Ancient China at the MIA

Not long ago we began to notice the billboards "TERRACOTTA WARRIORS; MIA."  Beneath the headline were groups of stern and intriguing clay men--from China, ancient China.   Solomon wanted to go, so did I.  When I found out that the museum's next family day was China themed, and that the exhibit was free that day, well, we had to go.  Charlotte's friend Ivy came with us (she had also noticed the billboards).   We spent the morning looking through the website for the exhibit, and got a bit of the history on China's first emperor, Qin Shihuang, the man who was buried with all this treasure.  It is intriguing to look back on these larger-than-life men.  They are often both terrible and incredibly influential.  A reformer, uniter, and mass murderer,  Qin Shihuang was both brilliant and cruel.  

Here we are outside the exhibit.  Behind the kids is a replica of some of the statuary found buried near emperor Qin Shihuang's tomb.  

Best friends, holding hands through the museum.  Both of these preschool cuties did a great job holding my hand in the Terracotta Warriors exhibit (even though our hands got sweaty--not their favorite).  I held them up to see the things that were displayed to high up, so it was a great workout for me.  Charlotte was happy to find the gold tiger we'd seen online in the preview section of the website.  It was tiny!  Ivy liked the bells.  They were beautiful green copper and very decorative.  The shape was nothing like a western bell.  A couple of them are also in the online preview.  The coins were interesting too.  Some of them looked like little swords.  Others looked much like modern coins.  They were round with a square hole in the middle.  

Solomon was interested by the fact that three dimensional triangular arrowheads were better than flat arrowheads.  There were about twenty such arrowheads on display, about the length of a pencil.  He and I also marveled at the stone armor.  Much like a mail shirt, they were made of many squares of precisely cut stone sewn together with copper.  He was also impressed by an excellently preserved swords.

Nova found the metal birds intriguing.  Held up by clear plastic stands and with a few modern pieces linking together what was left of the original metal, the cranes and ducks reminded me of dinosaur skeletons wired together.  They were all a beautiful verdigris and very life-like.      

Of course the warriors were the main event.  There were about seven warriors and two horses (the saddled horse was Nova's favorite).  They are  all carved in three dimensions with details all around.  Each face is unique.  Standing life size (or slightly larger), they are imposing statues.  The glass barriers around them allowed Charlotte and Ivy to see them easily.   

Another replica, right at the entrance of the museum.  These two replicas were the only things we could photograph from the traveling exhibit, though there are many pictures on the MIA's website. 

Nova took the camera and snapped shots of interesting artwork.  She captured one of my favorites, the Jade Mountain.  It depicts an ancient Chinese poetry conference.  (Unless Nova is in the photo, she took it).     

Ivy made a point of showing us the fountain.  Of course, we had to throw some coins in the fountain and make a wish or two.   Wishing you a wonderful week! 

P.S.  If you wish to see the Terracotta Warriors for free, there are two more Target Family Days before they depart.  Though they are not China themed, the exhibit is still free those days.       

Election 2012

Watching the Vice Presidential Debate without a TV--we got the last one on the 'big screen.'

Election education began with the debates.  The kids quickly dubbed the candidates "Mr. Red" and "Mr. Blue" (because of the color of their ties).  In a country so uncomfortably aware of race, I find it interesting that the kids found the candidates' tie color more notable.  At first they were leaning Republican, but by the end, they were all for Obama.  Nova and Charlotte made campaign signs, hung them around their necks and marched around the house.  Obama had very big ears in Nova's depiction.  Solomon watched more debates than any of the other kids.  By the end all the kids' appetite for political debate was gone.  Nova did try to engage me and Charles in a "Paredential Debate" which was to lead up to an election for parent in charge.  We mostly agreed, so sadly, it wasn't much fun.  

BrianPop Civics

The weekend before the election and that Monday and Tuesday, we read from Nancy Gill's The Presidential Election curriculum.  We also watched a tone of BrainPop videos on the subject.  We covered voting, the election, the origin of the two major political parties, the three branches of our government, origins of democracy, and suffrage.  One of the videos also discussed the 2000 election and we talked a bit about that afterwards.  Solomon was very upset about the electoral college.  He found it very unfair and kept insisting that it meant that our votes didn't really count.  

I got out my reproduction US Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence for effect.  The kids had trouble reading them, and so did I (despite the foot note stating that they'd been slightly altered for legibility!).

 Nova and Solomon both tried their hands at the online computer game "Win the White House."  They both lost the first time.  Nova was determined to win, so had a second go at it.  She won by a landslide.

There were plenty of yard signs, pro and con, in our neighborhood for the state amendments on the ballot this year.  Below are a two of our friends who both showed up to a Halloween party decked out in "VOTE NO" attire.  Our church had also been very active in the marriage amendment.

