January 18th, 2019

Fourth of July Fun...

We were lucky enough to have a Family Traditions day today with Michelle, Ada's mommy, as our guest.  The Donohoe family made a big beautiful poster board full of memories of their past and current 4th of July celebrations.  Ada was so proud to show us pictures of herself as a baby, her sisters, her cousins, fireworks, sparklers, swimming, the golf cart, and family art projects.  Michelle explained that in Southern MD, the family gathers (14 children and 10 grown ups) to sing 4th of July songs like "Yankee Doodle" and eat a big giant feast.  We discussed how loud fireworks can be.  Maren said, "I saw fireworks at Cayman."  Palmer said, "Sometimes Daniel (tiger) watches fireworks."  

Ada and her sisters and her mommy all put together a special treat for us to eat at snack: Rice Krispies with red and blue sprinkles!  "It's sticky and yummy" said Ada.  Oliver said, "Cheers!" So we pretended to "cheers" our rice krispies.

Michelle and Ada brought "Snaps" (those little tiny firework-esque noisemakers) for us to "pop" inside for a bit.  And last but not least, they gifted us a special tool (an adapted toilet paper roll) to make firework paintings... Amazing.  Thank you Michelle and Ada for such a special Family Tradition! 

Children are becoming more interested in games (especially Candyland).  Today, Ellie and Maren looked at the cards in this matching game and chatted about where to find a match.  Ellie reassures her: "We'll find it."
Soon after, Cannon, Wolf and Palmer joined in.  Maren communicates to the group that they are looking for a polar bear.  Ellie says she has found it, but it's actually a bunny rabbit!  Cannon finds two owls.  The group finds matches and mismatches which they continue to share with each other.

P.S: Today was Wolf's last day of school before he leaves for a long holiday in Kenya to visit extended family.  We will miss you so much!  Have a great trip!!!!