Spring Update

Our campus housing complex has exploded in full spring frolic mode. Kids are everywhere. They run across our shared lawns, while parents keep a collective eye by peeping out kitchen windows. And, of course, Lily and Elsa want to be part of the action. So fun to live in a place where the children literally run in herds, climb trees and play tag.

And it is quite an international crowd. I hear just as much Russian, Spanish and Chinese as I do English. Our housing situation will be one of my fondest memories of our time in Princeton. This Spring, the girls have been chasing around the girl gang, a small group of 5-8 year-olds who have taken up headquarters in the big tree outside our front door. The big girls are a bit bossy to the little ones. But, Lily and Elsa don't seem to mind. They are just so thrilled to be part of the big girl circuit rather than the toddler group. They're growing up!

It has been a while since I've given update on the girls. Here's some of their latest interests:

1) All things Spring. They've actually become really interested in flower identification as it has been a subject at school. Their class is going on a nature hike next week. They can point out daffodils, dandelions, tulips, crocuses and my favorite forsythia.

2) Numbers and Letters. The girls are obsessed with counting just about anything and love letters. The other day Elsa arranged the letter magnets on the fridge to spell D-U-C-K-Y. We asked her if she knew what that word was and she cheerfully said Ducky! She had remembered how to spell that word. So cool! They can also recognize other words like Exit, Stop, their names and Mom. And they love exclamation points. (not sure why, but they always point them out).

3) Elsa is obsessed with the harmonica. She calls it a "Carmonica" and likes to take it everywhere. When, I got home from work last night, she was sitting on the stoop playing a tune. So, cute!

4) And they really love their pretend games. Lily, especially, will make up stories for everything. Even during meal times, her food starts "talking" and has adventures on her plate. All the sudden, her silverware becomes a bridge and the pasta goes on a journey to a forest. We have to remind her to eat! My two girls live in their imaginations.

Well, that's all mommy's bragging for this morning. We are "this close" to having a destination for the next academic year. But, can't share until it becomes official. Meanwhile, poor Lily had to stay home sick with a fever. So, I best attend to my patient.


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