Shaker Slime!

 Steve Spangler Science never lets us down.

Today was a perfect day to make shaker slime.

 Measuring carefully.

The cups came with ounce markings on the outside. It was very easy to measure out two ounces of clear slime goo.

 Then we added a color fizzing tablet to make our slime pretty.

 There was plenty of supplies in this one kit to invite the neighbors over to enjoy the fun.

After mixing in the cross-linker solution, shake, shake, shake!

The instruction sheet gives an explanation of the experiment and teaches about polymers.

 Gracie's slime.

 Luke is smiling here.

But, this is what Luke really thought about holding the slime.  He has never liked to get too gooey.

Science is fun!

Fun on the Lake

 We were so happy to see our beautiful daughter in law today.  She is visiting from Georgia while Matt was in California.  I was also happy to be able to finally give her her birthday afghan.  Hopefully she can squeeze it into her suitcase on her flight back home.

Now on to a very, very heavy photo post of the kids enjoying themselves at Oneida Lake this afternoon.

It was a great way to bring an end to summer.....in fact, tonight the temperatures are supposed to be in the 40's around here.

My, What Big Eyes You Have!!!

Homemade Solar Oven--take two

 Six years ago, we made our first solar oven (from scratch). 

The little kids don't remember this, so, thanks to Green Kid Crafts today was their turn.

 This project was part of the August box:  Green Energy.

As always, everything was included in the box (except the makings for the s'mores.

 Kimberly putting the final touches on the solar oven.

 First we preheated the oven out in the bright sunshine.

After about 15 minutes we put the graham crackers and marshmallows into the cooker.

You wouldn't want to add the chocolate at this point or it would turn to liquid.

The inside of the over gets HOT!

 After the marshmallows were in the oven about 20 minutes, we added the chocolate.

 We only left the chocolate inside the oven for about 5 minutes.

 After the five minutes, the chocolate was very melted...and very hot.

 Now that's a good s'more!

Thanks Green Kid Crafts for another great project.

August Kiwi Crate-2014--Amusement Park

 We received our August Kiwi Crate + sibling pack yesterday.  The sibling box contains enough material for two children to complete the projects.

This month's theme is fittingly, Amusement Park.  Especially since our state fair started yesterday.

 The next item in the crate was a card describing the contents of the next 3 boxes.  They really look like a lot of fun.

 Because we subscribe with a sibling pack, we get two copies of the "explore!" magazine.  This is full of stories and games and little projects that correspond with this months them.  There are directions for a bean bag toss game, and the cut out activity which encourages your child to create their own roller coaster.

As always, very indepth, child friendly instructions are included for all the projects. 

 

 Kim and Luke decided they wanted to make the "my silly squirters" right away.

Directions with words and pictures are all the kids need to make the projects on their own.

 

As always, every single material needed for the project is included in the book.

 Nice looking clown, Luke,

 Getting busy

 There was even a  gold tee and ping pong ball included to complete the silly squirters.

I love this idea and the kids had a ball with them.

 squirt guns are included.   They were small but very strong and accurate.

 sibling competition.

 The clowns are made of foam, so they are completely waterproof which will definitely prolong their use.

Also included in this months crate is a set of two bumper cars each.  These look like fun and will be made tomorrow. Again, everything, down to the smallest detail are included.

As an add on, I ordered face paint.  We are looking forward to this fun.  It will be just like we are at an amusement park!



...and away she goes....

 We are so proud of all the hard work Amy has done to make this day possible. 

 Two non-stop jobs, and now she is on her way. 

After having to take a year off of college, she has earned her way back for another year.

Now we will be counting the days until your first break and you make the trip home!