Rocks & Minerals Unit Experiments

The past month we have been studying crystals, rocks and minerals at Ian's request.
Ian was most excited to make rock candy.

We also constructed volcanoes and made them erupt.

Our attempt to make stalactites/stalagmites didn't work too well.

But our crystal gardens turned out beautifully.

January Mix

Ian asked for and received a Rubik's Cube for Christmas. He solved it the first time on January 20th, then he proceeded to solve it multiple more times. He can do it under 5 minutes now and is in the process of making a stop action film of this newly acquired skill.

Erin has had fun playing with friends Sam and Hannah.
They love to be silly together, especially when Ian is taking photos.

Dallin has learned to love books as much as his siblings!
Here he shares some quality "reading" time with Erin.

We got a lot of snow, and the children built a fort in the yard.

Almost every night, the children put on the Celtic music so Dallin can dance.

Pinewood Derby 2010

Ian's annual Pinewood Derby took place on a Saturday, thankfully, so Dad could be around to help. In order to curb some of the competition and troubles often associated with this event, the Stake leaders decided to allot a 3-hour time period for making the cars, decorating them, and racing them. The boys got to choose one of 3 basic designs so when they arrived the cars were pre-cut and ready for sanding.

Ian was a bit bummed he didn't get to paint it (they had to use markers because there wasn't time for paint to dry). However, he decided he could take it home and elaborate more later. The duct tape was holding on the weights.

Ian's car, ready to race!

He was excited his car was speedy!

Here is a close-up of the car parked in his parking garage.

Winter Training 2010

This adventure was the result of a much-appreciated phone call from Hal Black

who invited a certain member of the family to join in a bear denning trip in February.

Wind Cave Trail 16 January 2010

At least it wasn't muddy like 3 years ago!
Instead we hiked along some patches of ice-covered trail.

Yuki came too, since she is a much-neglected dog during the busy weeks.

Megan, April, and Yuki pulled ahead of everyone else
and made it to the cave just as the light was beginning to fade.

They met up with Ian on the way down.
He wanted to explore some alcoves along the trail.

Kevin, Erin, and Dallin returned to the car after hiking part of the way.
Dallin needed to get warm in spite of his multi-layered clothing, fleece, mittens,
and stylish duct-taped boots (his feet are still too small for the smallest boots we have).

The other half of the family returned in the dark, tired, but happy.
Next time we will leave before 4:00 p.m. and put hand warmers in
Dallin's boots.

New Year Hike

Megan offered to tend so her parents could go on an official date
(you know, someplace other than grocery shopping together).

We gratefully accepted and headed up Blacksmith Fork Canyon
after getting Dallin down for a nap.

It was a beautiful afternoon, perfect for a hike.

An added bonus was the air was safe to breathe today.

Kevin kept warm in his new jacket.

Proof that indeed we were together in the canyon!

Left Fork of the Blacksmith Fork River

We didn't see too much wildlife other than birds.
This ouzel provided a bit of entertainment for us.

April concluded that if she could get out like this for a couple
hours every day, then she would be a happier mom.
Anyone interested in hiking, please give her a call
(and bribe Megan to tend again!)

Happy New Year!

From our family to yours!