Our New "Pet" (sort of)

On the way home from the Library this morning, I slowed to miss a little turtle as I pulled onto our road. The kids wanted to see him. Emma Reese shouted "tuh-tle, tuh-tle," and "me see tuh-tle!" so I couldn't resist. I pulled off and, not really having a plan, picked him up to show the kids. There was a car coming up behind me so I had to get in and pull on into the driveway--all while holding the turle. If you could have only see my face! We put him out on the back patio to check him out. Riley went first...

Reese wasn't sure about, but kept shouting "tuh-tle" excitedly!

We decided to put him in a nearby Rubbermaid tub to feed him a bite before letting him go. He was still rather shy, so Riley and I filled his bucket up with leaves and grass.

He finally poked his head out a bit. Riley got a carrot out of the refrigerator for him to eat. We shredded it on his leaves and waited... and waited...and waited some more. I convinced the kids to go back inside for our lunch and maybe he'd be ready to "play" after lunch and nap.

The kids just went down for their nap so I went to check on "Mr. Turtle", as Riley now calls him. I think he likes it! But, he better not get too used to it because he's going back to his home near the creek after Daddy gets home. :)

Preschool Day 1

Today was Adam's first day back at school. So, I decided to bite the bullet and have some scheduled pre-school time with Riley (Emma Reese of course wanted to join in on the fun!). We had our Calendar time and a few worksheets to get in the flow of things. Riley is a very smart boy, but following directions on a paper/pencil worksheet has never been his "thing." I want this year to work on those type of skills to prepare him for Kindergarten. I assured him if he finished his schoolwork, we could have "recess." He did such a good job with handwriting today! Next we read a story together and he drew a picture of his favorite part. I wrote down the sentence to describe his picture. He was proud as punch.

Next came recess... everyone's favorite part! Tricycles in the driveway was their pick for today.

While we were outside, we found these enormous mushrooms growing. It's amazing the science kids can learn just by being outside. We have some pumpkins growing so we might start a pumpkin journal tomorrow. I think I'm going to like this home school preschool stuff... and so is Riley! :)