thanksgiving

A time to give thanks for family near and far.  Hand made decor, from scratch pies (important to have army men guarding them), football in the backyard, stories around the fire, everyone pitching in to cook, games in the basement, a great hike, keva plank buildings and interesting art places.  But the best reason of all for the season:  time together.

Now our house is a bit too quiet . . . can't wait for our next family get together.

mini maker faire

The first Rochester mini maker faire was held at the Convention Center this past weekend.  WOW, was it incredible!  I would describe it as a huge science fair plus some crafts.  We stepped onto a Physics Bus designed by a professor from Cornell and tried our hand at some physics.  We observed many 3D printers, toothpick sculptures, rode a solar powered bike, built inventions out of pipes, shot a trebuchet and so much more!  We can't wait for the next Faire!

cub scout overnight

Cub Scout overnight at the Niagara Aquarium  . . . awards handed out

 Tiger Cub awards

 After a scavenger hunt, time for the touch tank . . .

 Lobster anyone?

 It took awhile to warm up but then he held a starfish and other sea creatures . . . .

 horseshoe crab . . .

 Fireworks in downtown Buffalo viewed from the roof of the Aquarium.

 a private seal show the next morning . . .

 And while in Niagara why not make a day of it?  Niagara Falls . . .

 Buffalo Museum of Science . . .and we were lucky enough to be there for Bubblefest!

 oops, it popped

 Hurricane!

 Lunch at the Anchor Bar

dinosaurs

The boys had a day off of school so we went back in time to  . . . dinosaurs at the RMSC.

 we found fossils . . .

 pretended we were dinosaurs . . .

 moved like dinosaurs . . .

 And spent time creating and engineering.  Blaise engineering the lights, doorbell and circuits.

 Blaise engineering the layout of his house.

 Ambrose creating a wind turbine and testing it . . .

 Finally, learning about the canal and how locks work.