Emily's Academic Competition

Most of you know that Emily and I left town on Friday morning to travel to Blue Springs Missouri.
Emily's C.A.T.s class were required to travel for an academic competition called "Extempore' ". It is a competition in which the judges challenge the students by giving them scenarios and situations to "solve". The students are judged on their creativity, the probability of the solution, use of all props, time of solution...etc. These competitions are referred to as "AAHAAAs" The parents were not permitted to watch these competitions. The students were also expected to create and perform a skit about a Marble that is lost in a pinball machine. The students come prepared with a skit, scenery and costumes...but 15 minutes before they are to perform their skit-the judges throw them a curve-ball and gives them a NEW prop, phrase,character,and situation that must be included in their skit.
The parents are allowed to watch the skits..... although.... I am not sure I would encourage it.

The skits reminded me of the "plays and talent shows" that my kids put on when their cousin come over to spend the night. You know the kind.... the ones they beg you to come and watch....where you are not sure what the play is about...or when you are supposed to laugh.... you know the kind.

It was a really long day, as we arrived at 7:45 am and left for home at 5:30pm.
Emily had a good time. I spent 98% of the day in a gymnasium...trying to read a book and squirming in my seat. It was so loud and crowded- I read the introduction to my book a hundred times....and never got past it.

The best part of the day for me....was the drive home. Sure we were both tired, wishing we did not have 4 hours of road ahead of us.... but it was just the two of us. We listened to a book on CD...we laughed, snacked on pretzels and ate too much licorice. We held hands and she curled up and we just enjoyed being together.

I can't say I want to sit through another day of extempore'... but I would...if I knew that I would get to hang out with Emily ...and spend more time like that.

Thanks Emily for the great time. I love you...and I am proud of you. I know that you worked hard on the competitions. I wish I could have watched you compete...but I know you did your best....You always do....

Love, Mom