What's the Matter?

Fletcher and I have enjoyed reading What's the Matter in Mr. Whisker's Room? by Michael Elsohn Ross which follows a group of students as they explore matter with the guidance of their cool science teacher Mr. Whiskers. Through exploration and discovery the students learn 'big ideas' about matter: everything around us is matter and all matter takes up space, we can find out about matter by using our senses, matter can come in different forms, matter can change from one form to another, all matter has weight, and some matter dissolves in other matter. This is a cleverly written book that my 5 year loves and understands, however, I do leave out some of the commentary from a few of the students (regarding snot, not sharing, etc.) as we read but this doesn't impact (or should I says positively impacts) the story. There are directions in the back of the book for conducting the explorations yourself.

Today Fletcher and I made Oobleck:7 tablespoons cornstarch and 4 tablespoons water. Oobleck changes forms almost instantly from solid to liquid and then back again and demonstrates the 'big idea' of how matter changes form. Pretty cool!

Photos above: making Oobleck, Fun Dough, and Gloop.

What We're Reading

Have I mentioned my child is really into science and experiments?

Here are his current favorite books:

Now and Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin
Electricity and Magnetism Fundamentals: Funtastic Science Activities for Kids
Transformed: How Everyday Things are Made
Inventor McGregor
Gizmos and Gadgets: Creating Science Contraptions that Work (and Knowing Why)

Thank goodness of the public library!

Summer has Begun!

Fletcher is officially ready for summer! He has been planning for a few days to fill the pool, drink lemonade and relax in the pool. Mission accomplished!

Saying Goodbye to St. Alban's Weekday Preschool

Thursday was Fletcher's last day as a 'preschooler.' He has attended St. Alban's for the past 3 years. We had a rough year, but are thankful for the love and support of Mrs. Meg and the staff. On Thursday, Fletcher's class sang songs and recited poems for parents and were presented with stones with their names and the trait which the teachers felt most described each student. Fletcher's is inquisitive. Imagine that! Afterwards they celebrated with pizza. Yum!

Shining Hope Farms

Well Monday was our last day of PT at Shining Hope Farms. Fletcher has really enjoyed his time spent there and loved the horses very much! We are hoping to be able to let him take riding lessons at a local stable this summer or in the fall to foster his interest in horses. Fletcher enjoys riding but also the work that goes along with horseback riding like mucking stalls and cleaning hooves. Here are some photos from our last visit on Monday.

Pick-up Truck

I've been eyein' this truck in Cornelius sitting on the side of the road "For Sale" for some time now and drove past it today with my wonderful friend Danielle who shared my enthusiasm for its fabulous -ness. So we stopped and snapped a few photos. Love the color and the rust. Loved it even more that it was unlocked and that we got to sit inside. Can't wait to see the ones she took with her camera!

Botanical Beauties

Some of my favorites from yesterday!

Mother's Day

Hope all the wonderful mother's I know had a Happy Mother's Day! I sure did! My mom came on Saturday and on Sunday we headed to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden near Gastonia. But first I got showered with some wonderful gifts: $$ from Mom and Aaron for a pedicure, earrings from Ed, and a book titled "Mommy Super Love" from Fletcher. The book is the best gift ever! Filled with photos of Fletcher and I over the past 5 years and lots of love, it made my heart melt.

The gardens and fountains at DSBG were beautiful! We enjoyed a picnic on the lawn under a tree near the Orchid Conservatory before exploring. Mom and I loved looking at all the plants and flowers. Fletcher loved the fountains and the willow maze. I don't think Ed loved any of it, but he was a good sport for Mother's Day. It was a great day!

Birthday-palooza

We celebrated with Isabelle on Thursday with cookies with pink frosting and sprinkles. Happy 5th birthday, sweet girl! We love you!

Saturday Fletcher attended a birthday party at Latta Equestrian Center for his school friend Caroline. There were ponies, face painting, a hayride, and cake. Fun! Happy birthday, Caroline!

Fletcher

Here is Fletcher's school picture taken in March, age 4 3/4.