Here’s a snapshot of Tuesday’s gathering at Ho’omaluhia for their monthly preschooler nature hour. We had a great time – there were probably two dozen kids and half as many moms, at least. See the ducks in the lower right? We had to feed them first, of course. Here’s my friend Laura – she’s actually Kathy’s friend first, but I’m claiming her as well. (Kathy picks good friends 🙂 ) She actually went to UVa as well! And she spoke Russian with my other friend Michelle! That was really cool.

After much research and deliberation we have decided to take Sam out of preschool and put him back in “freeschool” with me. He was doing beautifully at preschool and the teachers were very kind and skilled. I never would have considered enrolling him had he not be eligible for the particular class he got into. But, he was also not benefiting enough to offset the drawbacks – very little time for us to have adventures with preschool MWF and me working while Ben took his afternoon nap. Sam and I were thus booked solid from waking up to about 4pm four days a week (we hike on Tuesdays with our buddies, above). There’s plenty of time for him to live a more scripted life, and we wanted to enjoy this last year with him in a less scripted fashion. Sam and I love experiential learning, so this frees us up to go so many places we haven’t had time to enjoy as much as we’d like – Bishop Museum, Aviation Museum, Sea Life Park, the USS Missouri, hikes, beach time, and random miscellaneous adventures that crop up any time we’re not in a rush to get somewhere. I am so happy and so relieved. I enjoy the responsibility of being the teacher, and being the *one* has opened up my creative spirit again to the world of learning all around us. I had sort-of abdicated that responsibility once he was in preschool because I just wanted to enjoy him at home. Of course we took opportunities to learn and read, but we just weren’t as energized about it as before preschool. I’m going to talk to the Kindergarten curriculum coordinator on Monday just to be sure I’m understanding the state standards for what he’ll learn during Kindergarten (as a way to ensure I’m preparing him adequately for entrance), but I already know the answer. He is already fine. “Academically” he is very advanced and would almost meet Q4 standards right now. My job is to relax and enjoy him while I can, and enjoy those opportunities to teach about what interests us the most.

It’s funny, though, I almost feel guilty and ashamed to tell people. Thankfully my neighbor Giji came to the same conclusion about not wanting to rush around and be so time-focused all the time. She is enjoying her kids immensely it is obvious, even though her hubby is gone again. She’s an inspiration! (Are you reading this, Giji?!) But preschool can be like crack if you let it (not that I’d know firsthand) – you can almost not imagine life without it once you get used to the routine.

I am sorry I haven’t posted as much recently. I have been pretty busy working, doing some logo design and now working on a federal grant which is running into this weekend. Dave has also been working a bit late on several projects and continuing his schoolwork. We are all doing well, though, and think of our far-flung family and friends often. Stay tuned for big big BIG news…Sam is riding his bike without…training wheels!!!! I will be uploading a movie in a bit!