BRRRRRR! We have spent the last week trying to stay warm and think of fun things to do INSIDE!! We had a great time studying bugs this week. We gathered several books from the library about ladybugs, butterflies, praying mantis and ants. We also found a video at the library about all the amazing creatures you can find in your back yard. We wanted to order some ladybug larvae and watch them become ladybugs . . . but the bug man said it was too cold and they would freeze en route. Bummer!! Did you know that the female praying mantis eats the male after they mate?? Yikes! The girls loved learning about these critters, and Ava especially loved watching the "jumping spiders" do their mating dance on the video. It WAS pretty awesome! :) We are also working on a little science experiment. Ava and Sophie are trying to grow an avocado tree from avocado pits. First they are soaking the pits, waiting for some roots to sprout!
Today we are having a family dinner to celebrate Papa's Birthday! Matt is making his famous homemade spaghetti and meatballs and I am going to attempt a blackberry pie. We are all looking forward to seeing everyone and playing with baby Danny! Our old lab, Sasha, is going downhill fast. She has a large mass on her side and can hardly get up by herself. I think we are going to have to say goodbye to her very soon. *sniff, sniff* It is hard to imagine losing such a faithful old girl!
