Cross Country, Science Club, Crafts, and a Play

Last night was the kids' official last practice and wrap-up awards ceremony. We gathered to watch the team do a final "meet" where they got to race their fellow team mates. I was really proud of both of the kids. They did a great job and gave it their best effort! Our oldest came in second and beat all the boys! Woo, whooa! Way to go! Our oldest son was able to beat quite a few kids older than him. I was beaming with delight as they both crossed the finish line. Here they are with their medals and award certificates. "M" received the courage award for getting past her pre-race gitters and stage fright. "T" got the award for finishing strong. Even if he wasn't one of the first to finish, he really kicked it in at the end of the race and tried not to let anyone pass him.

The older two kids attended their third science club meeting today. Last month's theme was botany and we explored the roots of plants and the vascular system at our last meeting. So, today the kids presented their science projects on botany. "M" decided to do her project on the vascular system of monocots and dicots and "T" decided to do his on how seeds travel. Here are some of the pictures that they included in their project reports. They did a great job!

This month's lesson was on astronomy and we took a closer look at the moon. The kids did a hands-on experiment that helped them to better understand why the surface of the moon looks the way it does. The experiment involved dropping a rock into a container of white sand that had a layer of cinnamon on top. We dropped the rock from different heighths and then measured the diameter, depth, and length of the splash rays. Everyone seemed to enjoy the process and learned more about how objects from outerspace can alter the landscape of the moon.

Today, my oldest daughter also attended a library "art" project class. She, along with some friends, made "haunted" gingerbread houses using lots of candy and chocolate graham crackers. It looks good enough to eat!

Another noteworthy event, "M" has landed a part in the local theatre's Christmas play again this year. She has rehearsal tonight and finds out which role she will be performing. The play is called "Nuncrackers: a Christmas Musical". Not totally sure what the play will be about, but I know there is lots of music and singing, which is right up her alley.