Our first vacation week

We just finished our first vacation week in our new year-round schedule. It was a fun and welcome break from school work! But we definitely still did a whole lotta learnin'! On Sunday we had Della's birthday party and on Monday we went to the Pacific Science Center! It was so fun and educational. We hadn't been to PSC for about seven years and there were some new exhibits, but mostly it was how I remember it. Many of the exhibits and activities directly related to the concepts we learned the last few weeks, especially Newton's Laws. The kids had a lot of fun, and I think in a few years will appreciate it more in relation to what we are currently studying. Monday night we had community group costume party! So fun to dress up and spend time with friends!

On Tuesday we had a jammie day and it was also Della's birthday. Staying home, playing games and watching movies was a perfect follow-up to such a busy Monday. I wanted to get working on laundry and chores and Della just followed after me and screamed. I realized she just needed some Mommy time, so we cuddled on the couch. It was exactly what she (and I) needed, and I'm so glad I was able to look past my chores and spend time with her.

Wednesday was my birthday and we went to the zoo with Bill and my mother-in-law. It was a homeschool day with special events and homeschool groups. It was so fun, but Amelia was sick for most of the day. Thankfully Nana sat with her in the car while she rested and was able to join the rest of us for more exhibits. I really liked the Northern Trail with the bears, elk and wolves. It was so peaceful and quiet, and all the animals were out and able to be seen. We ended up getting a membership too and I am excited to go more this year.

Thursday was Halloween and another low-key day. The kids got to spend a lot of time with Nana, which was great. And of course trick-or-treating! The big kids and Bill walked around the neighborhood while Della and I passed out candy at our house. They got SO much candy! We sorted it together--math time!

Friday we went to the library and did "movie day" in the afternoon. Overall it was a fun week with many educational opportunities. I appreciated the break from regular lessons and hopefully it will help with the burnout I felt at the end of last school year. However, I am looking forward to a much more normal week next week!