Model Parent

5 Years, 49 Weeks.


I built a model of planet Jupiter for a science project this past week.

Correction:  I "helped" Braelyn build a model of planet Jupiter for her science project this past week.

Actually, her science project and report is on Ganymede, one of Jupiter's 4 Galilean moons.  But we wanted to include a model of the large planet as well.  You'll recall us starting this process last week using balloons to mould the paper maché.

This week we finished painting the models, and made a stage using a box to represent "space".  We used textured black metallic spray paint to put flecks of glitter on the inside part of the box to make some twinkling stars.  We also thought it would be fun to use special effects, so we ordered some UV reactive polymer paint and a black light to give the model a glowing effect to counter the darkness of the box.  We suspended the moon to give it a 3D effect and voîlá!  Our model was complete!

Braelyn using a photo of Jupiter as a template for painting her model.

Adding the UV reactive polymer paint.

Spray painting the box we procured from Mommy's office.

Jupiter and Ganymede, in regular light.

Jupiter and Ganymede, with some other moons and planets, in black light.

So now we work on her tri-fold poster display and her written report.  It's not due until April 28 but I told her the earlier she finishes the less stressed out she'll be the week it's due.  That shouldn't happen with Daddy's help!

I had forgotten how much fun 3rd grade was!

Creating her report by putting facts and information together into groups.

Finding out she accidentally got some of the polymer on her fingers!

Here was our week:

Friday was Crazy Hair Day!  Green for Kohlden 

While Maddy added grey to hers.

Watching and waiting for big sister to finish gymnastics practice.

Maddy trying out her new bike I scored at a garage sale for $10!

We rode over to the community tennis courts to try out our new tennis rackets from  Lolo.

Learning how to play Canadian doubles.

Kohl with an overhead smash!

Maddy decides maybe golf is a better game for her.  Great form Missy!

The ride back home.  Love having a trail inside the neighborhood.

Deciding with Mommy what fun activities we should do outside on Sabbath.

It was decided to go ride the West Orange Trail and go geocaching!

Kohl found the first one!

The second one was hard to reach, so Mommy found it.  The kids eager to see what was inside.

Maddy getting real comfortable on her new bike.  She looks so small on it!

Just a glorious day to be outside and spend it doing family activities.

Mommy helping to find it "in the 'palm' of your hand…"

There was a festival in the middle of Old Winter Garden, so we had to walk our bikes through.

And stop for a bite to eat.

We joined Mommy as she had to order something other than pizza.

On the trail for the town of Oakland, they created a wooden sculpture out of a large tree stump.

Leading the pack on the way back home.

Hooked up the the Grodacks at Chapin Station.

Ocoee's most fearsome (and best looking) biker gang!

Mommy, Corey, and Maddy bringing up the rear.

Getting ready to cross the into the subdivision, from the new one being built across the street.

An impromptu supper and evening at the Grodacks made us get into our pj's before the night was over.

Corey serving up her amazing brownie delight for dessert.

Sunday early morning brought Duncan and I out to the roads of Clermont.

Met up with a lot of cows.

Maddy working on her homework.

Big brother comes over to help read the directions.

Went back to enjoy the festival.

Holding some bear poo.

Really neat creations from vendors.

Maddy working on her hula skills.

Mommy and the kids working on their rhythm.

With the good dinosaur.

And a really friendly Solar Bear!

Getting a tour of a squad car and 

had a chance to get on a real Harley.

Don't mess with us!

Picking out and planting some seedlings from Home Depot.

Supper at Texas Roadhouse, starting the celebration for the Twins' birthday celebration.

Pick up from school on Monday.

After supper art.

Waiting for sister to finish up her student government meeting on Tuesday.

Team lift!

Inspired by Braelyn's model, working on painting their own planets.

Excited to receive her order from Amazon:  the UV polymer and black light arrived Wednesday.

Supper shenanigans.

Homework with Tux.

Making her own lunch for the next day.

Peanut butter and honey an easy favorite!

Received his new cycling jersey from eBay, excited to try it on!

Picnic supper at the park.

Enjoying a little play time before heading home.

Randoms:

Just a gorgeous spring day!

Coming back from our ride Sabbath afternoon, about 6 police cars came screaming into our subdivision.
I followed them on the bike to find them apprehending a suspect with a backpack from someone's backyard.  We've had a rash of burglaries and theft lately in our neighborhood, unfortunately.
Hopefully this capture helps deter and eliminate these criminal occurrences. 

A good route through Clermont and Groveland on Sunday.  Lots of hills, lakes and farms out there.

Tired from the heat on Sunday, didn't mind sharing a bench with the young man in a beard.

Found a couple of 

selfies from Madelyn.

Kohlden too.

And one more from Madelyn.

Red crested woodpecker back, knocking at my window.

Quotes:

• Playing at the tennis courts, Braelyn suddenly made a rush for the water bottle:

          Brae:  "Ugh, I just ate one of those gnats!"

          Me:  "Eww, gross!"

          Brae:  "Crunchy!"

• Picnic at the park, the wind started picking up, threatening to blow away our food.  Brae remembers the story of Jesus on the boat and faces the direction the wind is coming from:

          Brae:  "Peace, be still!"  [the wind starts to subside]

          Maddy:  [excitedly]  "It's peacing be still!!!"

A family of bikers!

Have a great weekend!!