christmas 2016

South Carolina for Christmas with my family this year.  It meant my guys had time with Grandma making cards and wood projects (specifically pinewood derby cars) with Grandpa.  We spent time at Uncle Doug's and Aunt Jamie's house, went bowling and decorated gingerbread houses and cookies.  Uncle Greg and Aunt Betsy and their boys made it in for a couple of days and we spent plenty of time catching up.

We were blessed to have beautiful weather and spend some time discussing the best method of cooking a turkey, shooting hoops, going for walks around the development and just catching up.

It always strikes me this time of year when I start to hear people complain that they have to go to the inlaws, or drive to numerous houses, etc.  I miss my inlaws but am fortunate to have a wonderful relationship with all of Damian's extended family.  Likewise, my family is 14 hours away . . . which makes every minute together precious.  Of course the trip flew by, we are already home and I can't wait to see my family again.

geh

We are participating in a giving advent calendar.  Today was candy cane bomb a parking lot . . .boy did my elves have fun.  Then onto the George Eastman House for the gingerbread display.  One of these years we should make one . . .

mc escher

As a kid I remember being fascinated by the complexity of MC Escher's drawings.  This past Sunday, we went to the Memorial Art Gallery where there was an exhibit of his work.  The boys marveled while I was a kid again observing and listening to their fascination.

What I didn't realize was that Escher did print making not just the fascinating drawings. One piece of work you can look at and it looks like black birds are flying one way and white birds the opposite.  As Blaise said these are 'like tricks for your mind'.  Ambrose, who wants to be an architect couldn't get over how the buildings looked like a post was going in front of another one when it was really behind.  Or how about the drawing of himself in the ball?  Just a couple of examples below of Escher's amazing work.

weidmann thanksgiving

Thanksgiving on the lake surrounded by family.  Although it was gray and rainy for the majority of the time I thought Canandaigua Lake sparkled and the occasional rainbow certainly brought even more beauty.

From kayaking (some crazy people in that cold water) to hiking Grimes Glen, Granger Homestead Festival of Trees, polar bear swim, roasting marshmallows by the fire, cooking for 23, playing games, completing puzzles, wine tasting, watching football, Macy's Day parade and movies.  What an amazing, relaxing, busy time by the lake!  We are truly blessed with family!

mini maker faire

3D printers, drones, robots, tearing apart electronics, smoke and air machines and so much more!  What a great way to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon . .  learning about so many STEAM projects.

veterans day fun

On Veterans Day we took some time in the morning to talk about a flag I made at school with students.  They were asked to write the name of a veteran they know on a star.  All of the stars were combined or 'united' to form a flag.  I spoke with the boys about various veterans I know . . . my uncle, my grandfather and a good friends' husband.  They all had different jobs spanning WWII as a cook, part of the Marines Frozen Chosen in the Vietnam War where my uncle fought for this country in -40degF weather for days/months on end in nothing but a few layers of wool or in Afghanistan delivering water.  All important jobs, all serving our country.

Then we were off for some fun on this day off of school (me too!)  Off to RMSC to take in the new exhibit Earth:  Air, Wind and Fire.  We spent the day learning while we played, had waffles for lunch and watched the Parent Trap movie.  What a great way to spend the day with the boys, laughing and having fun . .. precious time.