Joy School

When we lived in Oklahoma pre-k was offered in the public schools.  It was wonderful--and a great transition before starting all-day kindergarten.  In North Carolina we didn't have that choice and I had looked into several options for Alexander.  I had finally decided on doing a co-op preschool with several other moms from our ward.

And then we decided to move.

Since we got to Las Vegas in August and I didn't know anyone the idea of a co-op went pretty much out the window.  And I didn't really know where to research other pre-school options--and didn't know anyone to ask!

I finally decided to get the curriculum for one of the co-ops I had looked into and just do it with Alex.  We had a great year! Teaching a curriculum twice a week that is intended to be shared and taught maybe twice a month was quite a challenge... especially when you add on top of that a pregnancy that made me so tired the first trimester.  But Alex loved it so much that I just couldn't say 'no' when he would ask if it was "Joy School day". 

Occasionally, Henry would decide to join with us too.  I don't have a ton of pictures from our year but I wanted to make sure to document the few that I do have.

Acting out Caps For Sale.
 

Alex loved the days where we got to do a craft.

And these boys always love an excuse to make a treat.

Alex especially loved the days that we did Joy School and the big brothers were at home.  It sure did make it nice to have a few more students in the class!  Plus, Alex liked showing his brothers how we did things--it was his chance to be the expert and show the big kids a thing or two! 

I'm so glad that I decided to do Joy School with Alex this year.  I think it encouraged so much growth in this boy and hopefully prepared him in a small way for Kindergarten in the Fall.  One thing is for certain--he is excited to go to school with his big brothers!

Summer Bucket List--Old Mormon Fort

One of the things we've been wanting to do since we moved to Las Vegas is visit Old Mormon Fort.  We added it to our summer bucket list and finally had a free Saturday to head over there.

 

We got there just in time to visit with some men there with a display of the US military throughout the years.  Each man was dressed in a period uniform with weapons and other tools on display. 

We headed out to the fort next.  It was a HOT day... but fun to look around.

 After looking around the fort and inside the little home we let the boys play in the shady area near the little stream.

It's always fun to visit a place where we can learn more about the place we live and  our pioneer ancestors.  But perhaps next time we'll go when it's a little cooler!

Summer Bucket List--Springs Preserve

We have loved having a pass to Springs Preserve.  We wanted to make sure we took advantage of it this summer before the heat became too intense.  Right now the rotating exhibit is a mini golf course.  Fun!  We had a great time watching a show about desert animals and then playing a round together.

Right as we finished the last few holes Rich surprised the boys by showing up for lunch! 

The little cafe there was delicious!  When Rich went back to work we played a little longer.    We ran around the playground first.

Then I convinced the boys to walk around some of the gardens.  The grapes looked delicious!

We can't wait until it cools down a little bit so that we can visit again!

Dominoes

William has about 30 minutes or so every night where he can choose what he wants to do.  Some nights he reads, other nights we play a game, and one night he wanted to play with some dominoes.  It was fun to see what he created!