Soto the Science Kid

We had watched "Sid the Science Kid" on TV the day before, and they were exploring the different things found in dirt. Ellison casually mentioned that she would like to do that. Later that day, when she spotted the twins, she ran out to tell them excitedly that we were "going to be scientists and dig up dirt!". I hadn't realized how much she truly wanted to do it. Well, I completely let it go, and Jonathan & I worked on so many household projects that day. I was feeling so bad and guilty the next day, and had one of those parenting days where I realized I need to share in the joy of discovery with my Little Bug. I don't want to be one of those moms that just sits back and watches everything (which I do a lot, especially now that I'm pregnant, and with my bad back) or that constantly says, "Yeah, later," (which I do a lot, too). I want her to look back with fondness at fun things we did. I want her to feel that I was into having fun, and I want to foster her enthusiasm in trying new things. Sometimes I just need a wake up call. So, the next day after we got home from church, and before I had to head to work, I skipped taking a nap and told Ellison we would dig up some dirt to see what we could find.

She had been riding around on her scooter and bike, so she had her helmet on. When I asked her if she wanted to take it off, she said she didn't. I think they went with her Dora gardening gloves.

Eventually the helmet made its way off, and we got down to business. The digging didn't get too far considering the ground was like cement. We don't especially have great areas to dig since Mama hasn't planted anything since occupying the house!

Nonetheless, we found a feather, acorns, some ants... Here's Elli inspecting. "We're being scientists!"

The twins felt bad for us using a plastic beach shovel on the rock-hard ground (can't find my garden shovel since I'm not gardening!), so they brought one over for us. So I need a lesson in making projects a little funner than I sometimes do...

It was fun, though. And I enjoyed the time with my girl, exploring dirt. That's what this is all about, and I was thankful I got the wake up call again.

[September 12, 2010]