Animal House

Today we saw Nana and Papa for the first time in weeks. The are back from a trip to Australia and recovering okay. Since you have been into making your own toys, I suggested you build a toy with Papa. You were both excited and, after a nap, retired to the garage where we could hear sounds of saws, drills and serious hinge discussions. After a while, you were finished. Both of you beamed with pride as the animal house made it's debut on the damp driveway pavement. Photos to come!

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Downpour

Today we were in the city, but separated. It was raining hard, but you managed to be mostly happy and agreeable. One of your favorite things to do is sit in coffee shops with us, and we appreciate that.
Anyway, the rain was falling down -- but your spirits were up -- until we had to change plans late in the day. At least you looked cute in your new monkey hat. Your tears made me sad -- you seem to be more and more honest with your emotions these days. Sometimes I can see your 12 year old self and I feel torn. Maybe even a little nervous!

Gazelle

Like the gazelles who were your "prey" today at school, you move gracefully through 5.
You make silly jokes and count to 10 in Spanish.
Tonight, when bedtime was mentioned, you raced us up the stairs. Dad made the "pinch me" sign as you eagerly chose your pajamas.
There was 6 minutes of meditation and a late-entry snack of apples.
Now, as you sleep, I think of the next day with you and await the weekend smiles.

Patterns

You work a lot with patterns at school and we love to talk about them with you. Today's patterns were about numbers -- 10 is to 9 and ? is to ? -- and you were able to count backwards and figure them out. So proud!

Tomorrow you will make a lion mask and go out with the rest of your pride.

Have I mentioned how much I love your school?

Turbulence

So fish Dorothy, or Silver, or whatever her name was passed on today. There was too much water in the bowl and she must have flopped out in the afternoon. It was a sunny afternoon, and she was by the window, and I like to think she was jumping out toward the light, hoping for a tasty bug treat.

Anyway, it was a rough evening, with lots of arguing and some crying too. And then we kept on learning of other tough things in your day -- falling down, tears on the bus, choosing the wrong group and fear of public bathrooms.

All in a day's work. Every day is a good day, so here's hoping for tomorrow!

Tonight's story

Hey Lu, I want you to tell me a story.

Do you want a surreal story, or a real one.

How about one of each.

Okay.

(Pause)

I can't think of a surreal one right now.

That's fine, sweetie.

(Pause)

Ben was my special friend at school today and we played monsters on the playground and....

Prides and Schools

Tonight at dinner...

Mama, today in school we learned what different groups of animals are called!

Really? Give me an example.

Lions have prides and fish are in schools.

I so love your school; we are so lucky!

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

And so Lucy will have a record of her life...in November

Dear Lucy,
So you are in Kindergarten. And amazing one! You are rocking new red glasses and a fancy attitude, playing well with others (as usual). You can harness your emotions -- in positive and furious ways -- and have made some amazing friends. Us too! We all went on an amazing, cross-country trip and found you love to travel. 8 hours in the car? No problem.
More soon (tomorrow!) --
Love,
Mom