Eno River

The Eno River at first glance seems like a city river polluted, with little to offer. But, once you start exploring all the paths along the river, there is a lot of opportunity to enjoy nature.

As a kid I don't remember having access to anything like this. I love going for a hike after work with the kids or on the weekends. We not only talk about nature and the importance of preserving it, but also about life. It forces us to slow down and go back to basics. No email, cell phone, TV, or Internet to worry about...

I hope they grow up appreciating the Eno River and have wonderful memories.

I have great memories of the Eno myself to include a canoe trip with my wife, hiking with Caitlyn and Kathi, playing Xena Warrior (I was not Xena) Princess through the woods, throwing rocks with the kids, swimming with our dogs, and the number one memory of all....... Taking an inflatable canoe down the river when it was right after the hurricane. Needless to say, my canoe lost control, got punctured by a huge tree in the river, and I walked home!

• Wafting on the Eno
• Eno River Association
• River presentation

Talent

I saw this and thought it was funny. Takes talent too. What would make someone decide to do this? I got to try it.

Kids Choir @ Watts

Stephen has been going to choir this past year and really enjoys it. He moves up to the older kids class next year and they seem to learn a lot about musical theory.

"This tried and proven program will be used with grades 3-5 and comes from the English school the same name. The concept is simple. Singers have a brochure in their choir folder that has a series of goals and lessons to be checked off that include Good Team Work, Theory/Sight Singing, Rehearsal Techniques, Christian Training, and Vocal Production. At the end of rehearsal, each child asks for two of the items that they feel that they have learned to be checked off and continue to do so each week until all items are checked off. When that happens, they receive a medallion with their name engraved and white ribbon that they wear over their choir robe. They then proceed to the Light Blue level, which has harder material. Light Blue is followed by Dark Blue and Red. In addition to the goals and lessons listed above, the program by its design also encourages good attendance."

Stephen's class - This Little Light of Mine (at the end you hear Chloe next to me singing)



Older class showing us how they practice pitch



Click here for some more short videos of them in action. The first 4 videos are of the older group Stephen joins next year. The last 3 video is of Stephen and his class.

The program is called "The Royal School of Church Music".

Governor's School

A few months ago Caitlyn was recommended for the Governor's School summer program, but did not get in. The denial letter explained she was high on the list.... Though it was a nice letter, as most people would be, she was upset by this news.

Today I got a call from home. Governor's School called and offered her entry into the program. When I talked to Caitlyn she sounded so excited. I have never heard her voice crackle like that. I could tell she was smiling and shaking with pure joy.

I have always been a proud of her. I know we expect a lot and sometimes it may not make sense to her. But, as I try to explain to my kids, the more resources or knowledge you have, the more responsibility and expectations there are.

She thrives on learning and loves literature. This could not have come at a better time. I think she was a little board with school, this summer will allow her to explore and learn with the best students in North Carolina. I just hope the boys are locked up!!!

IMAGINE ... A Summer Program

• where students who are among the best and brightest gather for the love of learning and the joy of creativity
• where teachers and students form a community while searching together for answers to challenging questions
• where there are no grades or tests
• where a synergy of intellectual curiosity fuels the exploration of the latest ideas in various disciplines

Learn more at
http://www.ncgovschool.org/overview/
http://www.ncgsalumni.org/whatisgs.html

A kid and his tools

Last Christmas grandpa gave out tool boxes to the grand kids. Inside of the tool boxes were random items like a screw driver, hammer, golf balls, file, and tubing.

One day my 6 year old wanted to fix some things while I was at work. I hid the tool box in the garage and explained he could only play with it when I was around. A few days later I came home to find tools everywhere. He was building some contraption. He had his Home Depot apron and a baseball hat on. I freak out when I could see his butt crack while he bent over and demanded I hand him a screw driver. Maybe he will be a plumber...Ironically, later in the day I was putting a wagon together and had to borrow his tools to get the job done...

I think he will be better off then I am when it comes to repairing things. When he was 3 years old he unscrewed child safety locks and even took hinges off the bottom of a door. On the other hand around the same time, he stuck a fork in the outlet and got shocked :)