Cultured, yet still 5

We've been listening to the Les Misérables musical soundtrack in the car. The kids have enjoyed listening to the story and the music. I've been so surprised how much they get the emotions of the music without knowing the story. Stuart will often ask, "Why is he sad?" or "Why are they angry?". As you could possibly imagine if you've ever seen the musical/movie or read the book, the characters and the names are overwhelming at times! We've stuck to the basic theme of the story: grace and mercy and "to love another person is to see the face of God". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzCSb6OnkZA
They were sad when Fontine died and so happy when Jean Valjean escaped Javert. It's been fun and amazing. Remember, we're listening to this only—they're aren't seeing anything!

Nevertheless, Chase came through with the reality check of his learning curve. At the end of the story, we talked about the characters and the actors and who was the main hero. The story is more about Jean Valjean's life than Cosette and Marius.

So Chase asks, "Did Jean Valjean throw her [Cosette] birthday parties?"
"Sure," I respond.
"Did they invite other people?"
"Um, I don't know."
Chase, without missing a beat, "If they didn't, then they could each have six pieces of cake."