Kandinsky Inspired

Mr. Monkey and I decided to delve into a little impromptu art history session the other day.  Being a child who enjoys the freedom of doing what feels good we decided to look at abstract art.  In our search for what that could mean we came upon Wassily Kandinsky and we really liked what we saw, here is a link to our favourites:

Wassily Kandinsky ~ Our favourites if you scroll down are Composition VII and On White II

So in an effort to imitate we did our own Geometric Abstract paintings:

Thinking about his colour choices

His finished master piece :)  He really liked the flowing lines in both of the examples we saw so was keen to add them into his work with the geometric shapes :)

Our paintings :)

History in Toronto

We went on a field trip recently to one of the first Postal Offices in Toronto (there were four, this is the only one left) and the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (the first free school in the city).  Our adventure began with a ride on the Go Train in the wee morning hours, luckily we had friends there to keep us company and on the right route!

When we got to our destination our group first visited the Post Office.  Mr. Monkey and his friend were being gargoyles while they waited for the session to start:

Inside the children learned about the history of the post office, the building and the importance of this site in the 1800's.  Here are a few pictures of the children using quill pens and learning how to fold the letter so that it too became the envelope.  We didn't know how to make paper at that point and used cotton which was quite expensive.

Sealed with wax

Here is the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse

Reasons to homeschool :)

Inside the schoolhouse

Traditional school attire pinafores and collars

Both children really enjoyed the trip, both were pretty excited to fill Dad in on the details :)  Thanks to Carol for setting it up!!

Nature Study Fun

A couple weeks back we went out and did a nature study of sorts.  Really we focused on the different tree leaves we could see as they were all new and fresh.  Honestly they grabbed whatever was plentiful and added it to their booklets.  We had such a great time exploring!  We also got treated with a personal showing of one huge kite:

Lunch and a show

There were so many dandelions that they were popping their heads off and one ended up behind my glasses, we had a good laugh :-P

Some samples collected (Sorry it's sideways LOL)

Tree climbing on the lilacs :)

We had such a great time enjoying the Arboretum and just being together!

Eating Our Way Around the World! - Japanese Style

On the past Friday we met up with our friends to enjoy some Japanese Cuisine and Bonsai creating.  Here are some pictures of the fun:

The Food

Eating with friends!

Creating a Bonsai Tree from a Cedar - This became what Mr. Monkey called the Turkey Bonsai!

Trim, Trim, Trim

The Bonsai Collection

Afterwards the children played at the park, it was a really fun afternoon!  Thanks to Carol for being such a wonderful hostess and picture supplier (I forgot my camera LOL)

We had made a soup for the potluck but unfortunately it didn't work out.  Our homemade noodles became VERY mushy!  Jacob was disappointed as he had done a lot of the work himself :( We brought Green Tea Ice cream instead, it was pretty tasty!!  Here are some pictures of his soup being made:

Greek Bowls

We're continuing on with Ancient Greece and decided to use some sticky clay to make some bowls.  Not too sure what makes them Greek but the history text we are using suggested it so we gave it a go LOL

We used this clay at Carol's as well, quite mucky at the beginning you need to work it a bit before using

Taking Shape

We put shields on the bowls as we read a saying that Spartan mothers had been known to say, "Come back with your shield, or on it".  Glad we aren't a Spartan LOL

Catching up!

There's been plenty happening here and not enough time to blog any of it! 

You can't start any mass blog post without a head stand...

Our popcorn rock from The Butterfly Conservatory, these really worked out well!

Building forts on the deck

Building pools

Filling the new pool

3D Map of Ancient Greece

Pouring in the Med. Sea and the Aeg. Sea

Making the boat Odysseus was blown about in for many years by Poseidon :)

As we are doing Ancient Greece we also did some Olympic Games at the park today (shot put with rocks, javelin throwing with sticks, standing/running/triple jump into the park sand, 50M dash in the field, discus throwing with tree bark... but forgot my camera!  We had a great time....I'm pooped LOL