Ten on Tuesday.

1. A classmate of Alla's was lucky enough to visit Harry Potter World (I'm pretty sure that's not the official name, but that's what we've called it.) last week and told Alla that she got a wand. Alla then learned that they don't really work (as in, no real magic), so she's decided she doesn't even want to go there. Makes life a lot cheaper for this family.

2. We are in the middle of a great bedtime read, The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Tonight Alla hit on the fact that she likes the way Brian Selznick organizes this book and leaves you hanging. She says she likes books that "unveal" things.

3. On that note, apparently we aren't spending enough time at the library!

4. Alla says she has a list of authors in her desk at school, in case I need any help finding bedtime books. Ha! As if! My list grew longer today when I came across this other list again.

5. Next Wednesday night is World Book Night! I'm a giver!

6. Little Passports looks like a super fun way to learn about the world or the country over the summer.

7. I ran today in 29 degrees and seriously cold wind. My January self would be appalled at my wimpiness, but I declare my exhaustion with the crisp air that requires tights and mittens. I want to feel warmth again! I want to challenge my body to make its own vitamin D!

8. The kids are not swayed by the chilly weather, however. Fisher spent two late afternoon hours outside with the rest of the neighborhood kids as usual, playing kickball, soccer, basketball, tag, one game until they decide it's time for the next. I'm so glad he's a tough one, as the rest of the kids (all boys) are third, fourth, and fifth graders.

9. Alla's activity of choice, after doing some math and reading homework, was tree climbing. Today no one had to come tell me she was stuck in a tree! She scraped her hands pretty good though, and thinks some tree-climbing gloves are in order. I don't think that's an actual thing.

10. No school Friday, and aside from Memorial Day next month, this is it until the kids are out for the summer. Though it's still quite a distance to the last day of school, we can all feel that excitement that comes when the school fills up the last two months of the calendar with fun things. A busy month and a half is ahead!