Super Guppy

Today, the kids and I went to The Museum of Flight to watch the arrival of the Super Guppy.   The Super Guppy is an oversized airplane, used for carrying large components which just can't fit into a regular plane.   It is owned by NASA - not surprisingly because NASA tends to have large things that are difficult to transport :)    Today's delivery was part of the Space Shuttle Trainer - the crew compartment to be precise.   

The Super Guppy was running late so we had some time to kill.

Kai played with his plane, while Isaac became engrossed in a book.

Our first view was an odd shaped airplane appoaching.

Once it was closer, we could see the odd shape much better.

It did a fly by first, and then came back for it's landing.     Any guesses why it's called The Super Guppy ;-) 

And finally, the Super Guppy landed - with Seattle born astronaut Greg Johnson, at the controls.

The plane opens in half, allowing for the cargo to be removed.     We also had a chance to explore the museum but ran out of time due to the fact that we wanted to get home in time to greet Ben - back from his trip to Amsterdam.    We will definately have to head back on another day when we have more time and there are less people there - perhaps on one of the days when Elizabeth is at Summer Camp because my two boys were definately more interested.

Race Results

Tonight, at church, the boys had their Pinewood Derby.   They have all been making cars for the past few weeks and the big race happened during our Kids Club breakup.    It was a very close match, but Isaac ended up getting second place.    As you can see in the photo below, Isaac & Joel tied for second place by only .001 of a second.   They had to have a tie breaker race for 2nd position, which he won.

He was so very excited and very proud of his achievement.   

Here is Isaac with the other finalists, in eagar anticipation for the first heat.

Unfortunately, it's out of focus but the blue car which is crossing the line first is Isaac's car!

Kai & Elizabeth also had fun.

The girls had a Derby Fashion Parade.   They all created hats, and modeled them during the races.   Elizabeth won "Most Creative Hat".

Kai had fun watching the cars race for a time, but when that became boring he went visiting his friends or playing with Ben or I.

Grade 2 Spelling

I love our schools grade 2 spelling program.   During the year, a group of volunteer parents come into the classroom and work through spelling lists with the children.    Any words they get wrong go onto their weekly spelling lists - so it's personalised spelling for each child.

Elizabeth's class are amazing spellers.   There are some children who are lagging behind but a large number of them are into the harder spelling lists, our girl included.

This week Elizabeth's words are:
eventually
flies
foreign
formerly
fortunately
guarantee
almost
hilarious
imagination
impatient
inference

I've got to admit that I'm impressed with her spelling ability.

I've had the joy of marking the spelling tests weekly this year.   It's been a volunteer job that I have loved doing.    I get so excited when I see a student who was previously stuggling, find their way.   And I get all concerned when a student suddenly goes from getting perfect marks and then only just passing, then suddenly doing well again.    What just happened in their life, to go through such a dramatic dip?

I think I'm going to miss spelling next year.