I love reading updates about your DS. It's almost like I'm getting news about a nephew who lives far away.

Aww! What a wonderful way to put it, Mana!

I feel similarly about your daughter. It's a real pleasure to hear about her development through your posts!

I second that! Every time you mention your son's age I always jump a little -- I always picture him around three but not so much anymore! Such lovely stories too -- always something interesting going on!

Thanks FruityDragons! Hugs all around!

He feels somewhat ageless to me, honestly. He looks 6, feels very much like an old soul, yet has his fair share of moments to be his age. It's as though he's straddling childhood and adulthood, capturing the best that both have to offer.

I can so relate to this! DS is turning out to be quite the philosopher and says the most mind blowing things... yet still wants me to wrestle with him on his bed in the mornings. Definitely the best of both worlds.

Yes! Absolutely loved PEI and would go back in a heart beat. The people were so friendly and the scenery was breathtaking. The kids (DD2 and DD6) had a blast. I recommend renting a car if you can. The island is small and the roads well marked so it's easy to navigate. We did all of the Anne related sites and went to several beaches. It was amazing how different all of the beaches were - no two were a like. We also visited a lot of the historical sites, lighthouses and the confederation bridge. These were great because the interpreters at the sites took the time to talk with DD6 and answer her questions, so she learned a lot on the trip. It was very rural and the pace of life there was very relaxed. PEI had been on my bucket list since I was a child and it did not disappoint. If you ever decide to go, let me know, I can recommend some of the lighthouses and beaches we went to.

ETA: Wanted to add that if you're outdoorsy, PEI is fantastic. Lots of places to camp, rent bikes. There are also whale watching tours. Okay I'll stop gushing now. PEI tourism should hire me.

Oh, I so wish you'd have taken us with you! I would love to go but for now, watching the DVD would have to do for me for now. My dream is to stay in a lovely B & B, eat picnic lunch, and indulge in afternoon tea. I think I could happily retire on PEI.

Montgomery's books were a big part of my childhood and I hope they'll become DD's as well. As recently as this summer, whenever I took her to the book store, only the book she showed any interests was Plants vs. Zombies: Official Guide to Protecting Your Brains but thankfully, she has grown out of that phase and is devouring any books she can get her hands on. Still, I might hold off introducing her to the first book until she is 7 or so.

What a novel, and wonderful, idea!

YDS5 last night, on the topic of small details and differences in praying mantis types: "I'm just going to ask ODS9. He knows everything. Daddy just knows some things."

When it comes to facts, he's not far off. ODS is a walking fact book.

DS seemed lethargic and warm a few days ago. I asked him how he was feeling. He answered, "I'm a pony," then wiggled into a lump on the floor.

I stared at him incredulously, exasperated. He often doesn't answer questions, or gives answers that seem (to me, at least) disconnected from the discussion at hand.

He noticed me waiting and said, "I'm a little hoarse," in what was, admittedly, a gravelly voice, his eyes twinkling.

Okay, kiddo, well played. Thankfully he got over the cold in a little over a day.