Saturday, February 21, 2015

Sound of Music

We've been moving this awesome keyboard around for several years, occasionally getting it out, but never setting it up permanently for lack of a good location. We still don't know quite where to put it, and it's stand is the box it came in, but I think we need to leave it more accessible. How are these kids going to become stellar musicians like their daddy unless they have the opportunity to experiment and practice? 




Zoe and I pecked out "Twinkle Twinkle" with the help of a song book. We both felt proud of our accomplishment! 

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Sunday Drive

We drove about 90 minutes north, through redwood forests and past sweeping ocean views. At our destination, we checked out sea lions and harbor seals, did some birding, had lunch (delicious crab melts), hit a playground, then wallowed in the sand and water at the beach. It was all our typical fun in the sun agenda, but in a new place. It's fun to explore!






Thursday, February 12, 2015

Commerce

The children received Valentine's Day cards containing "paper money." They usually turn the cash over to me without a thought, and I tuck it away for someday. When they find or get coins, they play with them like toys, then pop them in piggy banks.

But both kids have had questions lately about money and where it comes from and why we need it, and about how to buy things at the store, plus the typical-for-a-small-child "How about we buy XYZ," with no concept of the cost. So we decided to spend that paper money.

We went down to the local bakery yesterday afternoon, each child toting two dollar bills. On the way, we talked about how we would exchange the money for something we wanted. Then we wouldn't have the money anymore, but we would have the thing, or the experience of enjoying the thing. At the bakery, I went first.

Me: I would like one biscotti, please.
Clerk: That will be $1.25. Out of two dollars...your change is 75 cents.
Me: Thank you.

Zoe went next, while partly hiding behind my leg. Her voice was a whisper, and I think the clerk figured out what she wanted by lip reading. But Zoe did use all the right words, and handled the entire transaction herself. She opted for a pink meringue thing half-dipped in dark chocolate.

Vincent had no trouble speaking up, but needed more prompting.

Me, whispering: Ask for what you want.
Vincent, loudly: A MEWANG.
The clerk handed over a meringue.
Vincent, loudly: TANK YOU.
Vince, now totally focused on his treat, was headed for a table.
Me, whispering: Give her the money.
Vincent tossed the bills on the counter, and did wait to get his change.

In the debrief, Zoe shared how pleased she was with the experience. The confection was delicious. And! She gave the store two pieces of money and got back three pieces!


Sunday, February 8, 2015

Collaboration

David drew the outline, and the kids went to town with the oil pastels. Zoe likes the pastels because they create a very intense color that can be smoothed and blended. Vincent's enjoyment is more basic: "I love dem because we get all messy!" Which is why they are not wearing shirts and have strict instructions not to touch anything but their artwork.



Friday, February 6, 2015

Monday, February 2, 2015

Gymini Crickets



The kids started gymnastics last week. They both participate with an enthusiasm I didn't anticipate, but sure am glad to see. Zoe, especially, has surprised me with her willingness to throw her body into a tumble or over the uneven bars, as instructed. She's getting good results for her efforts, and I can see her pride in herself.

Vincent's class meets when Zoe is at school, but the poor little guy has to sit through Zoe's class after school. It's torture for him. Sitting still for 45 minutes would be hard anywhere, but he is especially whiny because he really wants to be out on the mats, too.

The 3/4 class he's in does the same activities as her 5/6 class, with some modifications. I asked the program director if Vincent could attend the 5/6 class, but she felt the age gap was too great. And it probably is, but dang, it would be so much more convenient if they were in the same class!

Any inconvenience is worth it. The kids are moving their bodies, we're partaking of yet another awesome aspect of this place we call home, and everyone is having fun.

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Superhero Swimmer




It's been too long since we got in the pool, so this Sunday while most of the world was watching a football game, the kids and I went and got wet. But earlier in the day, Vincent used his swim gear as a superhero costume. Note the special superhero computing device he also incorporated in his play.

We had a great time in the pool, then I surprised them by swinging by the ice cream shop. It's been months since we've done that, too. Zoe had strawberry, Vincent had chocolate, and I split my scoop between coffee and chocolate. We savored our ice cream and swung gently in the giraffe glider. We ceded the glider to another party who wanted a turn, six college girls. That was evidently a few too many, 'cause they broke it!

Vincent and Zoe examined the glider carefully, and determined that one giraffe was missing a tail. They thought that was probably why it didn't glide anymore.

Fish Hatchery

At the fish hatchery, a quarter gets a child a double fist-full of fish feed. Our kids carefully meted out their feed supply, and then gleaned more from the ground. It's so much fun to watch the steelhead fingerlings leap and splash to get at the eats on the surface of the water. This time the holding tank at the entrance of the hatchery was full of big adult fish, which we didn't get to see on our last visit. However, we didn't see any fish coming up the ladder from the river. We were out with friends from preschool, and after we admired the fish, we went for a stroll and had a picnic lunch. Just another awesome day in this place we call home.