Another Ethan first: He tied a balloon.

I told him that it’s easier to start with a balloon with less inflation. Apparently, he took it as a challenge.

An Eliana first: She filled the car ride with music.

Eliana had been practicing "Jesus Loves Me" for a violin-vocal duet with Ethan. I’m not sure what prompted her to start repeating the first line of the refrain, but it entertained us for much of the trip. Fortunately, her cuteness overshadowed any monotony.

An Eliana first: She asked how to spell a word.

Ethan knows enough words now that when he creates a book, only occasionally does he needs to ask how to spell a word. It’s still often enough that Eliana has picked up on the question. She can write a T and O – mostly by accident – but that’s about all. Yet her inexperience didn’t stop her cute, little voice from asking, “How spell Mommy?”

She didn’t develop her book to the point where I could determine its theme, the protagonist and antagonist, or the characters’ deepest inner conflicts. But I did get to help her form the letter M.

An Eliana first: She went down the sled hill by herself.

She was boldly cautious, in typical Eliana fashion. Since limited early-season snow meant a small hill, she naturally took it head first.

Another Ethan first: He had way too much fun putting his toys away.

An Eliana first: She made orange juice appear like magic.

Eliana’s interests often follow Ethan’s, which currently center on magic. It’s fun for a father, since I get to play amateur magician and see if I can improve my slight of hand more quickly than the kids can hone their skills of observation.

I emphasize that the most important trait of a magician is the diligence to practice, practice, practice. Eliana is off to an early start. Watch carefully… Where did that orange juice come from?

An Eliana first: She batted a ball.