WHY? Our Journey Into Homeschooling

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Close Encounters of the Fishy Kind

Fishy Friends So, even a trip to the beach can be educational. I'm just waiting for A.J. to be "all fished out," but it hasn't happened yet. We went to a lake beach with playgroup the other day. A.J. (click on his name to see a pic) had his net with him and before long was trying to catch these little fish that swam up on the shore around our feet and such. Of course, those little fishies were too fast for him. I reiterated how they could not only see us but feel our movements in the water with their lateral lines. We also talked about how maybe the little fish liked to stay close to the shore to stay away from big fish (aka predators) in the deeper water, just a hypothesis. Then again, maybe all those little kids drop lots of crumbs and stuff into the water for them to munch! So, we tried another approach. Sitting very still in the shallow water, we waited for the fish to come to us. Now, occassionally we'd get sabotaged by another kid running or swimming by, but the fish did come. In fact, they swam up to us, "sniffed" our toes, and even swam under our legs. I tell you it tickles when those little fish (another pic) rub your legs! We apparently make good hiding places. A.J. was so patient and just loved those fish! Art Project We also did an art project this week. With an idea from Your Big Backyard, we made "splashy bird baths." We had bought the supplies a couple of weeks ago but just got around to making the baths yesterday. Maybe I'll add a picture or two later. Basically, you buy a clay planter with a removable bottom. You turn the pot upside down and paint it. Using the paint as glue, you stick the lid to the top to make a little bath and decorate as you like. A.J.'s could be called a "fishy bird bath" as he drew and then painted fish all along the sides of his We plan on putting them out on Sunday (after the thunderstorms are past) to go along with our "bird banquet," which is basically black oil sunflower seeds and peanuts that we use to fill our bird feeders outside. We just have to put them outside the fence so the dogs don't think they are water dishes! Other News In other news, A.J. found out he's going to be the proud brother of a little sister around Halloween. He accompanied me and Alan to my ultrasound appointment this week, and we found out the baby is a girl! He is excited and thinks we should call her "Girl." Alan and I are still debating the subject of names.

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