following the leader.

Our oldest is very well behaved for me. That, along with many other factors, has got me thinking that I might like to home-school him for kindergarten. I like to learn with him and he's receptive to my instruction. I've been wanting to keep him home just a little longer. And, until this last weekend I didn't think the home's dynamics would be very different if he was away at school- I mean to say, he's no trouble at all so having him in school would, I thought, be more of a hassle than a relief.

Dad took him on an overnight camp, which I believe is the first time that he's been separated from his brothers for longer than an appointment or short play-date. Not only did he relish the time, but the boys at home were different. The atmosphere was different. Like Iggy and Fitz could stretch out a bit to occupy the space. They listened more attentively and obeyed when they would normally be "the rebels."

Sparky and dad were in heaven together. And I was able to fit all the kids onto my bike (with a child-seat and trailer). I've not done that in so very long. We rode in the evening to a friend's and in the morning to get doughnuts.

Like I mentioned before, the family dynamic was totally different. The younger boys slid calmly into the restaurant seats when they'd normally run circles around the tables until I herded them. They washed the table after we were done eating- they would have halfheartedly held a napkin and relied on Sparky to do the work.

When he returned it was business as usual.

Follow the leader gets boring after a while if there's no turn-taking. The followers get restless.
I know he'd love kindergarten.

And maybe Iggy is ready for his turn.