Waitangi Day

Today is Waitangi Day in NZ and it is a National Holiday which conveniently fell on Super Bowl Sunday in the States. It is a day to remember the signing of the Waitangi Treaty between the British Crown and the native Maori people of New Zealand. If you'd like to learn more of this day click here: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/treaty/the-treaty-in-brief.
I decided to have brief homeschooling this morning (though we didn't started until 10:30) to not lose momentum from the 3 day weekend and because we don't have regular school on Tuesdays due to appointments and swimming lessons. We did our usual Bible time then both history and science were reviews of last week. I was in awe at all that Will had retained of the material we had done aloud! Both girls started with us. Nani made it through Bible time then had had enough. As she left the room I asked her, "Do you still wanna be home schooled?".  She lowered her head and shook it defeatedly. Not all the fun and games she'd thought it would be.
The boys are now doing their folder work but only in math and handwriting. Don't want them to feel punished to be having school today when the girls are off. Plus our house has become a teenager's Grand Central Station (not that I mind) so there is too much activity for the boys to be able to focus.
Last week went so well I'm thrilled... but skeptical. I'm certain there must be a honeymoon period like with any other new adventure. But the boys really love it! In fact, I spent all morning Saturday adamantly declining Graham's invitation to "play homeschool" with him. He had a "classroom" of stuffed animal students. I told him, "Graham, Mommy 'played' homeschool all week. Today is my day off." He finally relented when I agreed to be the principal, though I silently prayed his students would behave.
Yesterday I rode Karma for the first time since I moved her. She really seems to love the new grazing as much as I do. I had a girl work all week with her on rebuilding her trust and confidence in people. I could see improvement after only 2 days! Today I'm hoping to ride down to the beach. My only real concerns are the trucks or tractors that may pass us on the road. Will let you know how that goes.
Still waiting for Joe's arrival but it is supposed to be no later than the beginning of the week. Since Monday is a holiday, I'm hoping that means he'll arrive tomorrow!!! Again... will let you know!