We used Reflex Math to have DS memorize his math facts. It's a video game format and he really got them down with it. We did this concurrently with AoPS pre-algebra.

Yikes! I'm so sorry - I didn't have that problem. You can also try Culturetheque for read along interactive stories.

I love this book and don't find it depressing at all. It's one of those books I reread every few years. Time to dig it out again.

Yes, although maybe just casually dressed. But the thought of sitting in pajamas where dirty street clothes have sat and then getting back into bed in them creeps me out. But then, I immediately change out of airplane clothes when I get back from a trip and we certainly don't wear shoes in the house and when it comes to food safety... Yeah, DH teases that I'm becoming Howard Hughes.

J'aime Lire has a disc to accompany the main story in the magazine. DS used to love these when he was smaller. Do you know this site with public domain books that you can stream or download? There are some goodies in there for children (Comtesse de Segur, Jules Verne, Dumas...) http://www.loyalbooks.com/language/French Gallimard Jeunesse has lots of audiobooks; http://www.gallimard-jeunesse.fr/searchjeunesse/advanced/(order)/author/(format)/1?catalog[0]=1&age=6%3B9&SearchAction=1 As does Hachette: http://www.lelivrequiparle.com/index_editeurs.php/editeurs_id/121

No, now Le Figaro is reporting four hostages (some of those held at the supermarket by the other suspect) dead. :(

Yes, this is what French news is reporting. They're also reporting dead the person suspected of killing the policewoman yesterday and taking hostages (now freed) this morning. Ouf.

True. When I was broke in Paris I used to use a wine bottle to roll out pastry. ;) In professional kitchens most of my colleagues used wooden dowel type rolling pins, though some used tapered. Marble would be impractical. But really, whatever works for you...

Oh, and we didn't use it when DS was small, but if I could go back in time I would absolutely use Mortensen Math. It is was MUS is based on but IMO MUS is not nearly as comprehensive, creative, or good (we used MUS alpha when DS was small and it was pretty meh).

We mostly used MEP before BA. In fact, we continued MEP with BA.

Gamewright's "Go Nuts" is fast-paced, fun, and silly. We had several rousing rounds of it this evening. Blink is another very fast and fun card game.

Absolutely. I would live pretty much anywhere for 2-3 years and would be thrilled to live in Japan. I think living in another country and learning another language is priceless for children. What a great opportunity your family has!

Unfortunately, colleges that offer this benefit are few and far between these days even for faculty, let alone staff.

Me, I just feel sorry for the children of these people. :(

Oh, yes! The Mutter Museum is so much fun, but I am not sure children as young as the OP's would find it as cool as older kids. Your user name reminds me that there is also the Penn Museum. I think I spent half my childhood there. ;) Worth a visit if kids are into archaeology and anthropology. The "in the Artifact Lab" exhibition looks like a lot of fun - haven't been to that yet.

Nope, choose John's Roast Pork or Tony Luke's. And "with" ?! No, no, you've gotta say "wit' " if you don't want to be pegged for a tourist (which you will be anyway, because you will be much better dressed than anyone else there), but really, who cares? Just enjoy your roast pork with broccoli rabe or your cheesesteak wit'. ;)

There is a section for older children at the Please Touch, but since the museum is harder to get to I would probably visit the Franklin Institute and/ or the Academy of Natural Sciences instead. Club Quarters is in a great location and has reasonably priced (though quite small) rooms. The Alexander Inn is a boutique hotel in a great location that is also reasonably priced (again, small rooms). I don't know about parking for either. I would spend most of my time eating: Philadelphia is a fabulous restaurant town!

Calakmul is worth the trip. Also visit the nearby sites of Becan and Xpujil. Campeche is lovely. Edzna is not far from there but make sure you have industrial strength mosquito repellent for that site! We spent last summer seeing (a LOT of) Maya ruins so I am happy to answer any specific questions.

If you sew, this is a great pattern for a spy coat. :) This binocular/magnifying glass toy is a lot of fun as well.

That sounds great all around. :)

Lorenza's Pasta by Lorenza DeMedici.

StudioKitchen: http://www.studiokitchen.com/studio-kitchen

If you are looking for a magazine subscription that is somewhat unusual, you could try Art Culinaire. They are actually hard cover books with no advertising rather than your typical recipe magazine, so rather hard-core, but someone who is really interested in food might enjoy them. They have recipes, lots of nice photos, and chef profiles. I'd say it is geared toward professionals, sort of the American version of the fabulous Thuries Gastronomie magazine (which I would recommend if she reads French). And a freebie: she should check out my friend Shola's blog, not recently updated,, but filled with inspiring photos and loads of interesting ideas: http://www.studiokitchen.com/studio-kitchen (I am pretty sure it was he who gifted me my first issue of ArtCulinaire.)

D'Artagnan has nice food gifts. http://www.dartagnan.com/

Good for you! What a nice thing for you to do and the boys must feel so welcome. :)