Homework-Aaagh or Wanting More?

School IS back in session. Homework has come in a big batch for my second-grader, Layne, and she is not liking it. She received homework sheets for the whole entire week, to be done 2-3 sheets per night and this is just "too much" for her. So, I have to come up with some clever ideas to not make it feel like sooo much work. Friday is here and she didn't finish it all.

On the other hand, my kindergartner, Liam, doesn't have any homework and feels left out, so he gets one sheet of either math work or writing work. The first night of homework, Liam asked to try one of Layne's math sheets. I made a copy for him and he was off counting numbers to solve the addition problems. When he was all done, he said, "Mom, I want more, that was easy." I checked all his answers and he got all of them right, except two (there were a little larger in numbers).

I am sure that when he gets to 2nd grade, he will be saying "AAGH!, I have too much homework", just like Layne, but I will cherish the moment of him liking it now.

So what does Brenne do when all of this is going on. She doesn't want to feel left out either. Brenne, now 21 months, scribbles with much concentration.

Back to School

The pictures with Liam and Layne holding balloons occurred at the end of the school day, when I came to pick them up. They were very happy to get a fun surprise gift and both had a great first day of school.

Liam started Kindergarten at the Montessori school he attended last year for pre-school. He was very excited to see his friends again and looks forward to learning and making new friends. He really enjoys the classroom setting of a smaller group of classmates, the personal approach from the teachers, and feels that learning is Fun.

Layne is entering 2nd grade and at her elementary that means she is in the highest grade, and she likes that. Layne was suppose to be in German Immersion for one more year, but we took her out of the program and placed her in a regular 2nd grade class. She is very happy in her new class. As a bonus, she met a friend in her Vacation Bible School team, Alison, during the summer, who is also a 2nd grader. When we found out who Layne's teacher was on Friday, we discovered that Alison was going to be in her class. The girls were jumping up and down in pure excitement that they were in the same class together.

Pretend Rock Band fun

The kids and I enjoyed a mock Rock Band session while listening to music on iTunes. Brenne loved singing into the microphone and Layne and Liam loved jammin on the guitar. They aren't old enough to do the real Rock Band, so this was a lot more fun and we sang songs where they know the words. I even got into the fun as well. Layne was not being a good sport about the recorded scenes, so I only got one good one. The song Liam is singing is 'Paranoid' by the Jonas Brothers.

Enjoy!!

Playing in the Rain

Upon our return to Germany, we were met with many rain showers. It felt great after our hot summer visit to NC. The kids and I just had a blast running around on the street getting wet.

Hocking Reunion

Towards the end or our stay we got to spend time with my side of the family. Everyone was able to come into Raleigh, even my grandparents came to visit with us for a short time. Evan and Liam became instant friends and loved playing with the train set. We greatly enjoyed being able to meet the newest family members, Lilia and Eli, as well as catch up with everyone. We also had great adventures and made instant memories we will cherish.

Sovereign Reunion

Our Sovereign reunion started off in Ponce Inlet, Florida with Mark's parents. The kids discovered the thrill and joy of playing in the ocean and splashing in the pool. We started off our vacation with much relaxation before heading into Raleigh.
It was great to see all the family. Layne and Liam were thrilled to see their cousins, Caedmon and Abigail. They really enjoyed playing with each other and being silly and goofy every chance they got to. Cole and Luke were fun to interact with and just adorable. There were many fun activities that we took part in and we enjoyed our time with family.

Back in Germany

Wow!! What an absolutely fun and enjoyable vacation back in the States. It was such a blessing to see all family members from both sides of the family. It was also a plus to get together with some friends as well.

Right now, the whole family is recovering from jet lag and getting much needed sleep. I got 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep which was wonderful. (I have been getting interrupted sleep (kids, bathroom visits, etc.) for the last several months, so it was a much needed rest). Of course, I would have loved more sleep, but maybe in the days to follow.

Once I get my camera sent to me, I will post some pictures and add stories about the trip. Thank you to all for a very important vacation for our entire family. We had a blast!!!