Author Archives: Kim Baumgaertel

Since its common name begins with “W”, and it’s easier to invite to preschool than walruses are, Lumbricus terrestris was our guest this day. See the list of FAQs below to appreciate the “worm of the earth”, aka the common … Continue reading →

Once upon a time, when Oma was in college, there was a volcano named “Mt. St. Helens.  Can you say ‘mount saint helens?’” Good job. Yep, this is dirt from outside. We’re going to make a volcano with it.  I … Continue reading →

Sliding back into preschool mode this week, we picked up with Letter “U” for under-the-radar, umbrella and “you” — as in “you are my favorite grandparent.”  Truly, Opa and I never vie for their affection, yet the very second our … Continue reading →

9:18 a.m. JM:  Shall we meet at 5:00 at Il Lucano for pick-up, and then come home for dinner and Bible study? 11:07 a.m. K:  Okay!  We’ll be there. A:  We will, too. V: I don’t think we can make … Continue reading →

Our sweet, spunky Emiline turned three this week.  Respecting social distancing, Opa and I bought an essential balloon bouquet and partied in her backyard. Thanks to the floral department at my fave grocery chain, which had the goods ready for … Continue reading →

Amid the chaos and uncertainty of the past couple of days, there was Letter T with our tots. Our tots do not have to distance themselves socially from their preschool, nor learn their letters online. Nope. Opa and Oma are … Continue reading →

And for Scout, who swatted the brand-new, lidless jar of glitter off my desk right before the tots arrived.  Without that playful act of defiance, however, I wouldn’t have discovered a brilliant Pinterest workaround. You see, as preschool resumed this … Continue reading →

Today, Tuesday, is our last day in Reading. Yesterday the wedding contingent split up — some off to friends in Leicester, others off to friends in Oxford, Matt off to a climbing gym, Opa and I off to Nero’s for … Continue reading →

Yesterday — Sunday –the Flat Crew took charge of the House Crew’s small people whilst the mommies, daddies, and an uncle traipsed around London. Our preschoolers enjoyed both a change of venue and some “new” stuff to play with. Particularly … Continue reading →

Friday found us training to Windsor.  The only sight cuter than kids on their first airplane ride has to be kids on their first train. “MOM!” exclaimed Miss Nomi.  “That train has two fronts!”  This observant preschooler was noting a … Continue reading →