Wow. I really had intended to do one more post in June but time just slipped away from me. The week after school got out Fox started his Segment 1 Driver's Training which lasted three weeks. Every morning we were up to town at 8am, then off an running from there. He still has 3 driving sessions this week then we're done until Winter when he'll do Segment 2. Finally received his last report card. Intro Business, Intro Macrobiology, and Geometry he got an A- in, AP US History a solid B, and sadly Intro Chemistry ended with a C+. Ew. That was his last class of the day and they had to leave early many times to get to track meets so it became difficult to keep up at times. Interestingly he did better in the 10th grade science class but I think it was more the circumstances, although he did comment that chem just wasn't really "his thing." Still waiting for the results of his AP US History Exam, hoping for a 4 at least so it can count as college credit. Fingers crossed. If he's not playing Age of Empire on the computer or checking his investments, you can usually find him walking or running the trails. Yesterday he participated in the Freedom Run 5K in North Branch, finishing 5th overall and 3rd for his age group with a time of 18:55, his best yet. We've had a couple meetings with the new cross country coach and they have been getting together for group runs two mornings a week but because of DT he couldn't run with them yet. The coach and several XC members and hopefuls ran yesterday too which was a pleasant surprise to see the comraderie beginning already before the season has begun. Coach took 1st in his age class and one of our freshmen girls placed 2nd as well.
Ben and Ethan have also been running a bit themselves in preparation for a few open races. Ethan really looks up to Fox and his exercise dedication and even does a weight workout with big brother from time to time. B & E also tried the Pedal Pull yesterday for the first time, since Ben was the only 12 y.o. he got a trophy but it was very challenging to pedal the semi because his legs were too short.
All Ben's paperwork is turned in for Chatfield so he is officially transfered. He will hopefully play soccer for the school team if they have a parent volunteer to manage it but if not I ran into the gentleman who runs the North Branch Rec Soccer at the Freedom Run and found out there is a 7th and 8th grade team through that program that does some traveling but the games are much closer than the AYSO games which would make things easier. Benny is now an all-out roller-coaster fanatic and got to go to Cedar Point with his aunt last week much to his delight. They practically shut the place done cuz Ben just didn't want to leave, by the end he was riding by himself because his aunt and cousin where exhausted and didn't want to ride any more! I'm glad he enjoyed himself, next on his list.....Six Flags-Chicago!
Pigs are doing well but when we weighed them last week they were significantly under where they should be by now. 200lbs would be ideal but ours were 140, 140 and 160. However we still have time to push them, feed is now doubled, and we're adding eggs, milk, and extra scraps to their diet. The heat is a challenge and we need to go out several times a day to water them down and make sure they have mud holes to lay in and keep cool. They really are hilarious to watch, like three big, stocky, dogs. I kid you not, they even have a bark. Was fortunate to purchase an old pick-up truck from a farmer up the road that still has plenty of get-up-and-go left in it and got it for a great price. Now I don't have to borrow a truck to go scrap or pick up mulch, or even building supplies. yeehaw. I'm a true North Branchian now!
Ethan has been quite the animal hunter as he's been the past few summers. He's always out by the pond with a net catching things. Mostly frogs and turtles. He even discovered a turtle laying eggs and took a picture. In another couple weeks we'll probably see the little shells popping up. Snakes are always a good find too. After requesting one for nearly a year he finally got his wish as I responded to a email for a rabbit relocation. Ethan is now the proud owner of a very sweet Netherland Dwarf bunny who is very lucky to have an inside 'apartment' especially in this heat!
With all the discombobulation Alexandra has been having with her higher education choices Fox and I have been having many conversations about education in general, both from the aspect of what he'd like to have under his belt at the end of high school, what he'd like to pursure as a career, and where he wants to attend college. He's open to making sure he has a well rounded experience that will result in a strong college application, ie: good grades, athletics, volunteer work, involvement in some type of school club, as many AP classes as he can achieve, and hopefully some type of work experience or internship. After having his Intro Business class last trimester he is very disappointed in the teacher who unfortunately is the only faculty that teaches the business classes and there aren't many of them that our District high school offers. I sent him the link of online classes available and he is looking for some that might fit into his plans. If he finds any that are worthwhile I told him I go to bat with the principal and superintendent to see that he can work it into his high school credits.
My thoughts on education have been in an upheaval lately. I see the benefits of homeschool and public school but neither are the perfect fit. This new experience with the charter school will be an interesting addition to my sociological experiment.....but will it be the absolute answer? Time will tell.
On the agenda for the near future..... swimming lessons for Ben and Ethan, Discovery Camp for Fox, 4H Day Camp for Fox and I (he a counselor, me a teacher), 4H Overnight Camp for Ethan and I (he a camper, me a teacher), initial meeting to begin setting up the Lapeer County 4H Citizenship Academy (a paid gig!), and hopefully getting more work done on my stagnating kitchen project.
Kicking up the AC....they're talking 100 degrees for the 4th of July. What!?
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