About two months ago, Kaiden had to work on a Science Fair Project.  In fact, all the kids in the school, grades 6 through 8, had to complete Science Fair Projects.  Kaiden chose to experiment with plants, light and water.  She was going to see if different types of light had an affect on how plants absorbed water.  She set up three different groups of white carnations, one in sunlight, one in incandescent light and one in complete dark.  Each group was put in water colored with red food dye, so that we could monitor the flowers changing color and see if any of them did it faster than the others based on the light source.  We monitored for almost a week, took progress photos, etc.  Then we built her tri-fold presentation.

She had predicted that the flowers in natural light would change color fastest, soaking up the water faster, since natural light was the best source of light for them.  We were wrong.  It turned out that they ALL soaked up the water in the exact same amount of time.  Apparently it did not matter what type of light was shining on them, if a plant is thirsty, it is thirsty... period.

Kaiden came home from school a week after turning it in and was excited becuase her project was picked to be IN the Science Fair. Apparently, everyone had to turn one in, but then only some were picked to be entered into the fair and judged.  Kaiden was one of two in her class.  She was happy.  Today, she came home with a ribbon and a certificate - the Science Fair had taken place and Kaiden took 2nd Place in the Botony category. 

I felt like this was a win for BOTH of us, since I helped. Seriously... I am doing a THOUSAND TIMES better in school this time around.  I am very proud of myself (and Kaiden).

This past weekend was Kaiden's travel soccer team's first tournament of the Spring 2013 season.  We traveled to Midlothian, VA for the weekend, stayed in a hotel and played three of a possible four games.  The girls played amazing in their first game.  They played just okay on their second.  And on Sunday, they played good again.

It was hard to blame them for the performance during the 2nd game, when it was raining and disgusting with a temperature at about 35 degrees.  MISERABLE.  More so for the parents than the kids, since at least they were running around.  We were just sitting... FREEZING OUR ASSES OFF.  It was great putting the kids in all our cars after each game, since the entire field area was a giant red clay mud pit.  The kids did enjoy the weekend though, running around the hotel, swimming and of course... having Kaiden make "videos" with her phone...

Yesterday, I surprised Ashton with a trip to Richmond for the 2013 Lego Kidsfest.  I had seen it was coming to town and talked to my mom about it and she went ahead and bought Ashton and I two tickets to attend (thanks Gammy).  I did not tell Ashton though, I surprised him.  Put him in the car and started driving.  We got about 3/4's of the way there and he said "Mom, can you please tell me where you are taking me, I cannot stand this anymore..." So, I handed him the tickets and said "See if you can figure it out!" He looked at them and just looked at me and smiled.

He was SO HAPPY when we got there.  Upon entering, he could not get over all of the life-sized lego sculptures - especially all of the Star Wars characters.  He liked those the best, especially Boba Fett.  They also had a life size Hobbit building of  Bag End-the Hobbit home of Bilbo Baggins.  It was pretty amazing.

There was an area called "Creation Nation" where they had outlined the U.S. in white legos, then each kid was able to get a green lego plate and build buildings, etc to fill the U.S.  You built it, brought it to a table and told the Lego Staff where you wanted it to go in the U.S.  Ashton built Heinz Field for the Steelers and had them put it in Pittsburgh.

Ashton's favorite part of the day was the Bridge Challenge.  He was put onto a team of six, where they had to work together to build a bridge.  The object to construct a bridge capable of surviving a series of increasing weight tests. The bridge holding the most weight is the winner. Once assembled, each team must carefully carry their bridge to the LEGO pylons that will support the structure.  The secret to successful bridge building: Interlocking.  Lego Mike, who hosted the challenge was AWESOME.  He was so good with the kids.  Ashton's team came in 2nd Place, holding 20 pounds before it crumbled.

We had such a fun day spending time together, building legos and seeing all there was to see.  I cannot even express how great it was to see him so excited and happy.  He must have said thank you a MILLION TIMES throughout the day.  If it comes again next year, I will definitely take him again.  All of our photos from the day can be found here: Lego Kidsfest 2013 Flickr Set and below is a video from the day.

Yet another AMAZING video creation by Kaiden and her friends. This one was sent to me by Britton's mom. They were all over there for Britton's birthday slumber party and this was what came from that.

Kaiden VERY QUICKLY told me when she found out Mags had sent me the videos: "Mom, please don't get all mad about the bad words, it is not US saying them… it is the song. We only mouth it, we did not really say it."

OH… well okay then. That logic makes sense.

For the second year in a row, Kaiden tried out for and was chosen for All City Chorus.  She said that this year 43 kids from grades 6 through 8 tried out and 16 were chosen.  We are super proud of her for making it again and look forward to watching her perform at the Sandler Center for Performing Arts again.  She amazes me with the things she does.  In order to try out, she has to sing a solo in front of everyone.  I don't think I EVER could have done that.  She does it with ease.  I hope that she knows how lucky she is to have that quality... to be that self-confident.  Kaiden - we are proud of you and love you very much!