Can’t help sharing these photos of Aidan and his two best friends.  The first one was taken in 2006 at Aidan’s First Communion; the second was taken a few weeks ago before our local homeschool prom.

Nick, on the left, is the first of Three Musketeers to launch off into the Big World.  He has been accepted to UC Berkeley for the Fall 2014 term.  Fortunately that’s only a 30 minute drive, so Eric and Aidan can go pester the college man frequently . . .

Parents often worry about “socialization” when they’re considering homeschooling.  Looking at these three boy, I have to laugh at that concern.  They found enduring friendship in each other (and lots of other kids), but more importantly they are defining themselves as unique, unrepeatable young men.  Their friendship strengthens their identity, but peer acceptance does not define it.

I remember fondly meeting Eric’s mom at a conference the week before we started homeschooling — Aidan was still 4!  Nick and Eric’s moms are two of my best friends.  I didn’t expect that benefit when I started homeschooling!