Bubble Blitz

The kids, Aunt Debbie, and I had a great time at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham yesterday. They had their Bubble Blitz event, so there were extra things to do on top of the normal always something going on there activities. Dr. Ken Lyle, Professor of Chemistry at Duke University and some of his students were there to lead the kids in doing various activities with bubbles. They did the traditional Diet Coke with Mentos explosion, make your own soda, ignite a bubble, and several bubble creating things with dry ice. Lots of fun and thankfully all set up under a huge shaded tent as it was incredibly hot yesterday. 2nd row far right Johnny is creating a bubble around his body. I got one kid with the bubble over his head:

Kicking myself for not having any of my 'business' cards left in my camera case to hand them. 3rd row far right the kids are doing an experiment mixing acids and bases. Baking soda reacted with water, vinegar, and lemon juice. Bottom row far right, Madi is on their new bungee jump. A duo of them is situated in the spot where the ornithopter used to be. Of course I had to sneak in a few flower pics I took at the museum yesterday too. Even Max the Jersey Cow.

Dr. Lyle with the Diet Coke fountain:

This picture show just exactly how hot it was:

She had misted her face. The misters really come in handy!

Neat texture shot:

Rest of the pics on Picasa.

Until their next event or our next trip...

To Wii or Kinect - That Is the Question!

Our family has been a Nintendo Wii owner for over 2 years now. We've spent hours and hours on our favorite game Mario Kart Wii. I did 70 straight days on the Wii Fit with Balance Board. Wow! We picked up titles like Mario Galaxy that didn't get much play. Then we picked up the new Wii Motion Plus Sensor and Will Sports Resort and fell in love with the play all over again. All in all, a good investment for the family and one that we've made great use of especially when it's too cold to go outside in the winter and too warm to go outside in the summer.

New out is the xBox 360 with Kinect. Poppop asked me what to get the boys for Christmas, and I suggested that the xBox 360 with Kinect would be a good idea, and he got it for us.

The main advertising point for the Wii when it came out was wireless control between the remote and the sensor bar. You could move around. You didn't have to sit attached to a game box. You could burn calories and not be a couch potato.

Kinect did a one upper with wireless communication from your body to the sensor. That's right, no remote (at least most of the time). The sensor would pick up your actual body movements. Think Wii but next generation sensing technology.

We got Kinect Adventures in the box and Kinect Sports and Kinectimals as part of the bundle. We've picked up Sonic Riders too.

So, after a month, what do we think? Which do we like better? What are the pros and cons as we see it?

The Remote or Not...

I don't think holding the Wii remote is a big deal. Neither do the boys. We have acquired 4 remotes, and the biggest problem I have is who gets the blue one (or the white one or the pink one). During game play, there are a few times when the remote and sensor bar lose each other. Annoying but workable. The Wii Motion Plus add-on to the remote and the games that make use of it (an important point), is a definite improvement.

For the xBox set-up, you have to use the game controller. OK. No big deal. Once you get into the games, it's really fun at first to wave at the screen and get it to do things for you. Think scifi movies and humans using computers by just talking to them and waving at the 'monitor', and that's here...NOW. In your home! But on some of the menus incidental arm/hand movements can cause you to pick the wrong things. The games have these wheels that you spin and slide things off of to make choices, and we've spent some time trying to slide back to what we want. Equally annoying to the remote and sensor bar on the Wii getting out of sync.

A Mii or an Avatar?

The Wii has a concept of a Mii; it's a cartoon like representation of you that you see while you're playing. There's a built-in 'game' that lets you build custom Mii's, share them over the internet, etc. The kids love creating new ones for people like SpongeBob. During game play on the Wii Fit Plus, other Mii's created on or downloaded to the unit cheer you on. When Mom pops up as your coach for the Hula Hoop game, that gets a smile very time.

