December was a bit of a rough month for us as we all came down with something over Thanksgiving, and it just seemed to hang on for weeks afterward. :( However, we still managed to slip some fun in after everyone began feeling better.
We enjoyed a life-size game of Candy Land (sort of) with a friend who came over. In order to move ahead to the spot listed on the card they picked up, the kids would have to answer a review question (depending on the child it could have been a math fact, historical question, sight word, etc.). This worked well for catering it to the different age levels.
(By the way, the target on the door is what my son uses for his bow and arrow practice and is not related to the Candy Land game.)
In an effort to have the kids encourage each other, I made it clear that they could not enter the "Land of Sweets" (our own little twist since we were also having a Nutcracker movie day) at the end of the rainbow walk until everyone had arrived. Once the kids made it there, they were allowed to enter through the candied door and then headed to the kitchen where a small (but delightful) tasty spread had been laid out for them.
They feasted on cupcakes, nuts, and warm peppermint milk while watching a movie to end our fun day together.
We also managed to sneak in Gingerbread Day before Christmas!
After breakfasting on a gingerbread puffed pancake, the kids visited "The Little Gingerbread Store" where they practiced some math in a fun setting. They enjoyed buying all sorts of items for decorating their paper gingerbread figures...
And had fun putting it all together!
Later in the day, we cut out gingerbread cookies and the kids decorated them.
We ended the day by putting together a gingerbread village kit the kids had chosen. Let me just say, I had not anticipated the many steps involved where my help would be needed (call me naive). My dear husband sweetly stepped in, so I could make dinner. The evening might not have ended as well if he hadn't. By this time, my son was showing signs of being "ginger breaded" out so my daughter ended up doing most of the decorating herself and did an amazing job! :)
In addition to the above activities, we enjoyed days of making cookies, visiting family, and trying to stay on top of school work (talk about a juggling act). I love Christmas, but it sure is a busy time of year.
Speaking of year... the new year is upon us! :) After much, much, much deliberation it looks like I will be taking a several month blog break (although I might slip in a post or two). Plagued by a major health issue, I am hoping that a few months in low key mode will help my body get back to where it needs to be. In the meantime, if you have not hooked up with "The Nature of Grace" Facebook page, you may want to do so as I sometimes post updates and other little tidbits there.
Wishing you all a very happy homeschooling new year!
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