I got my much anticipated Sonlight catalog today!  I have to hand it to the good people at Sonlight–they sure know how to build anticipation.  The forums have just been crazy with little hints and sneak peeks, and even though I don’t post over there, I’ve been reading everything with excitement.  For the last month, I’ve been beside myself knowing it was almost time, and ever since word went out that they were in the mail, I’ve been feverishly checking the mail box.  Well, today was my day, and I’ve already flipped through it several times!

I’m excited about the changes I’m seeing to the science curriculum.  Granted, other than the P 4/5, I’ve never used Sonlight’s science (which really means that I haven’t had a “real” science curriculum, complete with instructor’s guide and experiments), so I don’t know anything about the books that were axed, but the new ones that were added, especially for our grade next year, look really interesting and appropriate.

The only thing I’m a little disappointed with is the fact that Hero Tales is no longer part of the history curriculum in Core K.  I’ve never read it, but it sounded interesting.  I’m sure that the new book with which it was replaced is equally good, but I’m thinking I may pick up Hero Tales anyway.

The best part? The prices on some of the stuff went up, but it looks like a few things actually went down, so I don’t think that overall, it will cost me much more than it would have if I had purchased it before the new prices went into effect.

I love that Sonlight puts together such good reading lists for me–many of the books I remember from my own childhood, some I’ve heard of, but never had a chance to read, and some are complete unknowns to me, which is good in it’s own way.  The fact that I don’t have to piece together a curriculum really frees up my time for other things  (like planting our new nectarine tree…science lesson, anyone?).

I had no idea the effect that homeschooling (and Sonlight) would have on our whole family.  Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate getting this excited over a catalog (well, aside from the good old Sears Wish Book when I was a kid!)–just imagine what box day is going to be like!