Patriot Day

I don't know if it's the designation on her calendar or what, but Amelia talks a lot about Patriot Day. (Sept. 11)

When we went to the Willis Tower (nee Sears Tower) this summer, Amelia had a blast. After we got home she was asking about it being the tallest in America. "Aren't there a couple of others?" she asked more than a few times. Then it dawned on me and I said, "Yes, we used to have the World Trade Center" and I told her about the twin towers and how they were destroyed on September 11th, but in a G-rated version. She is still fascinated. On the one hand, I think it's uncanny that she knew that there were "a couple" of other taller buildings than the Willis/Sears Tower. On the other, I don't know whether to satisfy her curiosity about Patriot Day and show her video of September 11th. My explanations so far haven't seemed to be enough.

[pictured dated 7/13/12]

A Day in the Life

Daddy stepped in a hole Monday afternoon while mowing. Most likely, it was made by some critter and then made larger by all the rain we've had. He was pretty sore but manageable Monday night and Tuesday, but then last night it got pretty unbearable. He went first thing this morning to get it checked out. Fortunately, it's just a bad sprain and he has such a cute boot to wear!

Amelia got a new kitten. We weren't going to do it. We were just watching these babies grow since they were a week old. We visited once a week to see how they changed because I thought it was good for Amelia. After all, she is obsessed by all things cat! This past Saturday Stephanie took them to a community yard sale and we visited. I knew it was a done deal when it fell asleep while Daddy held it! Amelia has named him Mr. Dots and he is a good little kitten. Katerina, however, is acting like she wants to move out. She stays outside as much as possible and the other day I caught her following a father and daughter while they walked down the road! The older cats are tolerating the kitten for now. [pictures dated 8/15/12]

Second Grade

Amelia started second grade this past Thursday and so far, so good! We are having a much better year. She hasn't complained once about it being "all work" as she did by this time in 1st grade. Her teacher is very laid back and very structured, much like her kindergarten teacher.

Amelia was so excited about starting second grade because she has heard such positive things about this teacher. I am so glad for her! It makes such a difference to take a happy girl to school each day!

[picture dated 8/9/12]