Money matters

First is really into money. I sometimes refer to it as an obsession, but feel ultimately, that that has a tinge of judgement to it that I don't like.

It started with Uncle Scrooge, Donald Duck's uncle and now has a fairly healthy life of its own. First's favorite Christmas presents this year: a $100 bill, a $50 bill, and a safe (except for the loud alarm which we have not yet been able to help him disarm).

Christmas at Sandy and Mike's was colored by the $2 bill, buffalo nickels and wheat pennies. Pops gave us a zinc penny and a liberty dime. And Santa gave First the official U.S. Mint 50 State Quarters Collector's Archive. So now, we are chasing quarters, as well.

First and Kinder have had an interest in maps and geography for years. In a way, it's what they know. First traveled to Paris in utero, Kinder's first trip to Japan was in utero. They have both been excellent traveling companions on planes, trains and automobiles. We have lived in three states with them and they have family in two other states, as well as, another country.

The Quarter Collector's Archive has created a nice segue from money to geography. As 2006 comes to a close, I have been longing for travel. I've been day dreaming about visits to California and Florida, we are hoping for a grant to come through which would bring us to Japan in the summer, and we are wondering if we'll be able to pull together the money for a dream trip to Finland for Cap anytime soon...

We visited the U.S. Dept. of Engraving and Printing website the other day and discovered that they have tours. Like Jelly Belly, I explained to them. First wondered if they would be giving out samples of money as they did samples of jelly beans with a knowing smile on his face.

So now, the kids are acting upon the familial compass and it is pointing south. Washington D.C. here we come.