Post #2 Wahhooooo!! July 3rd, 2011

One of the things we wanted to do this summer was start a chess club. Yes, as you can probably guess, it was influenced mostly by Matt, but we do it together, every Monday morning for an hour in our back yard. We invited mostly kids from our ward, some cousins, and a few kids from our school.

9:30 am. Anywhere from 9-18 kids arrive. Our kids have already helped set up about 8 or 9 boards . Everyone begins passing off requirements. They have to demonstrate knowledge of certain concepts, some basic and others more advanced. Then they pass them off to someone who already understands that concept and earn a sticker on their chart. At times, Matt will teach certain things and invite anyone at that level to gather around a board and learn. For the last half hour or so everyone plays at least one game. The goal is for each boy to attain the level of a king and every girl that of a queen.

We've had some great feedback from parents that the kids are learning new things about the game and improving, and most importantly, having fun at the same time!!

Other summer fun has been going to see our girls in their community theater musical, "European Invasion", going to Tyler's cabin (a BIG thanks Ty!!) where we had loads of fun, and basically just enjoying these     l-o-n-g (sometimes too long) summer days. Good times.

Owen and his favorite baby cousin Henry

Ice cream cones (Nanna's treat!) in Kamas

Nils, Clara, and Ella

Moments before the swamping!

Matt and Owen: Like father like son