I've been meaning to write this out for a while...
Last time we were at C's drama class, B was really funny.  He calmly sat and watched some other younger siblings running (not too wildly) back and forth between the "thrones" (it's drama.  *shrugs*) and the very large support beam about 30 feet away.  Well, I could tell he was getting antsy so I just watched him to see what he would do (he's been very shy with new kids lately, so any time he initiates, I'm good with that :) ).  He was very sneaky in the way he participated.  He waited until the other 3 kids were up and running to very stealthily walk over to the thrones and sit in the best one (the largest--for the "king", I'm guessing?).  Then the other kids ran back and sat in the other thrones on either side of him.  Then, when they did their "Get ready, get set...", Ben inched forward on his seat until the "GO!", at which point he took off like a pro.  He's a fast little thing, so it wasn't a big surprise that he won, but you should have seen the look on his face--he was very proud.  I'm not sure if it was for the fact he'd "won" or because he'd managed to infiltrate their little pack successfully, but he was definitely pleased with himself and continued playing with them for a while.

Another funny thing that happened at that particular drama class is Ben started telling me how very hungry he was.  "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!"
Ew!  Really?  But what would you do with the hairs and the bones?
In a suddenly very serious, pensive mood:  "I'd save them so we could study them and learn more about horses."  (*lol*)
...
Here are some more of his comments:
"Oooooh, I'm so hungry I could eat this whole building!"
"I'm soooooo hungry!  I'm so hungry I could eat your nasty socks!" (*lol*)
"I'm so hungry I could eat that Exit sign!  And the pictures on the wall!  And the floor and these chairs!"
"I could eat your whole van, even though it needs to be vacuumed!"

***
And last night, Bill was telling them about a book he's reading (pre-reading the series for C to make certain it's appropriate) and he said, "And his name was..." (Connor interrupted with a random question, then Bill said:) "...wait, what was that again?"
Ben started cracking up!  "That's a funny name:  wait, what was that again?"  He laughed and laughed :)  I love his sense of humor (and he can find humor in ANYTHING). :)

Connor was reading the end of the 3rd HP book last night when he started laughing hysterically--remember when Snipe took the magic map from Harry and the map made some jokes at his expense?  Connor thought that was the funniest thing ever.  He finished up the book last night and says he's not reading anything except the first three HP books over and over until he's old enough to finish the series.  But he's not stubborn or anything. ;P

So a few days ago I had C come sit with me so we could figure out where he's at in the new Singapore books (like most text books, they do review at the beginning).  I am not exaggerating when I say we got through over half the text before he said, "Can I finish it up tomorrow?"  Um...yeah.  We covered 55 pages in about 40 minutes.  That's the really bad thing about switching math programs...so I hope he continues to like Singapore, because while I will probably pull out the RS stuff once in a while to supplement, I don't want to completely switch programs again for a while.

The boys still aren't feeling great--especially C as of this morning.  My throat and ears are hurting, but I think I'm going to see how things go before dragging us all to the doctor--Ben was the worst on Sunday/Monday and he's now improving, so that's probably what'll happen with C and myself, too.  *hopes*

I'm not feeling so great today, so I've been researching stuff for next year.  Connor's read most of the 3rd Harry Potter book today as he's been laying down most of the day.  *sigh*  Ben has been better than last night, but he's still lethargic.

I've found... 

Greek and Latin (for younger kids!):
http://www.greeknstuff.com/  
(Connor changed his mind about Greek after looking at sample worksheets, so we're going to be doing Latin. :) )

For reluctant writers--Create-A-Story

Fun approach to vocab--Vocabulary Cartoons 
(I must admit that my first pick was Wordly Wise, but I simply can't justify - or afford - $75 per kid for a vocab program.  $64 for a 'teacher resource package' is not gonna happen.  But another one that looks neat is Word Roots.)

...and finally, because I now know two people who have used it and rave about it (and the REAL bonus--it's cheap!)--our Spanish program for next year is Spanish in 10 minutes a Day.  The goal at this point is not to become fluent, but to become familiar and have fun until we're old enough to do a more structured program.  J's kids are the same ages as mine and they are loving it--that's good enough for me :)

Must run and begin making dinner.

"A mother is not a person to lean on but a person to make leaning unnecessary."
                                                                                                                - Dorothy Canfield Fisher

First, Happy Mother's Day to all you (us?) moms out there! :)

Second, I have had an awesome week planned for us this week (which leads me to...).

