Ramsey's First Day of 1st Grade (E-Learning Style)

 In our state, 2020 schooling for kids was offered as a flexible plan for the fall return; families could either send their children to school like any other "normal year" or they could participate in E-Learning, the online plan.  And, if the E-Learning option was chosen, kids enroll per quarter and can return to the classroom after any quarter's end.

Because of the desire to see our high-risk family members, we decided to enroll Ramsey in the E-Learning program.  (The thought is that once Eric has retired in September, we'd all self-quarantine for a few weeks, then go see everyone!)   Ramsey was happy with the choice.   And, his gal friends from two doors down also chose the E-Learning path.

Even though Ramsey was very sick on the actual first day, he got dressed, got his hair gelled, and gave a happy thumbs-up for me!

One year later, he still wants to be a miner when he grows up!

The E-Learning online platform was down all week.  In the meantime, we worked on multiplication, division, spelling, writing/penmanship, nouns/verbs/adverbs/adjectives, and OLSAT flash cards and work books.  

College Freshman

 It's strange to think that it's even possible that Connor is 18 and now a freshman in college!  But, it's true.  Time flies faster and faster, with each passing year.

On Saturday, Connor moved into his college dorm room in town, with his good buddy Brayden from high school.    I learned later that the dorms are CO-ED!  Things have certainly changed since I was a kid.  Yikes!

Connor is going to attend one of the local universities in order to complete his Generals.  Then, he plans to move onto a college a few hours away to pursue a degree in computer programming/Internet security.  The future school has a nationally acclaimed program for this specialized field.

We wish you the best of luck, Connor!  Think big.  Dream big.  Do great things!

Saying Goodbye

 On Monday, we learned that Bridger and Kristi (Connor's Mom and brother) were going to be moving to Rapid City (Kevin will follow soon).   That said, since one of Ramsey's very best friends is Bridger, I knew we had to get the kids together to play one last time (this year!).  

Bridger had a ton of points to use up at Allevity (the new gaming arcade/family fun/eating place in town).  With the pandemic, I was a bit leery to go, but Ramsey would have been heart-broken if he wouldn't have gotten the time with his best buddy.   So, Ramsey and I met Bridger, Kristi, and Kevin there on Tuesday, after work.

The kids played for HOURS (we closed the joint - 8PM).

Even though there was bowling, axe-throwing, and a ton of video games to play, they spent most of their time on the huge two story jungle gym, playing hide and seek and who knows what other imaginary game.  :-)   If there was a time when we couldn't find the boys, this was the place we looked - and found them.

They also went on the bumper cars!   Ramsey was hesitant about this, but once he got going, he was doing well. But, at certain times, the cars would spin by themselves.  After that, when Ramsey didn't have control anymore, he unbuckled and got out of his bumper car!  The ride time wasn't finished, but he sure was!

Right before we left, the boys decided to hit the "duck catcher" claw hand game.  Sidenote: I am never good at these games and I've never seen anyone win. 

Ramsey didn't have luck getting a duck, but this was his first try and he wasn't quite sure what to do.  Bridger managed to get a rubber ducky on his try.   And, on my try, I got Ramsey a duck too.  

So... rubber duckies for the buddies!

The boys didn't want to leave each other, so I offered to have Bridger stay overnight with us so the boys could slumber and then play the next day.   I took time off of work so they could swim and enjoy the gorgeous sunny day.

Since then, Ramsey frequently mentions that he wishes it was next summer, so we could have Bridger at our house for a week!   He misses him so much already!

Sidenote with Allevity:  A few days after we were there, Ramsey came down with the crud.  Then, Eric and I got it too.  We're thinking that jungle gym was the major germ factory!    We're glad the kids had fun though.

Little Eagles Soccer Camp

Since Ramsey had chosen swim lessons last Fall instead of soccer, we were anxiously anticipating a new sport to introduce Ramsey to.  Soccer was cancelled this Spring due to the COVID pandemic.  We were hoping and praying that we could get Ramsey out late this summer and fall for the new season.

A sporting opportunity arose with the local soccer association; the Little Eagles "Developing Champions" Soccer Camp 2020.   We enrolled Ramsey in this event, which was dedicated to one hour, each night, for three consecutive days.

Ramsey was hamming it up for the camera, posing in a myriad ways.  He was really getting into it.

This camp was specifically for 5 to 10 year olds.  The children were split into groups by age.

Ramsey LOVED soccer camp!  I think he was in heaven, as the field they played on was FLAT, unlike our hilly yard and ditches.  

Mostly, the smaller kids in his age group did drills and played fun games to learn dribbling.  At the end of the nights, all of the kids formed groups and ran relay races with the soccer balls. 

At the end of each night, Ramsey didn't want to leave because he was having so much fun!

The best part of the camp is that he met a lot of new friends and is anxiously anticipating the Fall soccer season.   ...fingers crossed they're able to continue the program while the pandemic is still among us.

Ramsey is front row, sixth child from the left.