The Arnold New Addition

Surprise! It is a new fish. I think its name is Jackson, but that is apt to change by tomorrow. Sophie has been asking for a fish for quite some time and, voila!
It is amazing the lasting impression pets make on children. They remember every fish, hamster and tadpole we've ever had. Even the ones we had in Virginia when Matt and Alex were small. We had 2 fish named Suki and Thomas named after kids in their Primary class. They were an unplanned purchase as I recall. We were walking through a little strip mall when we came upon this little hole-in-the-wall pet store. The kids were allowed to choose one fish each. Matt chose a solid black little who knows what (Suki) and Alex adored this little goldfish with a black spot over one eye (Thomas). When we got them home, the kids were glued to the fish bowl forever. I remember Alex making the discovery that her unique little goldfish with the black spot actually was injured and the spot was actually a hole where an eye should have been. Anyways, they loved those fish. As for me, it left me a little queazy for some time. A fun activity for kids when they get a new pet is to read them stories about the kind of animal they received and then do an art/craft/writing activity afterwards followed by a yummy treat (of course!).
New Pet Fish Activity
Read Rainbow Fish
Make your own rainbow fish by making a large template (8x11) on cardstock, tracing a fish for each family member and providing small pieces of different colored paper, fake jewels, stickers, etc. to create their own unique fish. On the back write something about the child that makes them unique. If there is more than one child involved in the activity,or if you do this for a family night, have everyone sit in a circle and say one thing they love about each person there while they show their cool creative fish to the group/family. Cover your fridge door with blue tissue paper and use magnets to attach your new fish creations to create an ocean family of unique fish. You could also purchase an inexpensive bulletin board to o the same thing to create a fun family wall hanging.
Snack/Activity - decorate fish shaped sugar cookies with fun sprinkles and colorful candy.