It happens eventually to all the kids, but I was surprised to pick up my little one with a black eye from kindergarten. No, she wasn’t in a fight, but she did take a big plastic tube to the face. Thankfully no stitches were needed today. I was on concussion-watch, though.

Saturday, when we walked a couple miles into town and applied for her very own library card, Ella chose a book called “Soup Day. While lying around this afternoon, resting with an icepack on her head, she was taken by sudden inspiration to “Make Soup, like in the book!!”

Why would I ever refuse that bruised-up sweet face?? We hopped in the car and drive to out local grocer to pick up the ingredients she listed.

Upon our return, Ella insisted on doing everything possible herself, from slicing and washing, and seasoning the vegetables, to cooking noodles and dishing up soup. She made dinner for all of us, and she feels better inside and out.

Originally uploaded by OneGirlCircus

So, since the beginning of January, Ella has been working on an exhibit, complete with surveys, research questions, diarama, collages, papier mache, etc. to participate in Museum Day at her school. She chose to learn about hummingbirds and it was so thrilling to hear her speak about her exhibit.

When we came home from Museum Day, she re-created the display in our main living area, and has shown everyone who has visited what she learned.

I’m so proud of her, but more importantly, she’s proud of herself and the work she put into the exhibit.

We plan to do another this summer. She’s thinking about the topic she’d like to study now.

Do your kids do in-depth studies at school (or at home?) I was so surprised at her blissful enthusiasm.

p.s. that Dress is made with the Made by Rae pattern “Pierrot” available here.

Last Sunday, Ella and I spent some alone time together in nature.  We live so close to Maybury State Park, and have not spent nearly enough time there since she’s been born.

My friend John Colver was in town (riding his bike from Seattle to get here for the Five healthy towns party in Chelsea) a couple weeks ago.  I was fortunate to spend some time with him before he continued East, so I had the chance to see the area we live in through his eyes, which reinvigorated my enthusiasm for this beautiful state of Michigan!

Inspired by the beautiful weather, Ella and I headed for Maybury.  She is serious about her hiking.  She’s training to climb a mountain, since she overheard me asking Peter if he’d like to climb again with me.

We did a 4 mile hike in just under 2 hours. It was so lovely to spend time together, talking, breathing, answering her questions and rescuing wildlife:

staying hydrated:

and loving on each other:

It was the best bonding experience she and I have had in a long time.  We felt so much closer after time together outside, being “in the moment” and making plans for further adventures.