Debating, Running, & Crafting

Caroline has had some big projects to start her year.  In geography, they have been learning about different cultures, governments, and parts of a map before they learn the countries.  They've been tasked to create their own country.  Caroline created an island of misfits.  She had a whole backstory to go with her paper.  Kids, who were disciplinary problems, were shipped off by their parents to a strict school.  Even the captain did not want to take another group of misbehavers to this school, so he sent them on their own.  Being delinquents, they hadn't paid attention to the instructions, got lost, and marooned on an island (west of Scotland, south of Iceland).  They got their act together and created a society based on a rotation of workers to keep the food supply going, a trading system to keep everyone fed, and a Monitor -  not a ruler, but an opinion-giver.  Choose wisely, misfits.  

She also had her first debate this week.  They did not know their team or which side they would argue until the day of the debate, so she had to prepare for both.  She was put on the team that argued that population increase was worse for a society than population decline.  She was volunteered by her team to make the opening statement, which did not thrill her, because she was unsure what to say.  Her team won 23-20 and she got 7 points for her opening statement, so that was a good win.  

Her artwork is also on display when you come into the school.  The lighting is such that it's hard to get a non-glare picture, but it's so cute.  

Henry had two races this week.  The first was the Hanna 3k (the local high school).  Since it was a 3k, the coaches didn't care about their times.  They were given the instructions, Go hard.  Because this race was close to home (and not early in the morning), Josiah cheered on the team.  It was a hot one, and as soon as the race started, there was a mass exodus of parents looking for shady cheering spots.  

Then, this weekend, Henry had a Night Flight up in Greenville.  I thought it would be like the Night Flight we had in Anderson, more like a city-wide race.  It was not.  It was a fairly sizable meet on the campus of Bob Jones University.  The course layout was only 1k, so they made five laps.  It made it easy to travel to different parts to cheer them on.  Despite a lightning delay, the races were only pushed out 5 minutes.  Henry's started at 8:00 pm.  An ATV always drives out in front for the first lap and these boys were running fast, because that ATV was hauling.  This year, Henry has kept pace with his teammate, Chase.  How appropriate.  Typically when the finish line is near, Chase takes off and comes in ahead, but Henry was determined to beat him this time, so he took off at the very end and shaved off 13 seconds from his last race.  

On Friday, we had our first dress down day (for real this time).  I did not know in advance, but the Houses were cheering on the kids as they walked in that morning.  And they were passing out lollipops.  So, every time a 3-year old came in my room ready to unwrap that lollipop, I would said, "Let's put that in your lunch bag. Those crazy people outside don't know what chaos will ensue when ten 3-year olds eat lollipops at 7:45 a.m."  Josiah helped pass out the lollipops.  

Josiah has spent his entire Saturday bringing to life a mascot for House Camp.  We first made the rounds of Hobby Lobby, Five Below, & Walmart to get the supplies needed.  Originally he wanted to go to Michael's to get pipe cleaners.  Our Michael's was out of stock, so Josiah said we could go to the one 20 miles away.  Or not.  He is always willing to go the extra mile to get what he wants.  That'll serve his kids well when they have projects of their own.  He will not allow me to post a picture since it is a surprise for camp, but every time I see it in my periphery, it looks like a person.  It sits on our kitchen countertop and I keep catching myself thinking, Who's there?  

The kids have an easy-ish week.  Only two days of school and then they leave for House Camp (boys) and Barrier Island (Caroline).  Many tests are scheduled for Tuesday, so tomorrow evening shall be fun.