Our First Science Fair

Yesterday we took the boys to Imagine RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology). Chris was worried that it would be completely over their heads, but I have friends on FaceBook who have kids the same age, and they rave about it. So we gave it a try, and I am SO pleased with how the boys did at the event.

Highlights include:
- Tristan (age 7), at the Death of a Giant Star exhibit, chats up an Astonomy student about the Jupiter moon called Io. He knew that it was a warm environment, and that its the only Moon in the solar system that has active volcanoes on it.
- Sebastian LOVED the Robotic Lego display. He was like "I can play with Legos when I'm in college too??"
- Emerson loved the Ice Cream station, made with liquid nitrogen.
- Tristan also love the Animal Exhibit. He held a gecko and petted a hedgehog.
- Tristan and Sebastian also loved the Kinect Musical Program -- the kids moved their arms to make musical compositions.

I always worry about Tristan and his ability to make friends. With Autism, it can be so difficult for kids to find a group that is accepting of the social quirks and differences.

With squinty eyes, I can almost see a college life. Being in the campus over the weekend, I remember how much different college was from high school. High school was such a pressure cooker of peer pressure and cliques. College -- you could find "your people," your group of friends that we just like you, who felt passionate about the same things you did. I can see Tristan finding his niche at college, finding his group of friends that will last a lifetime.

Now we've just got to get him there -- another 10 years to go.

And yet, I don't want him to grow up either. Stay my little boy forever, so I can protect you and keep you safe. I love you, my brave Tristan.