They Passed

I had to post again...I told Vance I was updating my blog (which I have been horrible at this year - 6 in Jan, 5 in Feb and only 2 this month - sheesh.) and he said I should say something about the hunter safety course he and the boys went to this past weekend.

It's actually a really neat story (yes, people still talk like that). They left around 4pm on Friday and I took care of the Littles - that's my new name for the 5 under 6. We've been studying for this test for quite some time. Vance and I were worried for Ryan because he's a slow reader.

The class was packed. Vance said that there were people standing or sitting on the floor for almost 5 hours on Friday and close to 12 hours on Saturday. Vance was determined that the boys get a front row seat on Saturday so they left the house around 5:45am. They went directly to the shooting range because each student must be observed handling a rifle. Ryan got four shots right in the bulls eye - Incredible!!

After shooting they had a little time before the class actually started so, they went to Village Inn for some breakfast. Vance took this opportunity to do a little more study. A few minutes later their waitress came to the table and said that their bill had been paid. As it turns out the man in the next booth was impressed at how a father was teaching his children and thought he should be rewarded for it - also incredible!

They sat through 8 more hours of instruction then it was time to take the test. The test is 50 multiple choice questions and there is only one test for both children and adults. Vance wants to interject that if there are any of you reading this who have children Glen and Ryan's age (11 and 10) he suggests taking some time to study before the actual course - we did for 6 months. Vance also wants to give a shout out to David Carol, the instructor of the course, for his patience with the younger ones.

The boys both passed!!!! But, not just passed...Glen received a 98% and Ryan got a 90%. Both A's. Woo hoo!!! I have to say that I'm extremely proud as well. Since we've been homeschooling there have been times when I've had doubts whether or not they were getting the tools they needed to succeed in the world. Once in a while I would think that maybe they could get a better education in a brick and mortar school. This is confirmation that we are indeed learning and more importantly, thinking.

Vance is beaming with pride for these boys who have gone on hunts with him since they were four and five years old. They've marched through the woods with either their BB guns or an unloaded rifle to practice hunting with gun safety.

Glen and Ryan are proud because they have been able to take what their father has taught them over the years and apply it in a real-world setting, a real-world test and come out on top.

Vance rewarded them with a rib dinner at Famous Dave's and a campout on our property. Yay, Glen and Ryan!!!