they request we go on a virtual trip around the world this summer - complete with learning about 4/5 different countries, languages and cultures as well as making clothing and food from each.
In addition to the requests to learn Japanese (not one of the countries that was picked to "visit"), do science experiments and learn more math.

I thought I got summer vacation from teaching

Kerry, that sounds like a blast!

Don't you wish, summer's when they ramp up for learning. The teachers stop giving homework (which in our case was the busy-work type anyway) and the kids realize that they now have the time to learn whatever they've been craving to learn or delve deeper into.

When doctors, teachers, therapist, and other helpful people are shocked that you were right about your kid being gifted and yet still needing help in other ways. Gee it's amazing that parents might actually know something about their own kids. (Sorry feeling very sarcastic and aggravated today.)

When your 5yo read your mind.

In multiple occasions, DS knew what I was going to saying without me saying a single word.

When your DD4 finishes reading all the books you picked up to check out while you browse library's tiny CD collation. (She did ask what "treacherous thievery" meant so I think she was actually reading).

When your DD4's piano teacher apologetically tells you that she needs to order new books since they are almost done with the first book after 3 sessions.

When this conversation happens with your DS2.8 right before sleep (it's always right before sleep, it seems...)

Me: DS, please don't jump on me without warning.
DS: Okay Mama, I will let you know next time before I leap on you.

1 or 2 minutes later

DS: (Musing over our exchange.) Mama, I listen to you and do what you say. When you say "yes", I listen.
Me: What about when I say "no"?
DS: I listen when you say yes and don't listen when you say no. (DS nods sagely at his declaration.)
Me: I love you very much and only say no for your benefit, usually for safety reasons. You have to trust that when I say no, there is a good reason. You can always ask for my reasons, and I will hear counter-arguments. But, when I say the discussion is over, you have to accept my decision.
DS (magnanimously): Okay Mama, that seems fair. I'll listen to you when you say yes and no. (DS beams a 500 watt smile that would melt the iciest of hearts.)

I hope your DS is better at keeping his promises than my DD. Every time she gets called on breaking a promise, I get this reply:

"Oh, don't worry Mommy. I have one thousand promises."

(>.<)

At this age, I'm not too concerned about him remembering and abiding by his statement. He's going to inevitably forget or renege and have to be reminded again. What I'm going for is agreement in the moment and cementing the feeling that our process is fair so that he tries to meet the guideline next time. If we can build some executive function skills and practice perspective taking, that's gravy.

Okay, I get to post here now, I have one.

My DS9's favorite color for the last few years is lapis lazuli....