'A person's a person, no matter how small'

The Dunham Children's Learning Center had a busy week celebrating Dr. Seuss and his March 2 birthday, welcoming special guests and enjoying specially prepared treats. On Thursday, courtesy of Christopher R. Grove and his Keystone Dining Room crew, the youngsters were served an appropriately themed lunch of which Sam-I-Am would be proud. "The children were sure it was from Dr. Seuss, and the green was definitely not food coloring," CLC director Linda A. Reichert said of KDR's head cook. "What the children didn’t know is that Chef Chris actually made the eggs green by adding a secret nutrient: spinach!" The center also hosted Andy the Armadillo – the mascot of Texas Roadhouse and a serendipitous acquaintance of Stacie L. Smith, one of the center's group leaders – who brought along gift cards; rolls with cinnamon butter; and provided the opportunity for children to hug, high-five and show off their dance moves. On Friday, the prop-laden staff of the LEAP Center visited for a delightful story time that perfectly capped the celebration.

– Photos by Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday; and Children's Learning Center staff

 

Andy joins western-clad friends (from left) Darlene A. Warner, CLC operations assistant; Stacie L. Smith, who teaches the center's 2-year-olds; and director Linda A. Reichert.

A contingent of cowpokes enjoys Andy's visit, whether sitting still for a group photo ...

And did we mention that the green eggs were a resounding hit?

The youngsters deliver their personalized greetings and gratitude.

Horton's #1 travel rule: Properly pack your trunk when embarking on a flight of imagination!

Sisterly togetherness

Savage engages her audience with some purposeful monkey business, reading from "Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb."

Bing Kracker animatedly fits a child with a miniature version of that trademark headwear ...

McNaul captivates a group with the tongue-tangling "Fox in Socks."

The Cat in the Hat (AKA Christie A. Bing Kracker, LEAP Center director) is joined by LEAP advisers (from left) Melissa M. Stocum, Pat M. Scheib, Allison M. Savage, Kathleen V. McNaul, Kyle W. Kern and Kaysey L. Beury.

Scheib helped a parade of photogenic subjects find just the right look.

Beury's chosen text – "Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?" – invites interactive sound effects.

... and goes on the level for some focused cat-to-kid conversation.

A yummy and healthy lunch ... with a much-maligned vegetable palatably included!

... or exerting boundless energy on the dance floor.

Children settle in for Kern's rendition of "Put Me in the Zoo."