From Rain to Space Shuttles

It was a nice quiet day. We were supposed to get some good rain, but I’m a bit disappointed. Sure, it’s been drizzling all day, but I was looking for a torrential downpour. The rivers ARE at flood stage, so I suppose the lighter concentrations are best for the area, but still – I wanted something a little more dramatic.

We managed to get out of the house today – but no worries, it was only for a few minutes. We went and got Amber signed up at C.S. Porter Middle School. The people seem very nice and the school seems to be run well. It’s only about one mile from the house, so when she starts school next fall, I think she’ll be good to ride her bike to and from. She’ll be taking two electives and five other subjects plus a homeroom class. I think we’ve done well with the homeschool getting her ready for 7th grade. We talked to a math teacher and I suspect Amber is more advanced than she needs to be – but its better for her to be ahead than behind.

Tomorrow we’re going out to do some shopping, so that should be fun. I think I’m going to get the books I need from the University too.

Carmen and Emily as still doing great in school, learning a bunch and having fun. I think we should rename Emily to Ann, with a middle name of Then. She has a fantastic memory and remembers every detail of every little thing that happens to her at school. For awhile, at the dinner table, we asked everyone what they did during the day. We soon learned that was a mistake with Emily because we had the pleasure of reliving every event, from getting out of the truck “and then” going through the gate to the playground “and then” standing in line to get into the school… “and then” – at some point – she gets home, sits at the dinner table and we asked her what happened during the day. A loooooooong process. Today, I asked what everyone learned. Carmen learned how to be nice to people; Amber learned about Hillary, the assassination of RFK, McCain’s health issues (or lack thereof), and the Mars Phoenix Lander; and Emily learned about Lewis and Clark and their adventures – “and then” we all learned about them at the dinner table. She has great retention and it will serve her well – once she figures out that she doesn’t need to tell everyone else everything she remembers. Some, Good. All, not as good. =)

Bonus Question: Why are the Solid Rocket Boosters for the Space Shuttle the size they are?