Little scientist

Audrey spent some time this past weekend learning about static electricity. It was preparation for a science experiment she and Dada will work on and submit for an upcoming science fair at her school. She learned how to make static electricity by rubbing a balloon on her hair and by rubbing a plastic ruler with a wool sock. She then used the static electricity to decorate her wall with balloons, bend a stream of water, make paper dots and salt and pepper crystals dance, roll an aluminum can, and move a Cheerio on a string. She demonstrated the dancing paper dots to her classmates during sharing time at school today.

Borrowing privileges

Audrey signed up for and received her own Multnomah County library card this afternoon.

Stroller pusher

On a return trip from the neighborhood frozen-yogurt shop, Audrey wanted a rest. Kate helped her out by pushing her in the stroller for a bit.

Run for the Arts

Kicking off what will no doubt be many years of school-fundraising events, Audrey participated in Run for the Arts today to raise money for arts classes at her school. It was a nice sunny day for a run, and Dada and Kate and Honey and Honey Grandpa came to cheer her on. She and the other kids ran around the block their school is located on, with one trip around counting as two laps because the block is so long. Audrey kept up a good pace and circled the school five times, for an official count of 10 laps completed. She cooled down with a celebratory popsicle.

After coming home from school in the afternoon, Audrey went with Dada and Kate to her dance class. Audrey had met her dance teacher, Ms. Kat, at a dance class Ms. Kat hosted at Alameda that was paid for with money from last year's Run for the Arts. 

With the run and dance class, Audrey got quite a bit of exercise today, and should sleep well tonight.

Biking to school

Audrey's school is celebrating Earth Day with a week of conservation- and sustainability-themed activities. Students were encouraged to bike to school today, which Audrey did with Mama. She biked the whole way from home to school on Klickitat Street (a distance of almost 2 miles), stopping to walk only for safety's sake when descending the steep hill down to busy 33rd Avenue.

Stumped

Audrey and Kate went to play at Rose City Park this afternoon. It turned out a prominent old tree had been cut down in the park. The stump was large enough for both girls to stand on with room to spare.

Today is Earth Day, and at school Audrey learned that trees give us air and paper. She got upset that the tree had been cut down, because now it couldn't provide anymore air and couldn't be used to make paper.

Nana's birthday

Audrey and Kate helped Nana celebrate her 88th birthday today.

Colorful Kate

Kate experimented with colors this morning using a science kit Audrey passed on to her. She dissolved color tablets in test tubes, learning that hot water dissolved the tablets faster. She learned how mixing colors can make other colors, and used some absorbent crystals to create squishy jewels of color.

Water balloons

Audrey and Kate's friend and neighbor Olivia brought over some water balloons to play with this afternoon. Dada made some for Kate, but she didn't want to toss any, preferring to save hers for later in a Tupperware container.

Outing with the "babies"

Neither Audrey nor Kate had school today. In the morning, they took their "babies" (a couple of their teddy bears) on a stroll to Jim and Patty's for a treat. They pushed the strollers all the way to the coffee shop and back.

Eggs with Olivia

Although Easter was more than a week ago, Kate and Audrey finally got around to dying Easter eggs with a kit Mama had bought. They dyed the eggs with their friend and neighbor Olivia.

Grandpa Dave's birthday

Audrey and Kate helped Grandpa Dave celebrate his birthday at the Old Spaghetti Factory today.

A busy day

Audrey and Kate had a busy day today. It began with the start of a new round of swimming lessons at the pool at the East Portland Community Center. Audrey is in the youth Seal class and Kate is a preschool Penguin. After lunch at the Bipartisan Cafe in Montavilla, they went to Target, where they amused themselves in the toy aisles and Kate got to pick out a camera as a belated Easter gift. Then they headed south to Milwaukie, where they picked up some bread at the Dave's Killer Bread outlet store and helped Mama shop for a new living room rug at the Mill End/Carpet Mill store. They got to pick out some fabric scraps to make crafts with, and rested in a pile of "logs" (rolled-up carpets).

They were pretty good sports about all the schlepping around Mama and Dada put them through, although everyone was a bit worn out when we finally got home. Kate checked out a pea trellis Dada had bought and tried out her new camera. Audrey got to work assembling one of her Easter gifts, a new LEGO Friends set. Kate, getting bored while Audrey was immersed in LEGO assembly, made herself into a "Kate-in-the-box."

Dental duo

Just in time to help with the Easter-candy sugar splurge, Audrey and Kate had dentist appointments today. Maybe Dada should have asked for a discount since Audrey has so many fewer teeth to clean right now . . .