fascination with ancient Roman history.  But we can.

It was a wonderful and simple day.  Not unusual for us.  Time spent together.  Good discussions.  Thoughtful questions and then home with good memories.

A Visit with Cousin Hannah's Flat Stanley!

This week, we met a new friend!  Our cousin, Hannah Mathes, sent Flat Stanley all the way to Covington, Georgia for a visit.  Do you know where Covington is?  It is just east of Atlanta, Georgia-- about a 12 hour drive from Farmington.

While he was here, Stanley made friends with our little dog, Audrey.  When he cooked sausage, she really liked him a lot!

Stanley helped us decorate for Halloween.  Scary!

Stanley had fun learning about history with us.  He battled knights and gladiators!  

He also met two famous presidents-- do you know who they are?

We had a wonderful visit with Flat Stanley, and now he is riding home from Georgia with Hannah's grandparents.  He misses you, Hannah!

Uncle John, Aunt Kim,
John Robert, Spencer, and Denver.

Nana and Papa with Denver and John Robert

Don't Know Much About History . . .

Spencer at the entrance to the National Archives.

How did I not know about the National Archives in Atlanta?

I didn't know what to expect when I signed Spencer up for the National Archives of Atlanta's yearlong American history class for homeschooled students.  I knew it would be a lot of lecturing.  I had heard it was rigorous and highly academic.  I also knew he would be expected to participate in the National History Day competition-- but I didn't tell him about that part!

Engraved on the emblem, "Littera Scripta Manet;" which
means "Written Letter Remains."

Luckily for us, the first day was phenomenal.  Spencer was happy and enthusiastic about the experience, and I loved seeing him interested and thoughtful.  He even smiled-- twice!  To top it off, he already has an idea for his National History Day competition research paper.  As one who LOVES writing research papers (Yes, I am that person), I am over the moon with joy.
  
The teacher, Joel Walker, is a devoted, experienced, and enthusiastic teacher and archivist.  As he led us through the history of colonial America, we read a slave ship's document and were able to see the original (!).  We read a copy of the Proclamation of 1763, which took away all that the colonists had been fighting for during the French and Indian War because it forbade the colonists from moving west into former French territory!  Joel said he got shivers whenever he touched this document because it was the beginning of the colonists' discontent with their King and one of the seeds of the revolution.  Spencer and I were smitten with Joel's enthusiasm.

This year's theme for National History Day
Competition: Conflict & Compromise

Not only did we receive a unique tour of the archives, but Spencer and I were thrilled with the idea of looking through boxes of history and being able to form our own opinions and become true historians through researching primary sources.  They had NASA documents, school integration documents, draft cards (including that of Louie Armstrong), Navy documents regarding German submarines off the coast of the United States during WWII, and MANY more federal records.  

Our class was small, but enthusiastic. Questions from parents and students were encouraged during the five hours of our class. I cannot help but compare it to my own history classes-- full of bored teenagers and teachers with so little time and so much to cover. 

Homeschooling isn't perfect.  I suppose nothing is.  But today . . . for Spencer . . . was one of those rare perfect days.  So many new thoughts and possibilities.  Wondrous.

Wow!  A 1918 government letter documenting the detention
of Lily Busch at our country's border due to her German nationality.
(Busch Beer, anyone?) 

   

When Your Future's so Bright . . .

Denver and Spencer enjoying the wonder.

I barely remember the eclipse of my youth.  That is not a metaphor. I remember the science teacher poking a hole in a shoe box and we students looking through a hole showing a white pinpoint of light that eventually became a crescent.  I don't remember feeling excited about it.  All I remember is the welcome break in our usual school routine.  I don't remember my parents mentioning it at all.

This time was different.  My husband ordered special glasses for us.  The boys read a N.Y. Times report on the eclipse. We watched a program about historical fears and superstitions surrounding eclipses.  Spencer and I discussed the fall of Constantinople after an eclipse which frightened the Constantine people.  

Crescent shadows during the eclipse.

