Thank you all for your input; it is helpful and has given me some things to consider. The reason I asked about this is that I already own Algebra 1/2 (bought for my older son) and was wondering if I could save money by using it instead of buying 8/7.

I've recently started home schooling again and have a question about Saxon math. My 6th grader is going through 7/6 quite easily and I'm wondering if it would be okay to skip 8/7 and move right into Algebra 1/2. I would appreciate thoughts on this. Thanks.

Thanks for the advice about the park. I think we'll definately go with walking and I've printed out a map to take along. Thanks for the other ideas as well-I didn't consider going to the big "toy" stores, but I'm sure my kids would enjoy that. I think we'll skip the American Girl store though, as I have three boys!

My family and I will be heading to NYC next week for three days. One of the "sights" we'd like to make sure we see is Central Park. My question is should we do a buggy ride to see more of it, or is should we just go by foot. I just wonder if we go by foot, will we miss alot of it? Any thoughts? Dc are 10, 9, and 7 and don't mind alot of walking. Thanks, Bailey

Has anyone been to the International Spy Museum in Washington DC? We are going to be in DC in October and are thinking about going here. Is it worth it to go? Any parts of the museum we shouldn't miss? My kids are 10, 9, and 7. Thanks for any info.

How do you respond to someone when, after finding out you homeschool, they ask "are/were you a teacher?"

How long will she stay? If it's just 3.5 weeks, I wouldn't have too many reservations about her coming. It will be something your family will always remember. I do agree with Heather that when exchange students come, they are encouraged not to speak their native language, so I wouldn't feel burdened if I were you. As far as entertaining her, if your children are on board, I'm sure she'd be happy just hanging out with some American teenagers. We have a girl from Germany with us this year, and even a trip to the grocery store is, maybe not exciting, but different. If you could plan a couple of outings (to a major city, beach, restaurant, etc.) I think that would be fine. And I also agree that you need to set limitations on communicating with friends and family back home (which is terribly hard to do with email and texting). The more contact she has with those back home, the less she has with your family. Having said all that, I think if you are even seriously considering this, and your children want to do it also, you should. Good or bad, it will be a great learning experience.

I know this has happened to many of you, but this a first in my five years of homeschooling. At my son's baseball game last night, I was chatting with another mom who is considering pulling her son out of public school to homeschool him. At least three times in our conversation she commented on how "normal" my kids seemed (as if all normal kids go to public school and I guess the abnormal ones are homeschooled.) I'm sure she meant this in a good way, but I have to say I find it a little offensive. Would her comments have bothered you?

We also went to the one in Orlando a few years ago. We loved it. My boys still think of it as one of the highlights of our Florida vacation. I am also allergic to horses and I had no problems being there.

I registered via email and received two email confirmations right away. Maybe you should contact them?

Save me a seat! We're slackers too.

I'm going with the entire family. Can't wait!

My boys each get three 15 minute blocks of computer/video game time each day which they can use all at once or throughout the day (only after school is done.) I use blocks of time because this is what they lose for whining, complaining, fighting, etc during school. This works well for us.

Do you consider it bad etiquette/rude to scrap your fork with your teeth every time you take a bite of food? We have a girl from Germany visiting us who eats this way, and although it drives me crazy, I'm wondering if it's a cultural thing.

We will be traveling with Dh on a business trip to Miami/Ft. Lauderdale in March. We are going to fly down a couple of days before he has to be there and were planning on staying at the hotel that his work is paying for. But, because of another function at the hotel during this time, we've been advised not to stay at this hotel. So we are trying to decide where to stay. We'll be flying into Miami and we'll have a rental car. We wouldn't mind driving an hour or two. I was thinking of staying in Key West and was wondering if there are family friendly things to do there. We have three boys, 10, 8, and 6, and a 16 year old girl. Any other places we should consider? We are already staying in both Miami and Ft. Lauderdale for a couple of days each. Thanks!

My husband has a business trip to Miami and Ft. Lauderdale next March and the whole family will be going along. I'm looking for ideas for day trips I can do with the kids while he's working. What do you think about the following: Miami Zoo Museum of Science Seaquarium Jungle Island What about Biscayne National Park? Anything we shouldn't miss? I have three boys, ages 10, 8, and 6, and a 16 year old German girl exchange student. Any other ideas? Thanks so much! bailey

FYI- The next ten chapters (11-20) are now available at PHP.

We are actually hosting a teenage girl from Germany right now. She arrived 10 days ago and will be here for the school year. I don't have a lot of advice to give you, but I would suggest that even though your student will be here only for two weeks, try to make them feel like part of the family, not a guest. Ask them to do chores as your own children would, etc. And although it's nice to show them points of interest in your area, they are mainly here for the experience of being part of an American family, so don't feel like you have to plan big outings everyday. Have fun!

My three boys LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Star Wars. They all saw the Clone Wars movie and thought it was great! Did I mention that they all LOVE Star Wars???

Betty, I don't know if 5W!ts is still on your list of things to do, but here is what my friend who recently went told me. You'll work within a group of about 12 people to solve puzzles (she said there were musical note clues, reflect laser beams off mirrors, etc.). The puzzles were easy for her 10-12 year olds; she would recommend this more for ages 7-10. She said the set was good, there was nothing educational about ancient Egypt, and that the "spirit" that the group disturbs threatens harm. It takes about one hour. She said she thought it was overpriced and would not recommend it. HTH As far as other things to do in Boston, I definately would recommend the MOS over the Aquarium. Also, it is fun just to go and walk around Quincy Market/Fanuel Hall. You'll see street performers there and from there you can walk to Boston Common/Public Garden where you'll see the Swan Boats and Frog Pond. You can also hop on the T wherever you are to get to Harvard, other musuems etc. The Children's Museum in Boston is also alot of fun. Hope you all have a wonderful time while you're here! bailey

Betty, We're heading out for the day. I'll see what information I can get for you when we return either tonight or tomorrow.

I have not been, but some friends recently took their 5, 8, 10, and 12 year old children. We didn't talk much about it, but she did say that it was very easy for her older children. I can ask her more about it if you have any specific questions. bailey

Thanks for all your thoughts on this. It does make sense that after learning spanish grammar, english grammar will be that much easier. I think she is more concerned with the fact that she doesn't know any american history, not that she would have to teach it in english. And it concerns her that she doesn't really know what is taught in american schools in general. Any more words of wisdom I can pass on to her would be appreciated. Thanks.

I have a friend who is considering home schooling her two children who are now just 2 and 4 years old. The problem is that english is not her native language (she's been in the US for six years) and she doesn't feel confident to teach her children english grammar, history, etc. Part of her problem is a self confidence issue, but I know it would be helpful to her to know that others have been in similar situations and have chosen to home school. Does anyone have any BTDT advice or a book recommendation dealing with this issue? Thanks, bailey

I supplement Saxon with Singapore. Singapore has "Challenging Word Problems" workbooks that we use. I used CWP 3 with Saxon 5/4 and CWP 2 with Saxon 3 this year. I just go through the Singapore books and assign sections that we've covered. They've been helpful for us.