LEGO Mindstorm

This is the first peek of something I am sure we will be seeing a lot more of here in the weeks to come. Seeing the Lego Robotics competition at the College Royal has had William all frothed up about getting his own LEGO Mindstorm kit, so a few days ago we made the trip and picked it up for him. This is one of those home school investments that cost a bundle now, but has been worth it already. In the few days that it has been here, he has played for an average of 3-4 hours each - sorting pieces, building, programming, and just staring at it with a big smile on his face. Basically, this is the ultimate Lego kit - build it, attach the motor, program it on the computer, and watch it go. I will post more as he finishes a masterpiece or two!

A Little Bit of Green

Just a little touch of something green to remind us that spring is coming...and to point out a little proudly (which is ridiculous, I know)that I haven't killed them yet!

Outside and In

We have all been so excited about the coming spring lately. The deck has been cleared off so that we could walk outside in bare feet, we have gone for walks in our t-shirts and sandals, and we have generally decided that winter is behind us. Today, we wake up to this nastiness. I know it is not unusual to have snow this time of year, but still!!

So, early or not, we decided to plant some seeds today and just pretend that it is nice and warm and sunny outside.

The College Royal

This weekend we hooked up with my sister and her kids and went to the College Royal, out local university's open house. We were wise enough to spend 2 days there this year, and made the most of it. Animals, microscopes, obstacle courses, milk shakes, sword fights, chemistry demonstrations, and lots more. This year the favorites were the geography building (erosion table and wind tunnel - who would have thunk it?) and the large animal veterinary college where William took a try at barrel racing.

Ontario Science Center

I admit it - homeschooling has ruined me for ever. I have absolutely no tolerance left in me for crowds. Museums? Great - on a Tuesday. Water parks? The best place to be on a Thursday morning. Saturday and Sunday? Why, those are home days, don't you know. Still, my sister convinced us to join them on a trip to the science centre today - on the last day of March Break!!! It was crazy-busy, and I was a little less than joyful and calm by the end of it, but the kids had a great time.

Glad It's Not Me!!

I came across these guys at an old school next to where I had a meeting scheduled today. They certainly took me by surprise when I parked my car, started to get out, and saw men in black hanging outside the third floor window. I felt a little better when I remembered hearing that the building was used to train police officers, but it was still a little unnerving. Still, better then than me!!

Feed The Children

One of our favorite places to go with our home school friends is to Feed The Children, a local warehouse that pulls together food and hygiene boxed for people in need. The kids are always thrilled to go and help out - we all set up along an assembly line, filling up the boxes and visiting at the same time. Today we had enough helpers for 2 lines moving at the same time, and by the end of the day we had 4 skids full. The staff here are so appreciative adn suypportive of the kids,and we all take pride in knowing that most of the time we can pull a work team together with only a few days notice when they need a hand. And if the kids needed any more encouragement (which they never do) there are always the popcycles at the end...