For us, the avatar concept that the xBox incorporates just is not as fun. I have to say in all fairness that I don't think we've spent enough time understanding all that it can do. But, it just doesn't look as personable. We tolerate the avatars that we get during play, and that's about it.

Space - The Play Area Frontier

No, not outer space, the space you need to run the games. The xBox with Kinect says we have Good space (the smaller court) vs. Better space (the bigger court). This is limiting us from making use of 2 player mode for some of the games. The ads and game screens for the Kinect talk about getting rid of the coffee table and moving furniture. Really, they aren't kidding. We have a 10'X10' space in front of our family room TV cleared, and it's sufficient, but more would be better.

The Wii needs about the same amount of space for things like the Wii Fit and Wii Sports Resort, but not for things like Mario Kart.

Mostly what I notice with the Kinect is that once it scans you and the area at a certain location, you really do have to stay inside the confines of that rectangle or else it puts up a picture telling you your are too far forward or backward. With fast-paced games and high adventure, I see the kids moving out of range and impacting their game performance quite a bit.

How's the Body Doin'?

To me, more of the xBox Kinect games require jumping and knee bending. I noticed right away during Kinect Adventures that my knees were feeling it. Is it a better workout? Not necessarily. And, I've had my wrists get sore playing Wii Sports tennis. I get a little excited during the volleys. Just be aware that some games are going to require you to work out certain body parts more than others. Pick games that are right for you.

I really need to try out the xBox Kinect version of The Biggest Loser so I can compare it to the Wii Fit. I do know that the Wii Fit has muscle toning, balance enhancing, and aerobic exercises to name a few and that they don't seem to bother my knees.

You're in the Spotlight!

The sensor bar for the xBox 360 Kinect takes pictures:-) Not high quality unfortunately, but pictures of you while you are playing the games none-the-less. We love the 3 snapshots that it shows at the end of each game and the adjectives used to describe the action captured (random I am sure). You can even upload the pictures and then share them on Facebook, etc. Very neat!

It would be nice if the Wii would add a camera:-) But, hey, that's coming from fotomom. Don't do it if it's lousy quality, though; do it right.

Let's Surf!

No, not on a surf board, but on the web. You can surf the web from either system. The Wii uses the Opera browser which is the same as the Nintendo DSi. The xBox 360 uses Windows Media Center and the MCE browser. I've not set that up and see no reason to at this time. It was kindof fun on the Wii to bring up YouTube and play music videos on the TV or go to Picasa and/or SmugMug to see my pics. Apparently the MCE browser for the xBox 360 does not support sound.

In a household without a good PC, the ability to browse on the internet might come into play for more than just a novelty.

Life's a Stream

Well, it is if you're interested in hooking up Netflix and streaming video through the Wii or xBox to your TV. Both units support Netflix. I have it set up for the Wii. My account, for the same cost, will allow me to set it up on the xBox too if I want. Not sure if I'll do that or not.

Having Netflix set-up on the Wii has worked well at our house and been a great option for kids' programming without commercials. I recommend it.

Give Us That Title!

When the Wii first came out, there were only a few titles available for it. Today, there are plenty. It's the same with the xBox 360 with Kinect right now. There are spartan titles available, but I feel sure that will change in the next 6-12 months.

Which Is Right for You?

Well, I don't know. But, I think adding one of these game systems to your house if you don't already have one is a good idea. Try to find a friend that has a Wii that you can play on for a few hours. Do the same for the xBox 360 with Kinect. Both are fun. Both are easy to set-up. The cost is comparable (several hundred dollars). The games themselves cost about the same.

Spooky Chemistry Delights Again

If it's October, then it must be time for Spooky Chemistry at The Museum of Life and Science in Durham. The boys and I went to the museum today for their annual Halloween fun and learn about science in a spooky way day:-) Dr. Ken Lyle’s Duke University Chemistry Students put on a great chemistry demonstration in the Biolab. We saw how hydrogen peroxide and some other ingredients could help a sick pumpkin. The students made 'snow'. A pirate made water disappear. Dry ice and bubbles were used to make a huge bubble over a cauldron. And, the kids got to hold bubbles in their hands. Fun! And, in The Lab, the boys got to do some Candy Science. They decoratee marshmallows and puffed them up with air. They got to view some cool Halloween colored items under the microscope, and they got to do a chromatography experiment. Below is a collage of both of those activities.


