Library Fun!

We woke up this morning, and with one little cough our whole day got flipped upside-down! Instead of going to swimming I decided that it might be better for Connor to stay out of the pool with his drippy nose and coughs. I had to get groceries though, since a house full of kids without milk is a big no-no and decided maybe a quick trip to the library wouldn't hurt. I've wanted to bring them long ago this summer to check out some books.

I headed to the old library, and Connor once again reminds me of his elephant-like memory and says, "Oh mom, this is where we went to the carnival and rode on rides with daddy!", and it was - 6 long months ago! That kid doesn't forget a thing!

I knew that our library was moving to a new location, but wasn't sure when, and sure enough when we arrived, a sign was posted "CLOSED, moved to our new location". That wouldn't stop us! Just down the street was the new one, so I turned around, and to my kids dismay they started to wine and cry for the library. At least I can explain what happened and what we were doing to my 4 year old, and he sat content while we drove to the new location.

5 minutes later we arrived, and it was beautiful. The toys that I had promised the boys were more than I could imagine, and all brand new. Connor curled up on a giraffe pillow and started to read books. Aaron started fitting shapes into a puzzle - like game. Then I headed out on my own mission.

I was looking for James and the Giant Peach. I had told myself for months that I was going to try and start a chapter book with Connor, and this was the one I wanted. I know he is only 4, but I could change words to make it more understandable, and try and talk him through it if he needed help understanding. I really just wanted to try. I didn't know if it was too scary, but I figure I can edit a book better than I can even edit a movie.

I quickly pulled the book from the shelf, and found Connor quietly playing leap-pad, and Aaron attempting a puzzle. I didn't want to keep Connor out too long, and I knew we had a shopping trip to get through (Connor was begging for vitamins - since I get him the gummy type LOL). So after letting Aaron select a book, I let them scan them, and we headed out.

After we got home, I brought Connor upstairs after lunch to take a nap. I told him that we were going to read the book I chose. I was a little scared since there were hardly any pictures, and I didn't know if he was going to even like the idea, but he curled up on Dad's side of the bed and I began to read.

The first line says, "This is James Henry Trotter at 4 years old" and that was all the hook Connor needed. James was like him - he was 4! This was HIS adventure.

I had decided to only read 1 chapter, but as soon as I put it down, he begged for more and giggled with laughter. I couldn't say no to that! 4 chapters later I told him that we would continue it later today. He said "OK mom" and rolled over to go to sleep.