And I'm already on chapter 2!

I was greeted by Owen today without a hi or hello, but instead "Guess what Mom? I started reading my own chapter book in school and I'm already on chapter 2!" Pretty awesome, right?!

School officially started on Tuesday and it is going wonderfully. Both boys are happy to be going to school and happy when I pick them up. I've been particularly anxious to hear about Owen's days as this is a whole new world for us. He has been happily sharing so much with us it is great. He has talked about doing fractions, playing capture the flag and identifying different species of bugs. Today he received one of the 'great lessons' about our universe, during which he got to see a volcano explode in class when his teacher lit it...with REAL fire! He talked about the speed of light over and over with me this evening. Its going to be such an exciting year. Here are a few photos from the start to it all.

When your six, you'll just be a little scared.

Walter asked me to come downstairs with him yesterday. When I asked why, he told me he was scared. We talked through how our house is safe, etc., and Owen chimed in to tell him this. I started thinking about it, and I was always afraid of my basement as a child, too. I wonder what it is.

We've been doing our best to enjoy the last few days of summer. Last weekend we went away to a friends cabin. While yesterday, we joined some friends at the Mall of America for some rides. Tonight the boys are sleeping over at Grandma Joanne's, before we get serious about settling in to a schedule. Fall is in the air, but we're not quite letting go of summer yet.

Work Journal, Decanomial & Nature Journaling

Owen has had orientation the past three days for his big move up to elementary. Three years ago, I never would have thought we would be staying at Sunny Hollow for elementary. I thought for sure we would be entering the public schools now. I know I often rave about the boys' school, but it is honestly so amazing I can't stop. I feel like with all this concern and buzz about the failure of public schools, the documentaries Waiting for Superman and Road to Nowhere, the answer is so obvious to me...Montessori. It is truly a beautiful education.

I will step off my high horse now and tell you these are the works Owen has talked about doing in his shortened days of orientation. He has been bolting into his classroom with barely a good bye and has been pure smiles when I pick him up. He is so happy and engaged when I pick him up, it makes me so excited to see what the school year brings.

Here is the pure smile...and one from his first day back in 2008!