Dahlia got a very big haircut. She said it was one of the happiest moments of her life. I've never felt strongly about a haircut, myself, but I understand why she does. ♥️
Escher completed his first jigsaw puzzle and wrote his full name.
This past week we've seen some mushrooms popping up in the garden. Rick suggested we do a spore print, so Escher and I got the paper and we made one.
When it came time to use that information to identify the sort of mushroom we did... not so helpful. There seems to be a discrepancy between what I'm supposed to see and what I actually see? 😂 Oh well. More education necessary.
Escher and I built a robot together from a little robotics kit from 5 Below. Because he's both engineering AND sweet / sentimental, he give his robot a kiss and sleeps next to him during naps. 😑
He got off track a lot but for his first foray into building a machine with moving parts he did a pretty good job.
Here's a video of the finished project. I finally figured out how to orient the phone so it would take video correctly, so that's what *I've* learned this week.
At 2:30am he dragged his favorite blanket in and climbed into our bed. He seemed fine, other than climbing in with us, which he doesn't really do anymore. This morning, he looked like a boxer!
Poor babe! I gave him topical Benedryl gel and chewable diphenhydramine. He doesn't have a fever, chills, clammy skin, or any behavior changes. But there is a tiny puncture wound so I suspect that's where the bite occurred. My husband agrees.
So it sounds like we need to have an easy day and give him ample time to rest. It was scary that I couldn't figure out the origin of the swell, but he's fine and cuddling his favorite blanket now.
At some point we decided that we wanted to grow corn. We also researched about sister plants when we were in Chicago (before COVID hit). That means we are going to grow corn, beans, and squash!
First we had to carve out a place for the corn to grow. There was an overgrown area covered in vines, which we raked, removed sticks from, and weed whacked out.
Second up we had to use a rototiller. Here's an action shot:
Eventually the entire area is going to be leveled and corn seeds will be planted along with beans and squash. All three of these plants will grow together and aid each other in various ways. Some will provide nitrogen, some will provide insect repellent, and all will provide nutrition to our family! We will keep you posted. :-)
So. While visiting the great-grandparents part of the homestead, Micah (the dog) got a hold of a baby bunny. We assumed the bunny was dead. It wasn't! Dahlia and Escher named the baby bunny Fred. We looked up care for bunnies (having heard humans can't touch baby bunnies without the scent driving the Mama bunny to kill the baby). We learned that wild bunnies are not good pets because they get so stressed they can die. Wow!
Eventually, Fred was released into the nest hole from whence he came. He jumped out, as it was probably abandoned. He ran for the fence and stopped to rest a few times. Eventually he made it past the fence!
In addition to the distance learning, Escher is also learning to homestead. He's seen his family cut down giant trees which led to him helping collect sticks and stack wood. Because he loves kids who have videos on YouTube, I figured he'd enjoy seeing himself on our big TV. He does! Feel free to subscribe to his channel!
He's continuing his alphabet, writing, and reading in addition to his regular distance CPS assignments and activities.
He's continuing his yoga series, and still loves Jamie from Cosmic Kids. I think we all love her because she's capable of keeping Escher focused on one activity for 20 whole minutes. 😂
Both kids have gotten air plants! The black one with the crazy "hair" is Robert Smith. Yes, like THAT Robert Smith.
Dahlia has gotten a Dahlia plant for the yard.
She learned how to ride a bike VERY well, with the help of 5 separate adults. 😂 Her legs got pretty beaten up from all the diving off the bike, and falling with the bike. We all encouraged her to keep trying and never give up. She did it!
Why didn't she learn earlier? Well, she was legally blind in one eye so she didn't have much depth perception - which made it too hard for her to balance on a bicycle. Her Dad and I did patch therapy with her (lots of frustrated tears and meltdowns), and also she would try to recreationally use the weak eye to focus. Now she's no longer legally blind and she is able to ride a bike! Next up, 3D movies! 😁
Posts
