Winning

 B got to be in a track meet Saturday.  His youth leaders took the group to the walls of Jerico which was an ambitious hike and overnight camping experience.  His leaders also have boys that do a community track team.  They signed the boys up and supported them at this summer track meet.  B did a 1500M racewalk, shotput, discus, and javelin.  It was a really nice experience for him.  The actual events, the structure of attending a track meet, and the fun of being part of something, were really nice.

B takes his homeschool work seriously.  He had an assignment to make black forest cherry cupcakes and persisted in acquiring ingridients and making them.  

B has had a pretty awesome summer.  He got to attend a summer circuits camp at the US Space and Rocket Center.  On the last day the family got free admission and we had a really nice time attending with him.  He loves the G-force ride and he rode it with L several times.  

Overall I think B has had a lot of opportunities to grow and be challenged this summer.  He said at the track meet "I should have walked faster at the beginning.  I underestimated my endurance."  That's true of many things in life.  B has been having a season of rapid growth, and frequent sickness the last 2 years.  This summer he had several chances to be challenged physically in a socially safe environment.  

Reflections: Music

 In the fall I was aware of the deadline for Reflections so I badgered the kids to enter something for those competitions.  B wrote a little piano piece.  We just found out that he won 2nd place (of 2 entries....) for music.  Knowing that it was a field with prohibitive entry for most children, I thought his odds were pretty good.  Yay B!  He did actually write a nice little piece with counter melody and typed it up on Finale.  Totally good work for his age and skill level.

Rainbow mtn. Treats

 

One of my goals for this year is to go have a treat at rainbow mountain 12 times.

Today we searched for ice and had chocolate covered strawberries.

Deacons

 B advanced to the Deacons Quorum this past month.  This ward has about 10 deacons!  They can't all serve the sacrament each week.  B got to serve the sacrament today.  So sweet.  After church the deacons swarmed into the primary room and stacked the chairs.  I'm so grateful for their good leaders teaching them stewardship, organization and leadership.  I'm so grateful that the kids get to be in a strong ward with such a high level of expectation for the youth.