Why Do Ladrones Ladran?

One of the things that I greatly enjoy about raising bilingual children is the way they think about language.  It is amazing to me how they are able to translate at such a young age, recognize which language to use even when meeting new people, and explain things in one language that they experienced in the other.  Of course, both Princesa and Chulo have become quite adept at inventing words when necessary as well.  For example, Chulo learned about guns and shooting from some other little boys in his Sunday School class (of all places!)  He came home that afternoon saying "shoot-ar." 

At dinner the other night, Princesa asked why the ladrones ladran.  Chulo agreed that this was an important question, and Papi & I were thoroughly amused by their thought process.  It makes sense, doesn't it?  Ladrones should ladrar, but no, they roban.  Hmmm.  This is something that would have caused me much difficulty when I was taking Spanish classes, but it took less than a minute to explain to the kids that ladrones roban and perros ladran.  They remember and it is no longer a concern of theirs. 

Knock, Knock

The other day at lunch, Princesa and Chulo were telling knock, knock jokes.  We were all laughing so hard, I just had to jot down their jokes to share.  Here are some of the highlights:

Knock, Knock
Who's there?
Cheerios
Cheerios who?
Cheerios you glad I didn't eat you?

Knock, Knock
Who's there?
Orange
Orange who?
Orange you glad to see me?

Knock, Knock
Who's there?
Banana
Banana who?
Knock, Knock
Who's there?
Banana
Banana who?
Knock, Knock
Who's there?
Orange
Orange who?
Orange you glad I didn't say banana?

Knock, Knock
Who's there?
Kiwi
Kiwi who?
Knock, Knock
Who's there?
Strawberry
Strawberry who?
Strawberry you glad I didn't say kiwi?

And my favorite...

Knock, Knock
Who's there?
Diddle, diddle
Diddle, Diddle who?
Diddle, Diddle you glad to see me?

Princesa

Princesa working on some handwriting. 

This year we've added handwriting, journaling, grammar, and Bible to Princesa's school day.  Her favorite subjects are science, math, and grammar.  It's going well and we've had far fewer tantrums than last year (only one  2 so far.)  I wonder if I should keep a record for the year?  :)