Third, the boys and I are getting sick.  Ben is currently leading the race, though Connor is close behind and looking by the size/color of the back of my throat 5 minutes ago, I'd say I'm not too terribly far behind him.  *sigh*

Wish us luck and lots of sleep. ;P

Thanks to my Mom's day present, I probably won't be posting anymore...
I'll be too busy trying to beat Guitar Hero 3.  *lol*

Now seriously...what is up with that game that after a mere 20 minutes (*blink*  okay, maybe more like 35...oh, alright--hour and five minutes) of playing, things in the room begin to move completely on their own.  When I look away from the screen, things actually shift and get wonky.  It's quite trippy and a bit scary.  So I'm setting a three song limit, then I have to have a break.  *nods*  No, really, them's the rules.  *nods*

But it's so addictive!  *sigh*

Now if only they could find a way to combine Mario Karts, Guitar Hero and Super Puzzle Fighter...oh, wait--that would be bad, Ray.  Something about crossing streams and/or me never moving from the living room.  Can't you just see it?  "Boys, here's your new curricula:  we're going to work on critical thinking, driver education and applied music."  ;)

The best part?  At the end of every song, both boys yell "You ROCK!" when it comes up on the screen.  *rotfl*

(don't worry, I'm limiting myself to weekends after the kids go to bed from now on. :) )

***
...and in "not pathetic" news--
--Ben is really enjoying the new phonics program we started (Phonics Pathways--HIGHLY recommend it and I found it at our library).  He's been begging to learn to read better, but HOP just wasn't getting the job done with him.  This one is awesome and it's free.  Perfect.
--Connor really wants to learn Greek.  Ideas for this, anyone?

Oh!  This morning was a rough time in this house.  Ben obviously didn't sleep well and was SO crabby.  Well, Connor egged him on and before you know it, Ben's screaming that he hates Connor.  Now, we had this problem a long time ago (they watched a show at my mom and dad's where the boy "hated" everything and they started using it all the time for about a month--it was NOT fun), but it's been ages since I've heard them say anything like that.  This morning all bets were off; he was screaming through choking sobs that he hates Connor, that he's never going to like him again, blah blah blah.  So up he goes to his room.  Bill wanders by and hears, through Ben's closed door and still choking sobs:  ...and I HATE toys!  and I hate Connor!  and I hate daddy!  and I hate Mommy!  and I hate chairs!  and I hate swimming lessons when I have to put my face in the water!  and I really hate Connor!  and I really hate mommy!  and I really hate windows!  and I really hate blankets!  and I really hate daddy!  and I really hate everything!  and I really hate...

*lol*  And yes, he eventually came out and apologized (though he then said, "I HATE apologizing!" and wound up back in his room *lol*) and after a couple false starts, he was much better after getting all the tears out.  He was a million times better after nap.  Phew :)

Yesterday the boys spent the better part of an hour watching a robin feed her (his?) little ones ("Robin in the rain...").  They were big enough that they were out hopping on branches, but the feathers looked very new.  It rained pretty much nonstop yesterday, so there were plenty of worms out there and from our living room window, the boys had an awesome view of both the nest (the people who lived here before us put the tree too close to the house) and the yard/flower beds where the adult bird hunted for the worms :)  It was great to see them so excited and so focused all at once.  I suppose until I forget how they were "before", it'll probably always catch me a bit off-guard.

Today we're off to the Muncie Children's Museum with some friends--two of Connor's best and the really great part is I like both the moms AND all the boys play very well with Ben, too. :)  Can't wait to see what the museum is like.

Ben was coming down the stairs and I asked him for the password.  (The boys and I do this to each other...if they come up with something creative, they get through ;)  When I'm being asked for the password, it's a crapshoot.)
So he says, "Um, tickles?"
Nope.
"Um, DNA man?"
Nope.
"Mommy's the best?"
*lol*

****

Earlier in the evening...
"Who can help by folding the socks?"
C:  Me!
"Great, Connor, thanks!  Ben, can you sort them out?"
B:  Yeah!
C:  HEY!!!  Just because I *can* fold the socks doesn't mean I *want* to!

*laugh*  I could fill in the "fold the socks" part with about 200 different things ("scrub the toilets" comes to mind...).

