Niagara Power Project (August 19)

Niagara Power Project is a power plant that supplies a large portion of New York State's electricity by harnessing the energy from the Niagara river and the waterfall. It was fun to learn about how electricity is made from water power.  Did you know that the Power Authority alters the amount of water it allows to flow through the waterfall depending on the time of day and season? (During the daylight hours in the tourist season, they put more water through the waterfall for the tourist's enjoyment, and at night and winter they take more of the water away for making electricity!)

Niagara Falls (August 18)

Sam's class pic - 1st Grade

Karate Kid

First day of karate classes.

Hike with Xenia in South Mountain Reservation

Xenia came to spend a weekend with us. Sam really enjoyed hanging out with her and showing her around the South Mountain reservation and his favorite waterfall.

Hartshorn arboretum - "Life under a Log" workshop

With grandpa at Niagara Power Project 

This power plant, near Niagara Falls, provides a significant amount of power for the State of New York. 

Hanging out with friends

 

Hanging out with a friend (Maddie) over ice cream in Millburn 

 

Taking another friend (Allie) for a ride around town

Historical Day Trip

Camp Shanks Museum in Orangetown, NY

 This was the largest departure point of U.S. troops to Europe during WW 2. In this camp they did their last checks, got their equipment and then boarded ships destined for Europe in 1944-1945. Later German Prisoners of War were also housed here.

Typical load of one soldier.

 DeWint House - George Washington's Headquarters at Tappan, NY

 

 
Several historical-looking bird houses were a hit with Sam

 

 

We need to bring back this door design popular in 1700's. This keeps the children indoors, the fresh air coming in, and others (cattle mostly at the time) out.

4th of July fair in Millburn

 

Every year our town has a fair for kids for 4th of July. Sams' favorite part was the electronically-controlled mini-go-carts.

Moving day is soon!

The most important cargo is packed and ready to go!
    We are moving to a larger place across town in Millburn, NJ.

Pigeon book

Pool

Sam's drawings and writings

Playground near where we live

Goal setting from early age.

Elena's cell phone cover

 

Sam's 6th birthday party

Sam's birthday party was at Screaming Parties in Springfield, NJ.

April school break in Eastern Pennsylvania - Part 1

Hawk Mountain Reservation, PA

Hiking to the top of the hills for a great view. 

 

Ephrata Cloister, Ephrata, PA

 Here a group of protestant monks and nuns lived in a monastic-type community in the 1750's. They were pretty severe in their daily practices: they slept on wood board and wood pillow, and only ate once a day!

Sam is trying out a monk's bed and its wooden pillow.  At least it is pine wood, which we were told is softer than other kinds of wood!

The main hall for the monk. Sam is trying to find the clues for his activity sheet...