Hadley and I are obsessed with all things Kate DiCamillo. We read The Adventures of Edward Tulane, The Tale of Despereux and we have Because of Winn Dixie to start next after we finish The Penderwicks. I cried through much of Edward Tulane as Hadley and I read each night in my bed. It is a really beautiful book. Same with Despereux, although I didn't read it in its entirety (Peter and I switched off during that one) so I have holes in the story.

Her writing is captivating and I'm a fan of any author who doesn't talk down to her readers, children or otherwise. Especially children though. There is a constant desire for me to build vocabulary and introduce both H&F to the thrills of language. We are "Word Nerds" up in here. There is nothing like a good word. (Here are some of my favorites lately: vitriol, Schadenfreude, resplendent.)

HJ & I watched the movie "Because of the Winn Dixie" yesterday because she was home sick with a stomach bug. Poor dear. I had seen the movie and loved it again. So did Hadley. It appealed to every fiber of my little rare bird. In fact, she piped up during the movie and said "Does that girl remind you of me?" Funny.

Hadley rides the bus for the first time ever this morning. She's so excited. I'm nervous for her but trying to be very nonchalant about the whole thing. I hope she believes the act.

I'm aware of the void in the picture category. Will try to pull my head out of a box and take some pics soon...