What Henry's Been Up To

 Despite being occupied with Nora these last 4 weeks, I've done my best to keep Henry busy. I must say, I've gotten a TON of help from lots of other people in this regard - thank you to everyone who has spent time with Henry lately...he loves it and I love it!

The first picture is from the guided preschool hike at Tryon Creek. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, this is a FANTASTIC program for preschoolers. The rangers do an amazing job teaching great information in a fun way and the kids always get to do a neat project as well. Here Henry is modeling his tree costume, complete with a leaf headdress and bark vest.

Henry has been assisting me in the kitchen quite a bit lately and loving it. The second picture is of him kneading the turkey meatloaf.  He is a wonderful sous chef and very capable - much more than I would expect an average 4 year old to be.

 On Friday we went downtown to Pioneer Courthouse Square to see the arrival of the Christmas Tree. I figured Henry would be into seeing a huge truck bringing in a huge tree assisted by a huge crane...and I was right! What I didn't count on was all the fanfare that went along with the arrival of the tree. There was a mini-parade prior to the arrival of the giant tree complete with a marching band and police escort. Santa was there as was the Unitas pig (had no idea who/what this was, but apparently it's their mascot) and lots of booths giving away free goodies. (Henry scored candy canes, popcorn, chocolate milk and the cutest chocolate turkey.)  He was, however, perplexed as to why Santa had a cane. He finally decided that Santa must use it while he's "out and about" but not at other times- his exact words.

 And, finally, Henry started his new classes this last week - woodshop and acting, both his own choices. I wasn't too sure what to expect in the woodshop class, but what I certainly didn't expect was for the very first tool they learned to use be a coping saw. I have to say I was a bit nervous to see him go to work with that saw, but he did great! Parents were only allowed to stay for the first 15 minutes of class but by spying through the window in the door and Henry's report after class, I learned that they also learned how to use a hand-cranked drill and hammer and nails. They are given free range to create whatever they want. Henry didn't make anything in particular this session, but I am thinking he will probably make a gun next class since he was admiring some of his classmates' handmade weapons after last class.

He is equally enchanted with his other class, acting. He's now had 2 sessions of that class and the teacher gave me a great compliment after class today - she feels that Henry is the most responsive to her directions and really understands what she is trying to get the kids to do. I am just so happy he is doing something that gives him a chance to express himself in a different way than he usually does and gives him a chance to practice his speech with new people. I'm hoping it will be something he will want to stick with after this session.