Connecticut...

Well, today we started Connecticut. We learned about it's early history and the kids were excited to hear that is was first explored by a Dutchman. They don't realize that only 25% Dutch blood, and a dad who was born in the US not Holland, isn't much Dutch...but they like to think that they are "Dutch to the Bone" as Justin says.

We learned about Nathan Hale and the ultimate sacrifice he made for his growing nation at only 21 years old. His last words were, "I regret that I have but one life to loose for this county" (paraphrased some :o) Those that witnessed his death were touched by his humility and patriotism. His body hung in the town for over 3 days, probably to teach a lesson to other would be spies, but I think it was more of a reminder to stand up and even die for what you believe in.

Then we touched on the state flower, we had already learned about it for another state. Then on to the American Robin, which I called a Red Robin all day, and was corrected by the kids each and EVERY time. The American Robin only weighs about 3~4 oz, about that of a CD and is about 10 inches long. They are often seen in your yard looking for worms or grubs in your lawn. They also eat berries and other insects. The American Robin does not mate for life and can lay eggs up to 3 times in a year. Each time laying between 3~7 eggs at a time. They are small blueish eggs. A newborn Robin is called a nestling. They are born knowing 3 things: 1. Sit very still in the nest not to attract predators 2. Open wide when mom comes back to the nest with food 3. as soon as they eat, poop! The kids had a laugh at this one. They poop right away so that they parents can clean it up. When they poop it is in a little sack, like a diaper, to make it easy to get rid of.

I racked my brain, for a recipe idea for dinner, in honor of the American Robin. I didn't come up with much...the internet didn't offer much help either. I finally came up with making a nest out of piled up spaghetti and I put meatballs in the middle for the eggs...not really creative, but a dinner everyone would eat! For dessert I made nests out of chow mein noodles and melted chocolate and put 2 Robin Eggs in them...nice that I could get those easily this close to Easter!

Well, tomorrow is the Sperm Whale and Praying Mantis...should be an interesting day!!