At the bear habitat, Gus and one of the other bears were in the water swimming and being frisky. What a delight to walk up to that show!

What a treat today too. We got to meet Christopher the Barred Owl in the Farmyard. There were Harry Potter characters at the museum today, and it seemed appropriate given them and the season to see the owl up so close. The trainer was cute with the kids asking them questions and leading them through answers. I enjoyed the photo op!


Finally we have some fall leaf color in NC! The wetlands area in Explore the Wild is definitely starting to come alive with color!





Don't forget if you go to the museum to buy train tickets and have a great ride!


Although the boys weren't lucky enough today to 'hold' a butterfly during the release, we did have a good time in the Butterfly House. I especially like the shot of Johnny in the collage below. The rain had come on to bring the humidity back up, and Johnny (and Joey too) was just sitting on the bench relaxing and enjoying the cooling mist.


If you didn't make it to Spooky Chemistry this year, I recommend that you try to get to this event next year. Next up, Holiday Springs and Sprockets and the Santa Train.

A link to all of today's pictures is here.

A Day at the Aquarium and Beach - Fort Fisher

The boys and I went to the Aquarium at Fort Fisher today and then onto the beach at the Fort Fisher Recreation Area. We had a great time! The aquarium was not crowded, and we were able to get to all the exhibits and spend all the time we wanted to. The boys were fascinated with the volunteers that had seashells out. They both clearly heard the ocean in several shells and were delighted. We enjoyed the extra crafts in the discovery room, and the boys had a lot of fun making a jelly fish from egg carton and yarn and drawing 'fish' on the white board. Outside, we saw a croc in the wetlands water...a first! I also was super thrilled to get pics of a fearless Green Heron. I waited him out 15 minutes, but he never did come up with a fish.

I got the coolest butterfly shot on our way into the aquarium. It's a Gulf Fritillary...my first sighting ever. A very patient butterfly but harsh light. He was on the rocks as you come into Fort Fisher on the wildflowers.

The ocean water was warm. I looked it up, and it said 82. The tide was out, the waves were calm, and we had a great time. I went out with both boys for nearly an hour just going up and down over the waves. Johnny finally was not afraid to be held out there. He was even wanting to go back out after we came in. Lots of work to keep us all safe and eyes dried after the bigger waves but well worth it.

The rest of today's pics are here.

Heroes and Villains Day Two

The Museum of Life and Science in Durham had a great idea this year and decided to host their popular Heroes, Villains and Special Effects event on both Saturday and Sunday. And, the boys and I had such a good time on Saturday, that we decided to go back on Sunday as well.

The boys posed with their favorite characters again. I really like the shots I got today (as well as the ones from yesterday). Johnny was more comfortable on Sunday, and that shows positively in the pictures. A big thanks again to the Carolina Garrison for helping to make so many smiles this weekend!


There really are some great special effects exhibits at this event too. It's not all Star Wars. But, some of the special effects stuff is geared towards the older kids, so I don't get to spend much time in these areas...yet. We did stop in for a minute to watch the actor below getting his face made up for a scary movie part. I was explaining to the boys all the work that goes into making up some actors for their parts; it can take hours.


One of the things the boys really wanted to do more of today was Contraptions. A little over a year ago, the museum turned one of their small rooms near the weather exhibits into the Contraptions room and filled it with plumbing pipe, wood blocks, golf balls, rope, dominoes, pulleys, clamps, some kitchen tools, little metal buckets, and I'm sure a few things I am leaving out. Kids (and adults) come in and are inspired through pictures, videos, file cards, and their own imagination to build their own contraption. The boys LOVE this room, and we spent an hour in here yesterday building at least 5 different projects. I had to pull them out to do something else. They easily could have stayed for another hour.

