Ok-we went through seveal pairs then...I just gave up, if he was playing outside, riding bikes, getting dirty in the yard...he wore and I washed the ones with the holes until they were beyond help. I kept the nondamaged jeans for use in public (trips to the library, shopping, the doctor, etc.). Of course once a knee is beyond help it is tempting to go for shorts, all you need is scissors. But I think then I'd be back to only for getting dirty and save the better shorts for public. I really like jeans from Land's End, LL Bean, Gap, Old Navy, Levis. Gymboree also sometimes puts extra thickness in their knees too. Sometimes survival time is not the brand but the "wash." Some of the facy, semi-bleached styles seem to wear out faster than traditional jeans. Also, sometimes carpenter style seem to be heavier than regular.

First, I clear out what I never want to see again and donate to thrift stores, friends who homeschool or sell at curric. swaps. I have boxed up old math sets to save for the little one. But for the other books...fiction sits on the kids shelves in their rooms until I am sure no one will ever read it again and the little one isn't ready for it. All other subjects are currently housed in our spare linen closet. We have one long linen with double doors and wire shelves. We have laid thin "boards" on each shelf and I store office supplies, computer disks, educational multi-media, board games and books for subjects past and future (and a few scrapbooking supplies). The kids know that they can head here for extra crayons, a game to play or to visit the books. Just put back what you remove. If I could design my own house I think I would need a walk in closet or another large linen closet like this for such supplies. Forgot to add: I keep a database of all our books on the computer to reference quickly when purchasing more matierials. I can also dowload it to the PDA for transport or print a report.

Does Kellog's still do a tour of the cereal factory? That was very popular as I grew up. Dow in Midland also did a tour and we saw how saran wrap was made. Also, there's Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids to see "Leonardo's Horse." Yes, little old Grand Rapids has the US version of the horse that features prominantly in many Renaissance curricula. Also in GR is President Ford's Museum. Go to Lansing and see the capitol and the state museum. There are also lots of museums at the various Universities and lots of nature parks/gardens/etc. of all sorts around the state. Hope that gets you started!

Hang in there, its not as bad as it seems. I just had this done a few months ago. Life is sure much more comfortable now. Wishing you all the best and keeping you in prayers.

Ok-the Lake was pretty Blue but I spent almost zero time in it! Of course I went to BL back in the last century, a bit to uncomfortably back in the last century. I had a great time! And nearly 30 years later (ouch that hurt to write) have great memories. The emphasis then was on music/theater/dance not camping. I always came home with bug bites and dirt ground into my ankles. It was great to be with other kids who loved music. Where else can you find a whole camp full of kids doing their own improvisations on music? When we would attend concerts the campers didn't just clap they clapped in alternating rythems to show appreciation. We sang grace before every meal in a cappala harmony (if you were late you sang for the whole dining hall). I can't speak to the current atmosphere and conditions but it was a great time!

If I had older kids I would seriously consider reading "Motel of Mysteries" with them as part of Egpt or as part of Troy. He seems to draw heavily on both Carter and Schilemann. I've heard rumors that there are serious devotees among archiologists as well. Of course it could also be done as part of ecology... My kids love the Macaulay books, they really do an excellent job of presenting the topic in a fun and interesting way without becoming to cartoony.

We've been using the Trail Guide to World Geography with the CD of the Student notebook. The cd is great because it has all the various levels in one place plus all the maps etc. I find it takes us 15 minutes a day for 4 days plus a bit more on the map work day (but that may be due to constant consultation with the atlas and the use of colored pencils). It has several components and you could use as many or as few that suit you. It would allow multiple ages to work together on one project. Or-you could try the other method we use for learning political geography. Get a large laminated world map, atlas or world map, and wipe off markers. Print a list off the internet of world capitols and go from there. Our kids work on 10-12 countries until they have those down and then add some more. To keep things exciting we started with the large countries and countires they have visited. Then we add a few from each continent each time. I think not learning one complete continent at a time has helped their memory. Once we get all the countries and capitols down we will move on to major rivers and lakes etc. Learning major land features etc. We did have a prize when they each reached 100 countries. Something small (ds selected a rubber band powered glider) but it did convince them that it was possible. I plan on coordinating learning the US states in the same manor during the American History phase. Have fun!

I recently had the same problem with a download from Westvon. Eventually they got back to me with an email and direct link to the materials I had purchased. No questions asked. But the first few times the link from my online payment and the one on their website failed. I'm sure all will workout in the end.

Love Prismacolor, we have the large set for at home (geography, history projects, general coloring) and a smaller set for travelling (musuems, nature hikes, long trips, etc.). We use an electric sharpener at home and have a manual for travel. I find they actually wear down due to use not breakage. Remember to get the color name and number written down for replacement purposes before they are sharpened past that point (some of the colors are very close visually).

It may be a bit obvious, perhaps often visited with only the thought of a tourist destination but...it must be said: The Tower of London-it has it all from crowns, execution sites, armour and great tour guides. Plus, it is in London and just a short trip from lots of other great sites. Westminster Abbey and their copy of the Magna Charta come to mind quickly.

There is also the "Annotated Mother Goose" which is fun for the history and meaning of the various rhymes. Perhaps not as fun for younger kids to read due to a lack of fun and colorful pictures.