Today was a busy day.  Olivia had speech therapy with Miss Loretta, and then pre-school/special education with a small group of children in Forest Lake.  Because the ECFE program is on break, the classroom being used was a different one.  It was clear the transition was going to be a bit rough, so the teacher invited Sophia to stay. 

The girls had a lot of fun for 2 1/4 hours.  They made kites, colored a kite book, played outside on the playground equipment, painted, ate a snack, and were able to explore quite a few different learning centers.  The teachers said it was "an absolute joy" which was so nice to hear. 

They had asked Sophia why she wasn't in school.  She is getting more comfortable saying, "I am being homeschooled.  I am in Kindergarten." 

Came home, read some books, and then rested.  We left around 5:30 to go the first annual Festival of Cultures at Forest Lake High School. The event was designed to celebrate the many cultures represented throughout the school district and community.

As we walked into the Festival of Cultures, we were given a “passport” to bring on our journey through the many countries. There were interactive booths where the girls and I learned about so many interesting cultures. 

Many of the booths had free food representative of their country, and it was very interesting to taste such a wide variety of foods.  There were lots of things to touch (the girls were in heaven...they learn through touch so this was an ideal learning environment for them).

We watched Ojibwa Jingle Dress Dancers and the Steel Drummetts from St. Paul.  Both performances the girls enjoyed. 

It was a wonderful evening, and we all learned something new.