Magic Marker Monday: Oobleck

Some writing James did during summer school. I asked him what that strange word was. "Oobleck," he said. What is that? From James' description, it's a combination of Play Dough and slime; and it's lots of fun to play with.

Love his illustration too!

I am so glad they not only made something, but that they could also play with it, and then write about the experience after. I am also really glad it did not come home in his backpack!


For more great masterpieces or to share some of your own, visit
5 Minutes for Special Needs for more Magic Marker Monday.

                                 
 

"Do You Want to Play?"

When I picked up James today, he was yelling gleefully, bopping a white balloon up in the air and laughing. I asked the counselor how long he'd been doing this. Ten minutes, apparently.

Because Carnival week goes out with a bang, I took a few pictures. While I was doing this, another boy wandered into the main hall where James was. "Hey - do you want to play with me?" he asked.

Another first. I don't think I can remember James spontaneously asking someone else to join him in a game in progress.

The other boy was on his way to eat his lunch, so I wound my photo shoot and we headed for home. So proud of my kiddo.

Another Reason to Love Camp

When I picked James up at summer camp yesterday, one of his  counselors informed me that he'd spent 45 minutes playing Go Fish with some of the other kids and counselors.

45 minutes? A card game? With others???

Awesome!!!!!!

Another best-case scenario for community involvement and full inclusion. And now I can add another item to his Activity Board.

I am thinking about this image for the board - what do you think?

Avila Beach

I've been looking over photos from this summer and realized I hadn't put any up of our trip to the beach this summer. We took a longish road trip down to visit with friends, who took us to one of their favourite ocean hang outs: Avila Beach.

First, we found a parking space on a weekend (!) Next, we visited their small but wonderful aquarium. I think our house is bigger than this place, but they have a lot of heart, and good exhibits:

Main room, showing regional fish in their natural environment.
The starlight netting on the ceiling is a nice touch. Gives the place an air of excitement.

James people watched for a bit, then got a proper look behind him ...

Jellyfish! As in SpongeBob and

Finding Nemo - JellyMan!!!

Lots of round tanks, some with currents swirling gently.

After this, we ate some packed snacks and headed for the beach! Kids frolicked and adults looked on in second-hand happiness. It was a lovely, lazy, refreshing visit.

How he usually starts off.

Wheeeeee!!!

James got very confident, letting the low waves crash into him and laughing with joy.

Special Exposure / Wordless Weds: Camp Wacky

Yes, TWO Special Exposure / Wordless Weds. posts this week!

The kids are attending their second week of summer camp and today was Wacky Wednesday. James' sister was so excited about it that he was too. They both took care to dress up. The counselors dress up and encourage all the campers to as well. I was so glad I'd had my coffee -- it was quite a site to see at the morning drop off!

James picked out a wacky outfit of his very own for the first time (last year he was content to let Mom slap a huge sombrero on his head and call it wacky-fine). The hat that his dad got for him, Dad's tie, and his shoes on the wrong feet. Wow he loves that last one, every day! His big sister racked up another award ... and she didn't even bring the hand puppets!

Prizes are given out to those who make an inspired effort at wackiness. It's such a smart idea, because getting to wear strange things like PJs, ties, and feather boas (and monster feet) to camp makes the day seem extra special - like a summer Halloween.


For more images from the heart and to share some of yours,
visit Special Exposure Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Special Needs.






               and ... Wordless Wednesday

The Fuzzy Kid

This guy keeps life interesting in our house. He's a sweet adorable menace of a kitten-cat who will turn 1 in September. Oh how he wants to be outdoors, but we're keeping him in. It's just safer that way, and our outdoor cat has taken down enough birds for them both (and an awesome tally with the rats from the field behind us).

Today he wanted to bug his mistress, James' sister. She was picking every ripe grape from our vines.

Yes, they are very early this year!

Special Exposure / Wordless Weds: Ice Cream Clo-n

Sonoma County=Agriculture. Summer=County Fair. Clover Dairy booth=Free ice cream!!!

Is this not the perfect summer pic?

yessir, good to the laaaaast drop!

Clo's a popular kind of cow!

It's true: For several hours each day the fair is open, Clover-Stornetta hands out free scoops to the public. And it's mighty delicious too!

I've seen Clover milk cartons at our summer breakfast table for decades. Their clever ads crack us up. As their memorable tag line says:

For more images from the heart and to share some of yours,
visit Special Exposure Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Special Needs.






               and ... Wordless Wednesday