A Squirrel Experiment

With the addition of a bird feeder to our yard Julia has developed a newfound annoyance of squirrels. It didn't take long, for a day or two she thought it was funny that the squirrel climbed the bird feeder shaking food out, then for another day or so it was funny that the squirrel had figured out how to open the top of the squirrel-proof feeder  (I want my $ back).

Then she got fed up and like so many people before her she has now started to devise her own squirrel proofing experiments. The first one, after much discussion of building fences, fortresses, and enclosures, was to rub the pole of the bird feeder with oil causing the squirrel to slide right off.

application of the oil

making sure it's completely covered

Result?
squirrel - 1, Julia - 0

but I'm sure the battle will continue...

Swimmer Boy

Fall 2014
Me: Ben when are you going to take swim lessons like Julia?
Benj: never
Me: really?
Benj: I am NEVER getting in that pool!
Me: ok, then

Spring 2015 
a random afternoon before Julia's swim lesson during quiet time
Me (downstairs reading a book, listening to Benjamin sneak down the stairs): what do you need Benj?
Benj: I want to swim. I want to take swim lessons. TODAY.
Me: Well, we can sign you up for lessons but not today. We need to talk to Ms Wendy and find out when you can take a class.
Benj: But I want to swim today.
Me: We can talk to Ms Wendy today.
...
a month later - after lots of discussion and clarification that he really wants to do swim lessons:

ready to go

2 swimmers!

He was very excited leading up to the big day but when we arrived and it was time to get in the pool his nerves started showing. Andrew ended up sitting with him for most of the lesson but he did eventually get in the pool and even had a little fun.

The second lesson was more of a success. He went off to the lesson by himself and did great for the first 15 minutes with only a little reassurance from Andrew and I. After that his shivering got the better of him and he was ready to be done but with a little more encouragement and a surprise cheering-on by Alex he got back in the pool and finished the lesson!

Soccer Girl

Julia is playing soccer again this spring. The format is a little different this time around - it's a clinic where they concentrate on skills instead of a practice and games. She seems to be learning more and enjoying it quite a bit... although it could just be the silly British coaches that she enjoys!

Skater Boy

We are making up for the weeks we spent inside this winter by now spending every possible minute we can outside. Benj is loving his balance bike and scooter and has gotten quite good on both. He also recently outgrew his old helmet and now looks the part of a skater as well!

Julia's Gallery: The Duck

One of Julia's most recent pieces of artwork

A duck that is swimming in a pond and about to crash into a tree!

Heard Around Our House

At dinner during a conversation about where Julia and Benjamin are going to live when they grow up:

Benj: you can live with me, Mom.
Me: Thanks, Benj. Where are we going to live?
Benj: Yes, you'll be in the dungeon!
Me: Really?
Benj: Yes, but it has a pool.
Me: Great. Can I have a super comfy bed?
Benj: No, goof! Dungeons don't have beds! Remember, Frozen?!?
right, silly me!

While I'm getting snacks together:
Me: Benjamin is your job to drive me crazy?
Benj: yes, I'll drive you
Me: where are you going to drive me?
Benj: well, I don't know. but you'll be in my trunk!

hmmm... I'm a little worried.  But I will note that both of these conversations occurred while we were joking and laughing so I'm hoping the underlying aggression is all in good fun! 

How the Skunk Got His Stink (a story by Julia)

Julia was inspired by Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories... and the skunk cabbage growing in our backyard!

How the Skunk Got His Stink by Julia

One person stepped on a skunk cabbage. There was a skunk nearby. When the person smelled the cabbage he was disgusted but when the skunk smelled the cabbage he liked it. He ate all he could find. And that is how the skunk got his stink.