First Day

Today is our official first day back to homeschooling. Yet, Larry and I try to instill in the kids that as life learners, the learning is for life and never takes a break. Try to remember that every day and every experience count. Embrace everything that life puts on your path.

I am very excited about the fall schedule for my kids. Excited that the people that have been put in our lives are truly ones that will make a difference in my children's education and life path.

This summer, the kids had the honor and privilege to participate in a 6-week writing course with author Gail Carson Levine. They also worked in their vegetable/herb garden with grandma and learned how to play tennis. And plenty of 'down' time to do just nothing. I enjoyed the candle lit dinners on mild summer evenings on the porch. I also got back to the piano and practiced 2-4 hours a day. The Tosti recording project on front burner.

Fast forward:
I just found out that Sydney will be an "Explainer" for young children at the New York Botanical Gardens. Quintin will participate in a week-long Archeological Dig in Riverdale later this month.

Other classes in the making: Art/Mask Making and more with Mie Sato (brilliant artist based out of Larchmont) Writing with poet laureate Brenda Bey-Conner, Playwriting and Improv with our favorite Homeschool Goddess Laurie Spigel.

We are still working on the schedule for piano, voice & guitar lessons, science, math, foreign languages, gardening, tennis, golf, field trips and more. Head spinning here. We have also created some great year-long classes in culinary arts & music: Kool-inary Kids & Renee's Soirees.

Recently, we took a road trip to Texas and New Mexico. We attended a festive wedding (actually a wedding concert!) in San Marcos and reunited with dear friends who went to school with us at Texas State University, performed for the first time in the newly renovated auditorium at Grayson County College in Larry's hometown of Sherman, spent time (well not enough time) with loved ones, and even went further west to visit Lou & John in New Mexico. The visit to NM was a first for us. I post a picture of a hummingbird SITTING on my finger while from the hummingbird feeder!! We are still talking about that.

Fall goal: to keep up with the Harris Family Blog. Count down to Italy: 8 DAYS!!!!