British Challenger Soccer Camp

Reece got to attend a fun camp last week. I have mixed emotions about this camp. It was 3 hours every night.... If you live in KS you know the heat warnings we've been in for the past 3 weeks or more. It was also a little pricy, so when I send my kid to an expensive camp, I hope my kid learns and gains a skill or 2 when the week is over. The most I feel Reece picked up, was how to celebrate after a goal. Reece is excellent at pumping his arms, twisting and doing cartwheels in celebration. Reece was probably the least experienced at this camp, this is because he just began playing this sport, and I don't feel he is even slightly better at soccer than he was a week ago.

Reece wasn't super thrilled about going to a 3 hour camp. He convinced himself he would get bored. Well, after day 1, he was. But, each day got better and by the end of the week he wanted to do the camp all over again. When asked what he did at camp (because lets face it, it was too long and hot for us to stick around) he said they did a few drills, played games, then scrimmaged. I think games and scrimmaging were the key priorities, therefore I don't think a lot of learning took place. It seemed like the other kids knew the sport well enough, but Reece is still learning the very basics, and I just think we wasted time and money on this one. The best I can say is Reece had fun.

The camp was hosted by 3 Scottish soccer players. They were entertaining. They were actually very comical. You'll see pictures from the first day, Wacky Wednesday (Reece had his wacky hair), Team Brazil pride... Reece got points for making his coaches bracelets.... And as a reward the McPherson Fire Department dumped thousands of gallons of water the kiddos. That was cool! And lastly, our dry spell ended while the camp was here..... It had been well over a month since Mac had seen rain, and Wednesday camp was cut off 30 minutes early due to lightning.... Followed by an entire night of rain. We are still incredibly dry but the rain was a wonderful surprise!! I'm sure the only reason the rain came was due to the soccer camp, so I've got to be thankful for that. ;)

Comic Design

Last week, I signed up Riley for a Graphic Design class..... on his last day of class, when I got to go see what he had been working on all week, I found out that Riley opted to take a Comic Design course, instead. The teacher was doing 3 different classes at the same time and gave the kids a choice. So, Riley wrote a comic about a stick figure named Davy, who entered a shark hunting contest. He had a fun week, so I have to be very happy! Good job, Kiddo!

HP4

We did it!! We finished book 4 of Harry Potter. It took us close to a year.... it was hard to get into, but the school year always slows us down on these books due to the LONG chapters. I really began enjoying this book in the last 10 chapters, and it was getting harder to stop. It really is beginning to get dark, and I can't wait to start the next one. Here is Riley's review on the book.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire


Harry has this dream about Lord Voldemort getting stronger. Harry was invited to the Burrow for the summer. Then the Weasleys come busting through the chemney. Later Harry , Hermione , and the Weasleys went to the Quidditch World Cup. Then death eaters come and distroy the place. Later Harry’s name is chosen from the goblet of fire. Harry faces three challenging tasks which are Dragons, Merpeople , and a Maze. My favrite part is when Harry and Voldemort battle.
By:
                     Riley

Fun Day

With Grandma and Grandpa in town, we had a rare day where we split up for a few hours. Now that Riley is learning how to play golf, Grandpa couldn't resist getting out on the green with his boys. That left Reece to hang out with Grandma and I, and we ventured to Salina to do a very little bit of shopping, but in this included the candy store for Reece. Then we went to Jumping Jo's Family Fun, where Reece played in the jungle gym and played the arcade games for a while. Then Riley and Dad joined us for some laser tag. Afterwards we went out for some Mexican food and more ice cream from Braums.

Zoo Day With G & G

Grandma and Grandpa came to see us from Arizona. Even though we are having the hottest temperatures of the year, we braved the Sedgwick County Zoo on Saturday. I took a ton of pictures, as I'm drawn to colorful birds and monkeys are very entertaining! So beware.... the smart birds were just hanging out by the door that the staff must come in and out. Guess they are hungry or want out!

A baby Orangutan was the center of attention. Too cute and so active! I could totally picture Reece living with the monkeys. Such a show off!

We caught a lot of the animals napping in the shade.

Not sure why, but feeding fish is fun! Watching them flop and fight for food is a riot!

Riley and Grandpa taking a photo from the waterfall in the jungle.

My handsome boys.

This bear was trying to nap in the water, but his exercise ball wasn't cooperating!

Reece looks like he has something important to tell us....

Showing off for us!

There was also a baby chimp. He was just as active and fun to watch. Four adult chimps were lying around trying to nap, while this one just couldn't sit still. The adult in the background made me laugh. He looks like he is doing some sort of yoga and meditation.

After five hours of the zoo, Grandpa treated us to some Braums. Rocky Road for Reece.

The Giraffe was very close to the gate, which was fun. 

Grandma and Grandpa with the boys..... before we got all hot and sweaty at the zoo.

This gorilla was in deep thought with his ball. It made me think of that sculpture of  "The Thinker?"

Creepy!!