Hello, Thursday!

It was a wonderfully cold morning, and these Sprouts were in high spirits. Morning drop off took place inside, where we could stay warm and have some indoor fun. Annabelle was quick to show me her belt, which she said she uses to hold her pants while Wren was interested in grabbing some dramatic play items from the coat. Theo got busy investigating a digger, which he said was digging dirt, and Wren and Ivy started reading books (and soon pointed me to Teo's cubby, which had a couple of books from home). Asher really seemed to enjoy finding different tables to sit at. The pre-tots were hanging out with us, too, during drop off, and our guys were sure to let them explore the room thoroughly.  We read Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See and every one was eager to talk about the color and name of each animal...the kiddo's basically read it themselves, taking turns chiming in). Then, we read Teo's book about a bear who wears long underwear, and when I asked "Who here wears underwear?" Theo was sure to tell us that he does. We talked about how underwear is what you wear when you only use the potty, and how all our mom's and dad's wear underwear, as well as some of our older siblings. We also talked about the cold weather, snow, traveling, and snowmen, women, and families! We also made pretend snow  angels in the carpet, which every one really loved doing. After singing a couple of songs, eating snack, and having some more free-play inside, Teo showed up and brought a new book! It's a really cool version of The Wheels on the Bus, with parts to pull to create motion. We all enjoyed the animated babies and people, as well as the Driver who motions for "move on back." Every one was interested in taking turns pulling different parts of the book. 

Then, we got wrapped up in our winter layers and headed outside, where the "sleeping dragon" is around the corner (that part of the porch area is now gated off). Wren and Teo kept talking about the dragon throughout the day! Ivy and Annabelle requested a re-read of the Wheels on the bus, so Dom read it again on the grassy knoll, where Jasper and Joey were happy to join their friends from the toddler room. While outside, Asher spent most of his time drawing on different parts of the playground, and Annabelle was interested in driving a bus. We spent a good while enjoying the warmer part of the morning, then headed inside for lunch. After washing hands, every one got their lunch box or tupperwear, and opened them independently unless they asked for help. No crumbs hit the floor, and the kiddos were eager to put the tops back on their containers and zip up their lunches to be put away. How responsible! Before nap-time, Teo and Ivy had a big cuddle party, and we finally all settled down for nap. 

After nap, Ms. Leona came for Spanish time. After a couple of songs, Theo laid on the floor and said he was sleeping (He wanted to sing the song about our hermano who is sleeping, we all lay on the floor and ring bells) We did the song about rain and shook maracas on different body parts. Ivy wanted to say "hombro" which means "shoulder." And many of our friends have been saying "hola,""adios," and "Soy yo." We also did a fun new song which involves dancing around with our thumbs up, tongues out, and booty sticking out. Every one seemed a little confused by the funny dance Leona and I (Jackie) did together, but that's how new songs always seem to start, and I can't wait to see every one once they start joining in on the dance with us! After dancing to Spanish songs, we had snack and got ready to head outside and end the day. What a wonderful day!

Love,
Jackie and Dom