Just finished a wonderful “Johann & Daddy Day” today. It started with breakfast watching Tool School (don’t ask…he wanted to see it after catching the commercial so we did). We spent the rest of the day together running some things to goodwill, planning a some new train table purchases, buying a new jigsaw puzzle, and spending an hour in the hardware store (his idea) comparing hammers, saws, screwdrivers etc. One of the men who worked there was really nice and as we were comparing different types of bolts and screws offered to show Johann the truely jumbo bolts, one so big and heavy Johann couldn’t even lift it (although he sure tried!) Of course we also picked up some CPVC pipe and joints to add to the now (semi-) permanent marble contraption in the living room.
After we got back (a 3+ hour outing) we put together the puzzle and broke out the clay. Over the next hour we made half a dinosaur skeleton. I’ll bake them tonight and, with the pieces we made yesterday, we should have enough to start a paleontology dig. We’ll grab some beach sand or dirt and pack the baked clay bones in it and let Johann do an excavation. So far we are working on a skeleton for T. Rex but he has already let us know next he wants a complete Gallimimus skeleton. This could prove to be challenging, but we are using the challenge as learning opportunity–turning to the library and web for references on how to shape the clay and how many bones etc.
I was going to buy Johann a flash card game about dinosaurs today, until he successfully answered all the “challenge” questions on the back for the protoceratops card but the last one. He didn’t just answer them right but fired them right off with complete confidence. Of course later I found the game (at least protoceratops)online so you can try your dino knowledge…
We didn’t get everything done we wanted to, but it was a great day and it allowed Tammy time to get a project well started. It has been a bit hard for Johann lately, but we make sure that one of us is always available to be with him for real quality time. I think each week we will continue having a special day from each of us just for him, along with at least one family day.
(and for myself- Malachi 3:3)