From the Backpack: Growing up... and Vote for me!

This week's edition of "from the backpack" contains two specimens of Helen's work.

1. Vote for me!

Helen and her friends jump up and down and hug and kiss each other whenever they meet. But a few days ago, Helen was telling me she really didn't like it when certain girls hugged her (and the names were surprising, because they are girls she really likes). It was a little bizarre to hear her say it, because she initiates so many hugs and kisses herself, which in my mind, is why girls are always hugging and kissing her.

Maybe all her hugging and kissing was just politics. You see, the election of the 5th grade class officers just occurred at Connor and Helen's elementary school, and perhaps Helen's mock campaign for first grade whatever (an election made up entirely in Helen's head - there was no actual first grade election) just didn't pan out as Helen had hoped.

Translation: Vote for Helen
I will kiss everyone
please, please
thank you

Maybe she's got big plans to try a new mock campaign strategy next year, and is ready to move on.

2. Kittens

Helen and Connor desperately want a cat or, in Helen's case, a kitten. I have an irrational fear of them and Connor, Helen, and I all have some degree of allergy.

But hey, a girl can dream, right?

This is Helen's "about me" poster that she made at the start of the year. And yes, I can look at it without even thinking about getting her a kitten.

"My mom's aunt's farm is my favorite place  [because there are always barn cats there].
When I grow up, I want to be a cat owner.
My favorite thing to do is play with cats.
If I had one wish, I would wish for a kitten.

Sorry kid, you're going to have to get a new dream, or wait until you move out of my home.

Elaine