Yesterday I received an email about an unschooling/relaxed HSing gathering in February over at the Kalahari in Sandusky, OH.  Hugely discounted rates for the first week in February.  Minimum three night stay if you want a room with a full kitchen and at that point I thought "Oh, what the heck" and decided to stay the extra two nights.  I am possibly even more excited about this than the trip to Florida and that's saying something. :)

Then I got an email about the IMAX we went to the other day doing a free day once a month (Sept-May) for HSers.

Then another email arrived last night about HSer Days at Holiday World (southern Indiana, great little amusement park that's perfect for smaller kids)--it's at the end of August and not only is admission insanely cheap, they will also have all kinds of "behind the scenes" type of stuff for the kids to see and hands-on activities for them to do.

I think HSing is about the best kept secret ever.  :)

This is mostly for my records, but if you're interested, feel free to peek. :)

Here in Noblesville, a new 16-screen IMAX theater has opened and they play Hollywood movies as well as educational films.  Well, they have a 2-for-1 promo going for the educational films, so if you buy a ticket to the first one, you get to stay for the second film for free.  We did that yesterday morning - the first was Dinosaurs of Patagonia and the second was Bugs.  Both were about 40 minutes long and both in 3D.  The Dinos scared the stuffin' out of both boys (and made me jump a few times), but C enjoyed the "parts that weren't like a horror movie".  :)  Both films were incredible; I haven't been to a 3D flick since I was a kid and they've come a long, long way.  That being said, I'm pretty sure the movies were what gave me a really bad headache (the sound?  the heavy 3D glasses?--dunno) and nausea yesterday afternoon.  Next time, I don't think we'll take advantage of the 2-for-1.  Oy.

Tonight we went to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the local playhouse and it was fantastic!  About 20 minutes in, Connor leaned over and asked, "Why do they sing everything?"  *laugh*  This wasn't our first time there, but the last one had some spoken lines (they tend to do mostly musicals at this place).  Anyway, at the end, the actors come out and you get to meet them if you like.  Connor wanted to meet the guy who played Joseph.  The guy asks, "So, did you enjoy the performance?"  With a completely deadpan face, Connor says, "No."  *lol*  Everyone roars with laughter and then the guys says, "You didn't?"  Connor, again, deadpan:  "No."  *lol*

Connor THOUGHT the guy asked, "Were you in the performance?"
*lol*

Anyway...while we were waiting for the show to begin, they played lots of music from other musicals, including Mary Poppins.  At dinner just now, Connor asked Bill what a nanny is.  Bill explained.  Connor said, "Well, mom takes care of us."  Ben pipes in, "Yeah, her name must be Bonnie Poppins!"  *laughs*

Friday, at an educational store's going out of business sale, I picked up Quick Chess - a truly awesome find.  Connor started playing it today and loves it.  And now for the sad fact of the matter:  he's already beat me twice (honestly...I was REALLY doing my best).  But I haven't played in about 17 years, since I quit the high school Chess Club.  (*lol*  Good times...)  The other game I picked up was Rush Hour Safari - another great find.  Within 5 minutes of opening it, they were fighting over who got to play next.  Great thinking game, though, and the upper levels are very challenging.

I hear arguing...must go.

Well, it's been beautiful weather here, so we've had many *ahem* field trips lately. :)  It's been about the only way to tear Connor away from the second Harry Potter.  Speaking of, Bill told him the other day that he could read the first three books, but that he'd have to be older to read the rest and C was really upset.  I haven't read the last 4, so I can't comment, but Bill said they get "pretty dark".  Connor started reading HP almost exactly one year ago, but gave up after about 4 chapters because there weren't any pictures.  I expected the same sort of thing this time and boy, was I wrong! :)

Yesterday, while the kids were still up with my folks, we got the front (formal living) room cleaned out--it's where the bookshelves are for the HSing books and things, and also where all the physical therapy stuff is...or is supposed to be.  Most of it had managed to migrate to the living room because there were so many flipping toys in the green room that I couldn't do anything in there with them except the swing.  And the boys haven't even noticed the 3 trash bags of toys that are gone.  I wish I were kidding.  And given that we don't really buy anything for them except for Christmas and birthdays, you can do the math there. ;P  (The kids have been saving up and buying things with their own money.  Their fave store is the dollar store. :P )

Anyway...
Much more cleaning to do today, so I'm going to get started.

