First year under our belt...

The Valiant Academy has just finished its' 2010-2011 school year with 2 students enrolled...


Above TJ last day of 5th grade
Below TJ first day of 5th grade




Above: Jake last day of 1st grade
Below: Jake first day of 1st grade (isn't it cute that he picks monochromatic outfits?).











Just for posterity sake-it was a great year! Jake was done with a whole grade level of math in 6 weeks and then moved slower through 2nd grade math to finish out this year. TJ was done with a grade level of math in 8 weeks and then went onto 5/6th grade to finish out the year. Both TJ and Jake completed 2 levels of spelling as well. The other subjects they finished in their grade level this week.

This summer, I would like to do Spanish with them as well as continue Math Facts with Jake. They will also continue handwriting (Jake learned cursive and has lovely penmenship) by writing Bible Memory verses. And I also plan to have Jake learn (and TJ review) the 50 states and their capitols and some facts like location, etc.

We did lots of fun things this year including a heavy emphasis on frugality and nutrition (coupons and shopping;-), numerous trips (and check-outs and returns) to the library, Space day at Purdue, a fire safety show at Jeff HS, the Erie Canal and conference center tour, Purdue agriculture park for a helicopter/lifeline landing and tour, Indiana State Museum trip, a tour of our local USPS, the nearby fire station tour, and lots AND lots of doctors appointments! We also enjoyed a fabulous vacation-a cruise to the Caribbean: visiting and learning about Belize City, Cozumel, and Costa Maya.

The boys were also very active in diving lessons at Purdue with Boiler Diving Academy up until April, at which time they both began Spring/Summer baseball leagues. Lord willing, Jake will move onto All-stars in June. We are hoping to get back into diving later this summer.

And that pretty much sums up a great 1st and 5th grade year for Jake and TJ!

I am looking forward to a more relaxed June and July before starting 2nd and 6th grade at home again. Owen will attend Busy Day preschool 2 days a week in the afternoon come August. Griffin will probably continue to drive me crazy sneaking food from the pantry, pulling DVD's and CD's out of drawers, and pouring glue, and other sticky substances out in unmentionable places.