Pictured here is the target. The wall proved to be remarkably sturdy and withstood over 50 assaults before collapsing. The people inside the castle did not fare as well with heavy casualties during the initial attack. Kyle also fashioned a grappling hook which he launched from the catapult to successfully breach the wall.

We decided to have family night on Saturday this week. Nicolai chose a catapult vs. castle construction challenge. Nicolai, Maya, and Jeanine were on one team and built a castle wall, popsicle stick people, and a tower, respectively. Carl and Kyle constructed the catapult shown above.

Maya and her friend Sarinnagh. I might as well give up now.

To say their aim was dead accurate would be an understatement. Although I was permitted to move around, they kept the stream of water on me for the entire two minutes. Even the money in my wallet was wet.

Today I conducted a team building event at work. Ten teams of 7 each constructed a water cannon from popsicle sticks, bailing wire, a hose and nozzle. They had to aim the cannon remotely from a distance of 10ft using rope. The object was to spray as much water as possible into a bucket 30ft away during a period of two minutes. The winning team got to use me for target practice (next photo).

Nicolai with a bunch of his neighborhood friends posing with their AirSoft guns. For the record, the father of this family had nothing to do with the acquisition of these toys. It is the work of their oatsy, goatsy nature loving mother.

As promised, a study in pine needles. Best viewed by enlarging image by clicking on it.

Waiting for the school bus, Maya studies the pine needles that have begun to blanket the ground. At what age do we cease to find wonder in pine needles? Tomorrow, I may try and see if I can rediscover them.

Maya and Sophia.

Maya uses her head to figure out how this historic pump works.

Portrait of Sophia.

The girls and I ventured down to Cambridge this afternoon to tour Harvard and the environs.

Kyle on the attack in the backyard. Jeanine, at a weak moment, allowed the boys to purchase pellet guns. They are now all the rage in the neighborhood, and our backyard is the scene of frequent battles.

Maya showing off her reading skills to Sophia and Maria.