School days, time to get in trouble days

The monkey has been going to his pre-school called A Child's Garden starting back in the summer, and has now transitioned into his new class for the fall three days a week. In case any of you are interested in some of the activities he undertakes, here are a few examples. (All these were taken by his current teacher)

Let's see, what should we do first? How about trucks! That away Torben, deliver that load.

 Now, lets explore gravity. Can you tell me how it works? (Never mind, I probably wouldn't understand anyway)

 Hey, lets practice our letters! Ohh, thats good writing considering the kung fu grip on the pen.I am guessing someone helped you with that.

 Now what should we build? A ship, a plane, a boat, hmmmm, I know! A rocketship, that's a good idea!

 Ok, now how about a little art, maybe an I love you mom card. With lots of sprinkles.

 And after I pound something to pieces with my hammer here, maybe an I am sorry card? No, that would be silly.

 

And finally, its Pirate Time! (which is after the running and hiding from the teachers time, which does not a happy da-da make)

Torben's First Construction Project

We decided to buy some shelves to try and organize Torben's toy hoard. Since the thing was basically an Ikea special look a like - particle board and pre-drilled holes and such - I decided to let Torben assemble it. It required only a hammer and screwdriver, phillips. Torben collected the proper tools from the shed, read the instructions and laid out the parts.

So far so good.

We laid out the first panel and inserted the dowels together, but then I let him to the rest himself. (except for the tightening of screws). and well, you be the judge....

(I started the nails...) but he did the hammer'n!!! (BTW, the shirt came off because he "was a hot worker guy")

Watch out for that thumb!

And the finished project!! Good job Torben!! Now, put my tools away or else.....

Wins a snake, but has tough day

Our most recent visit to the zoo was bittersweet. Torben did a really good job riding his pedal bike all the way there, but seemed a little tired once we arrived. The Zoo is celebrating was 85th birthday that day and since we were the 85th visitor, Torben won a snake! And boy what a snake; Torben displays his prize.

Despite the friendly addition to our party, Torben steadily deteriorated. We cancelled our plans to see the zoo snakes so they could visit with our new friend, skipped the seals, giraffes and lorikeets and moved right to the zoo train. Once we sat down on the train though, Torben fell asleep with a snake pillow before we even left the station. We made it all the way around the Bio-Park and back to the zoo before he awoke, and of course had developed a fever. He was delirious. Dada carried him and the bike all the way home, and immediately deposited him on the couch. Unfortunately, he didn't stay there long before creating a vomit trail to the bathroom, actually two trails.

Luckily, the sickness passed in a few days and the Monkey was back to his normal self, just in time to help clean the house! But of course, he made a game of it making the usual dreary chore much more entertaining.

 

Quick! Get that pile over there! 

He even tried to vacuum himself up as well.

Since Torben missed a day of school, we took a trip to Plants of the Southwest to get some ideas and check out some prices. We found some vines that may help us create a little organic shade in the back yard. So, let the hops experiment #1 begin!

Nugget, Chinook and Chinook (from left to right)