It's been a slow week for us.  We got the new training system for Connor, Learning Breakthrough, to help with coordination and bilateral movement--currently his biggest obstacle (if interested, see "Multi-Sensory Integration", "Integrating the Two Hemispheres of the Brain", and "Brain Timing/Reaction Time" at the above link).  Anyway, that arrived Monday and Connor *loves* it.  Unfortunately, it's another chunk of time out of the day (actually, two chunks as they recommend once in the morning, once in the evening).  

On top of all that, Connor is absolutely determined to finish all the Harry Potter books in as short a time as possible...which is driving me a teensy bit batty because... 
Me:  "It's time for gymnastics, let's go!"  "Awwww...do we have to?  Can't I just read instead?"
Ben:  "Connor, will you play with me?"   "Ummmmm, maybe later, Ben, because I just want to read right now."
Me:  "Connor, we going to do xxxxx now, please come down here."  "But Moooooooooom, you're interrupting the best part EVER!"
(Which, apparently, is every part. ;) )

So right now I'm trying to find a good balance with all this PT/OT stuff and schooling.  Every other day, we do the large PT routine which takes about 30-45 minutes (and since Ben wants to do it, too, you can double that).  On the "off" days, we do the shorter PT routine and the biofeedback system to help Connor learn to focus ("Play Attention" - we should be done with that in August or September, with just a little luck), which takes 30-45 minutes.  He loves the PT/OT stuff, and he's usually okay with the Play Attention, but I don't know how all that's going to fit together with adding in the Learning Breakthrough--if he continues to really enjoy it, then no problems.  We've seen lots of improvement since pulling him out, but it's hard to pinpoint what's helping the most--not being in the sit-down-and-shush environment, being able to do the Play Attention system more regularly, or the PT/OT stuff.

Oy!  Just caught the time...gotta run!

Saturday my dad and I took the boys to Science Day up in Muncie--what a blast!  Though, I have to admit I was thrown off by the "big event" at the fairgrounds being the gun show.  Yeeeaaaah.  Lots of guns in the huge building, lots of small kids in the small building directly behind it...great planning, yes?

Lots of fun, hands-on experiments for the kids, though, and they really loved it.  We stayed for two hours, left for lunch, then came back for another hour or so (because they pleaded).  Our second time through, there was a man with a ball python--too cool!  The boys and I each had a turn at holding her and if it weren't for having to keep dead rats in my freezer, I'd actually love to have one.  They loved seeing her, holding her, and most of all, watching her tongue, I think :)  Oh, and thanks to a quick introduction to DNA, Connor is now asking all sorts of questions that I don't remember the answers to.  My favorite questions from yesterday: 
"Why do eyeball cells let you see, but none of the rest of the cells on our body can see?"
"What if we put eyeball cells on our fingers--could they see then?"
"How do the cells know what to change into when they all come from one cell?"
"In people who can't see, do they still have eyeball cells?"
*headache*  Then there was Ben:
"I am....DNA MAN!"  *lol*  (<-That's far more my speed when it comes to biology and DNA-related things.  *nods*  I can only hope ONE of them will get into physics--that I understand ;) )

A random gripe about the cost of things lately...
So last summer we found the shed we wanted for the back yard.  We priced it out and it was going to be $3100 (no sales or anything, so that was "worst case").  Okay, fine.  Yesterday we went and looked at the exact same shed.  Care to guess how much it will cost now?  $4500.  *sigh*  Nice.  I'm not sure I want to sink $4500 into a shed...I wasn't completely convinced $3100 was worth it.  Bleh. :P  And groceries...wow.  Since this time last year we have seen an increase in weekly gas and grocery spending to the tune of 45%, on average.  (<-and I know this because I am...well, let's put this in C&B's terms...Budget Girl!  I have finances detailed out through Feb 2009 and go back to 2006.)  Oy.  Anyone else feeling the difference?

So we were on our way home from swimming when I saw something moving across the street.  It took me a minute, but then I realized it was a turtle.  He was crossing at the worst possible place (for traffic and speed), so I pulled over and went out to "save" him from the traffic.  The head of the oncoming traffic, at first, was obviously unhappy that I was slowing up their lane by walking out into the street, but once the guy (in the first car) saw what was going on, he gave me a grin and a thumbs up.  The boys LOVED holding a turtle (even though he had completely tucked himself away inside his shell) and we drove him to the pond behind our house.  So we went down close to the water and set him down.  The boys begged to wait to see if he would "come out".  So we sat.  And sat.  And sat.  Never have my boys had so much patience. :)

And then...

