Not everyone was in class today.

First day of school today.

This is the second year in a row that we started school "minus one".  Luke is in California, again this year, spending a week with his friend (our former neighbor) who lives in Germany and visits California every summer with his family.


It was actually easier to start the first day with only four grades to teach instead of five.  Ya think?! Also, Steve had the day off and watched Levi which allowed me to really focus on orienting the kids to the new school year.

Maybe next year I can have each child start school on a different day.  I wonder how that would work.  Oldest child on Monday, next oldest on Tuesday...

As school was about to start this morning, Levi came to me and whispered that he didn't want a babysitter to come to take care of him during school.  In the past, I've had someone come and play with him for a few hours a week so I could concentrate on some academics with the other kids.  He always wants to be in the mix and not at all separate from us.  That really is a good thing.  I wonder how I'll keep him engaged (and quiet) during school this year.  Still working on that.

Ready for some pics from the first day?

Watch the little guy on the right...trying to keep a straight face.

Still stoic on the right...

Ah ha!

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13th year of homeschooling.

I hope to get a group shot with all of the kids tomorrow when Luke is back!

This year my older kids are taking quite a few courses in an online classroom.  I hope to be able to concentrate on certain subjects with certain kids instead of trying to manage most/all the classes for each child. 

How will school be different for you/your kids this year?