Ben Avery Shooting Range

Before going gun shooting we had a knowledgeable neighbor, Dave, give us a 'Gun 101' course.  Our number 1 lesson:  a gun is ready to fire, unless you have checked it - twice.  Dave had his kitchen island full of artillery.  We went through each gun, checked it, held it, and aimed it.  That was August 29th.


On Wednesday September 3rd, Dave, Matt, Jodie & Micah went to Ben Avery to shoot those same guns - loaded.  They are each unique in ammunition, holding style, aiming, firing, and recoil.  This was a great experience.

We shot the following: rifles & pistols

• 308 Remington semi automatic rifle
• ak47 automatic rifle
• M4 (223) automatic rifle
• 22 semi automatic rifle
• 357 magnum Smith & Wesson
• 38 special Smith & Wesson
• 9 mm KEL TEC automatic
• 32 colt automatic

 

Indoor Skydiving

Last year, for Micah's 9th birthday, G&G Rich got him a gift card to Arizona Indoor Skydiving.  So, during grandpa & grandma's visit, over Labor Day weekend, we took a drive to Eloy, AZ and let Micah have his 2 minutes of "fly time".  Wow!  How very cool.  He struggled keeping his legs straight, but had a very good time and would do it again.

Homeschool Fitness Class begins

During Lilly's new gymnastics class, there is a Homeschool Fitness class available.  Micah was thrilled when he heard this, so he's signed up from 12-1pm in Coach Zach's HF class.  He began on Tuesday August 27th.  His friend, Elijah Butcher, is also in this class.

"Mini-Elite" Gymnastics

Lilly is being 'invited' into the next level of gymnastics.  After "Flyers" is "Mini-Elite".  The teacher of this class is one of the competitive coaches.  It will be from 11:30-1pm on Tuesdays.  This class is 30 minutes longer and will test her endurance and strength.  She's ready for the challenge!

Summer Bible Study

The kids and I read through the book All We Like Sheep by Mary Glynn Peeples.  The title is taken from Isaiah 53:6.

 "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all."



From God's perspective we are all like sheep.  The book is divided into 3 parts.

• Part 1 - ten characteristics of sheep
• Sheep need full-time supervision because ...
• they are not trainable
• they are afraid to drink from running water
• they are led, not driven
• when they are on their backs they cannot right themselves
• they are not burden bearing animals
• they must be sheared at the right time in the right season
• their vision is impaired when they are not sheared
• they are defenseless
• they need his daily touch
• Part 2 - it is our nature to want our own way
• Part 3 - we need to see the provisions God has made on our behalf

The kids enjoyed the way the author divided the chapters into segments of: characteristics of sheep; a shepherd's care; characteristics of people; and the shepherd's care.  We did a little storyboard for the characteristics.

Camp 34

Micah went to church camp this past weekend.  Our church, SBC, hosts a summer camp in Prescott, AZ.  This camp is for students going into 3rd and 4th grade.  The church bulletin read:

Third and fourth graders- don't miss this best camp of the summer!  Enjoy two nights in the cool pines, delicious meals, awesome music and teaching, a speedy zip line, archery, swimming, and tons of crazy fun and games.

Micah bunked with 2 of his friends - Kirk Shumard & Josh Zakaras.  His group leader was a dad named Tyler, and his son was also in their cabin.  The group leader had his camera and Micah had his camera.  Here are some of their photos to capture the weekend.

Homeschool Day - AZ Science Center

Today was Homeschool Day at the Arizona Science Center.  We went and saw two other families from our co-op Eastside Explorers.  Matt had recently purchased a Groupon voucher for a 1-year membership for 4 people.  We were able to redeem our voucher and also get our membership today.
We had a good time and are looking forward to more visits through the next 12 months.
Both kids laid on a bed of nails today!