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.

day to vote

I voted today.  Susan B. Anthony helped provide this right.  Her grave site made history today in Rochester.  Hundreds of people lined up and stood in line for hours to put their 'I Voted' stickers on her grave site.

The boys asked questions about the right to vote, parties and opinions they have heard.  We discussed and gave the information we thought appropriate for their respective ages. 

I made a conscious effort to 'keep them young' and go for a walk in Highland Park for some good old-fashioned fun.  Running in, kicking up and jumping in leaves.  Rolling down a hill together, hiding under a tree and pointing out beautiful leaves.  Small but important.

Without intention we were steps away from Susan B.'s grave site.  Although we didn't stand in line to put our sticker on, the boys recognized the importance.  That is making history for them.