  

On election day Nova, Solomon and Charlotte all 'voted' via http://www.nationalmockelection.org/results/.  They also went with me to vote.  The lines were longer than normal, but it still took us less than half an hour.  We went over to the Spindler election party around 7:00.  It was fun to watch the results as a group.  I brought along electoral college maps to color in as we went.  They also saw Your Not Elected Charlie Brown (thanks Brynn--it was a bonus feature on The Great Pumpkin DVD you got us so long ago).   In 2008, I spent election night as a reporter, covering the Democratic headquarters.  That was a whole different kind of fun, exciting, but also grueling.  That was the year that Minnesota's senate race went to a recount (and kept everybody up forever on election night).   

By the time they called the election, half our crew was asleep, and we'd all had plenty of dessert.  All in all it was a very good evening, and an educational election.  Now if only I can convince Charles to become a citizen so he can vote next time around!       

Halloween 2012

Leaving for Trick-or-Treating

Charlotte and Nova at Charlotte's Preschool Halloween Party

The annual Halloween Bonfire, a few blocks from our house (yes, it's  that  big!)

The Fire Demon by the Bonfire

On the Way Home

Boys Can Sew

Solomon decided to be a fire demon for Halloween this year.  He had very clear ideas on how he should look.  The initial description involved lots of red and orange sequins, hair, hair spray and claws. It evolved to include fangs, possibly face paint, and a slippery iridescent fabric that resembles snakeskin.  A floor length cape was a must.  

While I had intended to make the cape for him, Ariadne, his baby sister, had other ideas.  And so, Solomon made most of it himself!  It was a slippery, difficult fabric for a beginner, but the pattern was forgiving.  He fared very well on my mid-century Bernina.  The results were just what he was after.  

Trick-Or-Treating

The 'Fire Demon' at the annual Halloween Bonfire put on by our fire department

Field Trip to the Kerlan Collection

On a Friday in mid October, Solomon and Nova and I went on a field trip to the U of M's Kerlan Collection.  The archive houses the personal papers of writers and illustrators of children's books.  They have first drafts, rejection letters, gallies, sketches, fan mail, correspondence between authors and illustrators, color-separated plates for inking, etched stone--just about anything you can imagine.  Another homeschool parent (who happens to be an English Professor and children's author) organized the field trip.

Meredith, the librarian at the Kerlan Collection, did a wonderful job sharing the collection with our group.  After a presentation covering what the collection has and how to request materials, we got nearly two hours to sift through boxes of materials of well known children's authors and illustrators.

The first box she opened was of from D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths, (this happened to be one of the sources we referenced when making our final decision on Ariadne's name).  Solomon found an uncorrected copy of Hatchet in Gary Paulsen's box, as well as an early manuscript of Tucket's Gold filled with the editor's suggestions.

Nova plunked down with a large box of author/illustrator Don Freeman (creator of the Corduroy series), determined to get through the whole thing.

I flitted back and forth, looking at family photos of Wanda Gag, illustrations by Maurice Sendak,Tomie dePaola, and an idea journal of Anne Ursu's from The Shadow Thieves.  We were free to look at any of the 30-plus boxes they had brought up to the reading room.

Chris Van Allsburg playing with negatives

We got a special treat when Meredith offered to take the group down to the 'bat cave.'  The place where all the books are housed actually is a cave.  Ninety feet underground, nestled in naturally existing limestone caves in the Mississippi river bluff, are shelves upon shelves of books, pictures, posters, comic books, and periodicals.  There are walls so it doesn't feel too spooky--though there are giant cardboard cut-outs that appear at the end of the stacks here and there.  We ran into Officer Friendly an Paul Bunyan.  As a matter of security, no pictures are allowed so you'll just have to imagine.... Nova mentioned that it seemed sort of military, and we found out that some Urban Explores had found the site during construction and posted pictures online, claiming the U of M was building an underground missile silo.  As we passed the comic book collection, Meredith our librarian mentioned that there had been a court case attempting to ban all comic books.  There was a collective gasp from all the children.  It made me smile to know they all take their freedom of speech (and their comic books) so seriously.  The day was full of fun moments like that.

McKitrick Family Reunion

We had a wonderful long weekend with the McKitrick side of the family at the end of the summer.  Lots of food, games, and of course, catching up.  We also got to meet two new people, Chris and Sylvan.  (Well, Charles and I got to meet Sylvan last May, but no one else had).  Little Ariadne got to know everyone as well.  We missed Tom and Lehaina, who were unable to come because of work commitments, but everyone else was there.  First time in seven years!

                          

Tim and Brenda enjoyed the royal gag gift treatment for their 25th wedding anniversary (as well as some real gifts).  Marianne's 29th was just a few days away, and Leslie turned 30.  They had a joint birthday cake!

Kathy and Leslie in with all the balloons.  We had a lot to celebrate!

Everyone took turns cooking.  Sylvan and Marianne's night was a highlight.  There were also many favorite confections made by Aunt Kathy.  Double fudge and butter tarts anyone?

