I started a co-op a few years ago that was unit study based. We spent a couple of months on each topic and then moved on. Lots of hands-on and dramatic activities and presenters and field trips. All of the kids of all ages were together for all the activities - though the toddlers would wander off to play. Over the past couple of years it has evolved into a more traditional structure. Though most of the kids are still in one large group, we have split the 6 and younger crowd off to have their own group topics, activities and play. This past year we studied a couple of topics through the whole year covering the main points of a curriculum. Now we're considering further splitting for some topics by age, and it feels like we're moving more and more toward a school paradigm. I'd like to swing it back, though not necessarily the whole way since the kids are older and the topic studies have, therefore, become more in-depth. Looking for ideas. What does your unique and non-traditional co-op look like?

My husband is hispanic and I am caucasian with dark hair and eyes, so while my kids are all a bit darker than I am seeing me as their mom doesn't require that much of leap. When my dd was about four months old I was shopping one evening at Michael's and one of the managers interrupted my conversation with another employee to LOUDLY exclaim, "Oh my Gawd! She's beautiful! Where'd you get her?" I was stunned and must have stammered because she immediately continued, "Oh, I know, I know, dear. Grew in your heart not under it and all that jazz. But WHERE did you get her from?" After I came to my senses I answered that she was my biological child. The woman was aghast, mumbled an, "Oh, I'm sorry" and walked away. BUT that was not the end of it. Five minutes later she tracked me down on the opposite side of the store and started in, loudly from the other end of the aisle, "You know what it was? I was so confused because one of those Chinese or Japanese type families was in here earlier and those kids are almost always adopted, so I just had them in my mind when I saw you! That was probably their real mom, too, cause she looked like Chinese or something, but you know what I mean. That's why I was thinking about it" :001_huh: My ds is almost 12 and has the longest hair you've probably ever seen on a boy, down past his tush. Still, I'm always amazed how he can be dressed in full Boy Scout uniform and there are scout masters who will tell the other boys, "Let the girl go first." He draws lot of comments, as you can probably guess. What is weird is that *I* am regularly asked if I'm divorced or widowed or some version of, "Isn't his father around?" because people assume a father would make him cut his hair.

Nobody? Hmmm, that doesn't inspire confidence. Guess I'll wait a few months.

The price looks too good to be true. Has anyone subscribed? If so, is access to all the content as easy as they describe? http://brainybloom.com Warmly, KM

Thank you! We tried the pass one year and found it frustrating. We bought it in AZ because we were there visiting and there were several places listed to use it near our home on the east coast, but when we tried to use it here they told us the 90 mile clause was from your permanent address, not the place you purchased it. Frustrating! I will look into it again though to see if it is worth the expense for this trip. DH is an Air Force vet and wants us to save the museum and Air Zoo for another trip when he is with us. He won't join this adventure until we are already out west.

Thanks for the info. I will research further. We've thought about the Ingalls sites, might make that a whole other trip. The seed company village looks great! We haven't decided which route to take from St. Louis to CO so info like this is exactly what I need to help us make the decision! A riverboat tour is on the list! Good to know. Will keep researching. Thanks!

We sound like kindred spirits, I climbed Diamond Head with my two year old on my back! We were talking and wondering yesterday if the four year olds will be able to climb up to the dwellings easily enough, or if we'll have to make an alternate plan. Meow Wolf looks so cool! Thank you! Not sure of our route yet, some really want to go to Four Corners and others want to visit Flagstaff again because we love it. Decisions, decisions! I wonder if they have gluten free rolls to throw? ;)

Thank you! This might be a bit far off our route, we were going to stay about 45 minutes south of the city, but with such a positive review I will take a look!

Thank you! I didn't even think to check for an app!

It's on the list! Thanks! I have a friend in Indianapolis who raves about the Children's Museum! Thank you for the note on what we can probably skip this time around. That looks amazing! Thank you!

Going full time is my goal! Still convincing dh. He's only joining for part of this trip, but it may send the kids and I over the edge and hook us for good. i will check-out everything you mentioned. Please keep going, I'll take any info you have to share! PS Thinking to save FL for another trip because I've heard about so many great places there.

Thank you! Yes, we're looking at the Nation Park possibilities. We have collected a few stamps in our passport book but never earned the badges. I will look into it. The space museum and salt mine both look like they would be a big hit with the younger set!

Not sure we can visit a library and not leave with any books, but I will look into it. Thanks! This looks cool. We have toured several eastern Native American sites, this would be a great comparison. Thanks! I'll check it out. Thanks!

Hi Friends, I'm planning an epic six week road trip this autumn! Beginning in PA and traveling west through Ohio with the major destination goals of Indianapolis, St. Louis and then through Kansas to Sand Dunes and Mesa Verde, before we head south to Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Considering a side trip to Flagstaff because we love it and want to go back to Lowell Observatory. Then looking for a great beach (preferably with rv camping) somewhere on the gulf coast before turning back north to head home. Going to be pulling my travel trailer and have at least five kids with me, ages four to eleven. Looking for suggestions of "not to be missed" excursions, historical sites, adventures, etc. all along our route. We like educational but also "quirky" not neccesarily mainstream places as long as they are kid friendly. Also any rv camp recommendations. We will stay at some military campgrounds along the way so if you have any reviews or recommendations for those that would be great also. Thanks for the help! Warmly, KM

Just tonight my five year old broke down into great heaving sobs over Mary Poppins' departure! The rest of the family was happily singing about kites and suddenly she was a weeping puddle in my arms. Good to know there's still hope for her future! ;)