son of m0nk3yphd

monkey does

Star Hat

DSC_0107, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Zachary and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to McDonald Observatory with Sarah. In the background you can see the HET which is "mommys telescope". And just behind the orange fencing is the structure that will hold all her spectrographs.
We toured all three big telescopes at McDonald with a some staff members and later with the tourist guide. Both were great, we got to ride on the HET as it spun around and learnt about the history of the site. It also snowed, Zachary was very excited, although it didn't settle. But there was a few small patches left from the last big snow. He made a snow angel and had lots of fun throwing it around, mainly at small signposts. Because it was a little to gritty and icy for a really snowball fight. In other exciting weather, we got a texas duststorm and 60+ mph winds. Bit chilly, so during the star gazing party at the visitors center, Z fell asleep all bundled up during short lecture. But I was impressed with the number of questions he answered without a pause before curling up in the seat next to me. Including, if you can't see Jupiters red eye where is it? "on the other side", and what's the next planet out from Jupiter? "Saturn"... no prompting from me, and quick than anyone else in the room! A trip to remember for sure. His highlight, listening (for the first time) to Harry Potter and the philosophers stone audiobook on the eight hour drive out and back to austin.

snow angel

DSC_0014, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Dangers of a hipster 'hood

Dangers of a hipster 'hood, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

aviators and a nerf pistol, ready for anything. Now, I'm tempted to teach him "the name's Collins, Zachary Collins"

Zachary camping

IMAG0429, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

"you and mom are in the tent"

LGBT Texas cookie made by Z

LGBT Texas cookie made by Z, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

with some help from Grandma. Zachary mixed the three primary color food coloring to get a spectacular (and tasty) rainbow icing.

Zacharys Crystallization Experiment

IMAG0409, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Reaping the rewards of growing sugar crystal, after two weeks he gets to eat them. Also check out his new glasses.

Snow Day

townlake ymca snow day, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

The grand reopening of the Y here in Austin, had a few tons of "snow" dumped on the playing fields out front. All the kids had a great time in the muddy snow, while it was 65F and warm in the sun. There was also a snow slide.

"two wheeler mode"

IMAG0300, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Easel Painting

flowers and sky, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Zachary is getting to do lots of big upright painting. His teacher told us that it helps the kids develop the arm muscles they need for learning to write in school next year. All those big up and down stokes on the easel also make for beautiful art (read as soppy parent).

monkey on

Last weekend we stopped at a playground in Georgetown to enjoy the sunshine. Zachary made several friends while playing and showed us he can do this.....

"I AM SO EXCITED!"

jumpoline

VIDEO0035 a video by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

Yes, gigantic trampoline bouncing. To wear out the kids before christmas eve.

Pooping Penguin

Yup. It poops candy. It is a wind up toy that poops candy. A.. birthday gift? Christmas gift? from a classmate. Everyone got one! Different animals!

The poop is "cola flavored"... Although it tastes a bit more like.....

Jokes

why was the toothpaste on the wall?
because it someone squirted it on the towel.

why couldn't the airplane couldn't fly?
because the spaceship was putting it down on the ground insted of up in the air.

they make no sense, don't worry. Apparently silly is a stage they go thru.

I love to solder

I KNOW! ME TOO!

Quick catch up. It is chanukah. Night five, to be precise. We've been doing some candle lighting. Some latke eating. The usual. Zachary has gotten some presents. It turns out the theme is probably survival of (fill-in-your-favorite-catastrophe) apocalypse, but that was totally unintentional (bow & arrows, walkie talkies, learn to solder kit)... He was *so* excited by the learn to solder kit (Sparkfun is amazing, and you can find the kit here).. It comes with tools! (which now all have is name on them) It makes hot! And light! Big hit. I know you're surprised.

We did some of the soldering this evening before dinner. We took turns holding the solder and the soldering iron. I'll take a picture when there is some blinky light action for everyone to see.

In other news? Z also attended my work holiday party with me, and managed to bring home a golden reindeer in a scarf. A glittery golden reindeer. There was a raffle (they were the table centerpieces) which we did NOT win. But he clutched this one like it had a place in his heart, and our friend Emily sent it home with him.

I tried to leave it on the porch for decoration "and protection". But he pointed out how foolish that was because "The cats can protect us fine, and IT CAN'T MOVE so it can't protect us."

Obviously.

innocent?

IMG_3554, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

born archer

IMAG0365, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

learning important skills to be ready for the zombie apocalypse.

All asleep

All asleep, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.

PIcture in your minds ear a slightly squeeky, wheezing murmur, that's a cross between a purr and a happy sigh. It's adorable. It's Z snoring.

Looking for Y

Looking for Y, a photo by m0nk3yphd on Flickr.