The Chipmunk Tightrope

A few days ago, Eli was paging through a new nature book Theo got for his birthday. This book has general information about a variety of animals and insects you might find in a backyard or nearby woods. It also includes a few projects. Eli became enamored of the 'chipmunk tightrope'. It just so happens that a chipmunk has a hole right outside our back door. So today we strung a rope across the back yard at about my hip height. Then we dangled peanuts in the shell from strings that hang down about 5 inches. In theory, this is supposed to entice the curious chipmunk out across the tightrope and we can watch him try to get at the nuts. Once we constructed it, we hunkered down in the porch and watched. And watched. Our chipmunk is either on vacation or afraid of heights. So far this little rodent has not been enticed. But I have to admit, it was a very enjoyable piece of parenting. What I love the most is their confidence that the chipmunk will show, will take the bait, and what's more, we will be there to witness it. And then, they will train it to do other tricks. Watching them with their bright eyes and easy smiles, I believe. The boys are in bed, but I'm off to check the tightrope.