Our First Sailboat Regatta
Yesterday afternoon our church's Pioneer Club had a "Sailboat Regatta". The kids raced their sailboats down water-filled rain gutters - to see who would win. The church has done this for a number of years, but this was our first go at it, so we really weren't sure what to expect. Despite the unknowns, the kids were SO excited! We bought their sailboat kits a couple weeks before the race, sanded and painted the boats, then let the kids decorate the sails. On race day the kids were able to practice blowing their boats down the rain gutters before the races began. And when it was time for the "official" racing, the kids did great. They enjoyed their turns, and weren't even disappointed when they lost a heat. Everyone cheered for ALL the kids, despite their placing - so it was just a fun, relaxing time. In the end, all of the kids received a medal. (Which I was thankful for, because Karis didn't win a single race, and Nate only won one. So at least they were able to go home with something!) But Ben surprised us all by grabbing two prizes.... third in Best of Show (which I'm sure he won by mere sympathy), and then third in the actual racing for his age group. So he got a medal along with a ribbon and a little trophy. He was ecstatic!! Nate and Karis were very happy for him, too.... that is, until it sunk in that they weren't getting a ribbon and trophy, too. Thankfully we worked through it all, they held their heads high and still enjoyed the day. And overall, I think it was a great experience for the kids. They learned about competing, as well as being a good sport.


Here's Ben with his boat, trophy and medal. (It's a long story, but all the coloring on the boat's sail washed off. Hence, a white sail for the pic.) And I forgot about the third place ribbon when I took the picture, but hey, his hands were full anyway! :)