Packed day!!

We were busy today.

Started the day with a vanilla cake from Trader Joe's and tea. We set the table and pulled out the copy of Eragon. I am not a fan of the writing, but the kids are loving the story so we press on. We must have read five chapters.

Then I broke out the two math puzzles from Pi Cafe. We worked on Nine Patch Pie (four different patterns involving nines). It was exciting to watch Liam work everything in his head. He even left the table at one point to "think" on the couch without so much noise. I watched his face as he mouthed numbers to himself and played with a lock of hair while looking at the ceiling. Then he moved to the computer and used the calculator to help him calculate.

We must have spent 90 minutes working on multiplying, dividing, guessing, identifying patterns and playing with numbers. It's so different to do math this way than I have ever done it!

Caitrin pulled out her Miquon math book and worked on arrays for 24 and 32. Right in line with our games of nine.

Following the math games, we moved into the living room where Noah joined us to play Quiddler. This game took at least 90 minutes as well. It's a game of making words and scoring points. Again, more calculating of numbers, but also playing with letters. Liam really got into figuring out the best use of the letters for the maximum points. We had fun thinking of words to make. I helped him see new possibilities with his letters.

Jacob was amazing. He found great long words and won the game in the end! Noah helped Caitrin figure out words and her motivation to play helped her over the hump so she would actually try to create words she could read!

The whole day took so long. It felt like we were just in one long party of games and reading and togetherness. I love days like that.