Star Wars Yoga Class

Glad someone in our house is getting exercise. Mali has been putting Leo's Star Wars action figures through their yoga paces, letting them join the usual class of pinnipeds, Littlest Pet Shop bobblers, and trucks.

I like the photo above because some of the oak tree branches look like wayward Mali curls. (Have been experimenting with various methods of taming those locks, advice always welcome.)

Always with the too-busy over here, which  makes focusing on play and fun ever-more important. There's only one little kid left in our house now, moments like these need to be celebrated and savored.

HELLO WORLD I AM SIX YEARS OLD TODAY

photo (c) 2010 Kelly Nicolaisen

Mali's Love Book

Mali made me a Love Book for Mothers Day, reflecting her observations from living in a community in which love is not restricted by gender. *Sniff*



She has since been making more books for me, with the expectation that I will shriek with delight and then make a video which will be posted on the Internet. Someone needs SpongeBob SquarePants Split Pants episode refresher, methinks

As long as we're plucking those heart strings, check out this video by Jack Black, rockin' out about autism and sensory issues: How did I miss this? Who knows! Enjoy:

Mali Is Officially a Kindergartener

She's off! We have a kindergartener at Esperanza!

Mali didn't seem particularly sad when Seymour, Iz, my mom, and I left her behind in her new classroom, with her new teacher who is super super cute and embodies all the best kindergarten stereotypes: she's kind, energetic, playful, and loving. The teacher had us trace our kids' hands, then color in a birthday cake with their name and birth date. Serious fun. Love it.

We anticipate a standard Mali take on her first day of kindergarten. Not a lot of great listening, much fun nonetheless, and a somewhat surreal spin on what may or may not have occurred.

Here's our kindergartener:



For contrast, here's Leo's first day of kindergarten. He still uses this backpack but now it doesn't make him look so Lilliputian:



Here's Z's first day at Esperanza (though she started in first grade, having somehow finished kindergarten and preschool simultaneously):