Saturday, November 12, 2011

Joey's Birthday Was a BLOW Out!

...a Nerf dart blow out!

We spent the day getting ready...

                               

making the cake... 
(a magical forest scene with tootsie roll trees and lego blow dart guys), 




Then there was time for a little rest and reading time as storm clouds moved in.




Finally it was time, the 3 friends started arriving and Joey told them how they were going to make Nerf blow guns out of PVC pipe.  On the dining room table was an array of colored electrical tape and duct tape, along with string, scissors, and 2 ft. pieces of 1/2 inch PVC pipe.
Each kid got busy designing their own pipe...each one unique!



At last we were ready for the treasure hunt to find the darts! The first clue was given in the kitchen but, all 7 others were outside.  They took turns reading and then someone would have an idea and off they would run. (Maggie was a HUGE asset in the treasure hunt!)

read...

read...

RUN!!!

read...

read...

JUMP!




Oh, there was some searching to be done...


At last they found the darts and the target practice began!
I have to say, they were all quick to pick up on the finer points of good dart blowing.

...believe it or not, not one person was hit!


There were targets to hit.


Then they went for distance, clearing the roof and backyard fence.

The mighty dart athletes line up, ready to blow...

...and blow!



Ahhh, time for cake...



A good time was had!
These are a some great friends!




And now for a little look back to birthdays past with these friends...

Joey turns five!





hmmm...same cake....


good times!



Joey turns six!


Hmmm...similar cake theme, too!




Joey turns 7!





Monday, November 22, 2010

Basketball Season has Begun!

For the first time, Joey is part of a basketball team.  Saturday was the season opener.  The Boys and Girls club was teaming with activity.  Kids poured in from all around Corvallis wearing their new team T-shirts.  It was picture day after all.  Each team has its own color and sponsor's name.  Joey's team is Team Ryan Sparks DMD (local dentist).  The first game was sure to be a tough one against Papa's Pizza!  (However, we thought maybe they would offer us some pizza if they won!)  As it turned out, no such luck.

It was GREAT fun!  Joey had a ball and he did great...hands upon defense, dribbling down the court, took some shots, made good passes....it was so exciting.

Here are some photos...
 ...gettting ready for the picture.

Look who gets to hold the ball!

game on!

 Team talk with Coach Hailee.

Making a plan.

Matching up by size for serious man to man.

Serious chatting going on during the game.

...AND THEN THERE ARE THE DEVOTED FANS!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Little Worker Bees

Learning is such a magical thing, whether it is learning to tie a ballet slipper, stop a goal, read, write or draw, it is inspiring.
Recently, I have been struck by how the kids are focusing on their work,  concentrating their efforts to master new skills.

Here is a little tribute to their efforts...


Pen and Pencil




Reading



Physical Fun





There are so many ways to grow... I am inspired by the efforts around me.
Big hugs!

P.S.  Here is a shout out to others who inspire me by their efforts...
  • Mother and son studying a new language abroad!
  • A man completing a labor of love and sending it off to the publishers!
  • A man constantly researching recipes and techniques for creating beautiful food.
  • People stretching their physical limits as they mountain bike, do yoga or try a hip-hop class.
  • A group of women meeting to practice meditation.
  • Students' efforts to keep plugging away at things that don't come easily.