When our oldest was a year old we took him to Hawaii for vacation.  We thought it was going to be a real vacation, but we quickly learned that even though we were in paradise, it was NOT a real vacation with a toddler in tow.  We still had to parent, stick to his nap schedule, and take care of his needs.  What a surprise to us then.

Now that we’re a homeschooling family, I learned yet another lesson.  Just because we’re on vacation, it doesn’t mean school stops.  While packing for our trip to San Diego, my sons reminded me to pack their school work, and of course I happily obliged.  I was not sure whether we were able to do any school while in San Diego, but again, I was proven wrong.

This morning while waiting for our baby to wake up so we could go out and see San Diego, I did a writing lesson with my oldest.  After which, my second oldest demanded that I do “school” with him too.  I’m so amused by these two boys.  Do they not know that we’re on vacation?  Of course they do, but school still goes on in their minds — it’s simply part of life, and not in a rote or boring way.  I’m just so delighted that they love to learn.

We spent one full day at Legoland yesterday and oh boy, was it exhausting for us adults!  The kids still had energy to go on and on despite lack of naps.  They certainly exerted lots of physical energy in running and  playing.  With so much physical energy spent, their little minds need some mental exercises as well, and this is why I believe doing school work with them while on vacation is beneficial.  Both physical and mental activities satisfy their hunger.  I really love homeschooling.  Or should I say “hotel schooling?”  It’s really an awesome way to teach  and satisfy the kids’ mental hunger.

Please note that I didn’t bring ALL of their school work.  We’re on a reduced school load while on vacation.  After all, this mama needs a vacation too.

Here are the boys “doing school”: