Laughing Matter

In anticipation of the less-than-fun weeks ahead, we've been loading up on fun activities these past two weeks:

1. Visited the Detroit zoo where we saw a 2-week old zebra, a peacock displaying its feathers, 7 emperor penguins marching single file around a fake slab of ice, two toads peeking out of two holes in the mud and croaking alternately, an alligator opening its jaw wide just as we stepped up to the glass, a tropical butterfly escape the butterfly house, 2 anteaters digging around on a mound of holes.

2. Went to an African safari birthday party dressed as a zebra. The party included a treasure hunt in the woods, ostrich egg race, roasting marshmallows on an open fire, climbing into a treehouse, eating lots of cake and ice cream, and sitting in a circle on logs playing games.

3. With our pirate headscarves on, we went to see the play Treasure Island with fierce pirates and deadly sword fights. Kai got to shake hands with Long John Silver after the show.

4. Went to Musictime in the neighborhood park for the first time since last Fall and had a great time singing, dancing, playing instruments, and running around with old friends.

5. Went to Storytime at the library where Miss Laura told a story about a frog who dreamed of flying and tricked an eagle into letting him get on his back to soar through the sky together.

6. Played drums with several other kids at Oz' music shop and, during open mike, sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on stage with guitar and drum backup.

7. Played hide and go seek with neighborhood friends, climbed a cherry tree and went for many bike rides around the neighborhood.

8. Stayed up past bedtime one night to watch the fairy house next door light up.

9. Ate chocolate ice cream.

10. Bought flowers at the farmer's market and planted them in the garden.