Computer animation and video game design

As Ian rounds up his Robotics, Computer animation, graphics, and video game design classes, the celebrates having the Eye of Sauron** move on to focus back on his sisters!!

**Eye of Sauron also known as the Great Eye and the Eye, was the symbol...for the Orcs of Mordor. The eye was attracted to the Ring, so, whenever someone has put on the Ring, the eye will look at the Ring.

http://lotr.wikia.com/wiki/Eye_of_Sauron

Summer Curriculum

After Europe (and Spanish) we have a full summer curriculum planned.

HALEY

Haley - is skipping 7th grade and will be in 8th grade (and ALGEBRA) in August.  So this summer was spent taking pre-algebra and "algebra prep" with a local junior college math teacher.  She has one-on-one class for 3-4 hours/week.

Haley continues the piano and is transitioning to popular music (her current favorite is the song from Frozen "Let it Go."  A teacher at the school suggested Haley join the local choir, so that's pending (and expected to begin next month).

Harp is progressing nicely.  The harp teacher is recommended an "upgrade" to the pedal harp (full concert grand).  Of course, it's going to take some time to find a nice and affordable one for the home.

Haley also did VERY well in Debate Camp and expects to be on the debate team in the Fall.

There is some suggested summer reading that Haley is working through.  She has completed the Biography of Marie Curie.  Now only has Anne Frank and Helen Keller.

And finally, Haley has Tennis upcoming.  She is VERY excited to try this sport!!

HANA

HANA - reves up for competitive season of gymnastics which begins in a couple of weeks!!  She has her floor routine memorized, her beam routine is just about there...and the bars she continues to work on.  Gymnastics is 4-5 days per week, 3 hours a day.  So gymnastics keeps Hana very busy.  

Of note, we are *considering* branching her out and exploring other sports because (and I'll write more about this later) the gymnastics is a HUGE commitment (and effectively eliminates every other option) for her entire childhood.  And Hana is a TEAM person.  A collaborator.  The gymnastics scene is very individualized, and learning the routines doesn't come naturally to Hana.  She's starting to feel the dreaded 'apprehension' when learning new tricks...and that is not a good thing in gymnastics.  So we have decided (again for multiple reasons) to keep her with the other children at the hybrid school, and are thinking about having her explore basketball (team sport where her natural talent may be advantageous) in the Fall/winter (basketball season).

Also, Haley will begin a "regular" piano lesson for Hana (as she establishes her pedagogy).  Win-win for both girls...

IAN

Ian has had multiple recent posts.  While Haley does her piano, harp, debate, math, reading, and upcoming tennis...

...Ian has swim, water polo, computer camps, robotics camps, and will continue with Taiwanese Mental Math early next month.  Ian will also continue guitar - and this will keep Ian plenty busy!!

Water polo (Splash ball)

Water polo developmental program is called SPLASHBALL.  Ian has taken to the sport, and today had his first scrimmage.  Since strong swim skills are imperitive to be a successful water polo player, he is ALSO on the pre-pre-swim team.  Still a little way to go before being on the "bona-fide" competitive swim team, but on his current program, we anticipate he'll be ready to compete by 2nd Semester.  

Robotics

Ian does ROBOTICS.  He really had a great time after a day and a half of "warming up."  He made a series of robots, and took to the rink to see how they perform in battle.  He made it all the way to the semi-finals (with his team-mate) before being eliminated.  

Skate City

Great times with great friends.  Taking a break from reading Marie Curie, Anne Frank, and Helen Keller biographies....Taiwanese Mental Math camp....pre-algebra lessons...guitar...piano lessons...harp lessons...gymnastics...and all the rest.

Swimming initiation

Ian begins "intensive" stroke-school in an attempt to prepare to compete in the winter on the competitive swim pre-team.  

While Haley has pre-algebra sessions this summer preparation for ALGEBRA in the fall, and Hana does 12-15 hours of gymnastics in preparation for her upcoming competitive season...Ian..."dives" into his activities now.  Swimming, robotics, computer and game design camp, and water polo.

Horse-back riding didn't fit the schedule this summer with all the other activities going on (gymnastics which is almost every day, math tutoring, tennis, and daily swimming...).  But these "new" activities are so much fun (and important) that the kids have not even asked about horse-back riding (as much as they loved it).

Ian time

Out to lunch with my favorite little guy!!  

Relaxing at home with all of his devices...all going at the same time!!  *talented*  

And while Ian takes over the dog bed...the dog relaxes on the hard-wood floor.  

Debate Camp

After doing speech last year Haley is "ready" for DEBATE.  

She held the 2NC:  The Second Negative Constructive (2NC) is the second speech given by the negative team, the fourth speech in the round, given by the second negative speaker.

It is the first part of the negative block and thus will only cover part of the 2AC

The Pedal Harp and the Nintendo DS plus YouTube

Haley is ready to transition to the pedal harp.  Keeping our eye out...and saving our pennies...so allow this transition to happen (hopefully) this year.  

Ian has figured out how to record (for online viewing) his Nintendo DS game as he offers tips and pearls to viewers of his YouTube channel.