Eating strawberry pancakes as fast as I can make them this morning. We were both super excited when we found strawberries in our CSA. Super excited. We talked about how we could use them. She suggested just eating them all right then and there and I thought about putting them in pancakes. So we compromised.

Clover helped make the pancakes and stayed near as they cooked. Using her step stool she can ever the pour the batter in the pan now. We have tried in the past to let her flip them but she always manages to lightly graze the side of the hot pan with her hand so we are both fine waiting to go any further. At four and a half I can trust her near me in the kitchen but she talks so much that I can get easily distracted and find myself sending her away so I can collect my thoughts again. We have a nice groove with pancakes. Pour this flour, whisk these ingredients, smell this cinnamon, taste this bite.

Today we used the rest of the eggs in the carton and I asked if she wanted to use it. She was so happy at the prospect and I wondered why I never thought to offer one before. We have a coffee can of dry beans that she has been playing with since she was about two years old. They are great for little hands to pour into containers and sort. Clover loves this so much and has always been careful not to spill the beans all over. At first we used a towel which makes for easy clean up as well as define the space (where they should stay). Today beans and the egg carton were the perfect pairing. Together we can make preschool at home easy and fun.