Eugene Field House

The kids had the day off school so we headed to the Eugene Field House for a tour. The interior is completely restored and full of period furniture, toys and household items. An antique baby walker and china vaporizer were two of the unique things we saw and realized these are not modern-day inventions.

Our docent gave us a thorough tour complete with facts about the Field family and the Dred Scott case. There is also a toy museum on the third floor with a current exhibit featuring dolls from around the world. I couldn't stop looking at the handmade dolls on exhibit.

There is also an interactive room for the kids to see the difference between slave quarters and owner's quarters. They dressed up in clothes of the time and saw the difference in toys, bedding and nutrition. Quite an eye-opener for the kids to see the impact of slavery on everyday life.


The final stop was the gift shop filled with vintage reproduction toys, books and kits. The kids picked out a Jacob's ladder toy and build-your-own-ferris-wheel book. Should be great occupations on a cold winter's afternoon.

Math and Science Night

Friend daughter and I went to the first annual Math and Science Night at school and what a show! The turnout was terrific, stations fun and cheerfully staffed with parent volunteers. This was a warm up event for the Science Olympics next year. I think many kids will be gung ho to build egg drop containers, can rollers and participate in the Science Quiz Bowl. Friend son's team took second overall in the Quiz Bowl last year.

Basketball season is off to a great start with practices this week. Friend husband is getting into the swing of things coaching the girl's fifth grade team. Here is a link to a short animation I built in my Intro to Flash class this week in honor of the season.

Rose

This cashmere sock dog was made during a trip to visit my grandma and aunt with my sister, mother and our daughters. Quite a girl crew! We had a great time catching up, playing games and eating, of course.