Correction, Daddy

When we go skiing at Loon Mountain in NH, one of the highlights for Xander is riding "Henry", the train that transports skiers between the East and West sides of the mountain.

When we were last there, I imitated "Henry" in response to something Xander said. "Woooo-woooooo!"
"No, Daddy, he goes, 'Hoooo-hooooo, hoohoo!' "
And, actually, when next I heard Henry, he was right. Guess I better get used to it...

Working The System

Our friend Jo got called by her son Tommy (age 5). "Mommy, is your boss there?"
"No."
"Where is she?"
"In a meeting."
"With who?"
"With her bosses."
"Oh." (thinks a minute) "So can you leave early?"

...which is interesting, because he doesn't see anything but serious responsibility displayed by all of his family members (I don't see any of them skipping out early when the boss isn't around!)

Perspective

I took off President's Day to spend with the family because it was the first day of Alana's winter school vacation. When I told her I was going to spend the day, she asked, "Is this your winter work vacation?"

"Hmm. Well, I guess it is, but only for 1 day."

You're Going DOWN!

So Alana is quite a good Wii bowler, and did well boxing, even against some grownups. Her 'Uncle' Steve taught her that an important part of the game is trash-talking with your opponent.

I discovered this once I heard her in the other room, saying "You're going DOWN!" to a grownup easily 4X (and maybe 5X) her weight--and then she proceeded to take him out.

I'm actually a little bit relieved. At least when the principal's office calls AC to come in to discuss what Alana has done in gym class to some other poor student, I've got some plausible deniability!

The Physics of Drinking

AC spoke to Xander, who (once again) spilled Ovaltine on his (white) shirt. “You really need to pay attention, honey. Should I stop making chocolate milk for you?”

X: “No Mommy…I like chocolate milk.”

He stopped to think about the problem. “I’ll stop sticking my tongue out while I drink.”

AC: “Huh??!? Uh, yes please…”

Attention Span

X brings a Magic Treehouse book (chapter book, I’d estimate for ages 6-12) to AC and asks her to read it.

He manages to make it through 1 chapter before telling her “You’re reading the wrong words, Mommy.”

After assuring him she’s reading what’s there, he says “When will it be done?”

She suggested that he might wish to get a shorter book.

Vocabulary

The kids were talking to each other while I was home alone caring for the kids.

X: There are 3 of us--you, me, and Daddy...so we're a trio."

A: And if Mommy were here, we'd be a quartet!"

Inherited Traits

Kids' minds work differently.

X, holding a paper airplane and a fairy doll (less her wings), said: "I'm her mother" (speaking as if he were the plane, referring to the fairy).

Without hesitation, Alana, said, "Oh yes, you both fly beautifully!"

Even at this age, their minds are cranking away, looking for patterns and commonality to explain the world.

Inherited Traits

Kids' minds work differently.

X, holding a paper plane and a fairy (less her wings), says, "I'm her mother" (speaking as if he's the airplane).

Alana, looking at them, said without a second's hesitation, "Oh yes, you both fly beautifully!"

Even at this age, their little minds are racing, looking for patterns and commonality to explain the world.

When Alana Began Using Chopsticks

We went out for Japanese food tonight, because Alana was begging for sashimi (that's my daughter for you!). While there, I learned how she started using chopsticks...somehow I had never heard the story.

At this same restaurant, several years ago (when she was 3, I believe), AC had gone to the same restaurant with her mother and grandmother and Alana, and had ordered a chicken nugget-y children's meal. Alana was hungry, so she picked up her chopsticks and started to eat.

A-ma (AC's grandmother) asked when AC had taught her, and AC said she hadn't...and they all stared while Alana enjoyed her food!