CHICAGO--November, 2010

Our trips to Chicago are always an adventure. Bonnie provides activities for her family that we are privileged to enjoy along with them. Our November days with the family proved to be just as much fun as always. This time we decided to teach Dugan and Sage how to make Rice Krispies Treats and to have each of them make them into a large creative something. Both decided to make a face using some of their candy from Halloween!

 

Of course, eating the Rice Krispies Treats are the best part of all.





 Creativity abounds in this household. When Dugan had to do research at the end of third grade, just before our trip to Sweden, he decided to design a SWEDEN-OPOLY game, with Bonnie's help, of course. Throughout the game they used names of places we would be visiting . We all spent several hours playing this amazing game together. This time we could remember and talk about all the things we experienced at each of the places in the game.



One of the unique activities in which Dugan and Sage are participating is CircEsteem.  Beginner Circus for ages 7 and up focuses on the basic principles of circus: balance, coordination and clowning. Students learn juggling scarves, balancing feathers, spinning plates, walking on the rolling globe and clowning. They are also introduced to the tight wire, trampoline, stilts, and aerials, all while building self-esteem and developing a sense of teamwork. All beginner students have an opportunity to perform in the Winter Circus and Spring Circus. We were able to go to one of their Saturday classes and were amazed at the feats the children were learning.

Sage has been taking gymnastics classes since she was a toddler and now has become quite a little gymnast. We spent an afternoon watching all of the events in the Illinois State Gymnastics Meet where Sage was in competition. She took first place in each of her four events as well as first place for all-around highest score!!! What a wonderful time for us to be there to cheer for Sage!