There is a Contraptions page on the museum website if you're interested.



Here's a video of Joey and his Slingshot Pinball contraption:


We look forward each visit to seeing the animals and wildlife at the museum too. Joey loves the opossum and woodchuck that are housed inside. Johnny loves to watch the turtles swim in their tanks. We stop by each visit, usually 2 or 3 times, to see all the animals in the Farmyard. They are all so much fun, but I love Max the Jersey Cow and Lightning the Donkey. Mom always looks for the Great Blue Heron and other birds out in the wetlands area too. We have great experiences with various animals each time we come and always leave with smiles and a few pics.


The boys and I remind you to have fun and to make sure you ride the train on your next visit. And, whatever you do, don't forget to scream in the tunnel!



The rest of yesterday's pics are here.

Heroes and Villains Oh My!

The boys and I had a fantastic time at the Heroes, Villains and Special Effects event at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham today. This is at least our 3rd year coming to the event, and we thoroughly enjoy it each time!

Below is a collage of the boys (and me) posing with various characters. There were quite a few to choose from! And, they were spaced out all over the main building with very reasonable and orderly waits to see them.

As you can see, both boys really enjoyed posing although Johnny avoided the Stormtroopers.

One of the biggest hits with my boys was R2-KT. She's a very special droid built to help a little girl who had cancer. Today, she's still helping other sick kids by making hospital visits and sharing good cheer. Joey was just fascinated that R2-D2 had a girlfriend. He was talking about the droid he wants to build when he grows up. He even got to hold R2-KT's radio control unit for a minute and talk to the gentleman that build the R2-D2 unit. Very cool!


One of the fun things you could do in the Mercury room today was stand in front of a green screen and pose in what I'm going to call a comic cover. Johnny was amazed by the technology, and Joey was super into his poses. The pics the people at this booth took will be on the museum's Flickr account shortly. Until then, here are shots I took of the movie screen where the images were being projected.


We did many of our usual things at the museum today too. The boys spent quite a while in the Contraptions play area. They seriously could spent an hour or more in there each visit they love it so much.

We visited with the inside and outside animals. Joey was excited that the woodchuck was awake. Lightning the donkey and Max the Jersey cow were both quite affectionate today at their fences. We even got to watch Gus and Yona, two of the museum's black bears, tumbling around in some excited play in their yard.

We most always make it to the butterfly house for the 3PM release on the days we visit, and today was no exception. I was thrilled that both boys got to hold a butterfly. I love the smile on Johnny's face in the picture in the collage below. I was excited about the butterfly shots I was able to get both outside in the butterfly garden and inside waiting for the release.


I was joking with Train Conductor Richard that the majority of pics of me and the boys that I have were taken by him! He always offers if time allows.



Johnny wanted to go play in the water first thing, and I had to tell him no. I promised last thing because I knew one or both of them were going to get wet. I wasn't, um, disappointed! Johnny is having the time of his life getting soaked:-) Thankfully, I had a change of clothes in the car:-)




The rest of the pics are here.

NC Transporation Museum Visit

The boys and I traveled to the NC Transportation Museum yesterday. We've been at least 4 times before, usually for Day Out with Thomas events, but this museum is always worth another visit.

Thomas wasn't there yesterday, but they did have some Thomas themed activities going on, and they had a firetruck show. I think the boys enjoyed the firetrucks almost as much as the trains.

Pictured here is a mural in town that caught my eye.



I found this view through the Pullman coach cars fascinating. At the time of this picture, the car was roped off, so that's why no people.


I thought this vintage photo of Spencer Shops was really interesting too. There are quite a few old photos enlarged and on display in various building at the museum, and I think they do a great job of portraying how things were at the shops 50, 100, and 150 years ago.


