Clara is 9!

We were thankful that many of Clara's friends could come over and celebrate with us this year. The theme was "music"/dance party. 

Mother's Day

We enjoyed a picnic and some bocce ball at a nearby lake with our Italian friends. 

Field Day

A fun-but-muddy way to end the homeschool co-op year!

End-of-Year

Amber's 7th grade class did four dissections this year in science: a sheep's heart and a sheep's brain, a cow's eye, and a frog. Initially Amber was squeamish about dissecting, but she grew to be able to appreciate it and learn more about God's creation from it. 

Brent and Clara both passed "Memory Master" this year. This means they recited ~400 facts verbatim (3xs) across 7 subject areas. Passing took a LOT of practice, but it was worth it. They were overjoyed when they finished their 3rd proofing with the co-op Director. We enjoyed celebrating with all the kids in their end-of-year programs.

Below, at the Year End Program, Amber and a classmate presented on "cartography"...how they learned to draw the whole world this year.  I'm so thankful for all that our kids are learning with each passing school year. They are growing up too fast! ;-)