Hoops 4 Kids

Yesterday we attended a fun event through FACE. It was called Hoops 4 Kids and held at the Broomfield Event Center.

First, they had areas set up for the kids to explore the senses.

This was smell. They didn't enjoy garlic or onions. =)

Next up was taste. They didn't all hear the directions, "Don't put the whole piece of chocolate in your mouth." LOL It was very bitter, prompting many to start spitting.

This was hearing:

Aiden was dancing to the sound of the shakers.

There were working dogs that the kids got to pet and play with. REALLY made me miss our beloved Golden Retriever, Malibu.

They also talked with a fireman and received hats.

Then we went into the arena and found our seats. The kids were each given a lunch in a thermal take-home tote. We had time to eat and then the basketball game began. It was the 14ers, which is the minor-leaque basketball team.

It was fun to watch, although Zane got very tired so we left early. Our team was losing when we left but ended up winning in double-overtime.

Project 365 - Day 51

Mr. Shine

After Friday school today, there was a special presentation for the younger kids. Mr. Shine came and performed. He had puppets and performed magic tricks and songs.

The kids really enjoyed him. What 4, 5 or 6 year old doesn't love a chance to sing, and dance and laugh?

Aiden was one of the volunteers for a Hawaiin dance. He's in the white shirt, blue lei and sunglasses. He's not one of my shy children, that's for sure.

Project 365 - Day 39

School update

See -- I knew I wouldn't update weekly. =) Maybe I'll try for monthly.

We are continuing with our studies of Rome, although we're nearing the end. We're also almost done with our read-aloud "The Bronze Bow." That is a great book which I highly recommend. Next up is "Twice Freed".

On Fridays, the kids attend "Friday school". Those are classes of their choice offered by FACE (Family Academy of Christian Education). We are new to the program this year and it's been good. The kids can switch classes each month if they want or need to.

Brenna has taken sewing each month and her teacher is great. She has them jump in right away. Brenna has made a bag, a scrunchie, a pillowcase and an apron. Now she's working on Christmas gifts, which I won't name here to keep the surprise. She tried Introduction to Watercolor and a crafting class but didn't enjoy them so she's now looking for something new to try come January. She also has her Brownie troop meetings at this church on Friday after her classes.

Chase takes Chess each month and has gotten quite good. He beat his dad for the first time last night and Scott still hasn't recovered. LOL He took a fitness class for one month and also does Cub Scouts.

Conner is only taking a fitness class so far. There wasn't much else that interested him and honestly, I'm not minding that one bit. It means he's with me most the day and he is such a HUGE help that I don't know what I'd do without him. =)

I tried Aiden in a Pre-K class, but most of what they did he already gets at home or AWANA or church. So I couldn't see paying for it. And he'll have plenty of time next year or the next for classes. So for now he hangs with Mom and his baby brother all day.

Besides Friday school, FACE also has many field trips, a yearbook, testing and many other things. It's a wonderful resource for us right now. In past years, I preferred for us to stay mostly on our own. We needed the time at home to establish our homeschooling routine. Now the kids are older and I'm a little better at time management (I hope). So for this time in our lives we are venturing out more.

Conner will be considered *gasp* a high-schooler next year and FACE offers a lot of help in that area. Many classes, testing, even lettering. They also have graduation and diplomas. Another thing I plan to look into next year is working there in some capacity. You can teach a class or do some of the administrative work and they either pay you or you can put that toward your childrens' classes.

Here are a few pics of assemblies we've attended there this year so far.

This was a reptile show:

Aiden didn't enjoy the smell of the turtle:

A meteorologist, Mike Nelson, from one of our local stations visited. The kids just loved him. He gave a great talk and they learned so much. He filmed all the kids and they were shown on the news for a few seconds that night.

This last week there was a Birds of Prey assembly. The kids got to see a hawk, an owl, a falcon and a bald eagle up close. But I forgot my camera.