Fall Festival, Rubik's Cubes, and a Birthday

Annie was in charge of planning our ward fall festival this year. We counted it as part of her homeschool curriculum: Party Planning 101. Actually, it was a pretty advanced course. Probably more like Party Planning 202. I had an advisory role, but she and her committee did the work. I was proud of her! Also, she made all of our costumes. 

My favorite part of the whole experience was when the youth came to help set up. Annie had everything ready for them and a job for everyone who came. The youth seemed to have a lot of fun working together and being useful citizens. Then during the activity they all sat together at a table instead of with their families. I liked watching them chatting and bonding. 

Annie had a few rules for the party: you had to fill up your table with friends before you get chips and queso, and you couldn't make your own Italian soda. We thought it was a fun idea, and I think it worked for the most part. But it was hard because not everyone showed up on time, and it was a little tricky to communicate the plan to everyone as they filtered in. But I think people got the idea. And the food was yummy! HEB queso for the win!

The week after the ward party, Scotty participated in his second Rubik's cube competition. He found one in Austin that was only on Saturday, not Saturday and Sunday. I'm telling you, these competitions are a marvel of efficiency, all arranged and run by boys and girls (but mostly boys) twentyish and younger. They finished ahead of schedule. Scotty made it to the second round for both 3x3 and 2x2. He was happy about that.

Everyone would love to be the fastest there, but really it's a competition against yourself. At one point there was a 4.16 second solve on the 3x3. I saw a mom filming, and I assumed she was filming the competitor who'd gotten that speedy solve because she was all smiles. But later it became obvious that she was filming this other kid who was doing 30+ second solves. That's the cool thing--parents and competitors are most excited about doing their personal best. I was going all gospel analogy about this and thinking that our Heavenly Parents are right there cheering each of us on individually. They are genuinely excited when we do our personal best based on our experiences and our desires. And they don't compare us to each other.  

Here was Scotty sitting next to good old Ryan Pilat. And Scotty's yummy ham and cheese croissant.

Annie turned 15! We went to a crepe restaurant to celebrate. And she's been learning to drive the stick shift car right after early morning seminary. She is ready to be a driver.