Sunday, June 22, 2008

Funny girl

This morning before church

When Katie is tired, she doesn't slow down -- she talks even more than usual. When we're driving home from a "late" night out, Cooper usually falls asleep quickly, and Katie stays awake, chatting the whole time.

Tonight was no exception. Jim and Betty took us all to see A Year with Frog and Toad at the Dallas Children's Theater and out for dinner at Blue Mesa. After we dropped off Grandma and Papa at their house, Cooper was quiet and eventually out for the night. Katie provided the conversation.

My favorite quote: "Mommy, the sun looks like a lemon drop."

My favorite story: She described how she would like to buy a bird like Cha-Cha (cousin Sasha's bird) and build a room next to the Tiki Tiki Room at Disneyland. Her bird, a red bird named Hofo, would live in that room with other birds who also wanted to learn to sing like the Disney Tiki birds.

Katie and the actor playing Frog

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Q&A with Beverly Cleary

One of my favorite children's authors recently spoke with Highlights magazine (click here to read). I love her advice about reading out loud to children. Steve and I both love reading chapter books to Cooper. Steve is in the middle of the fifth Harry Potter book -- they started the first before Cooper turned 4. I've just started one of my all-time favorites, A Wrinkle in Time, with Coop. Other top picks include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Bridge to Terabithia and Charlotte's Web.

Katie (who will be 3 tomorrow!) is just about ready to sit long enough for a chapter at a time and follow the plot from day to day. I think we'll try Mr. Popper's Penguins.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

First and last (the Cooper D version)


First day of first grade, August 2007

Last day of first grade, June 5, 2008

Cooper finished first grade last Thursday. He had a great year despite some rough times at home. His class included a great group of buddies we've known since Coop was 4 and 5, and he made some special new friends, too. His reading improved tremendously. He participated in Destination Imagination, Chess Club and Running Club. He lost four teeth. He got a new hairdo. We're looking forward to a fun summer and more adventures in second grade!