Why shouldn't we look at the sun?

We've been studying astronomy for science this semester (we're using Exploring Creation with Astronomy from Apologia.)  Right now we're learning about the sun and the kids were excited to give their first little speeches.

First Week of School

On My Own

Papi went golfing with some friends from work on a recent Sunday morning.  I needed out of the house, and everyone was healthy, so we made our way to church.

We were running late (I know, you're thinking, when is Mami not running late) so I eventually gave up the fight about the outfits.  I won the discussion over JT's clothes, but totally gave in on footwear!

Cave Adventures (as explained by JT)

 Donde? - "A la cueva"

Que? - "Nueces"

Como fue? - "Bueno.  Habia agua fria."

Quien? - "JT, JA, y Papi"

Cuando? - "Hoy.  Despues del almuerzo."

Por que? - "Para ensenar la linterna de cabeza de JT al hombre quien da los cascos, pero el hombre quien da los cascos no estaba alli."

The kids wanted to record in their notebooks drawings of what they had seen in the woods and in the cave.  I was explaining to JA how thinking about the question words can help you to make a complete record of an experience.  JT took the opportunity to answer all of the questions. :)

Spots

 

JMC had his 1 year vaccines on the 5th.  A few days ago he started to be cranky and sleepier than normal (though he'll only sleep in our arms).  He's had a fever since yesterday accompanied by spots.  The spots are multiplying and my normally easy-going little boy has not been happy at all.  A quick trip to the pediatric clinic and we now know:

1.  Yes, he had a reaction to the varicella vaccine at the site of the injection.
2.  The rest of the spots are not due to the same reaction.
      a.  The spots could be from the MMR vaccine (another reaction.)
      b.  Or they could be due to Roseola
      c.  Or they could be due to some other virus.
3.  Those cloth diapers are so cute!

First, I want to help JMC feel better and not be so absolutely miserable.  At the same time, I wish I knew what caused this.  Is he contagious? ("it depends on the cause of the rash.")  Are JA and JT at risk of getting this? (again, it depends...)

So, if you recognize these spots, please share your thoughts.  Your guess is as good as mine. :)

Weekend Highlights

Una linterna como la de Tia!  JT was so excited about this headlamp, he wanted to sleep with it on!

 1st really big scrape of the summer.

I thought JMC should try feeding himself...

Summer Break's Over

We've been on summer break for 2 weeks, and we're all ready to get back to a normal routine around here.  We're beginning our school year tomorrow, but easing into things, adding one or two subjects at a time. 

Don't get me wrong, we do love having free time, but a routine seems to keep everyone a little more sane and getting along.  Another benefit for our family of year-round schooling, is that we're able to take breaks when we need them (like the 6, or 8, weeks off around the time we moved.)  So, this year we plan to continue with our lovely, works for us right now, schedule of taking off birthdays, holidays, extra long breaks for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and then random days off here and there as needed.  See, we really do love our free time, just split up a bit more than with a traditional school schedule. :)

Well, this year we're all super-excited to begin our new science curriculum, and that may have something to do with the desire to get back in the swing of things.  Also, Chulo has decided he wants to learn to read, and has been working really hard practicing.  He knows all of the letter sounds, syllables except those with u, and is beginning to put syllables together in words.

Bonita has been intrigued by the projects and posters on her cousins' walls.  She began the summer creating tons of artwork for her bedroom.  This weekend, she decided she needed to make a poster about the bald eagle.  We hadn't been talking about eagles, or even watched anything on Netflix about them, but she was determined.  So, a quick trip to the library and some searching online, and I now have a poster in the hall and a very content 6 year old. :)

Guapo is happy to get into everything, and before he gives up morning naps (our main school time) or begins walking on his own, we really need to take advantage of the time.  Once he's more mobile, or gives up morning naps, scheduling will surely get more tricky.

Oh, and while I'm thinking of it, I think I'll change their nicknames on here.  Their little personalities become more apparent daily, and it seems like I'll be forever changing their names.  So, for simplicity's sake, I'll go with initials.  J for everyone! LOL.  :)