Dear Readers:
Sorry it has been so long since I added to this blog. Two reasons: first, we have been busy, busy, busy; second, the free wi fi here at the hotel is actually slower than my dial up at home!!!!! It took me nearly 30 minutes just to get logged in to do this entry. We are going to have to wait until we get back to upload the pictures.
Went to an Orioles ball game tonight. The weather was awesome! Around 70, light breeze, clear skies, and the Orioles won! 9 to 6 over the Oakland A's. Several home runs, high balls into the outfield caught on the run, strike outs; it was great. I enjoyed watching Ryley and Kelci, who both had a blast. I thought Kelci was going to get up and start doing cheers.
The stadium was amazing to see. All around us were TSA delegates and advisors. 2000 kids and adults from all over the US in their orange Leadership Academy tshirts, cheering for the Orioles. A big group hiked over to an empty area of the stands and spread out to make a giant orange T S A in the seats. We all started chanting "TSA, TSA, TSA." Like I said, it was amazing!
Tomorrow is our last day of competition. Of my middle schoolers, Kelci, Grayson and Ryley have two events, and Taylor is in semi-finals for photography. Some of their events don't have semis, so we won't know until Friday is they placed or not. Grayson and Ryley did bridges today, Techno Talk (Grayson and Kelci) tomorrow, and Grayson and Ryley in Problem Solving. Genny and Seth are in the running for top 10 in Medical Technology and had their interview today. Jason had some amazing flights with his glider and we hope to see him on stage Friday as well. Michael's CO2 car was in the top 16 and was run in the finals races today. Jaci, Madison, and Emily competed but did not make semi-finals. They still have racked up some good experience points though.
I am really proud of all the Middle School delegation. They have gotten along (minor squabbles only) and been helpful to me and each other. They have represented themselves, their school, and TSA in a very positive manner. Tomorrow night we pack up all our stuff, check under the beds for lost socks and get ready to hit the dusty trail as soon as awards are over. We check out Friday morning and catch the light rail about 11:30 am to catch the train for DC. I'm guessing it will be pretty quiet on the train the first few hours. It has been a great time, but home, your own bed, your own space and home cooking will be a welcome respite.