"Building a Bridge" video

Maya had a partner challenge in the science class at her school to build a bridge that would support as much weight as possible.  They had a 'budget' and could only buy a certain amount of supplies.  She and her friend Lexi designed a bridge together.  

 Before the start they estimated how much weight their bridge would hold.  Maya and Lexi ambitiously guessed 38 lbs.  

After the fact, the dramatic shots of the broken bridge.  Their bridge held 40lbs with was a second place finish in the class.

The video of the end of the test right when the weight stress on the bridge started showing...

Legoland!

Our first trip to this massive Mecca for Lego.

 At the gates.

Excited children.

We started the day with the whole clan.

Lego Deathstar.

Royal Joust ride is thrilling for him.

A bit less so for her.

Shot from our first roller coaster ride, The Dragon. Dexter seems to enjoy roller coasters after the fact...or so he claims.

Maya and Dexter in the stocks.

Vivi is locked up.

After a little time in the park, Coco and Nate left with Mom and Dad and we got to keep playing with Vivi.

Welcome to Miniland.

Looks familiar.

Now for Coastersaurus!

Dexter continues his post ride enjoyment.

Lego selfie.

Uncle and niece.  Fun times!

More Fun With Cousins

Another beautiful day in Southern California.

Maya taking care of David.

Racing to the beach.

The crew minus Coco.

Dexter test out the stroller.

Fun at the beach!

Beards!

Thanksgiving in SoCal

We decided to head down south to meet the latest Higgins/Dyke this Thanksgiving.  En route, we stopped for a quick sleepover at the Kender Page.  So excited to be with two of our favorite families on Thanksgiving day.

 First stop, Maddie and Max's house for some fun on the bunk bed...

...and fun with Sam's in-house VR setup.  Here is Momma, playing a game where archery is required.  It's weird.

Jess getting some love from Maddie and Maya.   We stayed at their house Wednesday night.

 After Thanksgiving breakfast in Burbank, we headed further south to Encinitas to visit the cousins.

We got to meet the latest cousin, David.

David and Charlotte.

David and Daddy.

 David and Maya.

 David and Momma.

Close-up of Char and David.

Preparing dinner.

Nearly there.  Kid table ready!

Dinner time!

Storytime with Maya.

Happy cousins.

A Family That Marches Together

The latest developments in politics has inspired some new family activities.  Two high school students in our county planned a march on FB in San Rafael and a couple thousand people showed up.  It was a very positive event with people sharing concern for a wide range of issues.

 Making posters.

At the start point.

Let's do this!

The kids show off their posters at the end of the march where we awaited speakers.

Family photo.

The organizers speak.

The crowd listens.

Maya finds some of her friends.

First political march...SUCCESS!

Midsummer Night's Dream

Maya decided to try being the play at her new school.  4th-8th graders are allowed to perform so it was a new experience for all her friends.  Mom also decided to volunteer to help with the play too.  College scene painting class back in use once again.  

 Mom found herself painting night-time tree trunks for the four main trees.

The final set.

 Kids prepping before the show.

The back of Maya looking out to the auditorium at the Marin Civic Center.

Maya is ready for makeup to become Peaseblossom, one of the fairies.

Maya waiting with her fellow fairies.


One of the Titanias with her faithful fairies.

On stage!

Maya after the show.

Maya dabbing with her pal, Sophia.

Maya gets some flowers.

Flower reaction shot.

 

Happy girl.