It has been a very crazy last few weeks. Todd and I decided that we wanted to sort of 'home school' the children. Essentially, they are still attending a public school, but it is a virtual academy that they attend from our house. They have teachers for every subject that are available for them all day and they will still earn credits that will be accepted by colleges. We love the flexibility that this type of learning affords, as well as, the ability to travel, and their ability to learn in a positive environment. We are planning on, hopefully, participating in the Arizona Easter Pageant next March/April and this school program would be perfect for that.
It has been a little hectic while the kids were transitioning (and they still are transitioning), but so far it has been going very well (especially considering their textbooks won't arrive until next week). They do have access to online books though. It is so nice to be able to work with them and spend time with them. At their other schools we would spend up to 4 hours a day just driving them to and from school. Life is too short to waste it in a car!
I have been very impressed with their positive attitudes and their love for learning. They also have enjoyed not having to have as rigid of a schedule. They can stay up a little later and sleep in a little. They do have scheduled on-line live lessons, but they are usually once every day or two for an hour. Not too bad. The kids have been loving it, so far. I am their learning coach, so basically I am responsible for overseeing their success, making sure their attendance is recorded (public school rules), and assist them when needed. Math and science are my favorite subjects (and usually the ones that need the most clarification), so it has been fun!
As for the social aspect, usually the first question people ask. We are working to get to know some of the other families in the program. The program is through the local school district, so most families should be in the area. Also, the kids are very active with their friends from church and from school, and they do have two field trips next week. Should be fun!
Ok. I figured I better update so no one thought that the little piece of Earth that we are residing on out here broke off and fell into the sea. Yes, we are still here - alive and kicking!
Love to everyone!
The kids had 2 field trips last week through their new online school. The first was to the pumpkin patch. It was a bit warm, but we still fun. Krystin was excited to make a new friend. The second field trip was to meet some teachers and students. It was at a Round Table Pizza about an hour from our house. It was fun to meet the teachers in real life and Grama Dian met us there too! 
The kids had a fun Halloween Dance tonight too! My kids are so funny they always coordinate their costumes. I told them to look intimidating forthis pic. Logan my kid who usually makes goofy faces, smiled. Go figure! Aren't they so cute?!
