May 28, 2009

p.s. I think our plan with the bee worked -- Grace and Suki have been obsessed with letters ever since. Suki's been running to the refrigerator for the letter magnets, coming to me after retrieving each one to confirm that the letter is what she thinks it is. And Grace has been spelling words out from memory with her alphabet puzzle, and then she spontaneously asked for a marker and paper. She sat down and wrote out the word GORILLA across the paper, something she's never done before with any word. I didn't prompt her with how to spell it and didn't show her how to make the letters (something she's always seemed to resist learning but apparently has picked up all the same). It was clear enough that anyone would be able to read what it said, we were so proud of her!

There's been some lament around our house about the accolades given to athletic achievement and the lack of the same given to academic achievement. So when the Scripps National Spelling Bee was aired this morning, we made sure to tune in to see kids get applause (and later, cash and prizes) for all of their book learning.

Grace in particular was very interested in watching, noting when spellers were not spelling the word the way it was shown on the bottom of the screen and waiting for the bell if they got it wrong.

Suki examined letters in her book.

Later, after a pile of ducks had been spilled Suki rode the little blue engine while Kate tried to catch a ride.

Almost there...

Success! Of course, Suki was admonished to go slow but I wasn't anticipating Kate's next move.

A flying tackle by Kate to get Suki's sunglasses. Thank goodness Suki was patient with her sister and permitted to make an escape.

Sweet sisters on the couch.

I think they look so similar here.

What a mischievous look!

Fun with the circus train.