Category: Learning

Flight Lesson

Today, for Cadence’s 10th birthday, she had her first flight lesson.

After 30 min of inspecting the plane and learning long French words, she was ready to fly.

I was in the back seat, and was able to take photos as we flew over our neighborhood.

She got a little motion sick toward the end, but she did really well, and I hope she’ll try again soon.

Soda Bottle Rockets

Today I was reminded about the joy of soda bottle rockets as the kids were watching an episode of The Magic School Bus about air pressure. I decided to build some with the girls.

We used bottles with different shapes. Aurora’s rocket (left) is the Flower Power, using a 2-liter Sprite bottle. My rocket (center) is the Citrus Blaster, using a 1-liter Smart Water bottle. Cadence’s rocket (right) is the the Lightning Bolt, using a 1-liter CocaCola bottle. The fins are made of foam core board and the nosecones are made out of poster board. I used generous amounts of packing tape to attach the parts and protect them from water. By the way, the trick to removing the adhesive left behind when you remove the bottle labels is butter. Just rub butter over the adhesive and then clean with dish soap.

IMG_3574

Our launch pad was a small cardboard box I cut a hole in and covered in packing tape. Aurora’s Flower Power rocket flew the highest, Cadence’s Lightning Bolt rocket had the most control. My Citrus Blaster flew the lowest and least straight. Blaise was pretty impressed with the launches, and eager to use the pump some day. Next time we want to try taking slow motion video of the rockets launching.

IMG_3580

Curiodyssey

I took the kids to Curiodyssey today to give mommy, who’s sick, a chance to get some needed rest.

They really enjoyed playing with the sand table.

IMG_3355

Basically anytime they get to play with anything wet or dirty they’re having a great time.

IMG_3361

The Zoo

We went to the zoo last week. I saw a Reticulated Giraffe sticking its tongue out.

Reticulated Giraffe at San Francisco Zoo

I also saw a Greater Kudu.

Greater Kudu at San Francisco Zoo

I even saw a Grant’s Zebra.

Grant’s Zebra at San Francisco Zoo

It was foggy almost all day. The sun came out only once.