Unschoolers Winter Waterpark Gathering

We are home! This week, we attended the Unschoolers Winter Water park Gathering at Kalahari Indoor Water park in Sandusky, Ohio.

We are homeschoolers, not unschoolers, but were still invited to attend. Our local friends and home schoolers gave us the oppurtunity to rent part of their large suite, and share the space with them.

It was FANTASTIC! First I'd like to point out how WONDERFUL all the participants were. NEVER have I seen such a large group of well behaved, confident, secure, outgoing, helpful and sincere kids. Ever. Each corner we turned, there was a child approaching us. In the elevator they would ask where we are from, how we like the park, how old the kids are, etc. At the water park area, a 16? year old boy picked Rylan up after he tripped. Near the wave pool, an 8? year old girl told us where to get Rylan a life vest- without us asking. Our "suitemates" had their door decorated with Steelers decorations, and had teenagers come knock at the door and talk football. I had a teen girl offer to go fill our water bottle while I was supervising 4 kids at the indoor play structure. I did not see one argurment or any bullying. And we were with 100's of kids day and night. All siblings were so sweet with eachother. Even at 10pm, there were older kids roaming the halls with their little siblings. I'll admit the lack of parental supervision was a little unnerving at first, (kids of all ages out by themselves) but they all were perfectly capable of taking care of eachother. It was really a huge eye opening experience.

There was SO much for the kids to do. If you have time, check out the website in the link at the top of this post. We are sure we'd ike to return next winter. There were many activities scheduled for the kids AND the adults. Art and craft rooms, dress up areas, play areas, button making, scrapbooking, etc.

I was able to attend 2 conference sessions. I really enjoyed them and got some insight on new-to-me parenting ideas. Some I agree with, much I did not, but it was still an interesting experience. A lot to think about and learn.

Rylan getting ready to brave the wave pool, and not happy about having to wear a life vest

Rylan body boarding! The first day Brayden tried too, butI didn't have my camera

This is where the boys would have spent the entire 3 days if it were up to them.
Basketball in the water. There were 12 hoops. And a waterfall.
(Rylan is to the bottom right jumping off the stairs)

Because we shared a full kitchen suite, we only had to go out to eat once. This place was amazing! They had coloring contests, limbo, danicing, juggling and more. The entire staff was wonderful, as in above and beyond wonderful. and FUN!

And the food was wonderful, too! This was our appetizer: spinach, artichoke and blue crab dip.

And dessert......
Yes, I went all out, I let the kids drink juice AND have chocolate.....don't faint, it was vacation....see, I can loosen up ;)

After our dinner, we went for a round of put- put golf.

Then it was off to the Talent Show!
This was my favorite part of the vacation. SO many talented kids!
This picture shows a dance routine of disabled kids. The ones in wheelcharis are in the back, and this boy on front stage used crutches as stilts!

The arcade puts Chuck E Cheese to shame. I can compare it to a Las Vegas casino. Really.
The kids liked bowling the best.

This was our last night, they were exhasuted!

Spring is around the corner

I know this, because we got baseball sign ups in the mail yesterday. Whoo-hoo!

The boys are very excited to be on the same team this year. Unfortunately, Rylan was too young to play last season, even though he had the skills.

We are getting a snow and ice storm tonight, and I hope it's the last! I do like winter, but I am more than ready for it to be over. On to spring, please.

We have some errands and school lessons to finish up the rest of this week, hockey on the weekend, then we are going to Kalahari indoor water park in Sandusky next week. We're not sure how long we are staying yet. We'll play it by ear (and see if I can get a sub to teach my classes). I'll try to get lots of pics and report back soon!

Carnegie Science Center

Today our friend Teresa took us to the Carnegie Science Center!
The kids had a great time.

Brayden on the trampoline

Monkey Rylan

Rylan loved this ship wreck excursion grabbing sunken treasure

Hydraulic robot basketball shooter

Earthquake cafe, it rocks and shakes like a real earthquake. I'm sure Bryan would not have tried this out!

Rylan learning about sound waves

Brayden and Riley building pressure for the volcano

Air machine!

Doh! I forgot...

To post Christmas pictures!

A few day before Christmas, we attended a local home school group's Christmas Party hosted by our friends, the McQueen's! Here is Brayden learning how to play Battleship.

And Christmas Morning at home: don't mind our tree topper, this is our first real tree, and the top didn't hold much.

They of course LOVED the costumes. I think they have more costumes than toys.

Rylan's ATM banking machine

Happy Sick Day, Rylan!

Rylan had a bad cold last week (and now *I*have it!).
I felt bad for him because he had to stay home with me while Bryan took Brayden out.

So, I made it as fun as possible for him, and declared 'Happy Sick Day'.

We did a lot of cuddling on the couch, and then we made banana bread.
I gave him a little bit of SPRITE (I am one of THOSE parents who don't allow pop)
He chose 5 candles to practice for his next birthday, and we sang happy sick day

Are you done singing, weird-o?

Mmmmm, candle wax, chocolate icing, and snot.

New Years Eve

We attended our third? annual NYE at our friend's house.
It was a blast, and we didn't wimp out at 11 pm like "old" people. Rylan stayed up till almost midnight, and Brayden was up much later. We had a blast talking and playing Taboo and Scategories.

Some pics of me, just because I love straightening my hair, even though I only do it once a year or less:

Mmm, chilli dooog

Star Wars!

Riley getting himself a cup, and Teresa's awesome colors in her kitchen.

Cheers!

The scene at approx: 2:30 am

Holiday Happenings

Baking gingerbread boys and other various shapes

Everything is better with sprinkles

As part of our Winter Unit Studies for school, we learned about different Holiday Celebrations including Hanukkah. I found a dreidel template, and we used one of the library books to lean how to play. The kids picked up on it very quickly, and it was fun! They are still playing it most days.