Happy 11th Birthday, Brett!

It’s so hard to believe that Brett is already 11!  He wanted to go to a local hotel with a waterpark for his birthday.  I convinced Lydia she wanted to celebrate her birthday there too, so we could get more bang for our buck. 😜 The waterpark was a lot of fun, and it also had an adventure park (arcade, rock climbing wall, etc.)  We bought him a special birthday gift, too: his first mountain bike with speeds!  Unfortunately, he won’t get to enjoy it much until spring!

Brett continues to do shared-time school between the local elementary school and homeschool. This option has been a very good fit for him.  He is much happier.  He enjoys his time with his peers and teachers at school, and I am able to individualize his reading, writing, and math instruction at home to progress at his own pace.  Last week, he went on a field trip with the 5th grade and it was his first full day at the school since 3rd grade. I didn't get any phone calls!

Brett is takes swimming lessons to keep himself busy between football season and basketball season (which starts in February).  He is looking forward to us declaring the pond frozen so they can go sledding and skating.

(Nice photobomb, Lydia)

Ropes course

The kids were so scared to try to spinny log on the ropes course, but Brett finally overcame his fear and made it across!  This is 3 stories high!

Lydia would have been completely fine skipping it until her brother crossed, and then she was not going to be outdone.  It was so sweet how Brett encouraged her and cheered her on as she tackled her fear!  Sometimes I think they are each others' biggest cheerleaders!