Track and Field Day

We ended our co-op year with Track and Field Day.  The forecast was originally beautiful and then turned gray and rainy the morning of the event.  Thankfully, God held back the rain while the children completed their events, and did let it begin really coming down until we were all safely in the shelter house celebrating the end of the year with pizza.  The children were divided into lower and upper elementary (and in those groups competed boys and girls) and the high school students served by helping run the events.  There were three events - standing long jump, 25 yard dash, and frisbee toss.  The planners did a great job of picking three events that varied.  

Our children are both still in the lower elementary age category.  The started with the 25 yard dash.

 It turns out our children aren't known for their speed.  {wink}

We talked a lot before the day about sportsmanship and making sure that each did their personal best and completed each event. 

After the running, we headed to the Frisbee toss.  Apparently tossing plastic disks is more our style. 

Xavier particularly surprised me as he was quite skilled in this area.

Natalee and Xavier's fan club:

Our last event was the standing long jump.

 

After the events there was time for a little free play before lunch!  We all ordered pizzas and celebrated in fellowship together.

 This kid ate four slices of pizza.  The toddler, not the boy!

{toddler buddies}

{baby buddies}

Then it was award time.  The time when you get to see if your children really can live out the character traits you train in them (ha!).  The event coordinators didn't tell the kids who won what, so outside the running races, they didn't know who had placed in the events.  

 Natalee was so excited when she was awarded her 2nd place ribbon in Frisbee. 

 Congratulating her friend on her first place ribbon...

The teachers also gave one award to a boy and one to a girl for "most Christ-like attitude" during the PE course.  Natalee received that award for the girls and was given a little star trophy.

 Xavier was really worried about his messy hands and his pizza still on his plate so I didn't get as many pictures of him because he wouldn't pose. LOL.  He received 2nd place in the Frisbee toss and 3rd place in the long jump!

The teachers made sure all the children received a ribbon for participation in the class and the day's events.  I know there's a lot of debate out there on whether this is "necessary" or blah blah - let me tell you - it means something.  I wasn't sure either of mine would ribbon, and as we told them, it was more about finishing and doing their best that mattered, but they are just as proud of their participation ribbons as they are their place ribbons.  Knowing that they were a part of a class and that they are recognized for trying their best regardless of the outcome means a lot (in my humble opinion).

Xavier was pleased but Natalee was beaming. 

Many thanks to the teachers, the helpers and the parents that made this all happen - and to those that let their kids participate.  Being a part of a committed and active co-op makes a huge difference in our homeschooling adventure!

And to Natalee and Xavier...well done, kids.  We're proud of you!