A shot I took while we were on the turntable. It moves pretty slow, but it's impressive how many bays this roundhouse has and just how many engines the turntable can move around. We saw it in action at the end of the day putting back the diesel engine that took us for our ride around the yard today.

The 37-bay Bob Julian Roundhouse, one of the largest ever constructed, was built in 1924 and is one of the few preserved roundhouses remaining in the country. The building houses about 40 restored locomotives and rail cars.

A close-up of the tracks at the roundhouse.


The wheels of the 544 Seaboard Airline steam locomotive. This engine greets you as you first walk into the Roundhouse. The large Decapod (an engine with 10 driving wheels) was originally built for Russian railroads, but a civil war there kept the engine in the United States. Because Russian rails have a broader gauge than U.S. rails, the engine was fitted with especially wide wheels to accommodate U.S. track.


A close-up of engine 1925. This locomotive was built by the Lima Locomotive Works in February 1925. This Shay type of locomotive, named after the inventor, was designed for the steep grades, sharp curves and bad track conditions found on logging railroads. The Shay locomotives were different in that pistons were vertically mounted on the engineer’s side of the boiler, using connecting shafts and gears to turn the wheels. The 1925 was used by the Graham County RR to haul logs out of the Snowbird Mountains to the Bemis Lumber Company mill in Robbinsville, NC. The logging portion closed in 1948, but the railroad continued to carry general freight between Robbinsville and Topton, NC, where an interchange was made with the Southern Railway. Due to dropping freight levels and track conditions, the Graham County ceased operations in 1970. Restored in 1988. Currently out of service but scheduled for an overhaul.


A view from our train ride around the yard. I liked the blur of color.



A view from inside the red caboose the boys spent so much time playing in in the Roundhouse.



Windows in a room in the Roundhouse first used as a machine shop and later used as a locker room.


This locomotive was built by the Baldwin Locomotive works in June, 1913. This 4-6-0 Ten Wheeler was one of 25 ordered at that time by the ACL. These class of locomotives earned the nickname “Copperhead” because of the bright copper rings around the tops of the smokestacks. The ACL used them for freight and passenger service around Fayetteville, Rocky Mount and Wilmington in NC, and many places from Richmond, VA to Jacksonville, FL. The Atlantic Coast Line had their corporate headquarters in Wilmington, NC from 1900 until 1960, when it moved to Jacksonville, FL. It was the only Class 1 railroad to be headquartered in this state. As dieselization occurred, many of these locomotives found use on smaller subsidiary lines of the ACL. The 1031 was used on the East Carolina Railway in Tarboro, NC during the mid-1950s and the Virginia & Carolina Southern in Lumberton, NC during the later part of the decade. In 1959 it was placed on display in Florence, SC behind the passenger station adjacent to the rail yards. The City of Florence donated the 1031 to the NCTHC in 1994, resulting in a cosmetic restoration to a 1940s appearance in 1996 for display in the Robert Julian Roundhouse.


Last but not least, some shots of the boys enjoying the day.

Johnny is miffed here because we were in the air conditioned car for our train ride but I wanted to be in the one with open windows for pictures. We compromised and did the first half in the open window car and the 2nd half in the air car. I love the perturbed and hot face. It wasn't too hot for our trip, but we would have liked it cooler. I guess it was high 80s to low 90s.



Just a sweet shot of the boys being close. Really, they are very loving siblings.


Many, many cute firetruck shots. The one upper row second from left with Joey wearing (sortof) the fireman hat is priceless.


The boys even got to honk the horn:



and talk on the CB:



No trip anywhere is complete without at least a drive through the Chick-fil-A drive-thru. Here, we are in the CFA in Asheboro. I feel like I know this one as well as the one in Fuquay. We go in every time we go to Poppop's, the zoo, or elsewhere west of Raleigh.



Many other pictures are here including a good number of vintage car shots and other train engines on display and even a glimpse at the train restoration shop.