Earthy

REACHING OUT:  When we're out and about, we try to pack along an art supplies bag with us at all times, because Annabelle just churns it out nonstop. If we were to keep every drawing of hers, we'd need to live in the far, far, far, rural hinterlands, just to be able to afford the warehouse space for all the papers. 

So one thing I've been encouraging her to do is share her art with others. As in, give it to someone who would *love* it. This afternoon presented one such opportunity. We were at a local restaurant and there was a family with a young (about 11 month old, I'd estimate) child at a table near us. The child was very precocious and was actively making eye contact and trying to communicate with us (in his case, given his age, it was shrill squeals). At one point, I suggested Annabelle send a drawing over to their table. She did, and the child was absolutely entranced. 

In fact, even though the child couldn't yet speak, he immediately started using the American Sign Language motions for the word "more." (A number of parents teach their infants ASL as a way to communicate.)

Seeing the wee one passionately gesturing "more, more, more" was a rather ringing endorsement that Annabelle's drawings were pleasing to the eye. 

The parents acknowledged the young one's "more" symbol and thankfully Annabelle had another drawing to hand him. And another. The last one she passed the family was the photo up top, the panda with the star. The parents were so appreciative, and the mom shared they sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" to him every night at bed time. It was funny, the parents were so protective of the drawings, making sure their not-quite-yet toddler didn't mar them in any way. Bet they're going in the baby book. :)

FEELING BLUE:  Today, our calendar included a full day workshop at the University of Washington for Engineering Day.

Alas, those plans were scuttled when CJ woke up with a cold. He just wasn't up to traipsing around the acres of awesomeness the event would entail. 

So, we kept our activities lowkey. We delivered a plant stand to Mukilteo and played a vintage MAD Magazine board game (which CJ won).

That made him feel better. :)

EARTH DAY: And then there's this, an appropriate parting thought for Earth Day ... 
https://youtu.be/p86BPM1GV8M