NEA’s Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss.

I spent a few minutes this morning celebrating with my youngest daughter, Ayn, and her classmates at her preschool by reading my favourite Dr. Suess book, Fox in Socks.

I always enjoy reading that to kids. The look on their faces when I read the line about the book being dangerous is always priceless. The school also hooked me up with a great hat like the Cat from Cat in the Hat. I’ve decided to wear it all day today and remind people that reading to children is one of the best activities we can engage in as adults if we want to create lifelong successful readers.

You can read more about the NEA’s program, Read Across America here: http://www.nea.org/readacross

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We took Ayn and Teagan to Willow Lawn Mall to see Santa last Thursday night.

As we walked in, I asked Ayn, “What are you going to say to Santa?”

“Um. Happy Chanukah,” she replied.

Who knew Santa was Jewish?

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Melon party!

Photos are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tfenderson/sets/72157621878013283/

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My sister-in-law, Lauren, is moving from Baltimore to Richmond in a few days. She’s accepted a sales position at the local Fox affiliate, WRLH 35 and until she’s had time to scope out the area and find an apartment, she’ll live with us.

Teagan and Ayn will bunk up in Teagan’s room, which Ayn thinks is great. Her big sister’s room was previously a place that was off limits without supervision. She’s also showing a streak of humour by going into her room when it’s time for a diaper change. On entering the room, she’ll look at you with a silly grin and say, “Oh! This not Ayn’s room any more!” and then run into her new room laughing.

Teagan claims to look forward to getting Ayn out of the crib in the morning and snuggling with her until Mom and Dad wake up. We’ll see how that works out.

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A few photos from the First Market Mile Kids Run.

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It’s good to change your perspective—to explore the shadows.

After dinner tonight, Ayn raided a drawer full of old silverware and proceeded to put it on the table. To you and me, it looks like a mass of cheap stainless steel.

Then she’d climb under the table, lie on her back and “ooh” and “ahh” and point at things. I can’t say exactly what she sees in the shadows from below but I do know she’s fascinated.

I love watching my children play.

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I’m watching some classic Sesame Street vids on YouTube with Ayn tonight.

Do I know how to rock a Friday night or what?

I love that Sesame Street has uploaded all of these old shows to YouTube!

Rubber Duckie, you’re the one.
C is for cookie
Feist sings 1,2,3,4
And one of my all time favs, 12 with the pinball

You can find all of the classic Sesame Street vids on YouTube here.

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