First jiu jitsu tournament

Somewhat on a whim, Michael and Nate entered a small jiu jitsu tournament.  It was their first time competing ever, and we wanted them to see what tournaments were about and how they were run.  It was a good experience for both of them. 

 Michael placed third in his division.

 Nate and Joe were messing around while we waited for them to get to Nate's group.

 Don't they look just alike?

 Nate had to compete against kids that were much bigger than him and more experienced.  He still did really well, and also placed 3rd.  He wasn't so sure he was happy about that.

It was a good first time, now we know what to prepare for for next time.

GT Envision

The Gifted and Talented program in our district has the GT labelled kids complete a special "envision" project each semester or year.  In theory it is great- it challenges them and has them do things they wouldn't normally do in class.  It explains in basics what is wanted and then is left up to the kids to let them figure out how to accomplish what was described.  It would be a great enrichment for the extra hours that are spent by GT kids sitting in class, bored because they finished their work ahead of time.  In reality, however, it isn't so nice.  There never seems to be enough time in class for it, so it always falls to the parents to complete the project at home.  The last thing that I need, is more homework for my kids.  Nevertheless, we did still complete them.

 

Ellie's project was to create a party.  She created a family fun party.  At our party, she had figured out what snacks we could eat on a certain budget, she made invitations, she also had a schedule of events and a craft to do.  It was cute.

 Michael's project was an environmental declaration.  He thought we should not pollute and that would help the trees to stay healthy forever.  He wrote a 5 paragraph essay/letter to a person he found on the internet (but didn't send it), he made a bumper sticker and a do and don't poster and several displays of things that were right and wrong in the environment.  He also made a cute movie, I included that below so you could watch it.  He has such a creative mind if electronics are involved.

Phew, I'm so glad these are done for the year.

Michael's Arrow of light

Michael got his Arrow of Light award in Cub Scouts last night.  We're really proud of him, he has done really well. 

 

 When he first got to cub scouts, he was so excited to go every night.  Now he wonders why the activity day girls get to do things that are so much more fun than he gets. He is looking forward to 11-year old scouts which he gets to do in 6 months!

The ceremony was performed in the chapel in the low lighting, so these I-phone pictures were the best we could get.