Tooth on the Moon

C's tooth fell out on our way home from swimming class.  The gum that she was chewing gave the final push to what had become a very wiggly tooth.  She was relieved that it didn't fall out in the pool!

One of the cool things about living in a multicultural environment is that we have a wealth of traditions to pull from.  So C got to decide whether she wanted to give her tooth to the tooth fairy, hide it for the tooth mouse, or throw it onto the roof. (Check out this book to learn more about lost-tooth traditions around the world.)  She decided to leave this one for the mouse and her next tooth for the fairy. (Here's another cool book about the tooth fairy and the tooth mouse vying for the same tooth, and the cooperative solution they reach.)

The tooth mouse (El Ratón Pérez) is using the teeth he collects to build a rocket ship to travel to the moon.  C says, "I hope my tooth has fun on the moon!"

A stellar teacher

My dad is an awesome teacher, providing just the right balance of guidance, autonomy, and encouragement.  He cares deep-down about his students.  Recognizing his talents, the University of Massachusetts awarded him the Chancellor's Medal for Teaching last year.

As recipient of this award, my dad was asked to give a special lecture about effective teaching techniques.  He delighted the audience with his wisdom, wit, and emotion.  You can read about my dad's talk here.  And here you can view a video produced prior to his lecture.  I'm looking forward to seeing the video of his actual talk.

Go Dad!!!

Loose tooth

Her very first one...

and she is very excited about it!

K's 1st swimming class

K loves to be in water.  

Lean her head back in it, and she closes her eyes 

and takes on a dreamy, blissful look.

We spent a lot of time at the Tzejá River over Easter Week, and it seemed that she was ready to start swimming lessons, so we tried it out.  Beforehand, C showed her what she'd been doing in class.

Sure enough, K enjoyed it!

C was almost more excited than K

about having her sister in the pool with her for lessons.

After class, water-happy and shining:

Mangos

 are best eaten naked!

If the halo fits...

...play with it, run with it, fly with it!

Thanks to Bamba for these awesome halos!