September 13- 20

learning knife safety while dissecting

We've been dissecting the fruits and lantern leaves we've found on our walks.  On this day we took the fruit and stamped them in paint to make pictures.  The paint colors got mixed as we talked about color combinations (yellow and blue make green) and explored why the paint didn't cover the crayon drawing. 

We've had an exercise in patience and science with a sea monkeys kit.  The eggs finally hatched, much to everyone's relief.  They needed some sunlight for the algae to grow. 

School continues to go well.  

Here's T's class, can you spot our superhero?

We've had two wonderful homeschooling fieldtrips this week.  The first was to Hillwood Estate and Gardens, the former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post.  She was quite a unique woman, and it was a treat to see her mansion and estate.  The museum houses the largest collection of Russian art outside of Russia. 

Here's a description of our class: 

In Fabergé’s Workshop: Explore the collection of Russian imperial art in the mansion.  Study a magnificent portrait of Catherine the Great and see objects that belonged to the Tsars and Tsarinas of Russia, including the intricate creations of imperial Russia’s legendary jeweler, Peter Carl Fabergé.  Afterwards, create your own Faberge-inspired treasure.

guess who wore a cape to Hillwood?

O listening intently in the Ergo

It's one of the few museums in DC that charges, so this was our first time there.  Afterwards the kids picnicked and played in the gardens.  

Later in the week we went to the Corcoran for a tour.  There were just 4 kids in our group, and it was a pleasure to get such a customized and private look at the galleries.  The guide really made it kid-centric.

A description of our class: 

Look, Listen, Discover 

Explore works of art by connecting paintings and sculptures with the five senses. Imagine the sound of thunderous waves crashing,the smell and taste of salty ocean water, or the feel of slippery sand between your toes.

crafting in the art studio after the tour

2 story slide

getting caped up

Chris was away for the weekend, so I sent him this picture of the sleeping littles.

Lola visited to help with co-op duty. Here we are walking home from the library.

Olive loves coloring.  I don't remember Tommy liking it quite as well at this age.

Half way finished with Dean's bday card.  I've never seen T have so much focus and determination with a coloring project. It's been inspiring to watch him concentrate so hard.

T has been doing tons of bike riding lately, and we've checked out some new parks, including Harrison and Hamilton. We played with Renzo this week for his first drop-off ever, and it was great seeing Tommy coaching and helping someone other than Olive. There was lots of time in the kitchen, making our meals of course, but also special treats like popcorn, brownies, and banana blueberry muffins.  Lola visited and there was some limbo playing!