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. 

harry potter party

Platform 9 3/4 to Hogwarts Express

After picking wands at Ollivanders, getting a robe from Madame Malkin and a spell book.  The houses were sorted, here is Gryffindor house.

Then a game of Quidditch.

 Harry Potter on the Nimbus 2000.

 Potions class using mandrake root, dandelion root and phoenix tears - FIZZY!

 Hagrid's cake to Ambrose

 The wizards - Blaise, William, Claire, Mark, Aidan, Turi, Joe, Ambrose, Jonathan, Hayden and Mac.

new Rx time

New glasses coming soon!

nine

My smart, handsome, kind, thought-provoking boy has turned nine!  You amaze me with your knowledge and love for reading.  You make me laugh with your silly drawings and stories.  I love that you question things and want to always know more.  You are so giving and sensitive to others; we are so blessed.

We took a hike to Indian Hill on your birthday and even saw a deer (unfortunately too quick to catch a photo of).

 And celebrated with an Architecture lego set and your first pocket knife.