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Photo Journal: A Homeschool Year in Review: 2019

Have you ever wondered what it is like for a big homeschooling family to be down to the last student? I always did. This year, I lived it. My two older students are both away at a state university engineering program studying computer programming. My youngest student is 13 years old. It has been an uncomfortable adjustment for me as a homeschool mom of a large-ish family to find myself nearly empty nesting with one student left, who is pretty independent.

I've coped with this by going back to school myself to finish the degree that I started in the late 1990s and always dreamed of finishing. I've also tutored my daughter's class at our local Classical education co-op, enjoyed expanding my photography hobby, and have volunteered with a local non-profit, Safe Families for Children.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, you are in for a novel! Here are pictorial highlights of 2019, from the Dowell Family Homeschool! Enjoy!



 The French Poster Exhibit at the Vero Beach Museum of Art




Homeschool Study Group that I led in Latin and Logic



 Our 8th Grade Challenge B class at Classical Conversations





 Safe Families Treasure Coast Volunteer Training Session



 A Sunflower Farm in Melbourne Florida: November Blooms!








 Kayaking Fun this Fall in the Indian River (our backyard!)





 Our favorite healthy treat of the year, a green smoothie: 
Made in the Vitamix with cucumber, celery, spinach, green apple, ginger, and ice.



 A rare unhealthy snack that she made for Halloween: Mummified Pigs!




  


Nature Study: Local mushroom find



 Working out with Dad at Riverside Park in Vero Beach


 Sunset over the Indian River Lagoon


 Octoberfest Celebration in Stuart, Florida with a massive pretzel!




 I helped out with parachute games at our church harvest festival.




 We got our hair cut and styled together!






 Stages of the moon cookies made by Katie!


 One of our favorite French posters! We bought a small print.








 Our family's favorite fitness activity is rock-climbing. 
Here we are at the Halloween Event at Adventure HQ in Melbourne, Fl.








 Rachel came home for a visit from her University, 
and we enjoyed the current exhibit at the local art gallery.






 A rare visit from the college kids!


 She caught her first big fish this year!


 Homemade Vegan Pumpkin Pie


                                                    Nature Study



 Our best friends!




 A Favorite Breakfast: 
Yogurt berry smoothie with flaxseed, chia seeds, wheat germ, and maca powder.




  Nature Study: Mangrove Goodness



 Our 23rd Anniversary Celebration at Conchy Joes Seafood in Jensen Beach, Fl.





 Studying Logic with a Bestie!


 Shrimp Coconut Thai Soup



Roasted Beets and Potatoes


Natur Study: Sea Turtle Nesting Tracks!




 She drew the logical square of opposition from memory!



 Greek pita wraps




 A view of our condo at night. We call this part "the V."





















 Video games with Dad







 Erin made chocolate souffle from scratch
















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