My Prince

Friday is Book Character Dress-Up Day at Pretlow's school. My son wants to be a prince, so I've been searching for a story in which that role is not secondary to a princess. I also wanted one that doesn't involve death (at least not too much). This is harder than you might think. My search finally ended at Prince Caspian from the Chronicles of Narnia series, except that I needed an age-appropriate version that Pretlow could read by Friday. I know that he is a good reader, but since we are pressed for time (wait until the last minute? Never!), I didn't want this particular assignment to be too challenging (and therefore, stressful for both of us). I picked up The Rescue of Prince Caspian (The Return to Narnia) from Barnes and Noble (for free! but that's another story), which the website says is for ages 4 to 7. So it'll be an easy read, but we'll have a prince for Friday.

Today was also my conference with Pretlow's teacher. Her glowing report included praise of Pretlow's reading ability. So when we went to the library today, I checked out The Magician's Nephew, the first book in the Chronicles series. If Pretlow likes Prince Caspian, he can give the more challenging book a try. It will be his first chapter book. My little scholar is growing up!

The Sleeping Tree

Hhmmm. We certainly had an interesting time at the Greater Reston Arts Center yesterday. The "Explore More" program gives children the opportunity to create their own artwork as they are inspired by the museum's latest exhibition. The children each get a bucket containing art supplies such as markers, crayons, glue, and modeling clay. The current exhibition is The Sleeping Tree, "a twenty-two foot dead dogwood tree inside the gallery where it stretches across the room as though asleep." Our supply buckets therefore also included leaves, twigs, and pinecones with which to create our masterpieces. Like I said, it was interesting. The girls seemed to have a lovely time, and Zoe really enjoyed talking to everyone. One of the nice ladies gave her a box in which to safely carry our sculpture to the car. Zoe is very proud of it.

Touchdown!

Last night we watched Uncle Kofi coach his South County High School Freshman Stallions. They continued their undefeated streak and scored 49 points to their opponents' 8. There were lots opportunities to learn about addition, multiplication, and fractions. And thanks to Miss Vicki (Uncle Kofi's girlfriend), we learned what a first down is (thanks Vicki!). We also learned that it's not just Mommy who has a hard time with that camera of ours.


Are you dizzy?!?

Bug Update

It's been a day and a half and we're not getting very many diners at Chez Bug. There was a beetle in the fruit can yesterday, and we also observed two slugs (I think?) on the outside of the can. But for the most part, our bug neighbors don't seem interested. It has gotten much cooler, so that might be keeping them away. Maybe we should add wine to the menu?

A Bug Feast!

The feast is for the bugs, not us. Wednesday is science day, and this week we are catching bugs. We took two formula cans, and added bits of cereal to one and bits of fruit to the other. We also added some leaves, then dug holes in the ground large enough to fit the cans. The cans are now covered, and we'll keep checking on them to see if any critters discover this banquet we've prepared. Now, anyone who knows my family knows how remarkable it is that we are trying to attract bugs rather than repel them. But we are willing to make these sacrifices for the sake of science. Stay tuned!