The South Carolina State Fair (etc., etc.)

So, I'm back. I'm ashamed to see it's been nearly a month. Yikes. We've been on a roller coaster ride of busyness. Kai just got back from a 3 day field trip to Camp Cooper. He had a wonderful time. Alyssa is getting ready to go on a 3 day field trip in November to Earthshine. Last year she went on a 3 day trip to Barrier Island and I think at the end of this school year she'll be going on another trip, the traditional 5th grade graduation trip to Charleston. Funny, I don't remember all these wonderful overnight field trips when I was in school! Also, she has had two big projects due this month, a mobile on President Lyndon B. Johnson, and a 3D model of a plant and animal cell. She did great, but it was a lot of work and I'm glad it's over.

Dean just ran the Governor’s Cup ½ marathon. Since this race is in Columbia, the kids and I got to meet him at the finish line. The kids get such a big kick out of it. They cheer everyone on with a lot of enthusiasm. Dean did great, too. He met his goal by finishing in 1.29.55 hrs. with a pace of 6.52/mile. Out of 526 runners he finished 7th in his age group, 26th overall. Awesome! (I should also mention that a few weeks ago he ran the Dam Run 10K race and won first place for his age group!) He's training hard for the Kiawah Marathon in December. He's trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Go, Dean!

This afternoon we went to the South Carolina State Fair! It's been about 4 years since the last time we went, so the kids were very excited. Alyssa and Kai even entered a scrapbook page. Alyssa won a blue ribbon and 10 dollars, and Kai won a red ribbon and 8 dollars! Way to go, guys! I took pictures, of course, but they didn't turn out very good due to the display conditions. But I will post their works of art here as soon as we get them back and I can get decent pics! We had a great time on the rides. We are all very tired and at 9:30 this Friday evening, I'm the only one still awake. So, I blog.