On Feb 25, we rose at 3:56am(!!!) and drove down to Olympia that morning. It was Homeschool Day at the Capitol! All homeschooling families signed up to bring fresh home-baked apple pies to our representatives and senators. I set up appointments to meet with our legislators, thinking they would be quite brief as they are in session right now. We met with Senator Brandland(R-42nd district) and brought him an apple pie. He was so fun! We talked homeschooling and how well it is going for us. He said he is supportive of homeschooling, but also seemed to think it should be regulated by the state, which was discouraging. We encouraged him to please protect our freedom to homeschool our own children without more legislation. He interacted with the children, they asked questions(good questions!), had a great time and learned a LOT. Senator Brandland was kind enough to take the time to walk us to the senate floor and have a photographer take our picture with him!!
The Christian Heritage Network set up several great educational classes. We have a new respect for Scott and DiAnna Brannan. They work their tails off at the Capitol fighting to beat laws down that discriminate against homeschooling and they do a great job. It is under attack more than I thought, much to my dismay.
We all gathered in the rotunda and had a celebration of our freedom to homeschool our children. It was just wonderful to see all those families there filling the rotunda. We did not get the privilege of meeting Rep Doug Erickson(R) as he was busy, but he did get his apple pie. ;) We have heard he has been great in standing up for our homeschooling rights. We just heard this week that Sen Brandland is not going to run again and that Rep Erickson is going to run in his place. Then we met with Rep Kelli Linville(D) I can't even describe the difference. I had forgotten she was of the democratic party(I came ignorant, I could not even positively name our Senator and Reps two weeks ago before we came! Shame on me.) and I guess never realized how a homeschooler somehow means CONSERVATIVE. Wow, the air was colder in that building...really.
She seemed suspicious of us at first. After a little small talk she asked us what our agenda was. I probably had a dumb look on my face and said "We are just homeschooling constituents, it is Homeschool Day at the Capitol and well...we are here to say hi and ask you to protect our rights." She was a little shocked we didn't' have an *agenda* and then got all nicey with us, lol!
We had a great visit, she talked with the children quite a bit, she seemingly intrigued. If you know my children they are NOT shy, lol! We had a very productive conversation about homeschooling. ;) We were so glad we had met her, even though she votes the opposite on most issues from what we would(very liberal, very democrat, which we are not), she was a kind person, likes homeschoolers and we enjoyed each others company. We left with lots of coloring books and educational material, can't wait to dig in!
We(parents included) learned what a Senator does, what a Representative does, what a "constituent" is, how a bill becomes a law!(Schoolhouse Rocks just didn't make it clear enough to me) what district we live in, much state history, all our state's symbols and now know how to keep an eye on our reps and feel we can talk/call them on a personal basis. We know them and feel effective now in our own lobbying. They really DO want to hear or visit with constituents. They are honored when you come meet with them and they seem to listen. It really made an impression on the children...mission accomplished!
Side note: The biggest bonus of homeschooling it is greatly adds a wealth of knowledge to the parent! I learned so much about our legislative system from that trip and this time around, it will stick with me for the rest of my life. The children and we talk about it daily reinforcing the knowledge we learned, thus making it so real to the children and cementing it in their minds.
Jacob in a polar diving suit, it was Polar Exploration Weekend!
After the HS Day at the Capitol we had dinner with another family at Azteca(mmmm), 4 adults, 14 children and we actually had great conversation! Then went off to our hotel. When we first flung open the curtains in our room the children gasped as the Space Needle was about three blocks away and directly in front of our hotel room windows! It was beaUtiful at night. We finally caved and got a suite with two rooms and two bathrooms to make the stay a little more do-able. I was sleepless in Seattle that night(I have been waiting to use that) as Elijah was demanded to be in his crib at home. We started out the next morning for the Pacific Science Center with 7 children, 1 Daddy and 1 Mamma who hadn't slept in 29 hours. The day was doomed from get-go.
The PSC was a hoot, but I did end up leaving two hours into it with three very tired toddlers. Daddy stayed and enjoyed being a kid again with his four oldest, I think they had a little TOO much fun.
I forgot they had a new butterfly house, Gracie was mesmerized by the butterflies. She would sit next to one and just stare at it for minutes!
Jessica took some pic's of the butterflies...I have like 2o some pictures of butterflies on my camera. Thought you'd appreciate two.
Before I took the little ones home we took this family picture. Gracie was not a happy camper :)
My tired, reluctant to sleep Elijah(he never did nap that afternoon either).
2 comments:
Looks like you had a lot of fun!!
Your Oly day sounds awesome. Have you heard of the wonderful homeschool dad that is running to replace Doug E? Please check out Jason Overstreet from Blaine - a wonderful statesman!
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