Out and About

Despite the onslaught of nasty weather (snow, ice, wind, you name it, we've had it!) we are finally getting out and about a little more.

This week, Lydia had a "fieldtrip" to our local Giant grocery store with her preschool class. They learned about the different food groups (and received samples from each) as well as other ways to keep our bodies healthy like brushing our teeth, drinking water, and exercising.

Not surprising, Lydia was the "line leader" right off the bat.


Here they are "brushing their teeth" in the toothbrush aisle.

At each "stop" they received a food group sticker for on their hat and learned a little something about the benefits of the food group.

I neglected to capture the "live lobster" (a certain highlight of the day). Here they are all lined up in the dairy aisle with their string cheese.
She was so focused on that silly cheese. Like she's never eaten it (or anything!) before :)

At the end they got a treat from the "eat sparingly" food group, which happens to be the highlight of Toby's pyramid. :)

Lydia couldn't have been more thrilled with the bag of "goodies" they sent back to the school which included her very own ruler. I continue to be amazed at the simple things that thrill her.

And then there are the things that thrill mommy... My parents, Leslie, and Rach made the trek to the Polish pottery warehouse sale in the "white out" conditions yesterday. I definitely got my "fix" - this stuff is über-addicting (and beautiful, and practical!)




On another note...
I'm in the kitchen, cleaning up lunch and notice that the kids are playing quite contentedly. "Something must be up," I thought. So I inquired, "Lydia, what are you doing out there?" Her response, "I'm hoarding things." Yes, Lydia loves to stash "special things" in certain places around the house particularly under her bed, under the sofa, and on/under her "desk".
Here's an example of her "stash" - includes rocks, Thomas trains, daddy's guitar music, and often candy. :)

I'm pretty sure it started by her not wanting Toby to get into her "special things", however now it seems more of a ritual, a harmless one at that. She's been asking lots of questions about God lately. Today's was, "Do I need to say 'sorry' to God for hoarding things?" Others include, "Where does Jesus live?" And she's putting together that people who have died are "living with Jesus." (like her great-grandmothers both of whom she knew). Her prayers are becoming touching and heartfelt. And she's "talking to God" throughout the day. "Mommy, please be quiet, I'm talking to God right now." She tells Him, "Sorry" for things she has done that He wouldn't be happy about and tells Him about her daily activities or prays for someone or something. My darling daughter truly inspires me... challenges me, yet inspires me...