> < and Alligators

Tonight Reed was working in a second grade workbook, doing math problems. He was adding two sets of 3-digit numbers (i.e. 341 + 126 and 213 + 481) and then had to compare and decide if the first sum was greater than, less than or equal to the second sum. I explained the alligator memory device - that the symbols look like an alligator and the alligator always wants to eat the bigger number since he's really hungry, so you draw the alligator's open mouth always facing the bigger number. We went along through a few problems and then he said "But what if the alligator just wants to eat the smaller number first, and save the bigger number for last?" Oh, just go with it, son, just go with it!

He was also quite excited about the possiblity that there might be two sets of numbers that added up to more than 1,000 - he said "Wouldn't that be SO cool, Mom?!?!?!?"

Say what?

Yesterday Reed said "Mom, can we get the real Clue game [as opposed to Clue, Jr., which we already have], because I ROCK at that game". HUH?

Lately he's also been saying things like "I am SO going to play video games when I get home" - when did Reed turn into Chandler from Friends?

I blame the older kids at CASA.

Reed is a bike rider!

Well it took a little bit of bribery (the promise of a new video game) a LOT of patient persistence on Tod's part, and a bunch of hard work on Reed's part, but this past Saturday, Reed rode his bike! In order to get the big prize, his mission was to make it all the way around our block without stopping - and he did it! And last night as I made dinner, I stood at the kitchen and was so proud to see Reed roll in the driveway on his bike, like he'd been riding forever. Woo hoo! He is still a bit wobbly, but with some more practice he'll be a pro in no time.

This development was not at all pleasing to my Sunshine Girl Amy, who cried and cried because it meant Reed would get a new game and she would get nothing.

A spectacular Fourth!

The last Fourth of July was spent in Montana, far away from any of the big, showy fireworks displays. We haven't even tried to go to any of the local fireworks since Reed was probably 3 years old....he cried and covered his ears and cried - it was horrible.

But no more! Victory! We went to the "Star Spangled South Riding" this past Friday night, and both kids LOVED the fireworks! It was like a whole new world for us, enjoying such an American tradition all together, with no tears or anything! It was great. Amy declared the fireworks "awesome" and Reed said "Mommy, aren't these eye-popping?". Eye-popping indeed, little man. We were beyond happy that the kids finally enjoyed a fireworks display.

On the Fourth, we set off some small fireworks at home. Amy was gung-ho to do sparklers, once she got over some initial hesitation. Reed, on the other hand, took a little coaxing and still wasn't all that comfortable. But still!

Future Alex P. Keaton

This morning, Reed was using our bathroom. He picked up a copy of Money magazine and said "I like to read this magazine, it tells me what to buy." Then he went on to say "I'm going to go to public college." Me: "Oh really, why is that?" Him: "Because public college costs a lot less than private college." Good thing he's thinking of such things at age 6!