Destination Imagination

This year, Joseph was chosen to be on a DI team with his great friends. Logan's mom was the coach for the team. These teams compete in a range of areas. Most deal with engineering but all are about problem solving.  This year, Coach Deanna thought it would be good to really work on team work and learning to work together, listen and such and do a non-competitive challenge this year for the kids. So their "problem" was to throw a birthday party for ROY G. BIV. So they learned a lot about colors and what they mean and why. And they were super creative and made their props and learned a lot. Each week in their team meetings they also did Instant Challenges where they were given different problems to solve in about 10 minutes and be ready to present them. It was really neat watching them do them and watch their strengths develop.
Here's their team at one of their meetings.

Carly, Colton, Emma, Ashley

Jenna, Logan, Joseph, Vivian, Alyssa

Goofy Kiddos!

Tonight was the dress rehearsal. Here's Joseph as Flipper the Blue Dolphin.

Their performance. They made the igloo, decorations, leaning tower of taffy, penguin cupcakes and a pinata.

Joseph and his DI shirt he made.

So, we're expecting a big snow storm tonight.

Unfortunately, the school district who is not very quick to cancel school for a foot of snow decided to cancel the DI tournament tomorrow and they would be held on Sunday. So, Joseph had a decision to make. It was really frustrating that they did this. Many LDS and other religious kids couldn't participate. But we gave him the choice on what he wanted to do. At first he decided to do it. It was something out of our control and he decided it would be fine. He came down after praying for a bit on it and had tears streaming down his face and said, "I think it will be alright. But one thing I'm grateful for, if it is a sin, I'm glad I'm not 8 yet and haven't been baptized." Silly boy! That's not exactly how life works, but at least he understood the principle. The next day we were talking and not feeling as great about that decision. Then our friend called and told us they weren't going to do it either and that sold Joseph that he didn't want to do it either. It's a real bummer because the kids have worked hard and for months on these projects, but sometimes things happen and we just have to roll with what we're given.