Volcanoes!

Seth is beyond enamored with volcanoes. It all started with an Usborne book which came in a pack of books from a Scholastic book order. I ordered the pack because I’ve been searching for good books for preschoolers on skeletons and body parts, another of his interests. I thought one of the books in the pack might fit this bill nicely. However, once I received the set I realized it is intended a slightly older age bracket. Unfortunately, Scholastic book orders are, of course, delivered to the child at school so I was unable to review the book prior to Seth getting his hands on it. Otherwise I believe I would have removed the volcano book straight away due to a couple pages on Pompeii. Specifically, the photo of a plaster cast of a man who had perished by choking to death on ash. Lesson learned. I found myself particularly at a loss when Seth questioned me on this page and so I fell back on the actual text. I believe he was first drawn in by the sketch of a skeleton buried in ash and he made me read this page over and over with thousands of questions along the way. During the last couple weeks he has been engaged in acting out volcanoes erupting AND choking to death on ash. Completing the scenario is a scientist who fills the body with plaster and it comes back to life. Obviously the concept of death isn’t quite complete in my 3 year old’s mind. In an effort to refocus this creativity I suggested we make our very own volcano in the kitchen. Here I give you our version of Mt. Vesuvius, complete with instructions:

1. Let one inquisitive child pour baking soda in a cup set on a plate in the kitchen or out of doors. By no means should you measure, but if you need a rough idea a couple tablespoon should more than do it.

2. As the adult in control, pour vinegar into said cup. What! You didn’t pour enough? Just pour some more on top. Maybe 1/2 cup in the end? It depends on the size of your glass.

3. Watch with awe.

Next time maybe we’ll add food coloring for realism and dish soap to slow it down a bit. I’m going to hold off on the paper mache volcanic mountain for a bit though.

In the end, I’m glad we got the books. It’s been quite an experience. As for my original quest, does anyone out there have any suggestions for preschool appropriate books on body parts or skeletons? Preferably no death scenes.

Pumpkin Pie II

Who says you have to do it from scratch? Learning to bake for adults or children can be taken in baby steps. My son and I have decided to learn and I mean really learn how to make pumpkin pie. We’ve decided to take it in levels:

1. Purchased pie
2. Frozen crust, canned pie filling (not puree) & spray whipped cream
3. Frozen crust, canned pumpkin puree & cool whip
4. Refrigerated rolled pie crust, canned puree & true whipped cream
5. Crust from scratch, canned puree & spiced true whipped cream
6. Crust from scratch, fresh pumpkin & spiced true whipped cream

I’m starting these entries with pie #2 as no one needs to read about a purchased pie. The taste was pretty good and we barely had to do a thing. We just followed the recipe on the Libby’s can. Seth enjoyed shaking the can of condensed milk. I opened the cans & cracked the eggs so Seth could pour them all together. He gave it a stir and I convinced him to let me have a go “for good measure”. We popped it in the oven and the waiting began. I quickly realized our timing was off. I hadn’t read the bottom line stating it would need to cool on a wire rack for 3 hours after it comes out! This would be way after bed time and Seth was none too happy. Next time we’ll bake in the morning or afternoon to avoid this problem. The following day we set to work with the whipped cream. Seth really wanted a Santa face on the pie so we practiced on a plate. While that was a heck of a lot of fun he finally settled on a heart for Valentine’s Day.

Will we learn to make the perfect pumpkin pie by next Thanksgiving? Stay tuned for another exciting Pumpkin Pie installment soon!

Trains!

Entertaining small, energetic children in this weather can be challenging. Here’s a couple options I’m taking advantage of:

I’ve been driving by Choo Choo Bob’s for several years. I was under the mistaken impression it was for die hard adult model train builders. While it does have this element to it, more than half the store is actually dedicated to kids. There are 6 - count them - 6 children’s train tables set up in back. Perfect for your preschool crowd. Adequate parking is provided behind the building. There are also larger model trains to watch, a party room for hosting birthday parties and seating upfront for train themed story times. We’ve experienced each of these facets and enjoyed them all. Don’t forget to show your appreciation for the free entertainment by making a purchase, no matter how small. It’s just plain courteous. A $2 train whistle would even fit the bill. We stopped by on Saturday. Seth blew off some steam running from table to table and got a new train engineers hat. Eleanor was happy just watching the electric models go around and around.

While your there, pick up free tickets to see Thomas, Buster & others on the big screen! This special showing is at the Riverview Theater on Saturday, February 9th at 11am. Simply ask at the front desk for the number of tickets desired.

This neighborhood theater has been entertaining young and old alike for over 50 years. Don’t have kids? Check out their current listings for $2 and $3 shows. They recently put in new seats which I had the pleasure of trying out on Saturday evening with Kathryn - more about that on Wednesday.

Minnesota History Center

Museums are a great place to visit when it’s cold. If you have a group of people of varying ages and interest the Minnesota History Center is the place to go. My sister and I took my 2 children there last weekend and a great time was had by all.

My 3 year old’s favorites:

• Going in the rocket ship
• Climbing through the grain elevator
• Building a model log cabin

My favorites:

• Getting some time with my son while my sis carried my daughter around
• Reading/learning about life in Minnesota 50, 100, 200 years ago
• Taking the MN 150 quiz

Tips:

• You can get 2 free passes from the library
• There IS a children’s menu at the café, you just have to ask
• Block off the whole day, there’s plenty to explore