He poked his head out, but only a tiny bit.  But Connor screeched that he was certain he was going to come out SOON, and we all sat there, waiting, watching...and then it happened.  He looked out quickly, saw he was safe, and RAN into the water with quite a splash. :-)  The boys have now decided that we must study turtles because that is their new favorite animal.  Ben loves that they play "peek a boo".

Now, after all this happened, I felt guilty for not simply helping him to cross the street.  Reasons?  One, what if our pond is polluted (50/50 shot here--neighborhood teenagers - and many adults - are morons)?  Two, what if he knew where he was going and I just totally messed him up by taking him off course?  In my defense, there is *nothing* animal friendly across the street.  No pond or water, no wooded area...so I'm hoping he'll be okay.  *sigh*

So a few nights ago I zipped over to the library and found about 30 books for me to read (I rarely have time for one--what was I thinking?!).  I was so excited about my finds that I couldn't decide which to start first, so now I'm 2-5 chapters in on every one of those books.  *lol*  They're all informational and most are pertaining to "relaxed" homeschooling, but a few are about parenting a "gifted" child (how to deal with the perfectionism, the highly emotional state, etc).  The only one that isn't about those two subjects is "Under the Banner of Heaven"--my mom insisted I read it.  And...wow.  That's all I'm going to say.

The boys are doing well.  They've been playing outside a lot since the weather got nice and we've been meeting other families at the park almost daily (I now understand why some families start the school year in July/August and take a break once the weather gets nice in the spring).  Both are enjoying gymnastics and swimming, but there's only a few more weeks of each until we're done (probably for the summer).

Okay, gotta run and get school done.  Hope everyone is well!

Before I forget...

Ben used to base his "alter-ego/super hero of the day" on whatever shirt he was wearing.  Stripe shirt?  He was Stripe Little (most everything was "little" because he's the little brother).  Truck on the shirt?  He was probably Truck Little.  He has a shirt with a Squirrel on it, so whenver he wears that, he's Squirrel Little.  So he puts it on today and I asked, "Are you Squirrel Little today?"  
"Nope.  Squirrel Little got kicked out of the Computer Heroes because he name-called Super Ben a princess."  *rotfl*  So one of his imaginary alter-egos "name called" another one of his imaginary alter-egos and therefore was banned from the Computer Hero universe?  What a start to the day... :)

Then, at lunch, Megan mentioned that Ben cut a hole in his jeans.
Huh?
"Ben, did you cut a hole in your jeans?"
*looks me straight in the eye*  "Yup."
"With scissors?"
"Yup!"
"Which ones?"  (would've been even worse had he tracked down--and then used--my fabric shears; they know those are VERY off limits to little hands...)
"The blue ones."  (<-his)
"Why?!"
"Um...I don't know...because I wanted to put a hole in there?"

*slaps forehead*  Thanks so much for clearing that up.  *laugh*  
Neither of the boys have ever abused "scissor priveledges", so I'm at a loss on this one.  I told him he'd only have to pay me half the cost of the jeans because we're almost to summer.  His (very quick) response?  "How much?"  That tells me he doesn't care, so that means this won't be an effective deterrent.  Ideas? :)

Connor had some great one-liners today as well, but I honestly can't remember them right now (sooooo tired).

Let's see...
The Green Machine (from my folks) was a HUGE hit.  That's one of the coolest things I've ever seen and Connor absolutely loves it.  He rode it tons and didn't even get off it after he managed to tip it a few times (impressive, given the design).  He also decided to put on a show for us (in other words, "watch me ride!")--it was great, though.  He really loves it :)  And when he put on the "show", he told us the title, then went off to ride for a bit, then came back and would say, "Well, that's the final act!" and take a bow.  Then he'd announce that the "players" were Connor Kempf and Ben Kempf.  *lol*  Can you say, drama? :)

Yesterday went well.  All the boys played well together and seemed to have a good time.  It was a very nice pace for Connor--he's definitely more comfortable in a small group rather than a large, crazy one.  So all the way around, this went incredibly well.  

Happy (belated) 7th, my little man! :)

Pulled into Conner Prairie's parking lot and saw several buses.  Thought, "Oh crap", then talked myself into thinking that it's a big place, surely wouldn't be that bad.