Yesterday was the big event-- a 97% eclipse.  John Robert left for school at 4am to ride a bus to Clemson University and view the eclipse in its totality.  Scientists and professors spoke to the students.  The entire student body of the university seemed to be out on the quad.  He said it was amazing.  

John, Spencer, Denver, and I took a more laid back approach.  We loaded up the van with food and a cooler, and went to the pool.  John grilled burgers, we watched the eclipse through our special glasses, we drank cold drinks, and "Oohed" and "Aaahhed" all afternoon.  Cooler temperatures.  A wild change in lighting.  Crickets chirped.  Dogs barked.  There were strange shadows.  It was simple and wonderful.

My children constantly remind me that the world is an amazing place and learning is ever reaching.  My teacher's attempt years ago to help us experience the eclipse was the best he could do at that time with 30 students, one shoe box, no internet, and limited time to share.  I'm so glad John and I could give more and share more.  

Einstein and Shakespeare enjoying new eclipse glasses.

The biggest and best thing I have learned from homeschooling is the simplest: we learn best and most when we are allowed to follow our wonder.  

Who knows what we learned and what need is there to test us?  The world is the subject and every moment a possible opportunity to see something we've never before seen.

36 Hour Getaway OR Survival Challenge

Two Happy Zipliners at the end of an Awesome Day.

Launching from the Heron's Nest
to zip across the Chattahoochee River.

With an unexpected few days off, John surprised us all with a quick trip to Columbus, Georgia for some excitement this week.  Unlike my idea of fun-- museums, bookstores, restaurants, and a beach-- John and the boys had different ideas.  How about ziplining, a ropes course, and some white water rafting?  Umm... Okay.

Spencer makes it look easy!

John Robert chose to stay home for school and get paid for overnight dogsitting.  The rest of us piled into the car and set out for adventure.

Our first stop was lunch in downtown Columbus, which is charming.  There is a thriving triathlon scene there, and I enjoyed drooling over the Go Faster wheels in the local bike shop.  After this little delay, Denver and Spencer began their ziplining adventure and ropes course.  John and I had a great time watching them!

Denver's return zip after two hours of
ropes courses and obstacles.

After a wonderful evening blowing out John's hotel points on the Presidential Suite at a local DoubleTree (Yes, the shower was in fact large enough for all of us to stand in!), we looked forward to another day of adventure: white water rafting.

The Boys' New Favorite Place.

It needs to be said that John signed us up for the "Family Adventure."  This was said to be suitable for children ages 8 and over.  It sounded fine.  I didn't know to be scared.  I was a bit suspicious of our surfer dude river guide, but it didn't occur to me that we would do anything but rock up and down a bit as we floated down the river.

I was wrong.  Our guide delighted in showing us all the wonders of surfing: turning the nose of the raft upstream and into the rapids until the water sucks the nose of the boat down.  This was terrifying as my two children were in the nose of the boat.  The water eventually spit the boat out of the wave, hurling us downstream.  Fun?! Delightful?!  I didn't think so.  Sadly, I was in the minority and we did this repeatedly! We watched the boat ahead of us flip too high in the air and capsize-- children, parents, guide, and paddles strewn like confetti across the water.  

By the time our trip was through, I had resigned myself to simply obeying our guide's paddling instructions and waiting for the boat to flip.  Yet my husband and children loved it.  LOVED IT. Sometimes I think we're not really related at all.

After (finally!) pulling our raft ashore, my sons and husband were dripping and grinning from ear to ear.  It was a fast but exciting adventure for them.  We loaded up, ate lunch, and drove home.  I later heard Spencer telling a friend what a great time he had.

I have spent the last 17 years trying to keep my children safe.  It is hardwired into me.  Something about the white water rafting made me feel unsafe.  I wanted to pull my children out of the turbulent waters to safety the entire time.  I could not enjoy it, and when I realized they were having fun, I knew I had to allow it . . . and yet, be ready to pull them to safety at every second.

Not my cup of tea, John Degonia.  You owe me for this little vacation.  

More Reasons Why I'm Penniless

Because he found something he loves: Swim Team.

 

Nervous before his State Competition.

