4th Grade Adventures

To start the school year, the 4th grade class took a trip to Turtle Bay to explore the Grossology Exhibit. Of course, they couldn't just do that - and thank goodness as they was nothing to absorb the noise - so they started by feeding the lorakeets. They were brightly colored and would come to you if you had a nectar cup - though only if they were hungry. One landed on Gabi's hand - which was the most common location - though some landed on shoulders or heads.


Afterward, we ate lunch and watched the animal show - some pretty neat animals - all unable to live in the wild.

Then off to grossology.... all sorts of information - scattered everywhere.... there were games to play along the way as well as a quiz right at the end. Gabi knew quite a bit even without finding all the info.



I was able to go thanks to an awesome friend who took Jacob and Peter. I had no idea how Jacob would do since he still nurses - though I knew he could go without. He did well, and it was so good to be able to go with Gabi on a field trip - I have felt like I missed so much because of too little baby for so many years!

Next, I offered to make the cake for California's birthday. With Bob's help - lots of help - we had is shaped like California... and it was huge! I had layered a yummy moist cake with a oreo fudge center. Then I attempted to take it to school.... Seeing that the edges of the cake when clear to the edge of the board, I didn't want to put it on the floor of the van - not that I could have guaranteed a safe place on the floor anyway. Regardless, the idea of frosting smeared on the floor, or dirt particules on the the cake were not very appealing.

On the way, down a hill and around two corners, the weight of said cake was against me... and it came to hitting a mailbox or losing a cake... though I was hoping not to lose the cake.... the weight was just too much for my arm to maintain control of - seeing that the board was longer than my arms spread out - and I lost. And my van floor had frosting all over it anyway.



I managed not to cry or scream - amazing... and even Peter said "Mom, why aren't you crying about the cake?".... and after sending a sad email to the class teacher, I proceeded to throw together two smaller cakes which were not so elaborately decorated so they could make it to school on time.... no yummy center and the frosting / decorations were a combination of melted chocolate chips and skittles, but it was still warm.

(A side note.... I attempted a moist cake for a friend's baby shower and it was a total disaster.... after that, I decided that my cake making skills have left me... at least the ones that make things look nice... so I'm refusing to make cakes.... at least until Beth's birthday)