Over one thousand kids there today on field trips between 10-2.  Was told that by three seperate employees.  Connor was on sensory overload and clammed up, but had a good time running around the lesser crowded places with Hannah.  Ben was alright until a few minutes into our picnic when he asked if he could bring his huge stick home.  I said no.  It was ugly.  He almost vomited from crying so hard.  *lol*  Oh yes, he needs to be in drama, too.  *nods* ;)

I forgot that I volunteered us to help neighbors spread mulch at the playground tonight, when in reality I really need to be doing about 50 different things to get the house ready for tomorrow and Connor's birthday.  *sigh*  My boy's going to be 7 tomorrow!

At 5:40-ish this morning I woke to the entire house shaking.  The ceiling fan in the bedroom was making pretty scary noises and the bed was pounding against the wall.  I thought I was having a really messed up dream about Eli Stone or Ghost Hunters.  *lol*

Nope, we actually had a small tremor here this morning from a 5.4 earthquake elsewhere (can't remember...tired).

Today I'm meeting up with several other families for Conner Prairie.  Going into that exhausted = long day.

*yawn*

 Today is absolutely beautiful...we went to the park for 3 hours with 6 other HS families and the boys had a great time (though after the last creek experience, they were hesitant to get in because it's so windy and they knew they'd be cold if they got soaked again).

So...in the past three months, I have made three good friends in the HSing circle and probably another 3-4 that I would call friendly acquaintances.  They are not really people I see myself hanging out with on a weekly basis, but it's pleasant to see them say, at the park :)  Usually, anyway.

Well, two of my good friends and two from the other group came today as well as two families I hadn't met before.  J is by far my favorite person out of all these and she is (not surprisingly, I'm sure) very open minded and accepting of just about everyone.  This comes into play because she assumes everyone else is also very open minded and accepting...*lol*  Oh, sorry.  *ahem*  So here's how today went...

J:  Oh, we're teaching creation *and* evolution.
K:  You're doing WHAT?!  (she got a wild eyed, crazy look to her and she jumped off the bench--not kidding)
J:  Well, it's just that I don't buy that we haven't evolved *some*.
K:  Oh, girl, you need to listen to Super Fundamental Christian Man who can explain away the dinosaurs and all that hocus-pocus science nonsense--the world hasn't been around but for about 5000 years and HE CAN PROVE IT.  (Can't remember his real name, sorry...)
T:  J, I can't believe you're going to teach evolution...what are you thinking?!  Their minds are going to be contaminated by the outside world soon enough--we don't need to expose them early!

*rotfl*  Are you kidding me?  So, I attempted to change the subject (because I have enough stress right now, thankyouverymuch and I do NOT need to get a bunch of these ladies on a mission to convert me or whatever), but I failed miserably.  And I felt like a HORRIBLE friend not coming to her defense, but I honestly didn't have the energy.  I did, however, manage to change the conversation...are you ready for how I did that?  *lol*  It was the ONLY thing I could think of and I knew it would get things off in another direction AND I found it absolutely hilarious in my head, so I just had to:

"*YAAAAAWN*  Excuse me...man, I'm just so tired lately.  Been staying up late to watch Will and Grace and South Park."
*ROTFL* (<-in my head, of course)
Jaws dropped.
Oh yeah--things went in a different direction all right.  My defense to all the negative comments?  "It's just a show--relax."
*lol*  No worries--I was saved by a little girl that threw a rock at J's son and started a riot on the playground.  *rotfl*  Freakin' hilarious day.

In other news....
Connor is back into Harry Potter...re-reading the first book and he's loving it!
Ben has decided that reading is for suckers who don't have moms who will read books to them.  I'm not kidding.  Those were his words.
Connor has decided that he would really like a birthday party on Saturday.  *rolls eyes*  He's also decided he has the most stubborn mother EVER.  (and he totally said it like Josea:  Ev- ER)
Ben is happy to learn any numbers that aren't boring.  "Like what?", you ask?  (<-I did)  "Like the big ones like a million or something.  Just not the boring ones."
Connor thinks we should go to Egypt instead of Florida...after all, what's in Florida?  "The beach, Connor!"  Well...Egypt has sand--does Florida have pyramids?  :P
Ben thinks he'd like to go back to preschool because they won't "make me be nice OR have quiet time!"  (I told him I'd be happy to take him to school and then when he comes home, just like before, he can have lunch followed by quiet time.  For some reason he decided maybe he'd rather just stay here...)  I especially loved the "make me be nice" part.  *laugh*