Printing Press

The boys made their own printing presses today. We carved drawings into styrofoam and inked them before pressing onto paper. Carson said we are making Ben Franklin proud.

Math Skyscraper?

Good thing I spent a ton of money on our math manipulatives. Ha Ha Guess I should have just bought more legos!

Peter and the Wolf

The boys and I went to the Meyerson Symphony Center today and enjoyed the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. They performed Peter and the Wolf. We also had a surprise mini-ballet performance during another piece. The boys said they "Loved it!". This is our 4th year to enjoy this special production for children and it was certainly our favorite so far.

Water fun

The boys decided to paint our picnic table with water. Cheapest entertainment out there :)

It's a hit!

Today at his PE class, Carson got his first base hit. Woo hoo!

Engineering in Ancient Times

I took the boys to a special homeschool program at the Dallas Museum of Nature and Science today. We discussed ancient engineering with the museum archaeologists that included prehistoric hunting tools, Egyptian pyramids and the Terra Cotta warriors. Carson had a lot to add to the discussion. Afterwards, we spent a few hours enjoying some of the new and old exhibits.

Sun power-station

With the warm and sunny day, the boys and I made a sun power-station. With the sun's radiation, we are attempting to cook a potato in its own juices. After completing our power station with a bowl, foil, suction cup and potato, we point it toward the sun. It's been about 10 minutes and I'm already impressed. The potato is actually very warm to the touch. Maybe this will actually work!

Jr Engineering - Mechanical toy

At Jr Engineering this month, we learned about different mechanical toys.   Then the boys created a mechanical toy of their own.  Carson made a Godzilla that hid behind a skyscraper and Cameron made a scary bear that hid behind rocks.  Very simple idea but one of the boys' favorites.

Launching 3 year old

Walked in the room to find 7 year old has made a glider and he's strapping in 3year old preparing him for launch. 3 year old is willing participant.

Valentine's 2011

I gave the boys their Valentines this morning. They were so excited- books, a piece of chocolate, mini lego. They say it's the best valentines ever. I love them so much!

Cousin Fun!

The boys playing with their big cousin. They adore her!

At Home Chess Club

Chess club and book club for today is rescheduled for next week due to icy road conditions. The boys decided to play and make their own Chess Club at home. I guess they'll have a book discussion next.

Firestation Fieldtrip

Before the big freeze, we joined a group of friends to visit a firestation. Cameron made sure to dress for the day! We haven't been to a firestation in a while, so the boys really appreciated the trip. The firefighters were so kind and patient with the kids which made it even more enjoyable.

Leather Sewing

The day has been filled with too many projects to mention. The boys have made paper boats, cardboard rockets, stained glass (plastic), solar system mobile, legos, made straw spears, and now Carson started a leather sewing project. Never a dull moment!

Sled Time!

We're having friends in our neighborhood over. We just came back from sleding on what appears to be the most popular hill in DFW. We had a blast! Now the kids are having some warm herbal tea and snacks and giving me silly faces. Cuties pies!

Winter Wonderland

After 3 days of being iced in the house, we woke up to find a winter wonderland outside. The boys are giddy with excitement running around singing, "Winter Wonderland". They already have their long johns on ready to go out.
Mark still managed to drive downtown to work.

Pizza night

After hibernating for 3 days with the 2011 Texas arctic blast, we decided to have a big pizza night. Cameron enjoyed making the crust and adding the toppings. He loves helping in the kitchen.

Soccer

Cameron started a soccer class today. He was so excited to go. He said he's been waiting his whole life to play.

DCT - The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

We met up with the SAIL homeschool group to see the True story of the 3 little pigs at Dallas Children's Theater. Great performance! Apparently the big bad wolf has a bad rap. Carson particularly liked that the audience participated in the show.

Fancy Dinner

Cooking steaks on our new pit tonight, baked sweet potatoes and zucchini. The kids keep saying that we're camping at home.

Jr Engineering - Door alarm

Today at jr engineering, the boys made door alarms. First they played a circuit game with their friends and then they put together their circuits. Carson needed minimal help, but Cameron was not into it today and I pretty much did his. Once all the wires were connected, the alarm worked pretty well. Carson even wired the door where is the class was held.
At home, Carson rigged the alarm from the garage door that leads into the house. When my Mark arrived home, he actually tried to do it quietly so he wasn't attacked by children before he had a chance to change his work clothes. From the other side of the house, the alarm gave him away. It was so funny to see the look on his face!

Heritage Farmstead

The boys and I took a step back in time this morning. We visited Heritage Farmstead in Plano (http://www.heritagefarmstead.org/) for a special homeschool day. They turned butter, made their own homemade biscuits over a campfire, toured a historical home decorated in period furniture, took a wagon ride, visited a one room schoolhouse, learned about vintage toys, and played with their friends. It was so cold but they loved it.

New Year Party

We met up with one of our home school groups today to celebrate the new year. The kids had a good time with laser tag, bowling and arcade.

My little scientist

Sitting at breakfast today, daydreaming 7yo chimes in, "Mom, if the atoms that make up my chair weren't stuck together, they would be all over the ground!"

Dallas World Aquarium

The boys and I met up with dozens of friends from one of our homeschool groups at the Dallas World Aquarium. We had most of the facility to ourselves and we just ran from exhibit to exhibit enjoying them with friends. The manatees and otters were so fun to watch. The boys were right next to the penguins being fed and as you can see from the photo, Carson didn't like the smell of their food. We stayed long enough to enjoy the shark feeding which was pretty exciting. What a great day it was!

Finished!

Carson just finished reading the 7th and final Harry Potter book. He read the entire series on his own. He really enjoyed them and I expect to see him read them over and over again.

Book Club

Carson read Edwina Victorious for book club this month. Good book that brought about a lot of issues the kids enjoyed discussing.

Chess Club

Carson joined a homeschool chess club today. It's only once a month, but he is thrilled to meet and play with chess buddies.

2nd front tooth

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.