Just a note--all meals were gluten free.  It is possible, even with 19 people at every meal.

Everyone gathered round to see the flambe.  Cooking with fire is always a hit.  Later in the weekend we made s'mores around a fire in the backyard.     

One night there was a tornado warning just as everyone was about to go back to the hotel (or wherever their respective beds were).  We all trouped down to the basement.  As it turned Marianne and Matt had just gotten back from an expedition that left just about everyone age 3-30 with a Nerf gun.  The largest Nerf gun battle I've ever seen ensued.  The kids loved it.  I daresay the 20 and 30-somethings enjoyed it even more.  Kathy thought to grab her camera, but I did not, so if you do not know Kathy, I guess you'll have to imagine it.  The tornado never materialized.    

Risk

Aside from the Nerf fight, most games were of the board variety.  Settlers of Catan, Dominion and Risk all made an appearance.  Canasta is also ever-popular. Solomon got his first chance to play Risk, which he had been waiting for for a long time. He held his own.

More Risk.  It is a very long game.  

Canasta

If it seems that everyone is wearing blue, it is because we all gathered this particular morning (Saturday) for what I've come to think of as the blue picture. A photographer came and did a 19 person family portrait. Our instructions were to wear blue. The proofs have come in, and they all turned out very well. Les and Aunt Kathy are playing with baby Ariadne above.

The girls all enjoyed Snow White while the games were going on. (Don't worry Mom and Dad, Ariadne did not see any scary parts).

Charlotte made friends with Victoria

There were several outings as well.  A contingent went to the State Fair.  Several people headed off to the Mall of America.  I think our family decided it was the better part of valor to stay home and have a nap that afternoon.  I know those that went out had fun.  Solomon and Nova gave an impromptu violin recital.  Toward the end of the weekend Sylvan pulled out his saxophone and Nova grabbed her violin.  They jammed and Charlotte danced.  

     

{phfr}

{pretty}

Autumn is absolutely my favorite season, but it's beauty is so fleeting.  Last night was one of my prettiest experiences of Fall yet this year.  These photos are from a hike we took to Ivy Falls, not far from our house.   

{happy}

I was so, so happy to get a good gluten-free pie crust recipe!  It tastes just the way it should, and it even rolls out.  Charlotte is helping put on the top--notes. 

{funny}

The wind blew our towels in knots--identical ones!  Bizarre.

  

{real}

Boredom set in early this Saturday.  Some days no amount of toys and books can get a three year old through two hours of orchestra/group practice.  Sometimes it helps to sit upside down.

For any of you wondering about {phfr} (pretty, happy, funny, real) this button wiill take you to the blog that initiated it.

Monday, October 1st, 2012

Hi all!  This post is just to give you some idea of what we do every day.  This is what we did on Monday.  

We started with violin.  Then the kids did Singapore Math.  At break they ran around the house and helped me make apple pie.  Then it was back to Singapore Math.

For math enrichment, we looked at shapes.  I drew a number shapes and had the kids identify them.  I asked them what shape was missing.  Solomon answered triangle, which is what I was hoping for.   Nova answered circle, which was also true.  I added the triangle and asked them what was special about it.  Solomon figured out that all the other shapes could be split up into triangles.  I let the kids try their hand at that.  Next we went over the different types of triangles.  From there we talked about angles a little bit and did an exercise to prove that all triangles angles add up to 180 degrees.  Solomon finished early, so he spent some time on http://www.mathsisfun.com/triangle.html messing around with triangle angles.

Play group was at the park with the big hill and the weeping willow.  We played for over two hours.

In the evening Ariadne's insistence that she eat too was overwhelming.  Charlotte graciously allowed her to borrow her bib, and we broke out the baby food grinder.  Broccoli seemed the best choice.   Officially her first foods were pear and apple, which she grabbed right out of my hands, but this was the first time it was on purpose (from a parents perspective).  It is also arguably her half birthday!  Since there is no September 31st, we aren't quite sure if was yesterday, or is today.  

{phfr}

If you are a regular reader of this blog, we are trying something new with this post.  It is called Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real--the idea being to post a picture from each category.  The women at the blog Like Mother Like Daughter came up with the idea, and they do it every Thursday.  These are all from our camping trip to Madeline Island.  

{Pretty}

Madeline Island is pretty.  The beach there is beautiful, one of the most idyllic places I've been in years. I never knew one could swim in lake Superior, since we usually see it from it's North Shore.  We were all happy to take a dip in the clear and not too cool water.  The sand was like something straight from the Caribbean.  

{Happy}

This is our youngest camper, and she is happy!  Taking a baby tent-camping turned out very well.  

{Funny}

I told Nova to be sure she got the sunscreen all the way to her hair line.  This is what happened.  She was mock-exasperated, but even she had to admit that it was rather funny.  

{Real}

Here is the reality of a seven hour road trip with four kids.  Never mind that it was supposed to be a four hour trip.  Construction, construction, construction.