Spelling Bee

Andrew participated in his first spelling bee this spring. All the students in the district from grades 3-8 could take an optional written spelling test. Those that were the best spellers from each grade at each school were selected to compete in a district-wide spelling bee. Andrew was selected along with one other third grader to represent our school for the 3rd grade. They went to another school and participated in a written and an oral spelling bee. They had about 60 third graders participating. They gave them 25 words that they had to spell in the written test. The winner of the written test then went on to participate in a county spelling bee. After the written exam, they had a traditional oral spelling bee. Andrew had never participated in one of these. He was not expecting an oral exam, only the written one. He did well. He made it to the third round, which is where most of the students were eliminated. One of his words was loose, and the one he messed up was committed. I can't remember the middle word though, since it was a couple of months ago. He was really disappointed in himself. He thought he should have done better. We were really proud of him. He is such a good student. We can't wait for the next opportunity.

The 25 words they had to spell were: glaciers, caprice, endurance, mistletoe, merely, cologne, calculus, palate, couscous, density, analysis, epic, ancient, graphics, gambit, cordial, broccoli, sheriff, petite, inaudible, bane, affable, khaki, cholesterol, and gazebo.

Orthodontics R Us

Andrew has started the long road of orthodontics. He had been recommended to get a consult after his last cleaning and check up. The orthodontist said that Andrew needed an expander in the roof of his mouth (just like his mother had), so that they could widen his upper jaw. The hope was that it would eliminate his overbite in the front and the cross bite in the back. The plan is to have the expander for 6-8 months and then he will get braces in a couple of years when he has more of his permanent teeth. Andrew has been a champion with his expander so far. He is very responsible about it. He doesn't try to eat things that he shouldn't, he brushes well, and carries around the tools that help him clean it out if food gets stuck up there. Way to go Andrew!

Fourth of July 2010

We spent the Fourth of July with all the Harkers. We started the day (on the 3rd) in Ridgefield at their annual parade. Grandpa Norm marches in it with the Sewer Commissioners. We cheered him on and caught lots of candy while enjoying the parade. We came home afterwards and played outside. The kids were anxious to light off fireworks. We did several rounds of fireworks between the 3rd and the 4th. We watched some more fireworks that were going off around the neighborhoods. We ate lots of good food, including burgers and fruit pizza. We had fun with each other. It was another great weekend.

Swim Lessons 2010

Andrew and Marin were not happy to learn that I had enrolled them in another round of swim lessons. They are both good swimmers, but they need to work on getting their strokes correct. They also need to learn how to dive. Andrew continued to do really well in his class. He finally got the concept of diving down and just needs to work on his form although he did do a really painful belly flop on one of his tries. Marin was promoted from her initial class after the first session. She did well in her new class as well. The teacher commented, "I can see why they moved her up to this class." Marin still doesn't quite get the head first part of diving, but she is working on it. She is a very pretty, graceful swimmer, just like her mother or so I am told.

Fun with Kyle

The kids have been playing with Kyle a lot this spring and summer. They have gone to Oaks park, the regular park, swimming, and lots of other fun stuff. Here is a sampling of some of their activities.

Spring/Summer Scout Activities

Andrew continues to really enjoy scouts. He is pretty motivated to pass off requirements and earn segments for his uniform. We went out to Horning's Hideout for the Scout Fishing Derby. Andrew did not want to keep the fish, which was a requirement. He would much prefer to catch and release so that he didn't have to gut and clean the fish. Fortunately, Grandpa Norm went along and took care of all the gross parts. Marin and I went around looking at all the peacocks and peahens that are found out there.

Andrew also participated in a conservation activity, working toward the World Conservation Badge. They learned about Ivy and Blackberries that are invasive species. They pulled some out. They also weeded and dug up root balls of blackberry bushes to get rid of them. It was funny to watch him doing yard work, even though he hated every minute of it.

Andrew went to scout camp this past week. They went to Camp Discovery out on Scouter Mountain. The consensus by the boys that had been to camp last year was that Camp Ireland was much better. They liked the site better, the staff better, and the activities better last year. I think they enjoyed themselves this year too. They participated in archery, BB guns, leather crafts, scavenger hunts, maps and orienteering, an obstacle course, and various other activities. I went one of the days. They were pretty well behaved and had a good day. I happened to be there on one of the two BB days. They made me demonstrate how to hold the gun (I am anti-gun, any gun). Andrew earned his pro shooter award. He got 5 shots within the bullseye. His first shot was dead center of the page. I guess he has a great eye, just like his sharp shooter father.

Rice Rock Museum Field Trip

Marin got cheated out of a bunch of field trips this year. With the budget crisis in our district, they apparently cut down on field trips. Marin got to go to Rice Rock Museum though. I went on this field trip. It was fun. Marin seemed to enjoy seeing all the different kinds of rocks and minerals. She really enjoyed taking the school bus out to the museum and sitting with her friends. The best part was choosing a rock to take home though.