As a parent, it can be difficult finding the gift that each of your children possesses. With some children it is entirely obvious. With others, you know they could be talented in many areas and so you give them opportunities, but they end up not being passionate about it or boring with it or whatever. Yesterday at school was the science fair. Although she is in Kindergarten, Marina wanted to compete. She and Vince have done many experiments around the house, and so this seemed very natural.
With her early reading skills she picked the project, "Drawing with Fire". It's a simple project that I will not go into depth about here as to not alert the department of homeland security about our pyrotechnic ways. Let's just say that it was very cool. (Homeschooling friends out there looking for a great science project that can demonstrate scientific method across the age groups...send me an email and I will write you the directions.)
Where else in the United States would a kindergartner be allowed to strike matches and sizzle paper all day at school?
Her booth was a real star. We were constantly flocked by kids who were amazed at the way the paper burned without burning. The teachers at school want us to do the project for math and science night next year. They also commented on her self confidence and poise. I was so proud.She was disappointed that she did not take home a blue ribbon, but she learned that she needs a hypothesis and three questions answered. Also, the judges told her that next year they would have separate prizes for younger grades and older grades. Everyone learns at a science fair!
In the middle of this was Falcom's spotlight student luncheon. Because I was babysitting Iris and because he invited Valda, our family had a large representation. They were serving french toast sticks with syrup and sausage links and tater tots. Ew. Maygen sent a beautiful lunch for Iris; Moose meatloaf with mashed potatoes and corn. While I had my head turned talking to Marina, Iris quickly grabbed up a tater tot and then went for the french toast. How would she even know that that is something she would like? Question is, will I be allowed to babysit again? Time will tell. At least there was no discernible food dye present. Yes in the above picture Iris's mouth is filled with french toast.
Later in the evening, we joined Mema for her farewell dinner. She was sad and nervous to be leaving, but is glad to know she will be back soon. We decided to go out on the spit to the Glacier Drive-in and we ate things that are Weight Watchers Disapproved. Suzanne came, as did Priscilla and the Wise family. The Grady's showed up and so it was really an event.
The kids went out and played in the sand and surf after they horsed down their food. Then, as they played a seal came up to them, right up to the shore, and stared at them. I do not exaggerate, it was maybe 5 feet away. Where was my camera? Home. I was just sick! It was like a picture out of a children's book. The Greear and Wise children standing at the breaking tide, seal popping his head out of the water staring at them diving back down to reposition and then reappearing. The blue sky, Cook Inlet and mountainous horizon was in the background. We adults in the diner looked out at them in amazement, but for the children it was almost as if it were a natural event, like, "Shouldn't all of the wildlife greet us in wonder and puzzlement the way we greet them?" Fantastic! Then an otter swam right by them. Suzanne caught a picture of the otter. I hope. I wish she would send it to me, but that probably won't be for a few more days. Until then my written description will have to do.
If the sun keeps shining like this I am going to have to take my kids out to the spit camping before the RV's get there. It is just too amazing.
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