Wyoming News

OK last week was really hectic and busy. Chris who is really generally patient with the house (or lack of housework) is becoming concerned but hope things will be better the next two weeks and I can catch up again. Lots of doctor appointments - Michael did get his cast off and now has a brace. Still can't milk cows yet. Doctor was impressed with how well its healing - so am I considering all he's done with it. Rachel attended a week long music camp at the community college in Powell. It was awesome and she learned so much. She really had a great time and can't wait to go again next year. She also spent 2 or more hours each evening while in Powell working with her horse and trainer after camp so it was very long days. She and her horse are learning so much - that's been great to see. I hope she continues riding Ginger when the horse comes home. Friday I took the boys to Riverton for the 4-H Showcase Showdown which is the state competition for all the projects they can't do at fair. It was really good - another excellent program and the kids and I got so much out of it. The kids all competed with their presentations - Ammon won third for the junior division. They all did impromptu speeches as well (at my insistance) - but didn't place. There were alot of other activities to choose from so they got to try quite a bit of things. They had various challenges where you could go to a class, learn something and then compete in a challenge about the subject. Ammon won the junior highpoint award for challenges and competed in forestry, consumer products, and mosquitos. All three boys entered a water bottle rocket contest (design, build and launch a 2-litter bottle). Michael won second place for the intermediates and John first place for seniors. I guess they did pay attention in their science class at school. John also entered the robotics competition. He won 2nd place for the art competition (it painted a smiley face and said, "Have a nice day.") He got 2nd in the construction part by building a robot to guard his room. It was light and sound activated and would chase you shouting, "Alert! Alert!" as it increased speed. The last competition was called pick and place and the judges gave an item that had to be picked up by a robot and placed in a certain location (basket with dividers-middle back box) but you don't know the item or challenge ahead of time and have to program it on site within a time limit - and get bonus points for the quicker you accomplish it. John got first for that and won the overall highpoint for seniors. Very impressive I thought - the others had more experience and clubs that actually meet and learn stuff. John had to do his all on his own and only found out about the competition 2 weeks ahead and designed all his own stuff. Way to Go!!! He's not even signed up to do robotics but we will next year! Michael completed his eagle project this morning - just needs to write it up now. Wow!!! Not bad for 13 years old. Rachel and I actually washed and sheared two of the lambs this morning - all by ourselves. I even flipped them and did their necks and undersides. I am very proud/well pleased with our accomplishment. Usually Chris helps. That's all for now. Can't wait to see everyone soon.