The children are surrounded by their friends, who are not only their own age, but ranging in ages from infancy to high school. I have found this type of setting to be more natural for them. The older kids encourage and help the younger ones, the younger children look up to and respect the older kids. The knowledge that is gained on these fieldtrips far outweighs text book reading in a classroom setting. Frankly, I believe socialization is an over-inflated concern about homeschooling.
Home schooling allows for a close bond between family members.
There is time to talk about joys and concerns, moral values, spiritual beliefs and standards. Homeschooling allows them the time to pursue those interests. A child is more apt to learn when he finds the content interesting. He is also more likely to be motivated to learn.