Category: Uncategorized

We have Luna all loaded and hit the road. We stopped for two nights in the Gainesville area to shake down Luna and make sure we were ready for the trip.

We enjoyed a trip to the Santa Fe Teaching Zoo. The peacocks were really aggressive and followed us all over the place.

We enjoyed walking around and looking at all the animals. We beat the school groups so it was nice and quiet. We even got to watch one of the peacocks try to chase a cervil.

Up next was the Florida Museum to explore. I loved visiting the exhibits and exploring the entomology pinning and collection area though the window.

We went on several long hikes in the Micanopy area and collected some new specimens. We spent the evening at the campground working on pinning and mounting all the collected items. I caught a thread wasted wasp!

We wrapped up and said goodbye to Gainesville. We are enroute to Washington DC. We tried out all the seats and enjoyed some downtime while Dad drove.

I was promoted to co-pilot for a few hours.

Mom and E sat on the sofa and made silly faces at each other for a while.

 

 

I have been enjoying relaxing and pinning a lot of my existing collection. I will still need to collect many more insects if I want to enter the 4-H contest this summer.

I am learning how to pin butterflies.

This week you can find me with the laptop or books studying for my first ever major high school test. I will be taking the Florida Biology End of Course Exam at the local high school this week. I am nervous but I really know the material. The questions are still really hard since they aren’t very black and white, they draw on knowledge application.

I took time out of the studying to attend my friend’s 10th birthday. I haven’t been to Chuck E Cheese in YEARS! I had a fun time playing games, eating pizza and laughing with my friends.

Don’t tell anyone, I even danced with Chuck E Cheese himself to earn tickets! EEK!

 

I am now a youth ambassador of the 4-H Association Sub-Commitee from Program Development. This means I attend meetings 3-4 times a year to talk about programs or things we can add to 4-H.

We had District Events this weekend. I did a great job and earned a blue ribbon.

I also, on a whim, opted to run for District IX council. I am the historian for the District 9 council. District 9 is 6 counties locally.

Cheering on my friends at the awards ceremony! SPOCK HANDS!

E and I comparing ribbons. He was sad he got red but I told him it was okay, he tried really hard. I felt he should have gotten a blue like me!

Pinellas county had quite a good showing!

Some of the kids from Earth Explorers, Fix-Its and Ochs Garden with their ribbons and awards!

 

 

 

Since I will be at a 4-H camp on my actual birthday we had a little party at the spray ground before all my friends scatter for summer vacations.

 

We had a great time splashing around and staying cool in the water. We enjoyed time on the playground as well.

YAY ME !

From MOM: We are so proud of the young man you are becoming. You are kind and caring, even if you are a slight bit LOUD! Your compassion and dedication to the earth is amazing. You are always willing to take on new challenges with gusto. We are excited to see what the world holds for you.