Monday, November 6, 2017

Judo, Chess and More!

The days and all our activities fly by so quickly I'm often afraid they'll be forgotten if I don't record it here for my kiddos.  Bug had a big achievement the day we left for SLC.  She competed in her first judo tournament and while she lost the match, she was actually given the most points and was awarded a medal.(unfortunately it was lost in transit and she never got to see it)

It was an anxious day for her but we knew she'd do wonderfully once she got there.  We took care to keep things relaxed and to get there in plenty of time so she could warm up with her friends and they could get her familiar with the routine.


All the flip flops left a the edge of the mat had me chuckling.  It looked like massive party at an Asian's home!


Everyone bowing in.


Our dojo is run by a man in his 70's named Larry Gaines, otherwise called 'Mean Sensi' by the kids.  He's a grandfatherly figure who loves to treat them to gifts from his trips and candy during holidays.  Unfortunately he had a hunting trip so another Sensei stepped in to coach Keila.  He could tell she was extremely nervous but once she was on the mat he said she did great, especially given her opponent had more experience and that this was her first time.

Admittedly all such activities need a bribe in her case.  She loves to 'collect' living things (that's how Kent puts it!) and was eyeing a pink-toed tarantuala initially.  I was a little uncomfortable with the choice (can you blame me?!)  We readily consented when she changed her mind to a beta fish which she has named Coral Golden Montierth.  The things we do for children!  Not long after she earned her yellow belt.

Otherwise our days a spent between therapies and homeschooling.  On some days it feels like everyone is getting therapy all at once.  Bug was helping Bubby feel secure in this different swing by distracting him with his favorite game.  Of course everyone else needed in on the action and before I knew it they were either swinging or spinning.  It's makes me a little sick to watch Bud but with everything I've learned about child development I now know these experiences help them develop awareness of their body.

I love some of the educational toys they have there.  If I had all the space in the world and the money for it ....


Isaac has been busy with an online chess class.  He absolutely loves the tournaments and it's been a humbling experience since he's up against some pretty amazing players.  In general he's lost most of his games but he enjoys the mental exercise and learns a great deal from his opponents.  The tournament he played in today he tied for third place and qualifies for the more advance class.   We have him do extra chores around the house to pay for these tournaments and his eagerness to do the task is a testament to his love for the game. 
His engineering brain can't help but build ALL THE TIME!

For Halloween this year Bug requested to be a blue jay. She helped as much as possible and did all the glitter work on her mask which she was so proud of. Thankfully everyone else had fairly easy costume requests.  We tried a more elaborate pumpkin this year and Bud ended up doing most of the work. The perfectionist in him was bothered that a piece fell out and vows next year to do a better job.







The homeschool coop is still continuing.  Admittedly there are days when I'm tired and a houseful of people seems like more than I care to take on, but at the end of it I'm so happy to see my kiddos having fun and learning so much.  Best of all I've seen some real growth in Bubby as he has slowly joined in some of the activities.









One of our days we attend AZ on the Rocks for their Homeschool day.  Thankfully we meet up with some friends from church and they literally showed us the ropes.

For all his fear of heights Bud did great!  Bug was in her element, and daring to do everything.  I managed to get in one climb up but the two littlest were too shy.  Perhaps next month!

Our days alternate between therapies, coop and just doing the basics of reading, math and spelling.  On and off we get in a little something extra like Dia de los Muertos.  As we made the papel picados we got a side lesson on symmetry (bilateral and radial)  They enjoyed learning about another culture and it gave us time to remember some of our loved ones who have passed.




It's a good life.  Insanely busy, but wonderfully so.  Glad to have these munchkins to make these memories with and to celebrate all their achievements.













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