Fort Ticonderoga, Robots, Halloween!! Catch up time!

We've had some computer problems that are finally resolved so now I am playing catch up! In October Maddie and Brian took a day off to attend homeschool day at Fort Ticonderoga. The day included a guided tour of the fort which they really enjoyed. We are hoping they continue to have these days at the Fort! Brian said it was well attended so that should help!

Then we spent a Saturday afternoon at the 4H office working with other kids on the 4H National Science Experiment. This year the challenge was to build an "Eco-bot" to clean up a beach that had a spill on it. The robot is a toothbrush head with a battery and pager vibrating motor attached. This worked a whole lot better than the one we had made back in February for the Homeschool Science Fair.

Maddie and "Eco"

After the robot was built the kids were given a variety of materials to build a containment area for their bot to help it clean the beach.

Once the area was set up each kid was given some rice that had to be swept up by their "bot". It was a tough challenge!

If this doesn't come through try this link to Youtube. I'm not sure what exactly is going on lately but I can't seem to make Blogger and Youtube like each other!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKMSac5JKQI&feature=youtu.be

We painted Maddie's room the next weekend but pictures will have to wait still! We are trying to get things organzied and set up but are very very glad the painting is done! Maddie picked "Pacific Pleasure" and boy is it BLUE! As you can see by Momma's foot. I stepped in the paint....don't ask, you don't want to know! Someone could've had a hilarious video if they had been there with me at just the right moment!

Then it was on to Halloween! Maddie wanted to be Hermione but also wanted a blue and silver Ravenclaw scarf. She took a quiz that said she would be in Ravenclaw. I knitted her a scarf but we purchased everything else. It was a great costume for warmth. Not a worry that she would be cold! She loved every minute.

We were so impressed with this pumpkin! I can't imagine getting that mouth just exactly right to fit the smaller one in there! Those are Maddie's feet heading to the door.

Cider and donuts from the firemen. An annual Scotia tradition.

Yesterday the Mohawk Monarchs went to the Pine Bush as a group for a nature hike. We had taught everyone how to make a nature journal and thought this would be a great way to add things to it. Maddie did more walking and talking with the guides than journaling but she has quite a head start on the rest of the group! We had a great time but boy, the ticks were out in force. We were tucking pants into socks and checking the kids constantly. Apparently ticks like cold better than hot! Maddie had on her tall wellies so didn't seem to have much trouble. Brian and I managed to stay on the path so we didn't have much issue either. Other than that we all had a great time.

The hats are the best!

Bunch of cute kids!

So thats where we are at! Next weekend all the grandparents are stopping over for an "open house" so Maddie can show off her schoolwork. More on that later!!