eleven

Iris' birthday week just happened to be a week of field trips too.  Monday found us in Dubuque, IA at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium to kick off our fish study unit with our Monday group.  Thursday found us at the American Players Theater in Spring Green to see a most fabulous performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream (thankfully we reviewed the story before we went, because this was full on Shakespeare!).  The kids were so inspired that there was a bit of spontaneous acting in the parking lot after the show.

Friday was Iris' birthday and Grampy showed up with gifts and lighted donuts.   Despite her almost eye-rolling, she sure loves that Gramps.  Then Friday night our good friends from St. Paul came for the weekend and the rest was all cake, and play and ice cream, and good times.  

There is a glimmer of a young adult showing through in this girl these days.  Her questions are deep and thoughtful, her confidence shows not only in her words but in her actions, her long body is becoming graceful, and she is eager to take on new things.  Not only that, but her ears are often plugged with earbuds and she bops around the house with her eye on the next songs to download from itunes.  Buckle your seatbelts mama and papa, cuz there is a tween in the house!  

It's so fun to share her stories, discuss her questions, wake up with her songs on our tongues and step back and watch her go.  We are lucky beyond words to share this world with her.

Happy birthday sweet Iris.  We love you so.