So, we had box day after the convention. I successfully brought home the manuals and books for Preparing from the convention. Got them all hidden. Then, the box came. It was so alluring, so tempting, so exciting. The extra books were in it from HOD. The kids read the "from" and wanted to see right away. I reluctantly agreed and they dove in. I warned them that they are school books and put away until we start the new manuals. They begged to start in July. They looked and got so excited. I got all the books back but one (Capyboppy). Whew! Just one lost to the children and he read it all straight through. The rest are successfully hidden. A near miss, but we made it.
And, as a side note, we are still finishing Bigger. Oldest told me that he doesn't want history and science to end for the summer. But, he'd be fine if language arts, writing, and math did.
That's a pretty awesome testimony about how much my children love the Heart of Dakota books!!!
My ds has the same sentiments as your oldest about math and LA. 
Happy Box day
I'm going to be joining both of you in Preparing this coming year. We're going to have a great year in school, I'm sure! 