Chris' Science Fair '13

This year it was Chris' turn in the science fair.  He decided to prove perpetual motion.  It was a very elaborate set up.  Two different volume sized bins, 10 mouse traps and one catalyst (ping pong ball or a sponge).  With the toss of one ping pong ball all 10 mouse traps usually were set off.  But, if you tossed a sponge in there rarely did one even go off.  Can you tell me why?  Chris can!!

Here is Chris explaining to the judge the fine details of
perpetual motion.

Answering a few questions.

Awesome metal!!  Proud Dad!  They both had a great time!

Vanna White, I mean, Dad .... held up the props while Chris
explained to large gatherings of kids.

over and over 

and over and over

and over again!

Patio at night '13

I just took a few pictures of our patio at night, with the snow and the lights still on the tree.  It's really very pretty!

Another snow day '13

I have actually lost track of the number of snow days this year.  This was at least the 4th.  We got a good foot plus.  I got pretty darn board in the house all day with the kids so I finally decided everyone was going to help clear the snow off the driveway!  First we all shoveled.  It was going pretty good until I realized we also have to do the side walks.  That is when we begged the neighbor to show me how to turn on the snow blower.

Team work!!  Right?

It was still snowing as we cleared the snow.  No sooner did we think we were near the end did we realize there was
another inch or so more!!

We would have been done sooner but after we finished the driveway and sidewalks we had to spend a bit of time getting all the snow out of the garage.  Seems the kids did not realize when they got close to the garage they needed to rotate the direction the snow blower was blowing so that it did not blow into the garage.  There was a good pile all through the garage we had to get out!  :)

The Madrigal '13

The Middle School puts on the play The Madrigal every year and they allow kids from the younger grades to participate as the servers.  Acacia and some friends signed up!  After a few weeks of rehersals it was time for the live performance.  Tickets were $15 a piece as we were "served" a meal.  Auntie Valerie was visiting so she was able to witness Acacia as a maiden servant.

Here she is, servant Acacia.

Not only did they have to serve, they had to sing!

Here we are "Lady Learish", etc. acting up at our table.
This can get one into a bit of trouble with the Queen as a few
had to go on stage a publicly appologize for such aggrejous
behavior as elbows on the table or participating in witchcraft
(use of cell phone).

The court entertained us with song.

This is Acacia and one of her maiden friends.

 

The full cast.  Acacia is front center.

I will not share why there are no photos of Acacia actually serving us anything.  If you want that story you will need to ask me directly .... or better yet, ask Acacia!!

Canada Day '13

Acacia's 6th grade class studied Canada and celebrated with Canada day.  They broke out into groups and each did research on a specific providence.  Acacia and her friends did Manitoba.  Auntie Valerie was visiting so she was able to stop by with me to get a lesson on Manitoba.  We asked questions but no one really knew any answers and we repeatedly asked if we wanted wild rice.  I guess it was more an exercise in bonding with classmates then much of anything else!

Each group had to make part of a tee pee.

Acacia's group made the top of the tee pee.  Apparently, Winnie the Pooh is from Manitoba.

After the demonstrations the orchestra
 played a few songs!

Snowboarding and jumping!! - '13

On this particular ski trip we had the BEST conditions ever for out here.  It's snowed a few inches every day for about a week.  It was not too crowded and the kids each had a friend!  Both kids discovered something new on this trip as well.

Acacia and her friend decided to take a snowboarding lesson and spent the later part of the day doing face plants and buckling their boards back on their feet.

Acacia and her friend waiting for the chair lift!

Acacia racing down the hill.  And, as you all know
 ... she is "goofy".

While Chris found an "easy" terrain trail with respectable jumps.  It was set up so that you had to cross the trail to hit every jump (4 total).  After about 3-4 tries through, Chris had all 4 mastered!!

I tried to take a movie of Chris jumping but could
not figure out the camera with my frozen fingers.

Click here to see the pictures LARGE!

Acacia's 12 - '13

Acacia turned 12 on January 25th.  This year she took 8 friends to laser tag!!  Their party host (Jeff) was a big hit.  He is a high school kid and these 12 year old girls were in fun swing to impress him!  

All geared up and ready for war!

After a couple games of laser tag we all headed home for cake and ice cream, present opening and the slumber party.

I made sleeping bag cakes ....  you know, cause it was a slumber party ....

Who does not like opening presents?  The theme was 1D.
You'll have to ask Acacia for more clarification on the 1D!!

Blow out the candles and EAT CAKE!!

A good night of sleep was had by all .... not.

Click here to see the pictures LARGE!