If Ofelia's 3rd year was focused largely on communication, this year's theme was character development. Boy, she's a firecracker, already apt at testing both mom and dad at their least known limitations and carefully manipulating each weakness. I don't mean to make her sound exploitative; on the contrary, she is very compassionate, cautious, and even complementary. She likes to make people feel good, often remarking how much she likes someone's shirt, hair or something or other. I'm so proud of our capable little human. She is exhibiting strong signs on her father's penchant for shoes, stopping me in the store isle to try on several pairs before we can move on to party supplies. Next week we're celebrating her 4th birthday at the local gymnasium (a favorite kid birthday center, second only to the pool) along with her long-time classmate, Carter. They used to be very close friends but have since changed circles a number of times. Still, they're both excited about sharing a fete and having all their friends there together. It may be the last chance they get before moving on to "big kid" schools.
Favorite topics in school this year were 1. dinosaurs, subsequently surpassed by 2. planets, then 3. bugs. She was fascinated by Armadillidium Vulgaris, aka rollie pollies (thank you Sid the Science Kid) and therefore caused the extinction of a small colony that lived under a tree stump in our yard...
Favorite things to do include 1. playing with friends, 2. playing with Mommy, 3. reading, 4. puzzles and games with a bit of - but not too much - challenge, 5. going to the park and river to climb on stuff. She's not particularly fond of sleeping, preferring the action of wakefulness.
Two major events occurred this year that will forever mark its place in our personal histories: 1. the purchase of our home, the 800 sq ft, 105 year old house we've been renting since my sixth month of pregnancy, and 2. the re-opening of Ty's dream, Concrete Skate Shop. Also, Ofelia's school moved to a new, upgraded facility. My nostalgia for the old, homey, stone-floored, wood-paneled & wood-chipped Riverhouse is not shared; Ofelia loves the new building and continues her growth and learning with the staff and peers she's enjoyed since infancy. Boy, we've been busy campers - it's been a damn good year!!!!
So, what follows is a lot of pictures, in some sort of chronological order with storied captions (those show up on the right in Google+ now). Many were taken by my mom, sister, or others - thank you! It's not brief, but genetic self-interest may compel some to view them all. I advise the rest to skim until you come upon something of interest. Enjoy!
Click on the fox to bring up the gallery:
