February, so far

I really should back up to January, but I'm moving forward. Ash and Nate both were part of a Lego League team that Gwen put together -- The Robotic Peacocks. I've always loved the Lego teams my kids have been a part of. They learn about teamwork, commitment, dedication, strengths, weaknesses, and a whole myriad of other character building traits in addition to learning how to program and make robots perform how they'd like them to.

Photo courtesy of Jerry Winters

Photo courtesy of Jerry Winters

Photo courtesy of Jerry Winters

I also love the fact that they love each other.

This winter has been unseasonably warm. Like 60, almost 70 degrees some days. It's been warm enough that Alex decided to throw on his swim suit and try out the stream. This was February 7th and we should have several inches of snow on the ground.

Nate's science fair project made it to the district level which made for a few crazy days as I shuttled him back and forth to the Community Learning Center in Tooele. Unfortunately, his project was not chosen to go on. I love seeing my kids excel at different things but sometimes I'm frankly quite relieved to not have one more event to go to.

Ash and her friend Allie decided to try out their brave and tackle a steep decline on their bikes.

Actually, Allie backed out and Ash went ahead without her and used her face for brakes as she hit a rock and tumbled. She's been miserable for a few days.

Valentines arrived and our kitchen became heart-attack grand central.

There was one particular Valentine that became War of the Mothers. I secretly hope I'm one of those warring mothers whose vying for Best Mom in the World. :)

10 Gear Engineers

Nate was offered the opportunity to be a part of the Lego League team that Erik was a part of last year. They put together a new team based on science and math scores and brought back the three 5th graders from last year.

Again they started practicing and working together last summer in hopes of performing well at the competition. I was a little nervous and didn't think they would do as well as last year's team.

BUT . . . 

After one round in the robot portion of the competition they were in first place. And after three they were still in first.
They were all ecstatic and should be. I overheard another participant telling his dad how last this team took first but their name was something like Egdelwonk.
So not only did they take first place in the robot mission, but they also walked away with the best overall team trophy which means they must have scored well on their presentation and skit. 

Out of 18 teams, they are one of four going on to state.

And last night they had to opportunity to present their skit to the school board and receive an award for "Students of the Month."

I love Lego League and wish all kids had the opportunity to participate. It promotes teamwork, creativity, smarts, cooperation, learning new things. They have mentors, but basically it is the kids who do all the work and I'm pretty much amazed when I see what they've accomplished.

First place

And oh does it feel good.

This little ten member team has worked their tail feathers off to get to this point. They worked through the summer and twice a week after school.

Now they're off to state with a loftier goal of world champs.

Go Team Edgelwonk!

(that would be knowledge spelled backwards)