Botticelli to Braque Exhibit

We caught this exhibit with my Mom on nearly the last day; it was worth the crowds.  I got headphones for the girls so that they could look at the pieces at their own pace.  They both kept coming over to me with interest, telling me about various pieces, which was very cool. 

Coincidentally, we have been reading e.l konigsburg's "the mysterious edge of the heroic world," which addresses art that was banned by the Nazis and their persecution of both Jews and homosexuals.  Many of the artists considered "degenerate" and banned were shown in this exhibit, so it was fortuitous that we got to see the exhibit when we did.  Many interesting conversations...

My Mom with the girls

A Picasso

Elsewhere in the de Young

At the top of the de Young tower; Cal Academy in the background.

From Caterpillar to Chrysalis

We had one that took its time, but now all five are hanging...

Civil War Re-Enactment

A really neat event; the first time I've even been to a battle reenactment. It was loud and terrifying and really cool!

WANTED!

The surgeon and (to the right) the results of his amputations!

Panning for gold.  Not quite a Civil War activity, but hard to resist!

A fun day that ended in the trees!

Track Award

At the end of the season party, she got an award; second place shot put for fifth graders in the whole region (16 schools).  Well done, kiddo!

Painted Lady Butterfly Progress

10 days ago (size relative to a dime)

Nine days ago

Five days ago

Yesterday

Today, up close.  They are so active!

Science Exam

For kicks, K asked to take the California 5th grade science exam, which we got online.  Interestingly, when I googled it, I also got a lot of flash cards from teachers who are clearly teaching to the exam.  I have a mixed reaction to that... but in the meantime, I thought it was funny that she ASKED to take it and wanted her grade.  I think she must know that she is good at test taking, 'cause now my question is how this kid learned some of this stuff (after a near-perfect score.)

TV Show Planning, Episode Two

We met to do rough runs of potential science experiments; everything went really well, from the experiments themselves to the interest the kids showed in one another's presentations.  Should be a good one!

K does the "iodine clock trick"  Took longer than expected and so we discussed what we do if science experiments go awry on live-to-film television.

G does the "Yellow Blue Switcheroo," renamed as the "Battle of the Electrons"

Being a good audience

Electronic Protection

Charles is shopping every Radio Shack, looking for deals since many of them are going out of business.  He found some toys with electronics this week and the girls disregarded the instructions and instead built a home security system, complete with a warning "gotcha" for anyone who attempts to enter without a pass.  Love girls with wires and electrical charges!

Road Trip Planning

OK, we'll call it geography.  But a trip begins with the planning process and so far it is fun and exciting, with the girls finding things on the map and then saying, "oh, can we go THERE?"

Bay to Breakers

Awesome run; lots of fun; too many ugly naked men, but otherwise fun and creative costumes.  So much fun to run with both girls; they did a great job the whole time, from the early morning wake up call to the train to the wait to start to all 12Ks of the run.  Super proud, super happy.

Griffendor costumes; they are being photo bombed by a woman carrying Macbeth's bloody body after its head was severed.  Yikes!

Tens of thousands of runners.  We weren't first, but runners continued to come in for four hours after we finished, so we weren't last either!

At the end, in their race shirts and medals

Oh yeah.

Hula Dancing Class

Super fun new class!  We were there for a trial, but I think she wants to continue.  Love the storytelling through movement and the gracefulness of it all.  Not to mention the visions of Hawaii it conjures!

What Kids Can Do Films: Imagination Station's First Filming Day

What a day; months of prep!  The kids filmed their first episode of "What Kids Can Do," which they envision as a monthly variety television show.  They were stiffer in front of the cameras than at home, but they did a great job, in front of the camera and behind it.  A long day, but the kids had so much fun they said that it felt like the time flew by.  Super proud of them all!

Practicing  their interview questions and answers

The view from on-screen.  Very awesome, professional, amazing!

Awesome stage design was upbeat, professional, and fun.  As were the kids!

A link to the show follows:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0U168tNN53OT0JReU5RendKcms/edit?usp=drive_web

Building a Circuit Board Piano

The girls had a friend spend the night, so Science Dad saw an opportunity for a new project and the kids had a great time.  Detailed work!

We had four extra kids over during the day and the predicted rain erupted in a burst that last for about five minutes.  The kids ran in to announce the rain, then ran back out to enjoy it; G lay on the concrete and soaked it up like a thirsty flower.  California children during a drought!

Afternoon Hike with My Geologist

 We had a nice hike and found a new trail with a view; fun, fun.  My little geologist was more interested in collecting rocks than covering miles.  When she started complaining that she was tired from carrying too much, I thought she was exaggerating - until we got home and I saw her unload her pockets. Oh my!  A geologist, or a stone fence builder?   Hee, hee. 

New trails = happy times for me and with the added bonus of wild rabbits (cute) and my wonderful companion, it was a good afternoon.

Butterfly!

G and I went for a long run and found this in a parking lot close to our house upon our return.  Seeing a tear in its wing and being concerned that it was in the middle of oncoming traffic, she invited it to climb onto her finger and come home with us.  I say "invited" intentionally, as it could have flown away at any time, but did not.  We admired it outside for a while, then brought it in to enjoy a flower arrangement left over from book club.  When we got back from our basketball game, it had warmed up enough to fly and we opened the back door to let it out.  Before it left, it climbed onto G's face, seemingly saying goodbye before taking off.  Such a magical experience!