Dinosaur Fun

Last Friday, I took my kids to a dinosaur museum as a homeschool field trip. We had read a few books about dinosaurs ahead of time in preparation for the trip, discussing various dinosaurs, how fossils are formed, and how dig sites function. As the trip to the museum approached, the kids expressed their excitement, and their enthusiasm continued through the museum.



Checking out some real dinosaur bones

 The museum had a little "dig site" where the kids could pretend to dig for fossils. 

K brushing off a dinosaur bone.



H enjoying the "sand"



AJ enjoying the dig pit

  After digging for fossils, we continued around the museum. It is fun to see the scale of the dinosaurs in person. It just gives one a better appreciation of how large they really were. At one point, they even had a representation of just how big a brontasaurus (apatasaurus) leg was. The museum also housed several bones and skulls from various dinosaurs. 

A triceratops skull



H wanted to return to the dig pit for a second and third time

  The museum also housed several animated dinosaurs, which the kids thoroughly enjoyed.

H watching the animated triceratops

 When we finished touring the museum, we hit the gift shop. There, we found an apatasaurus, which the kids took turns riding.

We also found a dinosaur bingo game, which the kids played upon returning home. It was a fun-filled day, and we plan on returning again someday soon.

Ice Cream: Shaken, Not Stirred

Last weekend, I bought the ingredients to make homemade ice cream in a bag. I thought it would be a fun little activity to do with the kids, and they approached it with much anticipation. We started off happy and excited, but as the bags were shaken and shaken (and still not done), the excitement waned rather quickly. Timo ended up shaking most of the bags, and we used kitchen towels to keep our hands from freezing.



"I don't want to do this any more!"



Trying hard to smile for the camera



H was perfectly happy since this was about as close to shaking as he got.



Once the kids were done with theirs, I made mine with the ice/salt mixture from one of the kid's bags, and it worked much more quickly. This was due to the fact that there was much more liquid present in the bag than when we started with the kids' ice cream.

Overall, we were happy with the results, and the kids claimed it was the best ice cream they had ever had. They chose chocolate (we used Ovaltine) with vanilla extract. I chose chocolate with almond extract, and I was extremely pleased. I would do it again, but I think I would let the ice and salt melt together a little bit before shaking.

Something to smile about

 

Tasting the final product



That's one happy boy

My sweet AJ enjoying his ice cream

Hula Baby

K participated in her first dance performance last week at a luau for some senior citizens at a rec center. There were several dances, but she only performed one. Her dance included a song that they sang while dancing, entitled "Hula Baby." She wasn't 100% sure of all of the steps, but it was still fun to watch her.



K and some other girls waiting for their turn to dance.



A Pretty Picture

Part of homeschooling has included some self-taught art classes. I bought the kids some books, and they happily complete pictures at their own pace. I have given them one short lesson, talking about blending colors and drawing water based on the art in The Story about Ping, but most of their art is done on their own. Here is a sample of their artwork.



K's work on left: a girl, a pig, and the three bears. AJ's work on right: the three bears and a self-designed time machine.



An Agreeable Boy

Recently, H has answered everything I have told him to do or not to do with, "Okay." Now, for some, they would wonder why I don't demand a "Yes, Ma'am." For me, I am just thrilled that he is not whining. He does have his moments, but my strong-willed child has seemed pretty agreeable and obedient recently. I just wish I could figure out what I did to get such a good kid.

It's a Snap

A few weeks ago, I bought a snap circuit set on a whim. It looked fun, and I am always looking for educational toys for my kiddos. Well, the kids decided to play with it, and they have completed several circuits on their own. The kit comes with 101 different projects, and it has been fun to see the excitement on K and AJ's faces when they bring me another completed circuit. Some make sound, some run a small motor, and they all provide enjoyment for my kids.

When we read the Magic Schoolbus book about electricity, I was able to point to a practical example of how things work. I love it when that happens.

New Beds

Last week, the boys' beds finally arrived. They had been sleeping on mattresses on the floor (as K is still doing), and it is nice to have one more piece to their rooms in place. It helps me feel more settled, even though much is still to be done.

AJ reading on his new bed.



H enjoying his new bed.