Year Four: Last Call for 2016!

"Do not let your grand ambitions stand in the way of small but meaningful accomplishments."

-Bryant McGill

Ok, let's be real. I have had a lot going on and it's time for a quick game of catch-up before the holiday madness truly begins. So, here you are: 

Another Halloween, another Mario character. This year, he went for the villain side! After talking him out of Wario (plastic fat suit costume was a little much), Sidekick settled on Waluigi and he pulled it off pretty perfectly!

{insert evil Waluigi laugh here}

 Sidekick is officially SIX. He took on his age much more graciously this year, insisting he was a "big six". Standing at 4 foot 2 inches, there isn't much smallness left in my baby. 

One of his birthday presents was a science kit. He is still enjoying working on experiments. 

 We had two Thanksgivings this year and I somehow managed to not get a single picture during either events. So, here's a throwback to when Sidekick was less than a month old and we still cooked Thanksgiving. 

{I recall nothing...}

**ONTO CHRISTMAS!**

 I posted on my Instagram how I wanted to be like the "cool moms" that do all the fun advent outings and events. But man, I just can't. I can however buy a $3 advent activity calendar from Target and use it as part of our daily school activities! 

 Sweet boy wrote his own Christmas list to Santa this year. I am so proud of how far he has come with his handwriting, it is not our favorite subject to work on but he continues to progress and work hard.

 What would Christmas be without a gingerbread village? 

Designed by the sidekick himself, of course.

I am so glad to have another holiday season with my husband. He may be a bit of a Grinch when it comes to some of my silly traditions but, he plays along and I love him all the more for it. 

Sidekick was thrilled with his lollies after visiting with Santa. He (Santa) sat so patiently while my sweet child explained the world of Mario to him. Bless those who have the patience to handle my kid's obsession. Haha! 

It fills my heart to the brim that my little is big enough to help with one of my favorite Christmas traditions: Christmas candy! We made six jars for friends but the joy of baking with him is worth more than anything else. 

It's not always easy, as he tends to show his age during his karate lessons (bouncy, unfocused, inquisitive) but, he managed to earn his yellow belt and is intent of proving he is worthy of it!

 Oh, robotics. How this momma doesn't understand you. 

Oh, robotics. How my little boy adores you.

 Here, he is changing the colors by twisting (technical term) tiny knobs to filter the red, green, and blue lights. In other words, he made Christmas lights!

So there you have it, friends! 

He continues to work hard with his school; he has passed his school tests with flying colors; he becomes a stronger reader, daily; his handwriting is vastly improved from August and he is adding, subtracting, and estimating. I am so proud of all he has done this year and I cannot wait to see what next year holds for my boy. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

*we shall return in 2017 with more adventures and fun*

Year Four: You Blink and Suddenly, It's December!

Exploration really is the essence of the human spirit, and to pause, to falter, to turn our back on the quest for knowledge, is to perish.

~Frank Borman

Y'all, I don't know what happened. I swear that yesterday was late August or mid-September at the latest. But no, it's December. Last you heard, we were traveling. Luckily, we survived it all! I can't even tell you everything that's happened since because I barely recall what all we did last week! 

Let's do a quick recap and call it a day, shall we? Great!

First up, September:

 My sweet world traveler! This was only the beginning of our adventure!

 Just because Mommy is away at school doesn't mean Mr. Sidekick gets a vacation! Although, school with Mimi seems much more fun!

 Tasty too. 😉

 We managed to see the first home game for Sooners before we headed back home. It was bright and hot but we got a win!

 Our travel adventures continued with a cross-country road trip! 

Schooling still got done!

 I cannot express how much joy it brings me to show him amazing things around the world. Above, is the Biltmore. Y'all, amazing. No other words. Oh wait, yummy! That's one because the food was fantastic too!

 Finally! Back at home and back to semi-scheduled days!

 We definitely needed some down time after all our travels!

 Yes, I'm still in school too and sometimes, we work on our school together!

This allows me to sleep at normal hours.

Non-computer learning happening!

 And then, October: 

 We spent a weekend at Myrtle Beach with Grandpa and Nana! It was an amazing and much needed trip for the whole family! 

For a little boy who doesn't like to color, he does wonderful things when he puts in a little effort.  

 Robotics! He got to help print this 3D coin and he's even printed a batarang for his Daddy since! He's learning about capacitors, current, power, voltage, and other words that I couldn't explain if I wanted to. He loves it though!

 Sometimes, we don't quite make it to the table to work in his workbooks! Haha!

His handwriting is slowly getting better! It's like coloring, with effort, it's great. We'll get there. 

Ok, more of October and November coming up soon! (I hope!) With our classes wrapping up, I will definitely have more time to devote to other things. Can't wait to show you more!

Year Four: Nice and Easy? That's Not How We Roll

How nice to meet someone so undeterred by things like…reality.

-The Lorax

And so it begins. We've waited for this day and spent the years before this preparing for this wonderful moment in time. 

KINDERGARTEN! 

I will admit, my little sidekick was disappointed in the beginning because we were continuing his education at home. However, I have made some changes to our plans and he has adjusted quite well. 

Not having to wear shoes to school is an obvious plus. 

First things first. My kid is a potato. His words, not mine. Oh to be five and ever so silly!

Now, for those big changes I spoke of. We are actually a part of the public school system. (cringe) BUT, we are online. I researched schools in the area and found none that met my (probably high) expectations. So, I switched directions a bit and searched for online schools in the area.

We settled with K12. It is still early days with it all so I won't give you my full opinion (yet). 

He does have a wonderful teacher and we are doing well keeping up with the schedule and curriculum. 

The boxes from the above picture were organized into the red drawers you see here. I had to make some room, please do not judge me from the looks of my closet! 

Now this, is more or less what we use on a daily basis. Seems like a lot but it really isn't so bad.  

 This is our schedule. Yeah, it made my eyes go big like that too.

Being a part of the public school system (still a little cringe) we are supposed to work a minimum of 6 hours a day since that is comparable to the hours he would spend in a physical school. 

Let me tell you a little secret: he doesn't spend that long on any of these projects so far. SHH!

You see, because I have homeschooled him since before he was 3, he knows just about everything we have covered so far. Because of this, he finishes his work with extraordinary speed. Which is okay with me because then we can play! 

And before you ask... No, I'm not having him moved to a higher grade and I don't want to because I feel as though he needs to mature a little more and I don't want him to be in a place where he'd be uncomfortable if/when he does begin school in a physical classroom. 

Moving on! Here is some of what we do with our school day:

Most subjects have an online and an offline activity. It gives us plenty of wiggle room for breaks when necessary and taking extra time when needed. 

Oh yes. We still play. 

 Sidekick is learning to focus, listen, have patience, and general ninja skills! No big deal. :)

Starting in October, he will be taking a weekly class in Robotics! I don't even know what all he will be learning but in his trial session, he played with robots, magnets, and computer bits to make lights and sounds. He's very excited!

 We have some traveling coming up next week. Mimi will be in charge of making sure he gets his school work done while I have an Intensive and attend class from 8-5 for the week. Like a "real" job. That's going to be a lot of adulting and I am unprepared. HA!

Once we are back home and settled, I will make sure to fill you in on the happenings. 

It's always an adventure!