Having fun and saving green

We had a blast last week and it was all free (thus saving some green)!  From the foam party at Discovery Green to the Texas A&M Chemistry Road Show at the library, what an amazing week.  
We trotted over to Discovery Green for their Wiggle and Giggle Wednesday event, "Wanda and the Oblahlahs" by Joe Sutton. We had the privilege to hear author Joe Sutton read the book.  Afterwards, the foam started flowing. What an awesome way to cool off in the blazing Houston heat!

Author Joe Sutton

Foam!

Root Square Heritage Lanterns

On Thursday, we planned on going back to the MFA to put on our art detective hats and look for more clues; however, curiosity got the best of me.  I noticed an interesting event at the local library which involved science.  I know how much the boys LOVE science, so I couldn't pass up this event.  It was the Texas A&M University Chemistry Road Show, and Dr. Pennington was amazing!  The boys were amazed and awestruck the whole time.  I am so glad we went because it inspired the boys to have a science experiment party at home that night.  In October, Texas A&M will host a Chemistry Open House.  It is a free event with several activities (including hands-on) and demonstrations to keep your little scientist interested. 

Dr. Pennington

Mentos and soda experiment

To find free or inexpensive events in your community, go to your local library's website or your city's website for a calendar of events.  Many cities host a variety of free family events, i.e. movie nights, story time, arts/crafts, concerts, etc.  Get out, have fun and save some green!  

Out and About

We had a blast out and about last week. On Tuesday, we had a special treat at the library... Dinosaur George! He was an amazing speaker and held the interest of the children as well as adults. For a laugh out loud, prehistoric good time, check out his extensive summer speaking schedule. 

We also went to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston for their wonderful children's summer program.  The kids became art detectives and explored the galleries for clues to solve the mystery art piece.  They also got their hands dirty with some terracotta clay and sculpted two interesting pieces of art.  I also took them to see the new exhibit by Charles Ledray, workworkworkworkwork; they loved the child-like miniatures.  Then, off to the sculpture garden for a picnic lunch.  Thursdays are free at the MFAH, and the summer program runs through August 14th.  

 Our adventures this week include the library, Discovery Green for a foam party and more explorations of the MFA so stay tuned! 

Playing Catch Up

Well, I've been slacking once again so I'm catching up today.  Last week, we had a few friends over for the eruption of Mount St. Rogers.  Finally, that darn volcano has been grumbling for over a month now.  It was so much fun!  We used the formula from the second trial from How Things Work Science Projects.

1. Add water

2. Add  vinegar

3. Add baking soda mixture

4. Eruption!

 So I've been thinking about posting a series of blogs featuring local, inexpensive, kid activities.  There is so much to do around Houston, I think I'll have plenty to blog.  On that note, last weekend we met friends at Herman Park for some family fun.  We rode the train and paddle boats; however, there is so much to do at Herman Park that we barely touched the surface.  We'll definitely come back! 

The boys with the conductor

Pedal Boats

Fun with Spanish Moss