March Stuff

Some of what the boys were up to in March...

Burke took them to Krasl for a family event in the pottery studio. It was a spring theme. Evan made a caterpillar. Ryan made a turtle. 

They are very much into Pokemon cards these days.

We had only our second snow day of this season. We've had very little snow this winter. I'm definitely not complaining. 

At Krasl again... The boys participated in the Lego building competition. They boys were on the same team this year, along with one other boy, and they won first place! Their design evolved into a vacation house with a removable roof. 

Ryan, Evan, their winning structure, and bag of prizes.

This was our third year participating in this event, and I think Ryan's last as he's pretty much aged out. That's okay, because his interest is shifting to stop-motion animation, which was also offered as part of this special weekend of activities at Krasl. He now has stop-motion apps on his iPad, and has made a movie at home with Burke.

Evan's snowman was selected for the Elementary Art Super Show. His buttons and scarf had interesting patterns, and his glasses and earmuffs made it stand out. Evan asserts that his brother having glasses has nothing to do with his snowman having glasses. He said it's to keep the snow out of his eyes, so more like goggles, I guess. We're proud of this kiddo!

Ryan's art was not selected this year, and don't worry, I asked the art teacher about it. She implied she was trying to spread the wealth, so to speak. I told her I just wanted to make sure she was seeing continued effort, interest, and engagement from him. She said she was, so that's good. Ryan had a couple mature, reasonable responses about not having art in the show for the first time in his life. First he said something like, "I can't win everything," with a "duh" voice inflection. And after attending the reception, as we were leaving, he said something like, "I'm disappointed, but it's okay."

The boys also submitted science projects this month. This is voluntary for students in K-3, though it becomes mandatory for grades 4-5. Students in grades K-3 can present a collection, demonstration, or  an experiment using the scientific process. Students in grades 4-5 MUST do the scientific process option. Both boys opted to present a collection. 

Evan focused on "funny freaky fruits." It took some coaxing to capture/retain Evan's interest in completing this project. [I don't know if we'll expect him to participate for his remaining years of optional participation.] Nevertheless, he finished it, and we're proud of him for seeing it through. 

Ryan presented a collection of "cool camouflage critters." Did you know there are 4 categories of camouflage? Ryan happily researched, compiled, and organized his information. We're proud of his effort and studiousness.

So that was some March Stuff. We also got a new washing machine in March, as our 6-1/2 year old one conked out. We rang in April with a virus for the whole family. We are hoping to be healthy soon, and are ready for spring: green trees and warmer temperatures.