The Launch

Fourth in the State in 50 free

10th in the State in Butterfly

My Favorite 10 Year Old and Why I Can't Take the Credit

Denver's selfie with his first ever STATE medal.
Third place in the mixed Freestyle Relay.
And just for the record, 4th in 50 freestyle,
5th in the mixed medley relay,
and 10th in the state in butterfly.  Wowza!
 

Denver and his relay team.

Denver took this picture on the morning of his state swim meet.
"Buddy, I haven't even had my coffee yet.  I know I look terrible."
"In real life, Yes.  But you always somehow look good in pictures!"

Denver was and is our surprise child.  We were surprised to discover his impending arrival, and he has continued to surprise us for nearly eleven years.

Unlike his brothers and me, Denver doesn't enjoy reading, museums, or being quiet.  He prefers action, loud noises, and being the center of attention.  He LOVES being with people, and in the last year, he has grown to love swim team-- where he gets to spend hours (and hours and hours) hanging out with his buddies, cheering for them, and competing with them.  

Of course, anyone who knows our family knows that Denver is similar to my husband.  In fact, John calls Denver his "Mini Me."  And it is nearly true.  Watching this boy struggle to live with me gives me insight into my husband's similar struggles.  Like Denver, John does not think spending time reading books in the same room is "together" time.  Likewise, Denver and John resent being left home while I'm off on a six hour bike ride. 

Luckily, we love each other enough to seek common ground.   John and I cycle together regularly now.  Denver and I have bonded over swimming and triathlon.  We train together and talk about gear and race strategy.  Now I must finish this post because Denver is excited about going to the YMCA to train in the gym.  He wants company-- of course. 

One of many of Denver's Race Tattoos 

  

Summer Flying By . . .

Spencer driving Alice, his great grandfather's beloved tractor.

First Place in his Age Group!

Summer is flying by, much like Denver in the midst of his latest triathlon.

I think about writing blog posts, keeping track of our family's experiences, and then I turn around and six weeks have passed without my seeming to do anything other than wash clothes and dishes, and feed the dogs.

The pool is a fun place for us-- as always!

We have just returned from another wonderful trip to my parents' home in Missouri. Spencer celebrated his birthday there, we saw family and friends, we rode bicycles, we went to a Cardinals baseball game, the boys shot guns with their dad and Papa Dale. We hiked and climbed at Elephant Rocks.  Denver and I even ran a race at my old high school with cousins Breanna, Hannah, Uncle Rob and Aunt Melissa. 

Help from Dadders
Note: Denver's insistence on wearing
a cowboy hat!

Pregame Dinner with Nana and Papa Dale, Uncle Rob,
Aunt Melissa, Hannah and Breanna.

Busch Stadium 

Denver stuck close to Uncle Rob
and learned a LOT about baseball!

Jibby and Spencer at the game.

This trip was different primarily because for the first time, my dad was less active.  The day before our flight to Missouri, my dad was the victim of a distracted driver.  She drove into him head-on while he saw her coming and tried to slam on the brakes and pull to the side of the road before the impact.  Luckily, though his truck was totaled, his body survived with only deep bruising and temporary (we hope!) damage to his back, foot, and hand.  She was not so lucky, and had to be air lifted to a St. Louis hospital.  We don't know if she survived. 

For us, the sadness was not having Papa Dale with us on our hikes and bike rides.  He is usually the leader of nearly endless activities.  It was strange to see him sitting so much and walking so slowly.  Of course, it could have been much worse.  I cannot tell you how happy I was to hug him when I first saw him limping toward us at the airport!



Now we are home from our wonderful trip, and we have explored Fernbank's new exhibit on Mastodons.  John Robert is busy with friends and work.  John is preparing to leave on a work trip, I am training for my Ironman, Denver is prepping for his two remaining swim meets, and Spencer is working on his WWII models and helping Paw Paw and Dadders with mowing and leafblowing.  Our summer flies by like the grass clippings....  simple, fleeting, fragrant.

A little hike with Denver in Missouri.

Enjoying a little silliness at Fernbank's latest exhibit.